Abstract: A composition and a method for treating a subterranean formation with an injection liquid containing liquid carbon dioxide, a treating liquid and optionally a foaming agent and/or methanol. The treating liquid may be an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, a solvent or a scale inhibitor.

Abstract: The purpose of the method of the present invention is to provide an improved method and an improved apparatus, to displace light, medium, or viscous hydrocarbon fluid, which may be contaminated with earthen solids, from the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir to a hydrocarbon fluid storage tank or other handling facilities on ground surface, by means of oil well production. The method is intended for use in cold primary hydrocarbon production or thermally stimulated hydrocarbon production from vertical, slant, whipstocked, or horizontal oil wells. The production system does not employ moving subsurface mechanical components.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating fluid pressure pulses are disclosed. An example apparatus may include a chamber that can collect fluid and an upstream ported disc coupled to a downstream end of the chamber. The upstream ported disc may rotate about a central axis. The upstream ported disc includes an upstream eccentric port that rotates about the central axis as the upstream ported disc rotates. The example apparatus may include a downstream ported disc coupled to a downstream end of the upstream ported disc such that the downstream ported disc remains substantially rotationally fixed relative to the upstream ported disc. The downstream ported disc includes a downstream eccentric port that may align with the upstream eccentric port to form a passageway for fluid to exit from the chamber to outside of the apparatus, at some time in a rotation cycle of the upstream ported disc.

Abstract: Substances to stimulate the extraction of crude oil and a method, of processing them: This invention is about substances to stimulate the extraction of crude oils, especially the ponderous and paraffin one, not clogging the route and the abutting deposits of the oil derrick by changing the deposit's reology and also about solubility of the aggregates which were made from paraffin resins on the oil derrick's circulation route, using a similar chemical vector to the prodrugs from the medicine industry. The substance to stimulate the extraction of crude oil by increasing the fluidization characterized by the fact that 90% from the volume is made by mixing three fractions oil types from the distilled mineral coal: ?20-30% phenol oil (fraction distilled from 170-190° C.); ?20-40% absorption oil (fraction distilled from 250-270° C.); ?20-40% polymerized oil (fraction distilled from 320-350° C.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly for an injection tubing string is provided which allows a master valve to be closed without damaging the injection tubing string while still allowing for the use of a back pressure valve to isolate the tree. Wellhead assemblies and related methods of the present invention include a flange adapted to be connected between a wellhead and a Christmas tree. The assembly also includes a mandrel adapted to being inserted into the longitudinal bore of the flange, the mandrel having a port for communicating with an injection port which extends radially through the flange. The assembly further includes a hanger adapted to connect to the upper end of the injection string, wherein the hanger is further adapted to land in the longitudinal bore of the mandrel. The hanger includes a communication passageway for facilitating fluid communication between the port of the mandrel and the injection tubing string.

Abstract: A process for the selective controlled reduction of the relative water permeability in high permeability, oil-bearing formations, with negligible reduction of the permeability to oil. The process comprises, for sandstone reservoir rocks, a first layer of cationic polymer, followed by a brine spacer slug and a second polymer layer made up of a suspension of anionic polymer and an anionic or non-ionic microgel, optionally this configuration being repeated. As a result the thickness of the polymer layer is considerably increased, which permits the process to be used in high permeability formations. For limestone rocks the first layer is made up of anionic polymer, while the second layer involves a suspension of cationic polymer/cationic or non-ionic microgel. The polymers are all injected as aqueous suspensions in brine or seawater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of removing deposits from various types of wells (17) including environmental recovery, water supply, horizontal, barrier, injection, recharge, and/or disposal wells (17). The method includes equipping a well (17) with an automated energy delivering system that is attached to the well (17). The energy delivering system is used to clean the surface of the well (17) and aquifer by supplying various types of energy to the well (17) and aquifer via injection lines (5, 6, 8, 11 and 12) and an educator pipe (10). A pump (14) is used to pump the energy through flow valves (21 and 20) and injection lines (5, 6, 8, 11 and 12) and into the well (17). The energy that is supplied to the well (17) mobilizes any deposits in the well (17) and aquifer and cause them to flow into and up the wellbore thereby cleaning the well (17) and aquifer.

Abstract: Disclosed are acid fracturing methods for subterranean siliceous formations employing a viscous dissolving fluid to create a permeable conduit that bypasses the near wellbore damage. The viscous dissolving fluids used according to the invention are acid-fracturing treatment fluids containing a dissolving agent viscosified with a material such as a viscoelastic surfactant, and the fluid is injected into a sandstone formation at a pressure sufficient to create a hydraulic fracture. Also, the viscous dissolving fluid leaks off into the faces of the fracture thus “stimulating” the formation. Hence when the hydraulic fracture has closed there is a part of the formation that has been effectively stimulated, creating a pathway for fluids to preferentially flow to the wellbore. The formation may then be flowed back to produce a substantial volume of the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method of introducing an oil field or gas field production chemical into a hydrocarbon-bearing porous subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore comprising: injecting a gelling composition comprising an aqueous liquid, an oil field or gas field production chemical, and a gellable polymer through the wellbore into the porous subterranean formation wherein the gellable polymer forms a gel within the pores of the subterranean formation thereby encapsulating the production chemical in the gel; and controllably releasing the production chemical from the gel into a formation fluid.

Abstract: A stimulator device and associated method is provided for a subterranean liquid well comprising a pump adapted for selectively evacuating vapor from the borehole of the well above a liquid column in the borehole to opposingly impinge the liquid column to hydrostatically agitate a subterranean formation from which the liquid originates.

Abstract: A method to enhance oil recovery from a fractured carbonate reservoir, the reservoir being accessible via a production well. The method includes injecting a surfactant solution including surfactants into the production well, and injecting a second well treatment process into the production well. The second well treatment process includes a second well treatment solution. The second well treatment solution is selected from the group consisting of a scale inhibition squeeze process, a well acidizing process, a chemical process to reduce water production rate, carbon dioxide injection for stimulation of a production or injection well, an acid fracturing process, and a hydraulic fracturing process. The surfactant solution and the second well treatment solution are injected into the production well within less than about six months from one another.

Abstract: An improved method of controlled energy delivery utilizing solid, liquid, and gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) into a water well and the surrounding aquifer to remove deposited material which may cause loss of capacity in wells and a variety of water quality problems. After proper study and evaluation of problems associated with a well to be treated, adequate injection of the required amount of CO2 and energy is achieved by real-time monitoring during the injection and manipulating the phase changes in the CO2 that take place in the well and the aquifer.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by injection of a steam and hydrocarbon vaporized solvent in contact with the oil sand formation and the heavy oil and bitumen in situ. Multiple propped hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant. Steam, a hydrocarbon solvent, and a non-condensing diluent gas are injected into the well bore and the propped fractures. The injected gas flows upwards and outwards in the propped fractures contacting the oil sands and in situ bitumen on the vertical faces of the propped fractures. The steam condenses on the cool bitumen and thus heats the bitumen by conduction, while the hydrocarbon solvent vapors diffuse into the bitumen from the vertical faces of the propped fractures.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon solids are removed from an oil well by feeding into the oil well a composition comprising at least 40 vol. % dense phase carbon dioxide and at least 30 vol. % of a C1–C3 alkanol component and optionally one or more surfactants, under a pressure of 300 to 10,000 psia and a temperature of 90° F. to 120° F., holding the composition in the well to solubilize hydrocarbon solids, and then removing from the well a liquid composition comprising solubilized hydrocarbon solids and alkanol.

Abstract: A method of removing produced fluid from a well producing both gas and liquid comprises utilising produced gas flowing from a formation to power a produced liquid pump. The produced liquid from the pump and the produced gas are carried towards surface in separate fluid streams, and may be commingled closer to surface.

Abstract: The addition of one or more stimulants to a petroleum well in order to enhance the production of the well. If the well is suffering from asphaltene or paraffin build up, the well may be heated either chemically or with steam prior to introduction of the stimulant. Additionally, a solvent may be added to dissolve the asphaltenes and paraffins. The stimulants are allowed to soak into the formation and then the well is returned to production. The stimulants increase the ability of oil to flow through the formation and decrease the ability of water to flow through the formation by coating the water wet portions of the formation with oil soluble chemicals. The stimulants also decrease the viscosity of the oil in formation.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the production of water in oil wells which comprises the injection into the formation around the well of an aqueous solution of one or more polymers selected from those having general formula (I), wherein: n ranges from 0.70 to 0.98; m ranges from 0.30 to 0.02; n+m=1; X1 and X2, the same or different, are selected from H and CH3; R1, R2, R3, the same or different, are selected from C1–C10 monofunctional hydrocarbyl groups; and x ranges from 2 to 5.

Abstract: A method for the storage of hydrogen within a subterranean solid carbonaceous formation such as a coal seam. At least one well extends from the surface of the earth into the formation and a pressure gradient extends from the formation to the well to desorb methane within the formation and flow the methane into the well. Subsequent to recovery of the methane from the formation, gaseous hydrogen is injected into the well and into the formation. The injection of hydrogen is carried out under a pressure sufficient to cause the injected hydrogen to become absorbed within the matrix of the carbonaceous formation. Subsequent to storage of the hydrogen, a pressure gradient is established from the formation to the surface to withdraw previously introduced hydrogen to the surface. At least one common well is used for recovery of methane from the formation and introduction of hydrogen into the formation.

Abstract: A method for reducing or completely eliminating water influx in an oil or natural gas borehole includes introducing in the borehole an aqueous solution of a copolymer comprising: A) 40–98 wt. % of structural units of formula (I), wherein: R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2 represents C2–C10 alkylene; and Me+ represents an ammonium metal ion and an alkali metal ion; B) 0.1 to 58 wt. % of structural units of formula (II); C) 0.1 to 10 wt. % of structural units of formula (III), wherein: R3 and R4 independently of each other represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R3 and R4 represent together a propylene group, which, with inclusion of a radical (A), form a pyrrolidon radical or, with inclusion of a pentamethylene group, forms a caprolactam radical; D) 0.10 to 10 wt % of structural units of formula (IV). The method also includes introducing in the ground or deposit, simultaneously with the copolymer or subsequently, an agent for crosslinking the copolymer.

Abstract: An in situ process for treating an oil containing formation is provided. The process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the one or more heaters to a part of the formation such that heat from the one or more heat sources pyrolyzes at least some hydrocarbons within the part. Hydrocarbons may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for treating a relatively permeable formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. A production rate of the mixture may be controlled to adjust the time that at least some hydrocarbons are exposed to pyrolysis temperatures in the formation in order to produce hydrocarbons of a selected quality in the mixture.

Abstract: This patent relates to a process whereby two, or more, filter/sieves or water blockages are produced by injecting the interactive chemicals used to form gels and polymers at reservoir temperatures independently and sequentially into a well in such a manner that the chemicals only come into contact with each other at the desired depth of penetration in the formation. At this location in the reservoir, which can be determined by appropriate calculation, the injection is stopped and the intermixed and superimposed chemicals are allowed to react to form the filter/sieves of a gel or polymer depending upon the nature of the individual chemicals injected.

Abstract: It is proposed a method for completing an unconsolidated interval, including particulates, in a subterranean formation, including a consolidation steps. The consolidation step is performed by injection of an aqueous solution of colloidal particles with a pH modifier and/or an ionic-strength modifier. A hard gel is formed that holds the particulates together. The consolidation is followed by hydraulic fracturing. Diversion towards area of less permeability may be enhanced by the use of micrometric particles.

Abstract: A process is described for reducing the production of water in oil wells, with temperatures of up to (90° C.), which comprises the injection in the formation around the well of an aqueous solution of one or more polymers selected from those having general formula (I) wherein: n ranges from (0.40) to (0.70), preferably from (0.5) to (0.65); m ranges from (0.15) to (0.65), preferably from (0.3) to (0.5); p ranges from (0.02) to (0.20), preferably from (0.05) to (0.

Abstract: A natural gas production system prevents liquid accumulation in the wellbore and minimizes friction loading in the wellbore by maintaining production gas velocity above a critical minimum velocity. A pressurized gas is injected into the well to supplement the flow of production gas such that the velocity of the total gas flow up the well exceeds the critical velocity. A choke is fitted to the gas injection line, and total gas flows are measured by a flow meter. A flow controller compares the measured total gas flow rate against the critical flow rate, and determines a minimum gas injection rate required to maintain the total gas flow rate at or above the critical flow rate. The flow controller then adjusts the choke to achieve the desired gas injection rate. The injection gas may be recirculated production gas from the well, or a gas from a separate source.

Abstract: A process and assembly for completing and providing sand control in a subterranean well and/or fracturing and preventing proppant flowback in a subterranean formation in a single trip. One or more perforating gun assemblies are juxtaposed and secured to one or more screen assemblies. Once positioned in a well adjacent a subterranean formation of interest, the explosive charges in each perforating gun assembly are detonated so as to penetrate the well and formation thereby initiating fracturing. The penetrations and the annulus defined between the well and screen assembly are then packed with gravel. Well fluid may be pressurized to in excess of the formation pressure prior to detonation of the explosive charges so as to enhance formation fracturing.

Abstract: Method is provided for increasing the productivity of gas wells producing from reservoirs where retrograde condensation occurs around the wells. An oil-wetting surfactant is injected in a solvent to oil wet the formation for a selected distance around a well or a hydraulic fracture intersecting the well. A pre-flush liquid, such as carbon dioxide, alcohol or similar products and mixtures thereof, may be used to reduce water saturation before injection of the surfactant. The method may also be applied to increase the productivity of oil wells producing from reservoirs where breakout of solution gas occurs near the well.

Abstract: A method for predicting the secondary porosity system (SPS) porosity, and thereby permeability, of a coal bed involves determining an initial condition in the coal bed, including an initial SPS pressure and an initial sorbed gas composition, determining a pressure strain effect due to increasing the SPS pressure to a value greater than the initial SPS pressure, and determining a sorption strain effect due to changes in the sorbed gas composition resulting from decreasing the methane content and increasing the content of a stronger adsorbing fluid (SAG) relative to the initial sorbed gas composition. Preferably, the method uses data from test injections of water and/or a weaker adsorbing fluid (WAG) and a SAG. The data is used in the inventors' model to compute a SPS porosity and an absolute permeability at a reference SPS pressure and a reference sorbed gas composition. Preferably, the reference pressure is atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: For extracting a liquid (such as oil) from a porous medium, the liquid is subjected to pulses that propagate through the liquid flowing through the pores of the medium. The pulses cause momentary surges in the velocity of the liquid, which keeps the pores open. The pulses can be generated in the production well, or in a separate excitation well. If the pulses travel with the liquid, the velocity of travel of the liquid through the pores can be increased. The solid matrix is kept stationary, and the pulses move through the liquid. The pulses in the liquid can be generated directly in the liquid, or indirectly in the liquid via a localized area of the solid matrix.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a gas-hydrate extracting device and method whereby a high-performance jet fluid is injected from a nozzle at the tip of an extraction pipe inserted into a gas-hydrate stratum, and whereby said jet fluid breaks said stratum so as to form a gas-hydrate mixed fluid that is transferred to surface of the earth, and whereby the void resulting from the removal of said gas hydrate is filled with the components of said high-performance jet fluid and a void-refilling fluid.

Abstract: A method of stimulating coalbed methane production by injecting gas into a producer and subsequently placing the producer back on production is described. A decrease in water production may also result. The increase in gas production and decrease in water production may result from: (1) the displacement of water from the producer by gas; (2) the establishment of a mobile gas saturation at an extended distance into the coalbed, extending outward from the producer; and (3) the reduction in coalbed methane partial pressure between the coal matrix and the coal's cleat system.

Abstract: A process for in situ gasification of mineral oil in a subterranean formation comprises running a tool having a controllable thermal device therein from a surface production facility down to the subterranean formation, bringing said tool into operational proximity with the mineral oil in said subterranean formation, and activating the tool to operate the thermal device within a predetermined temperature range to generate gases or oily vapours from said mineral oil, which permits either an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method with reduced water contamination, or a gas production process (GPP) which is useful in reducing environmental risks normally associated with transport of crude oil.

Abstract: A method and composition are described for improving recovery of oil from an oil reservoir. The method includes adding an effective amount of a fatty acid alkyl ester oil recovery composition to an oil reservoir and recovering oil from the reservoir. The composition may include in predominant proportion a fatty acid alkyl ester as well as effective concentrations of a surfactant, a colloid, and an acid. One exemplary composition includes 96% soy methyl ester, 3% surfactant, and 1% vinegar.

Abstract: A process for recovery of hydrocarbons in a production fluid from an underground reservoir of said hydrocarbons, the process comprising of: (a) injecting a viscosity reducing solvent of a fraction of said hydrocarbons into said reservoir at a pressure in the reservoir of above a liquid/vapor phase change pressure of a fraction of said solvent; said pressure in said reservoir also being sufficient to cause geomechanical formation dilation or pore fluid compression, and then, (b) allowing said solvent to mix with said hydrocarbons under pore dilation conditions, and then, (c) reducing the pressure in said reservoir to below said liquid/vapor phase change pressure of at least said fraction of said solvent thereby evincing solvent gas drive of said fraction of said hydrocarbons from said reservoir; and then, (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) as required.

Abstract: This patent relates to a process whereby two, or more, filter/sieves or water blockages are produced by injecting the interactive chemicals used to form gels and polymers at reservoir temperatures independently and sequentially into a well in such a manner that the chemicals only come into contact with each other at the desired depth of penetration in the formation. At this location in the reservoir, which can be determined by appropriate calculation, the injection is stopped and the intermixed and superimposed chemicals are allowed to react to form the filter/sieves of a gel or polymer depending upon the nature of the individual chemicals injected.

Abstract: LASER-CSS provides a method to improve cyclic steam-based thermal recovery methods for heavy oils and bitumen. A key improvement over prior art consists of mixing liquid hydrocarbons into the injected steam instead of injecting such hydrocarbon as a separate slug in front of a steam stimulation cycle. The objective of the invention is to enhance field applications of Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) by contacting and mobilizing more of the bitumen with the same amount of steam. This is to help increase the recovery efficiency and ultimate recovery normally achieved with conventional CSS-type process operations. The proposed LASER-CSS method utilizes existing CSS wells at some intermediate stage of reservoir depletion. Liquid hydrocarbons are directly mixed and flashed into the injected steam lines, injected into the CSS wellbores and further transported as vapors to contact heavy oil or bitumen surrounding steamed areas between adjacent wells.

Abstract: An improved method for management of by-products from subterranean zones, comprising drilling a first well system into a subterranean zone, wherein the first well system comprises a first drainage pattern. By-product and gas from a first volume of the subterranean zone is removed via the first well system. A second well system is drilled into the subterranean zone, wherein the second well system comprises a second drainage pattern, and by-product is moved from a second volume of the subterranean zone to the first volume of the subterranean zone. Gas is then produced from the second volume of the subterranean zone. Subsequent drainage patterns repeat the process.

Abstract: Steam is injected into the reservoir, heats the reservoir to mobilize and recover at least a fraction of reservoir hydrocarbons, forming a steam chamber in the reservoir. The steam is continuously injected into the reservoir to mobilize and recover reservoir hydrocarbons therefrom until at least one of (i) an upper surface of the chamber has progressed vertically to a position that is approximately 25 percent to 75 percent the distance from the bottom of the injection well to the top of the reservoir, and (ii) the recovery rate of the hydrocarbons is approximately 25 percent to 75 percent of the peak predicted recovery rate using steam-assisted gravity drainage. A viscosity-reducing hydrocarbon solvent is injected into the reservoir, the solvent being capable of existing in vapor form in the chamber and being just below the solvent's saturation pressure in the chamber, mobilizing and recovering additional hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbons through a heater wellbore positioned in a hydrocarbon containing formation. The in situ treatment process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed, in some embodiments, to transfer from one or more heaters to a selected section of the formation. Heat that is allowed to transfer to the selected section may pyrolyze at least some of the hydrocarbons within the selected section. The process may include, in some embodiments, selectively limiting a temperature proximate a selected portion of a heater wellbore to inhibit coke formation at or near the selected portion. In some embodiments fluids may be produced at certain locations of a heater wellbore such that coke formation is inhibited.

Abstract: This patent relates to a method for re-establishing oil and/or gas production from an underground formation from a well that has experienced water breakthrough, the method comprising: injecting a first carrier fluid containing a reactive chemical into the well; injecting a spacer fluid into the well; injecting a gel or polymer progenitor fluid into the well, wherein the reactive chemical fluid is injected before or after the progenitor fluid and the spacer is injected between the injections of the reactive chemical fluid and progenitor fluid, and re-establishing oil and/or gas production from the well.

Abstract: A world threatening explosion has been assessed as overdue for a supervolcano discovered under the US Yellowstone National Park. Recent proposals give a method for the controlled evacuation of the volcanic magma to prevent the explosion. The present proposals are much simpler. The evacuation would be through a single evacuation tube, 10 and 11. Means for heating the hot volcanic magma evacuation flow prevent an unacceptable increase of stickiness in the very long tube. The heating may use small combustion chambers to heat steam, which in turn heats, drives, and stabilises the magma flow by injection from 16. Stability is aided by central cooling, using water jets from nozzles 15 and 17 at the wall.

Abstract: A programmable controller for operating an artificial lift well is provided to monitor and operate a variety of analog and digital devices. An on-cycle of the well is initiated based on a pressure differential measured between a casing pressure and a sales line pressure. When a predetermined ON pressure differential is observed, the controller initiates the on-cycle and open a motor valve to permit fluid and gas accumulated in the tubing to eurged out of the well. Thereafter, the controller initiates a mandatory flow period and maintains the motor valve open for a period of time. The valve remains open as the system transitions into the sales time period. During sales time, the controller monitors the gas flow through an orifice disposed in the sales line. A differential pressure transducer is used to measure a pressure differential across the orifice. When the measure pressure differential is less than or equal to a predetermined OFF pressure differential, the controller initiates the off cycle.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation comprises injecting a heated injection fluid composition into the formation. The heated injection fluid composition comprises at least steam and/or hot water (“W”) and a solvent (“S”) into the formation. Suitable solvents include C1 to C30 hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and combinations thereof. The heated injection fluid composition has a first W to S volume ratio, (W:S)1, greater than or equal to about 5:1. The W to S volume ratio is subsequently reduced, at least once, to a different W to S volume ratio, (W:S)n, wherein at least one (W:S)n is less than (W:S)1 and each (W:S)n is greater than or equal to about 1.5:1 and n is in the range of from about 2 to about 12,000.

Abstract: A well (1) extending from the earth's surface (2) to an underground production formation (4) containing hydrocarbon oil and water, which well (1) above the production formation (4) is provided with a separation chamber (6) in which a static oil/water separator (10) is arranged comprising an inlet (12) to receive well fluid from an inlet well section (13) below the separation chamber (6), an outlet (15) for an oil-enriched component opening into the well section (16) above the separation chamber (6) and an outlet (18) for a water-enriched component opening into a discharge well section (19) below the separation chamber, wherein the height of the separation chamber (6) is larger than the thickness of the dispersion band that is formed under normal operation conditions.

Abstract: A microemulsion comprising (i) an oil phase, (ii) an aqueous phase comprising an aqueous solution of a water soluble oil field or gas field production chemical or an aqueous dispersion of a water dispersible oil field or gas field production chemical and (iii) at least one surfactant, wherein the aqueous phase is distributed in the oil phase in the form of droplets having a diameter in the range 1 to 1000 mn or in the form of microdominans having at least one dimension of length, breath or thickness in the range 1 to 1000 nm.

Abstract: A method for the in-situ extraction of gas from coal seams is provided. Flow paths are produced in gas-containing coal by opening up the structure of the coal by introducing into a bore hole that is sunk into the coal at least one gas and/or liquid under pressure over a prolonged period of time at a pressure that is less than the lowest principal stress determined in a respective seam layer from which gas is to be extracted. The introduction into the bore hole is carried out with a cyclically fluctuating pressure. Gas is subsequently extracted via the bore hole.

Abstract: A process for recovery of hydrocarbons in a production fluid from an underground reservoir of said hydrocarbons, the process comprising of: (a) injecting a viscosity reducing solvent of a fraction of said hydrocarbons into said reservoir at a pressure in the reservoir of above a liquid/vapor phase change pressure of a fraction of said solvent; said pressure in said reservoir also being sufficient to cause geomechanical formation dilation or pore fluid compression, and then, (b) allowing said solvent to mix with said hydrocarbons under pore dilation conditions, and then, (c) reducing the pressure in said reservoir to below said liquid/vapor phase change pressure of at least said fraction of said solvent thereby evincing solvent gas drive of said fraction of said hydrocarbons from said reservoir; and then, (d) repeating steps (a) to (c) as required.

Abstract: Gaseous and liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) are applied to a landfill well to penetrate the landfill under rapid pressurization and depressurization repeated in cycles, with or without leachate or fluid in the well. These cycles can be repeated until the CO2 flows more freely down a lower pressure gradient in the well into the landfill surrounding the well screen, creating fissures in the landfill which allow methane and other gases to enter the well, thereby significantly enhancing methane and other landfill gas recovery.

Abstract: This patent application relates to a process whereby a filter/sieve is produced by injecting the interactive chemicals used to form gels and polymers at reservoir temperatures independently and sequentially into a well in such a manner that the chemicals only come into contact with each other at the desired depth of penetration in the formation. At this location in the reservoir, which can be determined by appropriate calculation, the injection is stopped and the intermixed and superimposed chemicals are allowed to react to form the filter/sieve of a gel or polymer depending upon the nature of the individual chemicals injected.

Abstract: A method of stimulating coalbed methane production by injecting gas into a producer and subsequently placing die producer back on production is described. A decrease in water production may also result The increase in gas production and decrease in water production may result from: (1) die displacement of water from die producer by gas; (2) die establishment of a mobile gas saturation at an extended distance into the coalbed, extending outward from the producer; and (3) the reduction in coalbed methane partial pressure between the coal matrix and die coal's cleat system.