Abstract: A pressure pulse is initiated from the wellbore into the fractured formation where the frac fluid brings into the fractures a material that is responsive to the pressure pulse alone. Alternatively, or with a combination with a wellbore pressure pulse, well conditions such as time exposure and temperature can initiate local pressure pulses within the fracture with the result being signal generation of an electromagnetic signal that is measured with multiple sensors to allow triangulation of the location of the fracture extremities. The material can be a piezoelectric material that responds to the pressure pulse or ferromagnetic materials that similarly respond to the pulse to create the measured signals. The material can be delivered initially with the frac fluid or at different points in time during the fracture operation. Different materials with unique signal generating characteristics can be used to get a clearer picture of the extent of the fracture.

Abstract: In some aspects, an injection treatment of a subterranean region is controlled based on a target net treating pressure. A measure of fluid pressure acting on a subterranean region during an injection treatment is received. The measure of fluid pressure is compared against a target net treating pressure for fluid acting on the subterranean region during the injection treatment. The target net treating pressure is associated with a target fracture growth orientation. The injection treatment is modified based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Method of treating a carbonate hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The method includes contacting the hydrocarbon-bearing formation with a composition comprising solvent and a fluorinated amphoteric compound. Carbonate hydrocarbon-bearing formations treated according to the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to oil production, more specifically, oil production using the formation hydrofracturing process, and can be used for monitoring the operation of a producing oil well.

Abstract: Planning and/or drilling wellbores. At least some of the various embodiments are methods including: receiving data indicative of position of a first wellbore; reading data indicative of position of an offset wellbore; reading data indicative of a fracture diameter for the offset wellbore; calculating a first positional uncertainty of the first wellbore; calculating a second positional uncertainly of the offset wellbore taking into account the data indicative of position and the data indicative of fracture diameter; and generating a value indicative of proximity of the positional uncertainties.

Abstract: Methods for determining hydraulic fracture geometry and/or areal extent of an area of interest in a reservoir, are provided. An exemplary method includes isolating downhole acoustic receiver equipment in a lower portion of a first wellbore from fracturing operations located in a second wellbore connected to the first wellbore. Communications between surface equipment in the downhole acoustic receiver equipment is provided through a communications conduit bypass that permits well operations in the second wellbore without interfering with communications between the surface equipment and the downhole acoustic receiver equipment.

Abstract: The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated, after cessation of fracturing and establishment of fracture networks, by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. In one method, attachment site particles are positioned within the formation during fracturing and additional reactive particles are later introduced. The reactive particles attach to the attachment sites and, upon a triggering event, react to produce micro-seismic events. The waves generated by the micro-seismic events are used to provide mapping of the effective fracture space. Additionally, time-lapse mapping is provided with use of “species” of attachment sites and reactive particles.

Abstract: A method for determining a volume of a fracture network includes detecting seismic signals deployed over an area of the subsurface during pumping of fracturing fluid into at least one wellbore drilled through the area. A hypocenter of each fracture induced by the pumping is determined using the seismic signals. A facture network and associated fracture volume is determined using the determined hypocenters and seismic moments determined from the detected seismic signals. A maximum value of a scaling factor is determined based on a subset of the hypocenters having a highest cumulative seismic moments. The scaling factor is determined by relating a pumped volume of the fracturing fluid with respect to the determined fracture volume. Dimensions of each fracture are scaled using the maximum value of the scaling factor. The fracture volumes are recalculated using the scaled dimensions.

Abstract: A system and method to determine a length of a fracture induced from a borehole are described. The method includes isolating a portion of the borehole, the portion of the borehole including an end of the fracture at the borehole wall, increasing fluid pressure in the portion of the borehole, deploying a low-frequency source in the portion of the borehole, and varying a frequency of the low-frequency source to generate resonance oscillations at a resonance frequency in the fracture. The method also includes determining the length of the fracture based on the resonance frequency.

Abstract: A method for determining fracture plane orientation from seismic signals detected above a subsurface formation of interest includes detecting seismic signals using an array of seismic sensors deployed above the subsurface formation during pumping of a hydraulic fracture treatment of the subsurface formation. A time of origin and a spatial position of origin (hypocenter) of microseismic events resulting from the hydraulic fracture treatment are determined. Time consecutively occurring ones of the hypocenters falling within a selected temporal sampling window are selected. A best fit line through the selected hypocenters using a preselected linear regression coefficient is determined. The selecting hypocenters and determining best fit lines is repeated for a selected number of windows.

Abstract: A method of performing a stimulation operation for a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. The method involves collecting pressure measurements of an isolated interval of the wellbore during injection of an injection fluid therein, generating a fracture closure from the pressure measurements, generating transmissibility based on the fracture closure and a mini fall off test of the isolated interval during the injection, obtaining fracture geometry from images of the subterranean formation about the isolated interval, and generating system permeability from the transmissibility and the fracture geometry. The method may also involve deploying a wireline stimulation tool into the wellbore, isolating an interval of the wellbore and injecting fluid into the interval with the wireline stimulation tool. The fracture geometry may be obtained by imaging the formation, and fracture geometry may be obtained from core sampling.

Abstract: A method includes installing at least one grounded electrode at a certain distance away from the well sufficient enough to avoid electrical breakdowns and connecting a high-voltage electric capacity meter to a wellhead and to said grounded electrode. A voltage pulse between the wellhead and the electrode. An electric capacity is measured before flooding and in the process of flooding. The oil formation water-flooding area radius value is determined by the flooded area capacity variation in time.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing an oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising an electrical conductivity enhancer into the wellbore and logging the wellbore by resistivity imaging. A method of servicing a wellbore comprising introducing an oil-based drilling fluid to a wellbore, identifying a subsection of the wellbore for imaging, introducing to the subsection of the wellbore a oil-based wellbore servicing fluid comprising a carbon nanotube wherein the servicing fluid comprising the electrical conductivity enhancer mixes with the oil-based drilling fluid; and imaging the subsection of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and/or a system determines mechanical properties of a fluid-bearing formation. One or more packers may be used to measure and/or collect data regarding mechanical properties of a formation. The formation characteristics may be, for example, the stability of the formation, design parameters for frac-pack/gravel-pack operations, and sand production. The packer may expand within a wellbore of a formation until enough pressure is applied to fracture a wall of the wellbore. Before, during and/or after the fracturing of the wall, multiple measurements may be taken by the packer. After fractures are initiated, fluid may be pumped into and/or drawn from the formation using drains disposed on the packer. Additional packers may be used above and/or below the packer for isolating intervals of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for estimating a fracture aperture in a formation penetrated by a well includes obtaining at least one of a vertical resistivity (Rv) and a horizontal resistivity (Rh) of the formation; obtaining a mud resistivity (Rmud) or a matrix resistivity (Rmatrix); and estimating the fracture aperture. The estimating of the fracture aperture may be performed by solving the following two equations: Rv=Vhf·Rm+(1?Vhf)·Rmatrix and 1/Rh=Vhf·1/Rmud+(1?Vhf)·1/Rmatrix, wherein Vhf is the fracture aperture.

Abstract: Methods comprising conveying a downhole tool within a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a first pump and a second pump, and wherein at least one operational capability of the first and second pumps is substantially different. A fracture is initiated in the subterranean formation by pumping fluid into the formation using the first pump. The fracture is propagated in the subterranean formation by pumping fluid into the formation using the second pump.

Abstract: Determining a value indicative of fracture quality. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: obtaining or measuring gas saturation of a formation to create a value indicative of pre-fracture gas saturation; and after a fracturing process measuring gas saturation of the formation to create a value indicative of post-fracture gas saturation; and creating a value indicative of fracture quality based on the value indicative of pre-fracture gas saturation and the value indicative of post-fracture gas saturation.

Abstract: A method of recovering product from a fracture below a surface, said method including: a. providing a first well that may be stimulated or has been stimulated at a first predetermined depth within a formation; b. stimulating said well resulting in at least one fracture in said formation; said fracture having at least one initiation point and at least one distal point; wherein said at least one initiation point is proximate said stimulated well and said at least one distal point is distant said stimulated well; c. providing at least one non-stimulated well, proximate said first well at a second predetermined depth in said formation and contacting said at least one distal point of said at least one fracture; said at least one non-stimulated well further including at least one access point to capture product from said at least one fracture in said formation; capturing said product from said fracture through said at least non-stimulated well, and recovering said captured product optionally at said surface.

Abstract: A method of inducing fracture complexity within a fracturing interval of a subterranean formation comprising characterizing the subterranean formation, defining a stress anisotropy-altering dimension, providing a wellbore servicing apparatus configured to alter the stress anisotropy of the fracturing interval of the subterranean formation, altering the stress anisotropy within the fracturing interval, and introducing a fracture in the fracturing interval in which the stress anisotropy has been altered. A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising introducing a fracture into a first fracturing interval, and introducing a fracture into a third fracturing interval, wherein the first fracturing interval and the third fracturing interval are substantially adjacent to a second fracturing interval in which the stress anisotropy is to be altered.

Abstract: A method for determining a maximum volume of drilling cuttings disposal in a formation, the method including inputting formation parameters into a simulator, simulating a formation during waste injection based on the formation parameters, determining a net pressure based on the simulating, determining a closure pressure increase based on the simulating, calculating a disposal volume based on the net pressure and the closure pressure, calculating a time interval of waste injection based on the calculated injection volume, and outputting at least one of the disposal volume and the time interval is disclosed. A method of optimizing a waste injection process, the method including simulating a formation based on input parameters, determining a closure pressure increase per unit slurry volume based on the simulation, calculating a disposal capacity of the selected formation, and outputting the disposal capacity is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing a formation surrounding a wellbore to bear hydrocarbons through a borehole is disclosed. In one step, a bottomhole assembly is inserted into the borehole. The formation is drilled with the bottomhole assembly. The formation may be characterized with logging tools, probes, sensors, seismic system and/or the like to create first information. One or more fractures are placed in the formation without removal of the bottomhole assembly from the wellbore. Further, continuous drilling of the formation is performed with the bottomhole assembly after/during placing the fractures. Further characterizing of the formation with the probes, sensors/systems or the like is performed to produce second information. Another fracture is placed with feedback from the second information. Repeating the drilling, characterizing and placing of fractures as necessary during the formation preparing process.

Abstract: A system and method may be configured to support the evaluation of the economic impact of uncertainties associated with the planning of a petroleum production project, e.g., uncertainties associated with decisions having multiple possible outcomes and uncertainties associated with uncontrollable parameters such as rock properties, oil prices, etc. The system and method involve receiving user input characterizing the uncertainty of planning variables and performing an iterative simulation that computes the economic return for various possible instantiations of the set of planning variables based on the uncertainty characterization. The system and method may (a) utilize and integrate highly rigorous physical reservoir, well, production flow, and economic models, and (b) provide a mechanism for specifying constraints on the planning variables. Furthermore, the system and method may provide a case manager process for managing multiple cases and associated “experimental runs” on the cases.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention utilizes computer models to calculate predicted spectral estimates that may be encountered during a hydraulic fracturing operation. Seismic events generated by hydraulic fracturing are mapped and displayed upon a graphic user interface. Spectral attributes of selected seismic wave field data from the fracture operation are derived and compared to predicted spectral estimates that match one or more characteristics of the formation. The comparison may be utilized to generate a predicted hydrocarbon content for the fracture zone of the formation and to adjust or alter the hydraulic fracturing operation in order to maximize hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A method can include providing data for a field that includes fractures and a well; analyzing at least a portion of the data for times less than an interaction time; and outputting one or more values for a parameter that characterizes storage of a fluid in the field and one or more values for a parameter that characterizes transfer of the fluid in the field. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying an untethered object though a passageway of a string in a well; and sensing a property of an environment of the string, an electromagnetic coupling or a pressure as the object is being communicated through the passageway. The technique includes selectively autonomously operating the untethered object in response to the sensing.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a microseismic fracture operation for a wellsite having a subterranean formation with a complex fracture network therein are provided. The method involves describing a relationship between microseismic events to determine the complex fracture network of the subterranean formation, generating a fault volume by extracting faults from the fracture network based on the relationship between the microseismic events, generating a discrete fracture network comprising discrete fractures from the complex fracture network by extracting fracture planes from the obtained fault volume, and simulating fracture geometry and proppant placement.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.

Abstract: Methods and systems for illuminating the pore space or portions thereof of a subterranean formation may use magneto-responsive ionic liquid surfactant. For example, a method may include injecting a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one magneto-responsive ionic liquid surfactant into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation having a pore space; measuring a local geo-electromagnetic field within the subterranean formation at a first time and a second time; and determining a property of the pore space of the subterranean formation based on differences between the local geo-electromagnetic field at the first time and the second time.

Abstract: A method for stimulating production in a wellbore associated with a reservoir. The method includes determining a textural complexity of a formation in which the reservoir is located, determining an induced fracture complexity of the formation using the textural complexity, fracturing the formation to create a plurality of fractures, determining an operation to perform within the formation to maintain conductivity of the formation based on the induced fracture complexity and the textural complexity, and performing the operation, wherein the operation comprises drilling a lateral well originating from the wellbore to maintain conductivity of the formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.

Abstract: A method of measuring parameters of a formation along multiple axes is disclosed. A formation tester tool is introduced into a wellbore. The formation tester tool includes a first probe oriented at an angle from a second probe about an axis of the formation tester tool. The first and second probes are positioned against a surface of the wellbore. Fluid is injected via at least one of the first and second probes. Pressure parameters corresponding to the fluid injected into the formation are monitored. Formation stresses about the formation fractures along multiple axes are determined based, at least in part, on the pressure parameters.

Abstract: A method of inducing fracture complexity within a fracturing interval of a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises defining a stress anisotropy-altering dimension, providing a straddle-packer assembly to alter a stress anisotropy of a fracturing interval, based on defining the stress anisotropy-altering dimension, isolating a first fracturing interval of the subterranean formation with the straddle-packer assembly, inducing a fracture in the first fracturing interval, isolating a second fracturing interval of the subterranean formation with the straddle-packer assembly, inducing a fracture in the second fracturing interval, wherein fracturing the first and second fracturing intervals alters the stress anisotropy within a third fracturing interval, isolating the third fracturing interval with the straddle-packer assembly, and inducing a fracture in the third fracturing interval.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a fracturing operation in a target well comprising extending a seismic sensor in a tubing string to a first position in an well offset from the target well. A coolant fluid is circulated through the tubing string for a predetermined time. The tubing string is retracted to a second uphole position such that the cooled seismic sensor is exposed in the offset wellbore. A seismic signal emitted during the fracturing operation of the target well is sensed in the offset well.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, including the steps of providing a first treatment fluid substantially free of macroscopic particulates; pumping the first treatment fluid into the well bore at different pressure rates to determine the maximum matrix rate and the minimum frac rate; subsequently, pumping the first treatment fluid above the minimum frac rate to initiate at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; providing a second treatment fluid comprising a second carrier fluid, a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 ?m and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.

Abstract: An expansion and sensing apparatus used to detect natural and hydraulic fractures. In a closed loop aspect of the invention a microprocessor may be incorporated to process data which identifies natural fractures and optimises the coordinates for setting an isolation device, hydraulically fracturing the formation, identifying the effectiveness of the hydraulic fracture and if required repeat the hydraulic fracture at the same co-ordinates or select further co-ordinates in order to propagate an optimised fracture pathway and maximise production. The apparatus may be used with microseismic, tiltmeters, etc.

Abstract: A method of determining when to stop pumping proppant during hydraulic fracturing in a wellbore is described. By accurately detecting tip screen-out with a bottom hole pressure gauge mounted to a perforating gun, the optimal amount of proppant can be supplied to a fracture while avoiding the risks associated with wellbore screen-out.

Abstract: The method of controlling the parameters of a hydraulic fracture comprises creating a matrix of relationship between initial formation, injection and fracture parameters of and a predicted increment of a hydraulic fracture path. The matrix is used for retrieving and deriving the predicted increment of the fracture path, depending on the actual initial parameters of a fracture being created. The actual increment of the hydraulic fracture path is measured and compared with the predicted increment of the fracture path. In case of a discrepancy between the actual and predicted increments, the actual initial parameters of the fracture are changed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying the location and height of induced subterranean formation fractures and the presence of any associated frac-pack or gravel pack material in the vicinity of the borehole using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The proppant/sand used in the fracturing and packing processes is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material. When proppant is present, increases in detected PNC formation and/or borehole component cross-sections, combined with decreases in measured count rates, are used to determine the location of the formation fractures and the presence and percent fill of pack material in the borehole region. Changes in measured formation cross-sections relative to changes in other PNC parameters provide a relative indication of the proppant in fractures compared to that in the borehole region.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing fluid dynamics aspects of corrosion and shear stress in piping networks are provided. Shear stress hot spots of a piping network may be identified using non-dimensional transfer functions that have been developed for identifying the magnitude and location of these local maxima depending upon the geometrical parameters of commonly used components of piping networks, the fluid properties of the flow, and the operating conditions of the piping network. Upon identification of potential shear stress local maxima, piping network operators may monitor these locations for corrosion or other damage to prevent loss of integrity of the pipes.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a well site having a subterranean formation. The method comprises determining a first spectral attenuation of a first seismic wave measured from a first location, determining a second spectral attenuation of a second seismic wave measured from a second location, determining a reservoir attenuation anisotropy from a comparison of the first spectral attenuation to the second spectral attenuation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from a comparison of the first seismic wave to the second seismic wave.

Abstract: Methods may include selecting a slot size of apertures to control sand production including formation fines in fluid from a subterranean zone. The slot size may be selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser may be used to form apertures with the selected slot size in a casing installed in a wellbore in the subterranean zone. Systems and apparatuses may be configured to perform the above operations.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses involve selecting an aperture geometry to filter solids from fluid from a subterranean zone, the aperture geometry selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in the fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser can be used to form slots with the selected aperture geometry in a casing installed in a well in the subterranean zone, the aperture geometry having a size selected based on the distribution of sizes of the particles.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring hydraulic fracturing in well formation and fracture characterisation using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The method involves interrogating a optic fibre (102) arranged down the path of a bore hole (106) to provide a distributed acoustic sensor and also monitoring flow properties of fracturing fluid pumped (114) into the well. The acoustic data from the distributed acoustic sensor is processed together with the flow properties data to provide an indication of at least one fracture characteristic.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device. For example, a method may include characterizing a subterranean formation, selecting an orientation of an aperture based on characteristics of the subterranean formation, and using a laser to form an aperture of the selected orientation in the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated positioning of pads and orienting of slot templates for the pads. The systems and methods also include automated adjustment of well path plans from a pad to selected well targets.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to determining an optimum orientation for perforations around the circumference of a subsurface borehole and optimum wellbore fluid initiation pressure for hydraulic fracturing in anisotropic formations.

Abstract: A method for performing field operations is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first set of acoustic radial profiles of a subterranean formation prior to induction of a fracture disposed about the wellbore, obtaining a second set of acoustic radial profiles of the subterranean formation subsequent to the induction of the fracture, comparing the first set of acoustic radial profiles and the second set of acoustic radial profiles based on a pre-determined criterion to generate a comparison result, determining, based on the comparison result, an orientation of one or more portions of the fracture, and adjusting the operations of the oilfield based on the orientation.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for operating a subsea blowout preventer includes a surface manifold configured to convey hydraulic power to the blowout preventer, a surface actuation valve hydraulically connected to subsea valves and configured to operate the blowout preventer, and a control system monitoring apparatus. The control system monitoring apparatus includes a surface manifold pressure transducer hydraulically connected to the surface manifold, an electronic readback system, and a surface control line pressure transducer hydraulically connected to the surface end of at least one control hose and the surface actuation valve. The control system monitoring apparatus is configured to read, record, and process pressure data supplied by the surface manifold and surface control line pressure transducers.

Abstract: A technique facilitates enhanced hydrocarbon recovery through selective stream injection. The technique employs a system and methodology for combining a fracturing technique and application of selective injection streams. The selective injection streams are delivered to select, individual subterranean layers until a plurality of unique subterranean layers are fractured to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A downhole tool configured for conveyance within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a sensor assembly comprising a housing, a cap coupled to an end of the housing, a flow-line tube disposed within the housing and configured to receive fluid from the formation, a first winding disposed within the housing and configured to induce an electrical current in the fluid, and a second winding disposed within the housing and configured to detect the electrical current induced in the fluid by the first winding.