Abstract: A method for determining formation pressure at a depth region of formations surrounding a borehole, including: keeping track of the time since cessation of drilling at the depth region; deriving formation permeability at the depth region; causing wellbore pressure to vary periodically in time and determining, at the depth region, the periodic and non-periodic component of pressure measured in the formations; determining, using the time, the periodic component and the permeability, the formation pressure diffusivity and transmissibility and an estimate of the size of the pressure build-up zone around the wellbore at the depth region; determining, using the time, the formation pressure diffusivity and transmissibility, and the non-periodic component, the leak-off rate of the mudcake at the depth region; determining, using the leak-off rate, the pressure gradient at the depth region; and extrapolating, using the pressure gradient and the size of the build-up zone, to determine the formation pressure.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A dirty fluid valve for sealing high differential fluid pressures in a drilling environment and methods for using such a valve is disclosed. One embodiment of the valve includes a seal cartridge having several openings for directing a fluid path through the cartridge, a spring connected at one end of the seal cartridge and extending through the fluid path, and a seal member connected to the other end of the spring. The seal is actuatable between an open position and a closed position so that it covers one of the openings in the seal cartridge when it is in the closed position, thereby sealing off the fluid flow through the seal cartridge fluid path. The spring provides a pre-loading force to the seal member so that the seal member always has sufficient contact with the surfaces surrounding the opening that the seal covers.

Abstract: A method of using an everting borehole liner to perform fluid conductivity measurements in materials surrounding a pipe, tube, or conduit, such as a borehole below the surface of the Earth. A flexible liner is everted (turned inside out) into the borehole with an internal pressurized fluid. As the liner displaces the ambient fluid in the borehole into the surrounding formation, the rate of descent of the liner is recorded. As the impermeable liner covers the flow paths in the wall of the hole, the descent rate slows. From the measured descent rate, the flow rates out discrete sections of the borehole are determined.

Abstract: Methods for determining formation characteristics comprising establishing baseline casing conditions for a string of casing disposed within a wellbore in a formation and measuring updated casing conditions for the string of casing at a first time interval from the establishing of the baseline casing conditions. The baseline casing conditions are compared to the updated casing conditions to determine changes in the string of casing over the first time interval. These changes in the string of casing are then used to determine formation characteristics.

Abstract: A sparging system for in-situ groundwater remediation for removal of contamination including dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons and dissolved hydrocarbon petroleum products including the use in injection wells of microfine bubble generators, matched to substrates of selected aquifer regions, for injection and distribution of said bubbles containing oxidizing gas through said aquifer and to selectively encapsulating gases including oxygen and ozone in duo-gas bubbles which, in the presence of co-reactant substrate material acting as a catalyst, are effective to encourage biodegradation of leachate plumes which contain biodegradable organics, or Criegee decomposition of leachate plumes containing dissolved chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of designing a hydraulic fracturing treatment in a subterranean reservoir comprising the steps of a) quantifying reservoir parameters including the bottomhole temperature and the formation permeability, b) assessing the temporary variation in temperature of the formation due to the injection of a treatment fluid and c) designing a fluid optimized for said temporary temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the pressure of a formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. A downhole tool is positioned in the wellbore and a probe is extended therefrom into sealing engagement with the formation. A piston in the probe is retracted therein where by a cavity is defined for receiving a fluid from the formation. A pressure underbalance in the cavity draws fluid from the formation into the cavity. An oscillator may be used to fluctuate the flow of fluid into the cavity. A pressure gauge is used to measure the pressure of fluid in the cavity.

Abstract: Many reservoirs of interest include heavy oil. In such reservoirs, parti at normal temperatures, many instruments commonly used for formation evaluation may not be able to distinguish between heavy oil and bound water in the formation. Passive or active heating is used to elevate the temperature of the fluids in the formation. At elevated temperatures, distinguishing between heavy oil and bound water is easier. Of particular interest is the increase in the resolvability of the transverse relaxation time T2 of NMR spin echo measurements. Additionally, the dielectric constant and the loss tangents of water and heavy oil show different temperature and frequency dependence.

Abstract: Formation testing, resistivity and NMR measurements are used concurrently to determine a relative permeability representative of a formation surrounding the borehole. A method and apparatus is provided for accurate determination of the relative permeability for a formation by measuring saturation levels in a region of interest determined from resistivity or NMR readings versus time during formation draw down pressure testing. The method and apparatus determines and effective permeability over time for various saturation levels to determine the relative permeability for the formation at each saturation level and also enables determination of the efficacy of utilizing completion fluids in the formation to increase formation productivity. The method and apparatus enables more accurate determination of effective permeability and the irreducible saturation level.

Abstract: A technique includes measuring a first pressure of well fluid in a first region. The well fluid is produced from a formation into the first region. A second pressure of well fluid is measured in a second region. The second region is isolated from the first region, and the well fluid in the second region is in communication with the formation characteristics (skin, horizontal permeability or vertical permeability, as examples) of the formation is determined from the first and second measured pressures.

Abstract: A method of performing a formation rate analysis from pressure and formation flow rate data. Pressure and flow rate data are measured as fluid is withdrawn from a formation. Variable system volume is accounted for. The pressure and flow rate data are correlated using a multiple linear regression technique. Time derivative terms related to pressure and flow rate are smoothed using a summation technique, thereby providing better correlations than using the time derivatives directly. Formation parameters comprising formation permeability, formation pressure, and fluid compressibility may be determined from the correlation.

Abstract: A method for designing acid treatments provides for the selection of optimal treatment for well stimulation wherein reservoir characteristics are obtained to further select the reaction kinetic data on the minerals of interests, the treatment to the reservoir is scaled up using a mathematical model and real time damage are computed based on bottomhole pressure and injection rate and compared to that predicted by the mathematical model to adjust the treatment. The model generated facilitates optimization of matrix treatments by providing a rapid quantitative evaluation of various treatment strategies for a formation. Stimulation with non-traditional fluid recipes containing mixtures of inorganic and organic acids, and chelating agents can be readily computed. The computed values can then be used in an economic model to justify the additional costs associated with the use of the non-traditional fluids.

Abstract: A technique includes measuring a first pressure of well fluid in a first region. The well fluid is produced from a formation into the first region. A second pressure of well fluid is measured in a second region. The second region is isolated from the first region, and the well fluid in the second region is in communication with the formation. characteristics (skin, horizontal permeability or vertical permeability, as examples) of the formation is determined from the first and second measured pressures.

Abstract: Method for gradually deforming, totally or locally, a Gaussian or similar type stochastic model of a heterogeneous medium such as an underground zone, constrained by a series of parameters relative to the structure of the medium. The method comprises drawing a number p, at least equal to two, of independent realizations of at least part of the selected medium model from all the possible realizations, and linear combination of these p realizations with p coefficients such that the sum of their squares is equal to 1. This linear combination constitutes a new realization of the stochastic model and it gradually deforms when the p coefficients are gradually modified. More generally, the method can comprise several iterative gradual deformation stages, with combination at each stage of a composite realization obtained at the previous stage with q new independent realizations drawn from all the realizations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining permeability of a subterranean formation is provided. The apparatus and method comprise a work string, at least one selectively extendable member mounted on the work string to isolate a portion of the annular space between the work string and borehole. A predetermined distance proportional to the radius of a control port separates at least two ports in the work string. A sensor operatively associated with each port is mounted in the work string for measuring at least one characteristic such as pressure of the fluid in the isolated section.

Abstract: A method for determining the characteristics of a subterranean formation penetrated by an existing or drilled well is disclosed. The method uses a mathematical model to estimate formation parameters as fluid exits the formation through a hole and into the wellbore or tool. The model may be adapted to wells having a perforation extending from the wellbore into the formation by mathematically adjusting the perforation to the hole of the mathematical model. The formation properties may be estimated by mathematically eliminating the perforation and replacing it with an enlarged hole radius to simulate the mathematical model.

Abstract: When production testing a permeable first formation, fluid flowing out from the first formation is subjected to a pressure measurement and a flow rate control. In order to avoid bringing up the fluid flowing out during the production test to a surface position, where the fluid's inherent explosion and fire risk as well as poisonousness would cause substantial problems, a fluid flow path is arranged for fluid transfer between the first formation to be production tested and a second permeable formation. The fluid flow path is preferably constituted by a channel-forming pipe. From this channel, the second permeable formation receives the fluid and keeps it for some time. In the position of use, the apparatus is assigned sealing devices such as annulus packers, which are placed such that fluid flow between the formations is limited to only follow the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for evaluating the integrity of gravel packing. A screen is disposed in an annulus between the wellbore and a production tubing. A tubing, such as a wash pipe, is placed inside the production tubing to provide a fluid path for the gravel slurry for gravel packing the screen. A self-contained memory logging nuclear tool is located in the tubing below (downhole) the screen. After gravel packing, the tubing with the tool is retrieved from the well at a selected speed. The tool is activated to record data in the memory carried by the tool as it passes across the screen. The data stored in the memory is downloaded at the surface to produce a log which provides a measure of the integrity of gravel packing of the screen.

Abstract: A method of increasing the productivity of oil, gas and hydrogeological wells has the steps of performing a slot unloading, providing a cyclical treatment of a near well zone with a formation-treating substance, with a use of cutting slots, determining a region to be treated, selecting a corresponding volume of a treating technological composition, and introducing the volume into a formation to be treated, and subdividing the method into a two stages including a first stage performed by a partial slot unloading of a near well zone so as to remove a main part of support stresses, and a second stage of removing a remaining part of support stresses by a cyclical treatment of the well with a formation-treating substance with control by the density of the rock to be treated and performing a corresponding correction.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for performing production testing in open holes and in cased holes that avoid transporting formation fluid to the surface. The invention essentially comprises a test string for testing a production zone intersecting a wellbore. The string further comprises a fluid communication member allowing flow of fluid therethrough, a sealing device for isolating a production zone intersecting the wellbore to allow fluid flow from the production zone into the fluid communication member, a second sealing device spaced apart from the first sealing device for isolating a second injection zone intersecting the wellbore, a pump for pumping fluid between zones, and flow control devices.

Abstract: A process is provided to enhance fluid production, recovery, and/or injection from and/or into fluid-bearing formations. The process includes the stimulation of the formation by vibrations, generated by the vibration source installed in the vicinity of the productive layer so that the stimulation is performed on the frequency coinciding with the eigen frequency bandwidth of filtration process of productive layer/sublayer.

Abstract: Apparatus and system control for the removal of fluids and gas from a well comprising winch means for removing the oil, a temporary storage tank, a bailer tube, first, second and third bailer tube guide pipes axially aligned to each other, means for exhausting and recovering a natural gas, the bailer tube being capable of being lowered into and elevated from the well casing through the temporary storage tank such that captured oil can be discharged into the temporary storage tank, sensors for monitoring operational parameters including the depth of oil and depth of a top level of water in the well casing, and a programmable logic controller means for providing system control so that only oil is removed from the well casing by using a logging sequence and a balanced oil production operational sequence.

Abstract: System of evaluating physical parameters such as the absolute permeability of porous rocks of a zone of an underground reservoir, from fragments taken from this zone, such as rock cuttings carried along by the drilling mud. Rock fragments (F) are immersed in a viscous fluid contained in a vessel (1). Pumping means (2, 3) first inject into vessel (1) a fluid under a pressure that increases with time, up to a determined pressure threshold, so as to compress the gas trapped in the pores of the rock. This injection stage is followed by a relaxation stage with injection stop. The pressure variation measured by detectors (7, 8) during these two successive stages is recorded by a computer (9). The evolution of the pressure during the injection process being modelled from initial values selected for the physical parameters of the fragments, the computer adjusts them iteratively so as to best get the modelled pressure curve to coincide with the pressure curve really measured. Application: petrophysical measurement.

Abstract: It is desirable to be able to monitor the condition of a filter in a fluid flow system, for example a sandscreen 3,4 in a fluid well. The invention provides monitoring apparatus including an optical fibre 6 having a pressure sensor 7. Pressure is exerted on the sensor, by fluid flowing through the sandscreen, via ports 10 and 11. The pressure sensor is responsive to a light signal, and to the exerted pressure, to produce a sensing light signal indicative of a characteristic of the fluid flow, such as pressure differential or fluid velocity. This, in turn, is indicative of the condition of the sandscreen or filter.

Abstract: A system for reservoir control. The system allows segregated production of fluids, e.g. water and oil, to control the fluid-fluid interface. Downhole sensors are utilized in providing data about the location of the interface. This permits the proactive monitoring and control of the interface prior to unwanted intermingling of fluids, e.g. oil and water, during production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that is useful in determining the permeability of rock within a subterranean formation surrounding a borehole. The method involves the establishment of a compressional wave in the borehole rock of interest and the subsequent detection of a slow compressional wave that is directly related to the permeability of the rock. The slow compressional wave typically has a velocity of approximately 900 m/s. In contrast, the compressional waves used to make borehole measurements in the past have, velocities of approximately 2000-3000 m/s.

Abstract: When production testing a permeable first formation (4), fluid flowing out therefrom is subjected to a pressure measurement and a flow rate control. In order to avoid bringing up the fluid flowing out during the production test to surface position where the fluid's inherent explosion and fire risk as well as poisonousness would cause substantial problems, a fluid flow path arranged for fluid transfer between the formations (4, 6) is established between said first formation (4) to be production tested and a second permeable formation (6), said fluid flow path which, in a suitable apparatus, is constituted by a channel-forming pipe (8). From this channel second permeable formation (6) receives said fluid and keeps it for some time. In the position of use, the apparatus is assigned sealing means, i.a. annulus packers (10, 11, 12) which are placed such that fluid flow between the formations (4,6) is limited to only follow said fluid flow path.

Abstract: A sparging system and process for in-situ removal of contaminants from soil and an associated subsurface groundwater aquifer of a site is disclosed. The sparge system is capable of extracting contaminant in the form of gas from groundwater in a gas/gas/water reaction. The system includes at least one microporous diffuser having a porosity matched to a soil porosity. The microdiffuser is in an injection well. Ozone or other oxidizing gas in the form of bubbles is injected into the site to extract volatile dissolved contaminants for in-situ decomposition. A pump and a pneumatic packer are disposed to alternate pumping and bubble injection into the well to maximize dispersal of bubbles within and outward from the well casing, and to provide uniform dispersion of the bubbles as they travel through the site formation.

Abstract: When production testing a permeable first formation, fluid flowing out from the first formation is subjected to a pressure measurement and a flow rate control. In order to avoid bringing up the fluid flowing out during the production test to a surface position, where the fluid's inherent explosion and fire risk as well as poisonousness could cause substantial problems, a fluid flow path is arranged for fluid transfer only between the first and second formations. The fluid flow path which, in a suitable apparatus, is constituted by a channel-forming pipe. From this channel, the second permeable formation receives the fluid and keeps it for some time. In the position of use, the apparatus is assigned sealing devices such as annulus packers, which are placed such that fluid flow between the formations is limited to only follow the fluid flow path.