Abstract: Techniques for developing a hydrocarbon well employing hydraulic fracturing, including determining a geometric signature of a bi-wing hydraulic fracture of the well, including a fracture height (hf), half-length (Xf) and width (wf) of the fracture, determining fracture model parameters for the fracture, including a stimulated cell width (Dy), length (Dx), and width (n), determining a fracture conductivity diluting factor (FCDF) for the bi-wing hydraulic fracture based on the geometric signature and the fracture model parameters, applying the FCDF to a fracture permeability (Kf) to determine a model permeability (Kfm) for the fracture, and determining a reservoir model of the reservoir that includes the model permeability (Kfm) associated with the cells of the reservoir model that represent a region of the hydrocarbon reservoir that corresponds to the location of the hydraulic fracture.

Abstract: A method for determining an internal multiple attenuated seismic image is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a seismic dataset composed of a plurality of seismic traces and for each seismic trace determining an internal multiple trace based, at least in part, on a nested truncated correlation and a bounded convolution of the seismic trace with itself. The method further includes determining an internal multiple attenuated seismic trace based, at least in part, on subtracting the internal multiple trace from the seismic trace and combining the internal multiple attenuated seismic trace to form the internal multiple attenuated seismic image. A system including a seismic source, a plurality of seismic receivers, and a seismic processor for executing the method is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating heterogeneity indices for reservoirs is provided.

Abstract: Interaction of adsorbing chemicals with a downhole tool presents inaccuracies in the adsorbing chemical measurement and analysis. The principles of the present disclosure provide a method and system of sampling fluids including an adsorbing chemical in a subterranean reservoir. One method may include modeling an interaction between the adsorbing chemical and a downhole tool, applying the model to a measurement of the adsorbing chemical, and adjusting the measurement in response to applying the model.

Abstract: Systems and methods that calculate and display reservoir properties are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of displaying field development opportunities includes receiving production data including production attributes for a plurality of wells, receiving three-dimensional model data including model attributes from one or more fields, cross-linking the production data and the three-dimensional model data, and displaying a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface includes a two-dimensional view of a selected field and a plurality of graphs, each graph of the plurality of graphs including a plurality of bins. Each graph of the plurality of graphs corresponds to a reservoir property. Each bin of the plurality of bins corresponds to a range of values along one of the first axis and the second axis. The plurality of graphs are arranged within the graphical user interface such that the plurality of bins are aligned with one another.

Abstract: A device receives first well data associated with first wells where plunger lift is installed, and receives second well data associated with a candidate well where plunger lift is not installed. The device processes the first well data to determine pre-plunger lift installation data associated with the first wells, and processes the first well data and the pre-plunger lift installation data to determine a set of performing wells and a set of underperforming wells, of the first wells. The device processes the second well data and data associated with the set of performing wells to determine a first metric associated with the candidate well, and processes the second well data and data associated with the set of underperforming wells to determine a second metric associated with the candidate well. The device determines whether to install plunger lift in the candidate well based on the first metric and the second metric.

Abstract: Placement of proppant in subterranean formations during hydraulic fracturing is assessed. A method of one aspect includes introducing a hydraulic fracturing fluid including a proppant into a subterranean formation through a well. Samples of the hydraulic fracturing fluid are recovered through the well over a period of time. A concentration of at least one tracer in each of the samples is determined. The concentrations of the at least one tracer in the samples are analyzed to assess placement of the proppant in the subterranean formation. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: System and methods for heating boreholes include laser generators to trigger a chemical reaction to break down heavy hydrocarbons in boreholes. The systems and methods use arrays of laser generators or other heating sources at the borehole surface or within the borehole to heat the heavy hydrocarbons. The systems and methods may include hydrocarbon sensors within the borehole to detect gas seepage resulting from heating of the heavy hydrocarbons.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for generating composite non-linear sweeps adapted to vibrator constraints includes determining a target amplitude function, determining a constraint set including a constraint, selecting a scaling constant, calculating a low-frequency non-linear sweep based on the constraint set and the scaling constant, calculating a high-frequency non-linear sweep based on the constraint set, the scaling constant, and the low-frequency non-linear sweep, and calculating a composite non-linear sweep by combining the low-frequency non-linear sweep and the high-frequency non-linear sweep.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of performing an energy industry operation includes: collecting historical data relating to one or more previously performed operations having a characteristic common to both the one or more previously performed operations and a proposed operation; planning the proposed operation based on the historical data, the proposed operation associated with one or more operational parameters; performing the proposed operation; measuring a condition during performance of the proposed operation and comparing the measured condition to the historical data; and automatically adjusting the one or more operational parameters based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of monitoring fluid flow in a borehole includes measuring acoustics at a plurality of locations along a downhole assembly in a borehole and calculating a fluid flow rate at the plurality of locations along the downhole assembly based on measuring the acoustics at the plurality of locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the source of hydrocarbons presented in the pores of a host rock or found in contaminated groundwater. The method includes the steps of (a) determining a first isotopic composition of boron and/or lithium in one or more components within a potential source rock sample, such as kerogen, clay, or water; (b) determining a second isotopic composition of boron and/or lithium in the hydrocarbons found within the pores of a host rock sample or in contaminated groundwater; and (c) comparing the first and second isotopic compositions to determine whether the potential source rock is the source of the hydrocarbons within the pores of the host rock or in contaminated groundwater.

Abstract: Methods, program code, computer readable medium, and apparatus estimating permeability at unsampled (uncored) but logged interval locations in a reservoir based upon a similarity with log signatures from cored intervals, are provided. An example of a method can include performing a core plug-by-core plug blind test, defining an objective function which qualifies the quality of the permeability prediction to minimize discrepancies between measured and predicted permeability, optimizing calculated parameters, and estimating permeability values of uncored logged intervals. The method can also include applying a debiasing/variance restoration to compensate for inherent averaging artifacts.

Abstract: A sensor flap for a downhole tool. The downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The sensor flap includes a sensor housing and at least one sensor. The sensor housing is operatively connectable to the downhole tool. The sensor housing is movably positionable between a retracted position in the downhole tool and an extended position in contact with a wall of the wellbore. The sensor is positionable in the sensor housing, and may include a seismic detector to measure seismic activity when the sensor housing is in contact with the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a subterranean formation including measuring an electromagnetic spectrum of a rock sample of the subterranean formation using optical spectroscopy, identifying a first kerogen pixel of a plurality of pixels of the electromagnetic spectrum, and analyzing the first kerogen pixel and estimating a property of the first kerogen pixel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring formation properties comprising coiled tubing fitted with a bottom hole assembly, wherein said bottom hole assembly comprises means to measure formation fluid properties, means to transmit said formation fluid properties to a surface monitoring system, means to isolate a section of a wellbore, and means to control the flow of fluid entering said coiled tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to compositions and methods of processing a subterranean formation including collecting microseismic data from one wellbore, collecting amplitude ratio information for the microseismic data, comparing the amplitude ratio to an expected ratio, generating a representation of a formation based on the microseismic data and the comparison of the amplitude ratio and expected ratio, and performing an oil field services activity based on the representation.

Abstract: A method for performing oilfield operations for an oilfield having a subterranean formation with an underground reservoir therein, the oilfield being provided with at least one wellsite with oilfield equipment for extracting fluid from the underground reservoir, involving collecting data comprising trajectory and earth properties associated with a planned well for a geoscience application to obtain a geoscience model, invoking a well planning system integrated with the geoscience application, extracting the trajectory and earth properties from the geoscience model to obtain an extracted trajectory and extracted earth properties, determining at least one parameter for the planned well based on the extracted trajectory and the extracted earth properties, and displaying the at least one parameter associated with the planned well within a geological context of the geoscience application to allow refinement of the planned well for efficient fluid extraction from the underground reservoir.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to increasing the output power of a clamped seismic or acoustic source disposed in a wellbore without damaging the borehole/casing/cement. One or more sources are provided and carried on a conveyance mechanism. The conveyance mechanism may be a wireline, a coiled tubing, or a drill pipe. The one or more sources are run into and/or out of the wellbore and temporarily disposed at various locations within the wellbore. The one or more sources are temporarily clamped to the wellbore at the various locations using distributed clamping, and a source signal is generated by the distributed clamped source. The distributed clamping device may have multiple clamping mechanisms along an increased length of the source or a continuous clamping mechanism along an increased length of the source.

Abstract: A new seismic attribute is disclosed along with its use to locate and classify seismic waveform anomalies and use them to construct objects and from them geologic surfaces (77) and bodies (75) from which hydrocarbon potential (or quality control of the seismic acquisition and processing (71)) may be assessed (79). The seismic attribute is constructed (74) from determinations of phase residues in the seismic data volume (72), preferably using complex trace analysis but alternatively by comparing neighboring waveforms for disappearing waveshape inflections. It is shown that in a data volume of the new attribute, non-zero values form strings and loops that may be associated with objects (geobodies) or surfaces such as unconformities or flooding surfaces. Methods of classification and selection (76) to reduce the number of objects generated are provided.

Abstract: A down-hole tool provided with a transmitter system for inducing a transient electromagnetic field in an earth formation has an induction coil with a number of windings to generate essentially a magnetic dipole field. The number of windings is divided into two or more groups of windings arranged to cooperatively generate the essentially magnetic dipole field when energized. Switching means are arranged to essentially simultaneously terminate the energizing of the groups of windings. The groups of windings are electrically isolated from each other or connected in parallel to each other, at least when the energizing is terminated. A transient electromagnetic field may thus be induced in an earth formation by essentially simultaneously terminating energizing each group of windings by operating the switching means. A transient electromagnetic response signal may be recorded, and used in a method of producing a mineral hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.

Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods for providing real-time reservoir management of one or more reservoirs across one or more fields are provided. A system can include multiple monitoring wells and at least one injection well in communication with a central facility including a reservoir management computer or server positioned to provide real-time reservoir management of the one or more reservoirs. The computer can include, stored in memory, reservoir management program code, which when executed, can cause the computer to perform the operations of calibrating an injection well model for each of one or more injection wells positioned in a reservoir responsive to real-time injection rate and wellhead pressure data associated therewith, calculating static reservoir pressure for each of the injection wells responsive to the respective calibrated injection well model and responsive to respective surface injection rate and wellhead pressure data, and generating real-time automated isobaric pressure maps.

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: Method for conducting a seismic survey (23) wherein the acquisition parameters are modified as the survey progresses using information (24) from sensors located to monitor structures and fixtures located in the survey area. The sensor output is compared to acceptable levels, and acquisition parameters such as the seismic source strength are adjusted (26) to prevent exceeding the acceptable levels. An automated arbitration scheme (22) is used to resolve conflicting system goals within survey resource constraints.

Abstract: A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method of drilling and/or perforating uses a laser beam to remove material, such as to perforate the casing, cement and formation or drill a well bore. The system and method can further or alternately encompass material analysis that can be performed without removing the material from the well bore. The analysis can be performed apart from or in connection with drilling operations and/or perforating the casing, cement and formation. The analysis can be used in a feed back loop to adjust material removal, adjust material analysis, determine the location of future material removal, and for other uses.

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: A down-hole tool provided with a transmitter system for inducing a transient electromagnetic field in an earth formation has an induction coil with a number of windings to generate essentially a magnetic dipole field. The number of windings is divided into two or more groups of windings arranged to cooperatively generate the essentially magnetic dipole field when energized. Switching means are arranged to essentially simultaneously terminate the energizing of the groups of windings. The groups of windings are electrically isolated from each other or connected in parallel to each other, at least when the energizing is terminated. A transient electromagnetic field may thus be induced in an earth formation by essentially simultaneously terminating energizing each group of windings by operating the switching means. A transient electromagnetic response signal may be recorded, and used in a method of producing a mineral hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of locating, in terrain containing oil sand deposits and also containing shale, clean oil sands deposits (i.e. those not containing significant shale) which are large enough for economic exploitation. The method includes flying a high sensitivity gravity gradiometer over the terrain and measuring at least one component, preferably the vertical component, of the local gravity gradient field at a number of points in a grid pattern on the terrain. The densities of sand and shale are normally approximately the same, making it difficult to distinguish them. However in an oil sands environment, there can be a sufficient difference in bulk density such that by using a very sensitive gravity gradiometer, or by otherwise reducing the noise signal using appropriate surveying methods, large clean oil sand deposits can be distinguished from other oil sand deposits not large enough for economic exploitation.

Abstract: A low maintenance adjustable system for sampling gas from a well using a gas analyzer; a conditioning and filtering device; a gas trap having a plurality of couplings, a plurality of hammer unions, a plurality of base manifold pipes, a base manifold flow line, a chimney pipe connected to the base manifold flow line, a controllable valve, a reducer connected to the chimney, an expansion chamber component connected to the reducer, a restrictor mounted to the expansion chamber component, and a conduit connection connected to the restrictor for engaging a conduit to flow a gas sample from the gas trap to a gas analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing a numerical model study to accurately forecast a production of a well in a reservoir. The method involves determining a property distribution of the reservoir using a three dimensional (3D) structure and property model for providing an estimate of a 3D structure, wherein the estimate of the 3D structure includes the property distribution, determining a grid system, including a grid and layering mechanism that is superimposed on said 3D structure and said property distribution associated with the digital 3D structure and property model, using a 3D simulator grid system, and determining a rock model using an initial 3D reservoir simulator in response to the estimate of the property distribution associated with the digital 3D structure and property model and the grid system associated with the 3D simulator grid system, wherein the rock model is used to accurately forecast the production of the well in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that uses (a) source-receiver reciprocity and (b) a method such as ISR DMO (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0098529) that allows reconstruction of densely sampled gathers at arbitrary surface locations, to efficiently predict multiple reflections, either surface related or interbed multiples, in seismic data. For each reconstructed gather and each output (field) trace, two traces are extracted corresponding to the field source and receiver positions of the output trace, then they are convolved and the convolution result is added (summed) to that obtained by applying this procedure to previously reconstructed gathers. The efficiency results from the fact that the convolutions are performed by looping over all traces for each “bounce” point, with the outer loop being over bounce points. Once all the reconstructed gathers are processed, multiple predictions are obtained for the whole survey by conventional means.

Abstract: Quantitative refracture diagnostic and fracture-injection/falloff models may be used in methods for oil and gas subsurface formation evaluation techniques. More particularly, such methods may be used to select candidate wells and well candidate layers for stimulation treatments in a subterranean formation. An example of a method for selecting well candidate layers for stimulation treatments in a subterranean formation may comprise the steps of: selecting a candidate well; selecting a reservoir layer to be tested; performing a quantitative refracture-candidate diagnostic test on the reservoir layer; determining at least one reservoir property of the reservoir layer using the quantitative refracture-candidate diagnostic test; and modeling a proposed stimulation treatment using the at least one reservoir property in a reservoir simulation model so as to predict the efficacy of the proposed stimulation treatment.

Abstract: The method for correcting the phase of measured electric signals or magnetic signals of field data from a controlled source electromagnetic survey (CSES) by comparing the measured field data corresponding to a selected frequency to the simulated data for various signal source receiver offsets (71) and correcting the phases of the actual data based on the phase difference for a selected range of small signal offsets (76) based on a go-electric model.

Abstract: A system and method of drilling and/or perforating uses a laser beam to remove material, such as to perforate the casing, cement and formation or drill a well bore. The system and method can further or alternately encompass material analysis that can be performed without removing the material from the well bore. The analysis can be performed apart from or in connection with drilling operations and/or perforating the casing, cement and formation. The analysis can be used in a feed back loop to adjust material removal, adjust material analysis, determine the location of future material removal, and for other uses.

Abstract: Method for separating responses of multiple transmitters m a controlled source electromagnetic survey by using mutually orthogonal transmitter waveforms and transforming the combined response to the frequency domain (144) The mutual orthogonality can be based disjoint frequency spectra or on phase encoding of a common waveform element (FIG.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for identifying compounds useful for producing heavy oil from an underground reservoir. The methods facilitate the development of chemicals with improved physicochemical features. The methods generally involve first identifying a physicochemical property of a compound that needs to be improved in order to increase the efficiency of heavy oil removal from underground reservoirs. Next, the physicochemical property is calculated by molecular modeling using semi-empirical or ab-initio calculations. By modifying the molecular model of the compound, the targeted physicochemical property can be optimized. After a suitable compound has been identified, the compound can be synthesized and evaluated.

Abstract: A system and method of drilling and/or perforating uses a laser beam to remove material, such as to perforate the casing, cement and formation or drill a well bore. The system and method can further or alternately encompass material analysis that can be performed without removing the material from the well bore. The analysis can be performed apart from or in connection with drilling operations and/or perforating the casing, cement and formation. The analysis can be used in a feed back loop to adjust material removal, adjust material analysis, determine the location of future material removal, and for other uses.

Abstract: A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of locating, in terrain containing oil sand deposits and also containing shale, clean oil sands deposits (i.e. those not containing significant shale) which are large enough for economic exploitation. The method includes flying a high sensitivity gravity gradiometer over the terrain and measuring at least one component, preferably the vertical component, of the local gravity gradient field at a number of points in a grid pattern on the terrain. The densities of sand and shale are normally approximately the same, making it difficult to distinguish them. However in an oil sands environment, there can be a sufficient difference in bulk density such that by using a very sensitive gravity gradiometer, or by otherwise reducing the noise signal using appropriate surveying methods, large clean oil sand deposits can be distinguished from other oil sand deposits not large enough for economic exploitation.

Abstract: Acoustic transducers configured with integrated electronics technology are adapted to digitize signal data close to the transducer. The transducers are packaged with a reduced number of elements and sealed for exposure to harsh environments, without oil compensation. A transducer assembly includes a frame, an acoustic transducer element disposed on the frame, and an electronics module disposed on the frame and linked to the acoustic transducer element. The pressure and temperature tolerant electronics module is adapted to process a signal associated with the transducer element.

Abstract: A method for interpreting transient electromagnetic survey data includes measuring transient response of a medium over a plurality of switching events. The measured transient response to a first one of the current switching events is modeled. Transient response to the model for at least one current switching event prior in time to the at least a first current switching event is calculated. The calculated transient response is summed with the first event measured response and the sum is compared to the electromagnetic survey measurements. The model is adjusted and the calculating summed transient responses is repeated until a difference between the summed calculated responses and the survey measurements falls below a selected threshold.

Abstract: Method of analyzing a subterranean formation traversed by a wellbore. The method uses a tool comprising a transmitter antenna and a receiver antenna, the subterranean formation comprising one or more formation layers. The tool is suspended inside the wellbore, and one or more electromagnetic fields are induced in the formation. One or more time-dependent transient response signals are detected and analyzed. Electromagnetic anisotropy of at least one of the formation layers is detectable. Geosteering cues may be derived from the time-dependent transient response signals, for continued drilling of the well bore until a hydrocarbon reservoir is reached. The hydrocarbon may then be produced.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a partially formed well includes forming a first well bore intersecting a subterranean formation. The first well bore includes a portion of a planned well having a first configuration. A production characteristic of the subterranean formation is tested through the first well bore in the first configuration. The first well bore is reconfigured to a second configuration different from the first configuration. The production characteristic of the subterranean formation is re-tested through the first well bore in the second configuration. Further formation of the planned well is planned based on testing of the subterranean formation through the first well bore in the first and second configurations.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for detecting seismic waves. A sensing apparatus is deployed within a bore hole and may include a source magnet for inducing a magnetic field within a casing of the borehole. An electrical coil is disposed within the magnetic field to sense a change in the magnetic field due to a displacement of the casing. The electrical coil is configured to remain substantially stationary relative to the well bore and its casing along a specified axis such that displacement of the casing induces a change within the magnetic field which may then be sensed by the electrical coil. Additional electrical coils may be similarly utilized to detect changes in the same or other associated magnetic fields along other specified axes. The additional sensor coils may be oriented substantially orthogonally relative to one another so as to detect seismic waves along multiple orthogonal axes in three dimensional space.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for seismic monitoring. In one aspect, an apparatus for acoustically coupling a sensor mechanism to a surface in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a mandrel disposable in a tubing string. The apparatus further includes a carrier member disposed on the mandrel, the carrier member axially adjustable relative to the mandrel. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor mounted on the carrier member, the at least one sensor connected to the surface of the well via a cable line and a deployment assembly disposed on the carrier member for coupling the at least one sensor to the surface of the well. In another aspect, a method for acoustically coupling a sensor mechanism to a surface of a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A method of managing a fluid or gas reservoir is disclosed which assimilates diverse data having different acquisition time scales and spatial scales of coverage for iteratively producing a reservoir development plan that is used for optimizing an overall performance of a reservoir.

Abstract: A reprogrammable data communications system for use in a gas or oil well borehole is disclosed. The borehole includes a casing and a piping structure therein and at least one downhole equipment module located therein. The system provides for data and control signals to be coupled to the casing and piping structure by a surface modem and transmitted to the downhole equipment located in the downhole equipment modules. The downhole equipment modules include a downhole modem that is coupled to the casing and piping structure and receives the transmitted data and command signals and recovers the transmitted data and commands therefrom. A downhole processor is coupled to the downhole modem and receives the data and commands from the downhole modem and stores the data and commands in retentive memory that is coupled to the downhole processor. In this way, the downhole processor can be reprogrammed with new algorithms and communications parameters.

Abstract: A boring device for producing a bore with a casing tube has a linkage, a boring tool, which can be fixed to the lower end of the linkage, a mounting frame for mounting on the casing tube, a drive and a connecting device, which is used for producing a rotary connection between the casing tube and the mounting frame. The linkage is hollow and has a first and a second flushing line. In the vicinity of the upper end of the link-age are provided a first connection for the supply of a fluid to the first flushing line and a second connection for removing the borings via the second flushing line. A boring method introduced the casing tube into the soil prior to an excavation.