Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for vibrating a downhole drill string operable to have a drilling fluid pumped therethrough. The apparatus comprises a tubular body securable to the drill string and having a central bore therethrough, a valve in the tubular body for venting the drilling fluid out of the drill string and a valve actuator for cyclically opening and closing the valve. The method comprises pumping a drilling fluid down the drill string and cyclically venting the drilling fluid through the valve so as to cyclically reduce the pressure of the drilling fluid in the drill string. The valve may comprise a tubular body port and a corresponding rotor port selectably alignable with the tubular body port as the rotor rotates within the central bore. The valve actuator may comprise at least one vane on the rotor for rotating the rotor as the drilling fluid flows therepast.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enhanced oil recovery using at least one in-situ seismic energy generator for generating seismic acoustic waves. More particularly the system and method employ a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance the recovery of oil from reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hydraulic actuated pump system which lifts production fluids and re-circulating hydraulic fluid from a petroleum well. Additives may be added to the hydraulic fluid to apply direct chemical treatment to the production formation. A sonic stimulator may be included to stimulate and produce the same liquids from the horizontal section of the well.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for sonically activating cement slurries. In some implementations, a method of treating a subterranean formation includes positioning a settable composition including a capsule in a wellbore. The capsule is used to increase a setting rate in response to at least sonic signals. A sonic signal is transmitted to at least a portion of the settable composition to release an activator from the capsule.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that combine a measurement of the physical velocity of material within the annulus of a well between the drill pipe and the wall of the well with a measurement of the area of the flow as determined from a measurement of distance between the drill pipe and the wall of the hole to determine the actual material volumetric flow rate. Changes in volumetric flow rate at one or more points along the well can be used to determine the occurrence and location of well dysfunctions. This knowledge can then be used to make decisions about treating well dysfunctions which will lead to more efficient use of drilling rig time.

Abstract: A system for oscillating compressible working fluid in a wellbore defined in a subterranean formation includes a fluid supply and a fluid oscillator device. The fluid supply communicates compressible working fluid into a conduit disposed within the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device is configured to reside in the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device includes an interior surface that defines an interior volume of the fluid oscillator device, an inlet into the interior volume, and an outlet from the interior volume. The interior surface is static during operation to receive the compressible working fluid into the interior volume through the inlet and to vary over time a flow rate of the compressible working fluid from the interior volume through the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment may include at least one transmitter configured to generate acoustic signals in the wellbore, at least one receiver configured to receive acoustic signals from a formation surrounding the wellbore in response to the transmitted acoustic signal and also configured to provide electrical signals representative of the received acoustic signals, a circuit configured to apply a time-variable gain to the electrical signals to amplify the electrical signals, and a processor configured to process the amplified electrical signals and provide a property of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound source for the stimulation of an oil reservoir or an oil well for enhanced oil recovery or for seismic logging of the reservoir. The sound source is operated by a pressurized gas from a compressor or a pressure tank on the surface, and the gas is transported to an in the sound source situated cylinder with an accumulator, via a feed line.

Abstract: A method of constructing a well comprising a borehole drilled through underground formations, comprises: positioning at least one device on the outside of the tubular string (e.g. a drill string or casing string), the device being operable to move between first and second configurations; positioning a tubular string in the borehole with the device positioned in the annular space between the tubular string and the borehole wall in its first configuration so as to interact with the tubular string and the borehole while allowing borehole fluid to flow along the annular space and around the device; and operating the device so as to move it from its first configuration to expand into its second configuration in which it substantially fills at least part of the annular space so as to inhibit flow of fluids along the borehole in the space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus control a plurality of sonic sources to generate sound waves within at least one opening of an item. The “item” can comprise almost anything that has a percolation path (a path where solid particles are to be separated from liquid particles), such as the ground, aggregates, porous structures, porous materials, and a semi-solid structure. By controlling the sonic sources, the method transmits the sound waves to the percolation path. Further, the method regulates the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves such that the liquid particles oscillate out of phase with the solid particles. The method also regulates the phases of the sound waves generated by the different sonic sources so as to control locations within the percolation path where the liquid particles oscillate out of phase with the solid particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wellbore cleaning assembly, wellbore cleaning apparatus comprising a wellbore cleaning assembly, and to a method of cleaning a wellbore. In an embodiment of the invention, a wellbore cleaning assembly (10) is disclosed which is run into a wellbore (14) to be cleaned on a work string (20). The cleaning assembly (10) comprises a number of cleaning elements (24, 26, 28, 30) for cleaning a wall (22) of the wellbore (14); and an oscillator (36) coupled to the at least one cleaning element (24, 26, 28, 30), for generating an oscillating movement of the at least one cleaning element (24, 26, 28, 30) relative to the work string (20).

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for generating seismic acoustic waves, and more particularly a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance oil recovery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device, method and system for a measurement while producing (MWP) and flow throttling (FTD) device for placement in a pipe with liquid or gas flowing through it such as an oil or gas well's wellhead, casing, tubing, or horizontal or lateral passage which is responsive to the flow of fluid through it. The MWP/FTD device can create pressure pulses through the production fluid or otherwise send signals to provide bit data that are read and analyzed at the wellhead or externally thru wireless communications. The data analysis provides information regarding pressure, fluid flow, and type of fluid/gas flowing primarily within the lateral passages or generally anywhere the MWP/FTD is situated. The device helps identify whether the pipe, lateral or other passage should remain open, closed or restricted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hydraulic actuated pump system which lifts production fluids and re-circulating hydraulic fluid from a petroleum well. Additives may be added to the hydraulic fluid to apply direct chemical treatment to the production formation. A sonic stimulator may be included to stimulate and produce the same liquids from the horizontal section of the well.

Abstract: A technique is provided by which energy is physically/mechanically transmitted down through a wellbore. The transmitted energy is directed downhole along a fluid channel and impinges on an energy converter positioned in the wellbore or at another subterranean location. The energy converter converts the physical energy into electrical energy that can be supplied to a downhole device.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus including an elongated tubular adapted for disposal within the wellbore. The tubular having an elongated recess formed on its exterior surface along the longitudinal axis. The recess is adapted to accept and house a component therein. A shield disposed within the recess and adapted to slide to a selected position therein, covering a housed component. The sliding shield and housed component are retained within the recess by a retainer system using minimal fasteners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for intensifying the permeability of ground layers close to bore holes and filter bodies and filter layers (W) in the underground extraction areas (F) of wells and other production drill holes (11) wherein liquid is continuously pumped away in the extraction area (F) of the drill hole (11) by means of an underground pump (8). The liquid which is thus displaced is successively impinged upon with hydraulic energy pulses (E) in the direction of the walls of the drill hole, filter bodies and filter layers (W) by continually moving a pulse generator (1) up and down in the area of extraction (F) The effect of each energy pulse (E) is evaluated by means of seismic measurements and the parameters of the following energy pulses (E) are determined according to the evaluation of the measuring result of the previous energy pulse (E).

Abstract: A coalbed methane production method comprises acoustic radiators strategically placed within exhaust boreholes that sonically vibrate the immediate wall areas. The gas volume output that can be realized by an exhaust well is mainly determined by the penetrability of the inside faces of the borehole. Such inside faces behave like a filter matrix, and the important areas involved in restricting the gas flow the most are not more than a few diameters away from the exhaust well in the collector zone. Therefore, the more permeable that such immediate area around the exhaust borehole can be made, the higher will be the volume of gas produced. Strong sonic vibrations from the acoustic radiators positioned in a drillstring shake open spaces in the media for the gas to flow out and be collected. The media experiences a type of elastic collapse under the differential pressures that are exerted the strongest near the borehole opening.

Abstract: A system and method for determining blockage in a wellbore containing fluid and/or in a formation adjacent the wellbore, according to which energy is generated in the fluid and variables associated with the energy are measured.

Abstract: A method for mitigating the deposition of wax on production tubing walls. The method comprises positioning at least one ultrasonic frequency generating device adjacent the production tubing walls and producing at least one ultrasonic frequency thereby disintegrating the wax and inhibiting the wax from attaching to the production tubing walls. A system for mitigating the deposition of wax on production tubing walls is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a force to a stuck object in a wellbore that includes a work string extending in the wellbore is provided. A vibrating string has a vibrator engaged with the stuck object. The vibrator drives the vibrating string to impart the force to the stuck object. An isolator associated with the work string and the vibrating string decouples a portion of a motion of the vibrating string from the work string. A method of applying a force to a stuck object in a wellbore is provided that includes comprises extending a work string in the wellbore from a surface location. A vibrating string is engaged with the stuck object. The vibrating string is driven at a frequency to apply the force to the stuck object. The work string is isolated from the vibrating string such that a portion of the motion of the vibrating string is decoupled from the work string.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pump for circulating pressurized fluid in a wellbore. A control device controls the pump which a conduit interconnects to the wellbore. A downhole transducer detects changes in fluid pressure at a downhole location and generates signals accordingly. A processor generates actuator commands based on the signals. Actuators activate a downhole tool based on the actuator command. A modulating valve modulates the fluid pressure. A remote transducer detects the pressure remotely from the downhole transducer. The control device causes the pump to generate acoustic signals in the fluid via wave forms which the downhole transducer detects. The modulating valve generates wave forms in the fluid. The control device sends control signals via the fluid to the downhole transducer. Consequently the processor actuates the tools. Following correct actuation the modulating valve generates signals via pressure changes which the remote transducer receives to indicate successful tool deployment.

Abstract: An electro acoustic device and related method for increasing the production capacity of wells that contains oil, gas and/or water is disclosed. The electro acoustic device is submerged in the well producing zone, and includes an electric generator, one or more electro acoustic transducers, and one or more wave guide systems (sonotrodes) that include radiators which transmit vibrations into the medium under treatment. The electro acoustic device produces vibrations that stimulate the occurrence of mass transfer processes within the well. According to one or more embodiments, shear vibrations are produced in the well bore region due to the phase displacement of mechanical vibrations produced along the axis of the well, achieving alternate tension and pressure due to the superposition of longitudinal and shear waves.

Abstract: An electro acoustic device and related method increase production capacity of wells that contain oil, gas and/or water. The electro acoustic device produces vibrations stimulating occurrences of mass transfer processes within the well. The resultant acoustic flow generated in porous media, produced by superposition of longitudinal and shear waves, is developed over a characteristic frequency threshold value specific to water, normal oil and heavy oil, with an acoustic energy density capable of establishing higher fluidity zones in the porous media, promoting mobility and recovery of desired fluid and formation damage reduction in a wellbore.

Abstract: In the oil-producing industry, an apparatus can be used to increase the yield of oil wells developed by conventional methods during production of high viscosity oils. Use of the apparatus results in an increase in the permeability of a reservoir and a reduction in the viscosity of oil, added to an increase in environmental safety by avoiding use of chemical reagents and steam generators. The apparatus applies a high power ultrasonic field in the well bottom zone that reduces viscosity of oil, also heating the well bottom zone. The apparatus comprises a surface ultrasonic generator and at least one ultrasonic magnetostrictive radiator placed at the end of oil well tubing, using high frequency currents that warm the tubing and maintain the viscosity of oil during transport to the surface.

Abstract: The pressure reading tool includes a housing with an interior chamber and an orifice extending from the chamber to the exterior of the housing. A pulse member with a magnetostrictive ring and an excitation source are disposed within the chamber to produce a highly agitated fluid discharge through the orifice. The magnetostrictive ring, chamber volume, and orifice cooperate to induce Helmholtz resonance frequencies in the fluid in the chamber to thereby enhance the agitation of the fluid discharge. A sheathing encapsulates the pulse member to protect it from contact with the fluid. A dampening element is also interposed between the pulse member and housing to isolate vibration.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of cement lining a wellbore to enable a fixed sensor internal of the lining to sense characteristics of the external formations surrounding the wellbore using, at the region of the sensor position, a permeability changing device before completion of setting of the cement to create, in use, a permanent fluid communication through the cement lining between the external formation and the sensor.

Abstract: Scaling may be reduced during oil and gas production using a device having a sound transducer. The device can be used downhole and functions independently of an external power supply. Use of the device allows for the reduction or elimination of anti-scaling chemical additives during the production phase of an oil and gas well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream, at a wellhead, downstream of the wellhead choke thereof. In accordance with the invention there is provided a method for removing condensables from a natural gas stream at a wellhead, the method comprising the steps of: (A) inducing the natural gas stream to flow at supersonic velocity through a conduit of a supersonic inertia separator and thereby causing the fluid to cool to a temperature that is below a temperature/pressure at which the condensables will begin to condense, forming separate droplets and/or particles; (B) separating the droplets and/or particles from the gas; and (C) collecting the gas from which the condensables have been removed, wherein the supersonic inertia separator is part of the wellhead assembly downstream of the wellhead choke.

Abstract: An apparatus and seismic method for producing an shock wave in an oil well borehole, with a pumping unit arranged at the wellhead, a tubing string extending downward into the production casing of the well, a hollow cylinder assembly connected with the bottom of the tube string, and pair of plungers arranged within the cylinder assembly and connected with the pumping unit with sucker rods and a polish rod for compressing liquid contained within the cylinder assembly and discharging the compressed liquid into the production casing, thereby generating a shock wave. The cylinder assembly includes an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder below the upper cylinder, a crossover cylinder below the upper and lower cylinders, and a compression chamber cylinder containing a compression chamber arranged between the crossover cylinder and the upper cylinder. The lower cylinder is adapted to receive the lower plunger, and the upper cylinder is adapted to receive the upper plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for in situ measurement of downhole fluid flow using Doppler techniques. First, a baseline speed of sound is established as close to the desired measurement point as possible. This speed of sound measurement is then used in Doppler calculations for determining flow velocities based from induced Doppler shift resulting from fluid flow. A heterodyne receiver arrangement is preferably used for processing so that the flow direction can be determined and the detection sensitivity for low flow velocities can be enhanced. From in situ measurements, well kicks may be spotted and dealt with in real-time. In addition, current theoretical models of Theological properties may be verified and expounded upon using in situ downhole measurement techniques. Furthermore, the velocity measurements described herein can be used to recognize downhole lost circulation and/or gas/water/oil influxes as early as possible, even when the mud recirculation pumps are turned off.

Abstract: An apparatus and seismic method for producing an shock wave in an oil well borehole, with a pumping unit arranged at the wellhead, a tubing string extending downward into the production casing of the well, a hollow cylinder assembly connected with the bottom of the tube string, and pair of plungers arranged within the cylinder assembly and connected with the pumping unit with sucker rods and a polish rod for compressing liquid contained within the cylinder assembly and discharging the compressed liquid into the production casing, thereby generating a shock wave. The cylinder assembly includes an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder below the upper cylinder, a crossover cylinder below the upper and lower cylinders, and a compression chamber cylinder containing a compression chamber arranged between the crossover cylinder and the upper cylinder. The lower cylinder is adapted to receive the lower plunger, and the upper cylinder is adapted to receive the upper plunger.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing scaling during oil and gas production. The disclosed device can be used downhole and functions independently of an external power supply. Use of the disclosed apparatus allows for the reduction or elimination of anti-scaling chemical additives during the production phase of an oil and gas well.

Abstract: A method for improving the permeability of an earth formation zone surrounding a wellbore formed in the earth formation utilizing hydraulic shockwaves. The selected zone is isolated and fluid is pumped downhole to fracture the earth formation, the fluid extending into the fractures. A shock wave is then created in the fracturing fluid to reduce the presence of illite clays in the formation interstices.

Abstract: Pulsed power sources are installed in one or more wells in the reservoir interval. The pulse sources include (1) an electrohydraulic generator that produces an intense and short lived electromagnetic pulse that travels at the speed of light through the reservoir, and an acoustic pulse from the plasma vaporization of water placed around the source that propagates through the reservoir at the speed of sound in the reservoir and (2) an electromagnetic generator that produces only an intense and short lived electromagnetic pulse that travels at the speed of light through the reservoir. The combination of electrohydraulic and electromagnetic generators in the reservoir causes both the acoustic vibration and electromagnetically-induced high-frequency vibrations occur over an area of the reservoir where stimulation is desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a frangible rupture disc or other frangible device from a wellbore casing. The casing has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable glass ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in the holes and retained therein. The glass ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand fluid differential pressure normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impingement by a pressure wave thereon. The pressure wave is provided by a pressure wave generating device positionable in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. The pressure generative device may generate a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave. Methods of perforating a well casing using a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for determining a characteristic of a stream of gas flowing through a branch wellbore of a multilateral wellbore system including a main wellbore extending from surface into the earth formation and a plurality of branch wellbores, each branch wellbore being provided with a conduit for passage of a stream of hydrocarbon gas from the earth formation to the main wellbore, the system comprising a plurality of sound generating devices, each sound generating device being arranged in a corresponding one of said conduits and being operable to produce a sound wave of selected frequency upon flow of the stream of gas along the sound generating device, the frequencies of the sound waves produced by the different sound generating devices being mutually different, the system further comprising a sound receiver capable of receiving each sound wave of selected frequency.

Abstract: A fluid powered downhole vibration tool used in a well bore having fluids under pressure. The tool includes a resonant chamber with a through passage in communication with the fluids under pressure wherein the chamber vibrates as the fluids pass through the passage. The resonant chamber is coupled to the well bore, causing vibration of the bore as the chamber vibrates.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and process for producing heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore. In accordance with the process, an aqueous alkaline chemical solution is introduced into or formed in the well bore penetrating the formation. The aqueous alkaline chemical solution mixes and reacts with produced heavy crude oil in the well bore and ultrasonic waves are emitted into the mixture whereby an emulsion is formed. The viscosity of the formed emulsion is less than that of the crude oil or the crude oil and water mixture flowing into the well bore which allows the oil to be more efficiently pumped to the surface and transported for further processing.

Abstract: There is described a process for the stimulation of an oil reservoir or an oil well for enhanced oil recovery and/or seismic mapping of the reservoir, wherein a sound source is used. This sound source is operated by pressurized oil from the oil well by a hydraulic power unit at the surface, and the oil is conducted to an accumulator located in the sound source via a supply line.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in gravel packing a well includes a tool body adapted to be lowered into the well, a screen coupled to the tool body, and a resilient member coupled to the screen. The apparatus is placed at a selected position in the well, and sand control media is disposed between the screen and the well while the resilient member is periodically excited to vibrate the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for use down a bore hole to reduce the viscosity of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid in the bore hole. The apparatus includes a housing having a size for disposition in the bore hole. At least one ultrasonic transducer is carried by the housing. The ultrasonic transducer preferably has an active element changeable from a first shape to a second shape in the presence of an electromagnetic field. An electromagnetic field is provided through at least a portion of the active element to change the shape of the active element. An acoustic element is coupled to the active element for providing ultrasonic energy to the hydrocarbon-containing fluid in the bore hole. A method for reducing the viscosity of a hydrocarbon-containing fluid in a bore hole is additionally provided.

Abstract: Pulsed power sources are installed in one or more wells in the reservoir interval. The pulse sources include (1) an electrohydraulic generator that produces an intense and short lived electromagnetic pulse that travels at the speed of light through the reservoir, and an acoustic pulse from the plasma vaporization of water placed around the source that propagates through the reservoir at the speed of sound in the reservoir and (2) an electromagnetic generator that produces only an intense and short lived electromagnetic pulse that travels at the speed of light through the reservoir. The electromagnetic pulse produces a high frequency vibration of the reservoir that is active at the scale of the pores in the rock that acts to decrease the effective viscosity of the oil and lower the resistance of the crude oil to flow, and the acoustic pulse from the plasma effect enhances the mobility of the crude further.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for enhancing the production of liquid hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore. The methods basically comprise placing one or more electric powered sonic energy transducers actuated by magnetostrictive actuators which preferably have drive rods formed of terfenol alloy in the well bore, and causing sonic energy to be emitted from the transducers in the form of pressure waves through the liquid hydrocarbons in the well bore and/or in the formation thereby causing the liquid hydrocarbons to flow into the well bore and to the surface more freely.