Abstract: An equipment trailer for initially servicing a petroleum well at a remote site comprising: a solids and fluid collection tank mounted centrally on the trailer; a front and rear flare column support for supporting a gas flare stack having a base an intermediate column and a head; and, a pipe rack positioned along a lateral side of the trailer to removably carry lengths of pipeline therein, said lengths of pipeline used to interconnect the well to the collection tank and thereafter to connect an upper portion of the collection tank to a base of the flare stack. Then in a single trip an operator may haul all of the equipment necessary to initially service the well at the remote site, then after the equipment is then set up, interconnected to the well and used, an operator may return to the remote site to disassemble, reload, and again remove all of the equipment back to a storage/tank cleaning location in a single trip.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for recovering magnetically attractable wellbore casing fragments from drilling fluid used in hydrocarbon-producing formations.

Abstract: Methods for developing an offshore field comprising deploying a lead drilling and production vessel to a offshore field to drill and complete at least one well. Production from the at least one well is initiated and evaluated. A secondary production vessel is selected based upon the evaluated production and is deployed to the offshore field to replace the lead drilling and production vessel and support production of the at least one well.

Abstract: The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus, oilfield assemblies, and methods of use are described. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a swellable elastomeric composition comprising a swellable elastomer and one or more nanosensors dispersed therein and shaped into an oilfield element. Methods of the invention comprise using an apparatus of the invention in an oilfield operation, thus exposing the oilfield element to an oilfield environment, and sensing one or more reservoir parameters. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a substantially cylindrical magnetostrictive element disposed in a housing. A retainer is cooperatively engaged with the housing and an exterior of the magnetostrictive element such that relaxed portions of the magnetostrictive element are frictionally retained in the retainer. An actuator rod is functionally coupled to one longitudinal end of the magnetostrictive element. A biasing device is disposed between the housing and the retainer to maintain the retainer in lateral compression. The actuator includes magnets arranged to induce peristaltic motion in the magnetostrictive element.

Abstract: Latex drag reducers and systems for delivering latex drag reducers are disclosed. The latex drag reducers comprise a polymer that is formed via an emulsion polymerization reaction dispersed in a continuous phase and can undergo subsequent modification in order to increase the solubility of the polymer in hydrocarbons. The polymers generally present a particle size of less than about 1000 nm and are suitable for delivery to a subsea flowline via a small diameter conduit of an umbilical line without an unacceptable level of pressure drop or plugging of the conduit.

Abstract: A packer assembly for use in wellbore operations includes a first packer and a second packer interconnected by an adjustable length spacer. The spacer provides a mechanism for adjusting the distance between the first packer and the second packer when the assembly is positioned in a wellbore.

Abstract: A submersible water pump and a dewatering system comprising the submersible pump. The submersible water pump includes a housing and an outer tube. The housing includes a housing dividing wall and a cylinder head having a bore therethrough through which the outer tube fits. The housing is in slidable engagement with the outer tube and the housing dividing wall. The dewatering system with the submersible pump is used to pump water from vertical coal bed methane wells.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in which the oil shale formation contains water-soluble minerals, for example nahcolite, is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. Optionally, this heating step may be performed prior to any substantial removal of water-soluble minerals from the organic-rich rock formation. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation both pyrolyzes at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids, and converts at least a portion of the water-soluble minerals, for example, converts nahcolite to soda ash. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid is disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such method. The method employs a drilling fluid comprising a fragile gel or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluid is especially advantageous for use in deep water wells because the fluid exhibits minimal difference between downhole equivalent circulating density and surface density notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluid, the fluid makes an environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluid. The fluid preferably contains no organophilic clays.

Abstract: Methods for modifying the wettability of sandstone. Compositions comprising sandstone having a modified wettability. Such wettability modifications may be useful, for instance, in improving the well-deliverability of an oil and/or gas well located in a sandstone formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation is described. The method may include providing a hydrocarbon recovery composition to the hydrocarbon containing formation. Hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon containing formation may interact with the hydrocarbon recovery composition. The hydrocarbon recovery composition may include an aliphatic anionic surfactant and an aliphatic nonionic additive. In some embodiments, an aliphatic anionic surfactant may be branched. In other embodiments, an aliphatic nonionic additive may be branched.

Abstract: A circulation loss combination for water-based drilling fluid system(s) comprising: a first amount of alkali metal silicate; a second amount of water insoluble particulate; and, a quantity of water soluble activating agent effective to reduce the pH of the water-based drilling fluid system to a value sufficiently low to form an effective circulation loss structure at a desired period of time after addition to the water-based drilling fluid system.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes a first tubular member that is adapted to receive a flow of a first fluid. The system includes a second tubular member that is located in the flow and is substantially flexible to be moved by the flow to establish a pressure on a second fluid located inside the tubular member. A mechanism of the system uses this pressure to actuate a downhole tool.

Abstract: A composition for use in an oil chamber of a tool includes a hydraulic oil; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant is present at an amount sufficient to form micelles in the hydraulic oil. The composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer. A method includes providing a hydraulic fluid composition comprising a hydraulic oil and a surfactant capable of forming micelles in the hydraulic oil; and filling a hydraulic chamber in the tool with the hydraulic fluid composition. The hydraulic fluid composition may further include an amphiphilic copolymer.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and/or non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming a well completion brine solution by using an organic chelant that is capable of discriminating between (i) iron and non-zinc heavy metals; and (ii) calcium and zinc. The chelant contains a functional group selected from the group —CO2H or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —C(O)—, —OE, —SE, —N?C(R2)R3, EO—N?C(R2)R3, —N(R2)R3, and —N(C(O)R1)R2 group optionally substituted with a —COOH or —PO(OH)R20 or a salt or ester thereof, —SE or —OE group, wherein R2 and R3 are independently selected from E or forms, with nitrogen, phosphorous, oxygen or sulfur, a heterocyclic ring; E is R1 or —H; R1 is a C1–C30 alkyl or aralkyl group or a derivative thereof and R20 is —OH or R1.

Abstract: Treating a water system containing or in contact with a metal sulphide scale to inhibit, prevent, reduce, dissolve or disperse iron sulphide deposits. A solution of tris(hydroxyorgano)phosphines (THP) and tetrakis(hydroxyorgano)phosphonium salts (THP+ salts) and sufficient of a chelant (amino-carboxylates or amino-phosphonates) to provide a solution containing from 0.1 to 50% by weight of said THP or THP+ salt and from 0.1 to 50% by weight of said chelant, is contacted with the metal sulphide scale thereby to dissolve at least part of said scale in said solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of substantially pollution free energy by utilizing hydrocarbons to create electrical energy for interconnection to local transmission lines positioned between an electrical generating facility and an end user, while re-injecting exhaust fumes or other byproducts into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A water resource recycling system includes an environmental permeable flooring which allows the rain on the ground be accumulated and quickly permeate into the underground. A vertical overflow duct is drilled deep into the permeable stratum under the ground to further draw the rain through the impermeable (clay) stratum to the deeper groundwater stratum. A plurality of water reservoirs pre-buried under the ground nearby the vertical overflow duct are connected to the vertical overflow duct, thereby as the rain permeated from the ground surface to the vertical overflow duct becomes saturated, the rain will flow to the water reservoirs of different size. Each water reservoir is connected to a water-drawing pipe extended to the ground surface such that the rain can be completely absorbed and stored by the earth for preventing heat island effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of substantially pollution free energy by utilizing hydrocarbons to create electrical energy, while reinjecting exhaust fumes or other byproducts into a subterranean formation. Thus, remote, low reserve oil and gas fields may be exploited and produced without requiring the construction of expensive gas transmission lines.

Abstract: The present invention discloses multiple sealing systems for composite risers and methods of preventing interior fluid leakage to the outside of composite risers. Single or multiple elastomeric seals are formed between an elastomer applied in single or multiple grooves provided circumferentially along the outer surface of a metal to composite interface (MCI) of a liner assembly of the composite riser and an elastomeric shear ply provided on the outside of the liner assembly. The elastomeric seals and a seal between the MCI and the liner of the liner assembly provide a multiple sealing system for the composite riser to prevent leakage of interior fluids. In the event that the integrity of the seal between the MCI and liner fails or the integrity of the liner is compromised, the elastomeric seals would prevent leakage of the fluid to the outside of the composite riser.

Abstract: Liquids recovered from a gas well processed in a ground flare for avoiding the expense of offsite disposal. Well gases are burned in first burners to form a primary combustion zone. Liquids for disposal are introduced and atomized through second burners or nozzles into the primary combustion zone. Preferably, a wellhead separator further separates liquids from gas recovered from the well. Liquids are stored in a tank and delivered to the second burners as the heat capacity in the flare permits. Supplementary commercial pilot gas can provide sufficient heat capacity if the well gas is temporarily insufficient. The liquid is incinerated and its combustion or vaporized products are discharged with the burned gas.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing subterranean resources from a limited surface area includes a first well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The first well bore includes an angled portion disposed between the target zone and the surface to provide an offset between a surface location of the first well bore and an intersection of the first well bore with the subterranean resource. The system also includes an articulated well bore extending from the surface to the target zone. The articulated well bore is offset from the first well bore at the surface and intersects the first well bore proximate the target zone. The system further includes a well bore pattern extending from the intersection of the first well bore and the articulated well bore in the target zone to provide access to the target zone.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. A portion of the mixture may be a condensable component that includes a relatively small amount of olefins and a relatively small amount of tri- and higher order aromatics.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. An unpyrolyzed section may be left between two substantially pyrolyzed sections to inhibit subsidence of the formation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation from heat sources to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a desired temperature. Some of the heat sources may be conductors placed within conduits. The conductors may be resistively heated so that the conductors radiantly heat the conduits. The conduits may transfer heat to the formation.

Abstract: A technique for providing auxiliary conduits in multi-trip completions is disclosed. The technique has particular applicability to liner mounted screens which are to be gravel packed. In the preferred embodiment, a protective shroud is run with the gravel pack screens with the auxiliary conduits disposed in between. The auxiliary conduits terminate in a quick connection at a liner top packer. The gravel packing equipment can optionally be secured in a flow relationship to the auxiliary conduits so as to control the gravel packing operation. Subsequent to the removal of the specialized equipment, the production tubing can be run with an auxiliary conduit or conduits for connection down hole to the auxiliary conduits coming from the liner top packer for a sealing connection. Thereafter, during production various data on the well can be obtained in real time despite the multiple trips necessary to accomplish completion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating a desired target signal along a piping structure is provided. Because of a lossy communication path presented by the piping structure, an input signal, which is transmitted from a first location on the piping structure, is consciously predistorted prior to transmission. The amount and nature of the predistortion applied to the input signal is determined by mathematically modeling the communication path between the first location and a second location. Predistortion of the input signal results in reception of an output signal at the second location that closely approximates the desired target signal. Application of this predistortion method of communicating is described in the context of communicating in the borehole of a petroleum well.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A method of extracting liquid hydrocarbons from geological formations having a reduced or low liquid hydrocarbon flow rate utilizing a wellbore extending downwardly from the surface of the ground into the geological zone of interest. The method includes the steps of first creating at least one downhole reservoir through enlarging a portion of the wellbore. The downhole reservoir is made substantially larger than the wellbore and formed so as to hold a desired amount of effluent, which includes liquid hydrocarbons, based upon approximated flow rates of effluent from the geological zone of interest. Effluent is allowed to accumulate in the downhole reservoir for a desired length of time until it reaches a desired level. Finally, the effluent is evacuated from the downhole reservoir through the use of a pump.