Abstract: A method for determining the shape and position of an underwater riser extending from a floating platform includes calculating a deformed shape of the riser by means of a numerical model of the deformed shape of the riser as a function of a plurality of acceleration values and of a plurality of position values in predetermined points of the riser, detecting acceleration values of the riser in a plurality of detection points along a longitudinal extension of the riser, detecting the water pressure values in at least some of the detection points, and calculating the position values as a function of the measured water pressure values.

Abstract: Methods for breaking polymer-containing treatment fluids for use in subterranean formations are provided. In one or more embodiments, the methods comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a polymer, wherein the treatment fluid was used to treat at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and sonicating at least a portion of the treatment fluid to at least partially reduce the viscosity of the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method for combining integrated drilling, flushing and slotting with thermal injection to enhance coalbed gas extraction, applicable to managing gas extraction from microporous, low-permeability, high-adsorption coalbed areas. A gas extraction borehole is drilled within a certain distance of a predetermined drilling, flushing and slotting borehole, and, once sealed, is used for gas extraction. An integrated drilling, flushing and slotting drill bit is used to sink the borehole, which is then sealed. Concentration variation in the gas extraction borehole is monitored in real time, and when concentration is below 30%, borehole is opened and high-temperature steam is injected by means of a steam generator, after which the borehole is again closed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for treating and/or decontaminating porous materials and/or aquifer layers, including at least one housing, at least one heating module, one module for injecting pressurized liquid and one recovery module. The heating means is capable of being introduced in the porous material, and includes at least one heating tube having a heat-conducting outer wall. The heating tube can be connected to the heating module. At least one pressurized-liquid injection tube is included which can be connected to the pressurized-liquid injection module. The system includes at least one vapor-extraction means for extracting the contaminant vapor. The extraction means is capable of creating the vacuum in the porous material and can be connected to the recovery module, and at least one layer of sealing material that can be applied to the surface of the porous material to be treated.

Abstract: Systems and methods that produce bremsstrahlung radiation may facilitate the setting of a settable composition. For example, a method may include providing a settable composition in a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, a portion of the subterranean formation, or both; conveying an electron accelerator tool along the wellbore proximal to the settable composition; producing an electron beam in the electron accelerator tool with a trajectory that impinges a converter material, thereby converting the electron beam to bremsstrahlung photons; manipulating the trajectory of the electron beam in a radial direction, an axial direction, or both of the wellbore with a rastoring device of the electron accelerator tool; and irradiating the settable composition with the bremsstrahlung photons.

Abstract: Methods are provided for reducing friction during fracturing of a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, a method includes introducing micronized dry water soluble polymer (DWSP) particles into a fracturing liquid to form a mixture; and pumping the mixture into a subterranean formation to fracture the subterranean formation, the micronized DWSP particles include a DWSP, DWSP is selected from the group consisting of dry anionic, dry cationic, dry nonionic water soluble polymer, and mixtures thereof, mean particle size of the micronized DWSP particles ranges from about 115 to about 225 microns.

Abstract: Fluids produced from a fractured subterranean formation may be monitored by pumping into the well a fracturing fluid which contains a tracer. The method may be used to monitor produced hydrocarbons as well as produced water. The tracer may also be used in a sand control, frac pack or acid fracturing operation. The tracer is a component of a composite where it may be immobilized within a matrix (such as an emulsion) or porous particulate, onto a support or compressed with a binder into a solid particulate. The tracer may be slowly released from the composite.

Abstract: A dipole antenna system emplaced in a subsurface formation is configured to produce radio frequency (RF) fields for recovery of thermally responsive constituents in a subsurface formation. Coaxially disposed inner and outer conductors connected at an earth surface to an RF power source form a transmission line carrying power from the earth surface to a dipole antenna proximate said formation. The inner conductor protrudes from the outer conductor at a junction forming one pole of the antenna. The system also includes at least one choke structure attached to the outer conductor at a distance at least ¼ wavelength above said junction, confining the RF fields such that the exposed portion of the outer conductor between the junction and the choke forms a second pole of the antenna. The dipole system is configured to confine a majority of said RF fields in a volume of said formation situated adjacent to the antenna.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer, wherein the synthetic polymer comprises a labile group that is operative to facilitate decomposition of the synthetic polymer upon activation of the labile group; the synthetic polymer being operative to increase the viscosity of the carrier fluid to about 5 to about 50 centipoise; the fracturing fluid being operative to reduce friction during a downhole fracturing operation and to transport a proppant during the downhole fracturing operation; and an oxidizing agent. A method for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer; the synthetic polymer being operative to increase the viscosity of the carrier fluid to about 5 to about 50 centipoise; the fracturing fluid being operative to reduce friction during a downhole fracturing operation and to transport a proppant during the downhole fracturing operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fracturing fluid comprising a carrier fluid; a polymer that is soluble in the carrier fluid; the polymer being a synthetic polymer, wherein the synthetic polymer comprises a labile group that is operative to facilitate decomposition of the synthetic polymer upon activation of the labile group; the polymer being crosslinked, the fracturing fluid having a viscosity of about 200 to about 3000 centipoise at 100 s?1; and an oxidizing agent. A method for treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A junction box is disclosed. The junction box is made of a body member defining a first port and a second port, the first port adapted to receive a first portion of a first downhole tool, and the second port adapted to receive a second portion of a second downhole tool, the body member defining an electric chamber intersecting the first port and the second port within the body member; a first mechanical connection on the first port for securing the first downhole tool; a second mechanical connection on the second port for securing the second downhole tool; a first electric connector installed on the first port; a second electric connector installed on the second port; and electric wiring positioned within the electric chamber and connected to the first electric connector and the second electric connector to couple the first electric connector and the second electric connector.

Abstract: A hybrid geothermal power system is discussed. The system includes a geothermal system including power plant (101) and pumping station (102) and a nuclear plant (103). Pumping station (102) is used to inject fluid from reservoir (104) through an injection well (105) into the bedrock (106) (also referred to as the hot dry rock HDR zone) and extracted via a secondary bore (extraction well) usually coupled to the power plant (101). In the present example however the injection well is linked to the extraction well (107). As fluid is injected into the bedrock a drop in temperature occurs due to heat transfer to the fluid. Nuclear plant (103) is utilized to combat this drop, the plant (103) has the fissionable components (1091, 1092, 1093) of the reactor positioned within bores (1081, 1082, 1083) within the HDR zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in situ methods of separating, refining and extracting hydrocarbons from an oil formation. In embodiments of the present invention the in situ methods includes: (a) making a perforation in the oil sand formation, (b) disposing a non-polar substance into the perforation without addition of polar fluid, (c) subjecting the non-polar fluid composition disposed in the perforation to ultrasonic vibrations, and (d) extracting the hydrocarbon from the perforation in the oil sand formation. The present invention relates also to methods of separating, refining and extracting hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon matrices such as oil sand or oil shale.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for monitoring a subsea flow device such as a subsea flowline. The apparatus generally includes a thermoelectric device that is adapted to generate electric power from a thermal potential between the subsea flow device and the surrounding seawater. A sensor that is powered by the thermoelectric device is adapted to monitor one or more characteristics of the flow device, such as temperature or strain, and provide a radiation output that is indicative of the characteristic.

Abstract: The method begins by forming a gravity drainage production well pair within a formation comprising an injection well and a production well. The pre-soaking stage begins by soaking at least one of the wellbores of the well pair with a solvent, wherein the solvent does not include water. The pre-heating stage begins by heating the soaked wellbore of the well pair to produce a vapor. The squeezing stage begins by introducing the vapor into the soaked wellbore of the well pair, and can thus overlap with the pre-heating stage. The gravity drainage production begins after the squeezing stage, once the wells are in thermal communication and the heavy oil can drain to the lower well.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for the treatment of subterranean formations, and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a fluid for treatment of a subterranean formation, wherein the fluid is at least one of electrorheological and magnetorheological. Various embodiments also provide methods of using the electrorheological or magnetorheological fluid in a subterranean formation, including for fracturing, deposition of proppants, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize bremsstrahlung radiation may be used to facilitate the setting of a settable composition. For example, a method may include providing a settable composition in a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, a portion of the subterranean formation, or both; conveying an electron accelerator tool along the wellbore proximal to the settable composition; producing an electron beam in the electron accelerator tool with a trajectory that impinges a converter material, thereby converting the electron beam to bremsstrahlung photons; and irradiating the settable composition with the bremsstrahlung photons.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbon content from a hydrocarbon contaminated matrix. The method includes controlling water content of a feed material having the hydrocarbon contaminated matrix; continuously conveying the feed material into a treatment cavity; exposing the feed material in a treatment area of the treatment cavity to microwave radiation arranged to cause rapid heating of at least a portion of the water content to form steam, wherein the rapid steam formation results in thermal desorption of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon content from the matrix; and continuously removing the treated matrix from the treatment cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an antenna having a conductive winding, with the antenna disposed about a channel. A characteristic improvement material is disposed between the antenna and the channel. In some embodiments, the characteristic improvement material includes at least one of a negative stiffness material or a negative Poisson's ratio material. Various systems and methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow hydrogel capsules. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a hollow hydrogel capsule including a hydrogel shell including a hydrolyzed and crosslinked polymerized composition. The hollow hydrogel capsule also includes a hollow interior including at least one component of a downhole composition for subterranean petroleum or water well drilling, stimulation, clean-up, production, completion, abandonment, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising the hollow hydrogel capsules and methods of making the hollow hydrogel capsules.

Abstract: A method of stimulating an interval in a hydrocarbon reservoir equipped with a deviated wellbore having a casing, wherein said interval comprises at least two sequential stages in said wellbore without isolation means, said method comprising: i) introducing a first stage ii) introducing a second stage in the same wellbore wherein said first stage, and second stage are not separated by any isolation means; and optionally iii) recovering hydrocarbon from said hydrocarbon reservoir to a surface.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore includes preparing a sealant composition having a fluid component, a polymeric additive constituent, and a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into a wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive constituents and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition. The ionizing radiation also alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: Methods of dissociating and recovering methane from solid hydrate deposits are provided. A method for recovering methane from a methane hydrate includes at least applying electromagnetic radiation to the methane hydrate to dissociate the methane-water bond. Further provided is an apparatus for dissociating methane from a methane hydrate. The apparatus includes at least: an electromagnetic spectrum power source; a probe connected to the electromagnetic spectrum power source; an antenna connected to the distal end of the probe is capable of focusing a radiated beam into a target area of a methane hydrate; and a control system in communication with and capable of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum power source, the probe, and the antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: The method for oil well rehabilitation by which the gaps inside the microfracture systems are widened by the influence of strong physics fields and the micro-breccia present in the microfractures are loosened or further broken up. The process allows the oil to flow freely towards the trunk of the oil well from the rehabilitated oil producing layers, where the oil was previously trapped in the microfracture systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: A method of producing heavy oil from a heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage. The method begins by drilling a borehole into a heavy oil formation comprising a steam barrier between a first pay zone and a second pay zone, wherein the steam barrier prevents a steam chamber to be formed between the first pay zone and the second pay zone. The steam barrier is then heated with a radio frequency. The steam barrier is then fractured to permit a steam chamber to be formed within the first pay zone and the second pay zone. Heavy oil is then produced from the heavy oil formation with steam assisted gravity drainage.

Abstract: An open-hole assembly for an open-hole section of a wellbore having a plurality of production intervals includes an outer tubing string having an upper end adapted for connection with a lower end of a cased section of the wellbore, a plurality of isolation packers that provide zonal isolation between the open-hole wellbore and the outer tubing string, one or more screen assemblies positioned adjacent one or more of the plurality of production intervals, and a plurality of detectable references located along a length of the outer tubing string for registration of the completion assembly within the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for two-way communication with a downhole tool string are provided. In one example, a method may include placing a downhole tool string into a pressure riser of a well while at least one component of the downhole tool string is not activated. Thereafter, a wireless control signal may be issued through the pressure riser to the downhole tool to cause the downhole tool string to activate the component. The wireless control signal may involve an acoustic signal, an optical signal, and/or an electromagnetic signal such as electrical dipole coupling or magnetic dipole coupling.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: Methods of isolating a portion of a wellbore comprising placing a sealant composition into a subterranean formation after drilling of the wellbore therein and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation wherein subjecting the sealant composition to the ionizing radiation alters the set modifier. The sealant composition comprises a set modifier selected from the group consisting of an accelerator, an oxidizing agent, a set retarder, and combinations thereof. And the sealant composition comprises a polymeric component.

Abstract: An apparatus including a downhole tool for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a feature to physically interface a sidewall of the wellbore, and first and second setting pistons each extendable from the downhole tool opposite the feature. The downhole tool also includes a rigid member spanning and extendable with the first and second setting pistons, wherein a length of the rigid member is variable.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: Methods of isolating a portion of a wellbore comprising placing a sealant composition into a subterranean formation after drilling of the wellbore therein and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation wherein subjecting the sealant composition to the ionizing radiation alters the set modifier. The sealant composition comprises a set modifier selected from the group consisting of an accelerator, an oxidizing agent, a set retarder, and combinations thereof. And the sealant composition comprises a polymeric component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: An in situ heat treatment system for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation includes a plurality of wellbores in the formation. At least one heater is positioned in at least two of the wellbores. A self-regulating nuclear reactor provides energy to at least one of the heaters to heat the temperature of the formation to temperatures that allow for hydrocarbon production from the formation. A temperature of the self-regulating nuclear reactor is controlled by controlling a pressure of hydrogen supplied to the self-regulating nuclear reactor, and wherein the pressure is regulated based upon formation conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for extracting hydrocarbon products from oil sands using nuclear energy sources for power to decrease the viscosity of bitumen in oil sands deposits and provide sufficient heat and pressure to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon products. Steps for extracting the hydrocarbon products form the oil sands deposits are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore by preparing a sealant composition comprising a fluid component and a polymeric additive component, placing the sealant composition into a wellbore and subjecting the sealant composition to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive components and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a method to liquefy the viscous oil of oil wells and also to clean the paraffin off the walls of tubing and other production equipment. The method consists in using heat produced by a thermal generator, and also using steam produced by the contact between the thermal generator and water. The thermal generator is a metallic shielded container of cylindrical shape holding individual units of already encapsulated Strontium-90 sources able to generate a temperature of 100 degree Celsius or a combination of encapsulated Strontium-90 sources able to generate 100 degree Celsius each in order to obtain, according to necessities, up to or over 600 degree Celsius. The thermal generator is transported in a metal housing.

Abstract: Wellbore strengthening during drilling may be achieved by including chemicals in the drilling fluid that can be polymerised when exposed to microwave energy. Selected chemicals are mixed with the drilling fluid but do not react with it. The chemicals concentrate in a filter cake on the borehole wall during drilling-fluid circulation. A tool, which comprises a microwave source, is used to trigger polymerisation or crosslinking reactions within the filter cake. The polymerisation or crosslinking reactions cause the formation of a film or gel that strengthens the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is provided. The system includes: an assembly including at least one of an injection conduit for injecting a thermal source into the formation and a production conduit for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation; a guide conduit attached to at least a portion of the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit, the guide conduit extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to the at least one of the injection conduit and the production conduit; and a detection source conduit insertable through the guide conduit and configured to dispose therein a detection source for detecting a location of the assembly in the formation. A method of monitoring a location of a borehole for production of petroleum from an earth formation is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions relating to the setting of fluids or slurries in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of isolating a portion a wellbore includes preparing a sealant composition having a fluid component, a polymeric additive constituent, and a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into a wellbore and subjected to ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can cause bonding between polymeric additive constituents and create a polymer matrix within the sealant composition that increases the mechanical strength of the sealant composition. The ionizing radiation also alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing a set modifier component. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore and is subjected to ionizing radiation that alters the set modifier component, triggering the thickening of the sealant composition.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.