Abstract: A method of removing formation damage through the controlled injection of fluids into the formation, followed by a controlled sudden release of pressure in the formation, an under-balanced surge, which causes fluid and damaging materials to flow back into the well bore. This method is most effective when repeated more than once.

Abstract: A technique includes arranging perforating charges of a perforating gun into groups of adjacent perforating charges. Each perforating charge of each group is aligned in a direction associated with the group. The groups are oriented to form a phasing for the perforating gun.

Abstract: Perforation and stimulation of a plurality of selected sections of a cased well is completed with a single insertion of a well tool. The process includes successive stages of perforating and stimulating selected sections of the well in sequence starting from a lowest section in the wellbore. In each stage, selected charges carried by a perforating gun of the well tool are detonated to perforate the casing and stimulation fluid is pumped through the perforating gun to an injection nozzle connected to a bottom end of the perforating gun.

Abstract: Methods for thermochemically augmenting hydrocarbon inflow from a production formation increases the treatment efficacy in the oil and gas producing industry. A combustible oxidizing compound (COC) is pumped into the formation treatment zone and a combustion initiator is then introduced into the treatment zone. The combustion initiator is a solid or liquid compound on the base of a metal and/or metalloid hydride. In particular, salt hydrides such as alkaline metal boranes can be used.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil in a reservoir by generating chemical microexplosions in the reservoir. The invention treats the hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir by decomposing in situ at least one PEH-3CO, thereby generating heat, shock, and CO2. A preferred method comprises the steps of depositing PEH-3CO into the formation and depositing an acid into the formation to cause the PEH-3CO to decompose and generate heat and gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides explosive compositions adapted for use in downhole well applications requiring high temperature explosives that may be exposed to elevated temperatures for extended periods of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a frangible rupture disc or other frangible device from a wellbore casing. The casing has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable glass ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in the holes and retained therein. The glass ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand fluid differential pressure normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impingement by a pressure wave thereon. The pressure wave is provided by a pressure wave generating device positionable in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. The pressure generative device may generate a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave. Methods of perforating a well casing using a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave are also disclosed.

Abstract: A procedure for treating the perforations of a well, in particular by intervention of a cable, in order to plug them or consolidate them comprises the successive steps of: (a) arranging, close to the perforation to be treated (50, 54), a dehydration powder chamber (32) that produces a large volume of high pressure gas at a high temperature, as well as a composite powder chamber (40) designed to treat the perforation (50, 54); (b) igniting the dehydration powder; and (c) once the combustion of the dehydration powder is completed, igniting the composite powder so the treatment of the perforation (50, 54) can take place. The invention also relates to a device for implementing this procedure.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil in a reservoir by generating chemical microexplosions in the reservoir. The invention treats the hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir by decomposing in situ at least one imidazolidone derivative, thereby generating heat, shock, and CO2. A preferred method comprises the steps of depositing an imidazolidone derivative into the formation and depositing an acid into the formation to cause the imidazolidone derivative to decompose and generate heat and gas.

Abstract: A method of breaking rock (18), e.g. in underground mining, includes drilling a hole in the rock mass by means of a drilling machine (20) having an articulated boom (22) and a drilling tool (24) at the end of the boom (22). After drilling, the drilling tool (20) is retracted, charge means is indexed with the hole, and a rock breaking charge (30) is charged into the hole. The charge (30) includes a propellant, a fuse head (40), and a tamping medium (34), conveniently contained in the casing (32). The tamping medium (34), e.g. a two-component resin, is discharged into the hole and allowed to set around and rearward of the propellant. The driving machine (20) is removed and the propellant is actuated from a remote position, e.g. electrically.

Abstract: A tool activating system includes a multiple control units coupled to activate devices in a tool string positioned in a well. A processor is capable of communicating with the control units to send commands to the control units as well as to retrieve information (such as unique identifiers and status) of the control units. Selective activation of the control units may be performed based on the retrieved information. Further, defective control units or devices may be bypassed or skipped over.

Abstract: A system for inducing implosion shock forces on perforation traversing earth formations with fluid pressure where an implosion tool is selected relative to a shut in well pressure and a tubing pressure to have a large and small area piston relationship in a well tool so that at a predetermined tubing pressure the pistons move a sufficient distance to open an implosion valve which permits a sudden release of well fluid pressure into the tubing string and produces an implosion force on the perforations. A pressure gauge on the well tool records tubing pressure and well pressure as a function of time.

Abstract: A method of stemming a borehole (6) includes the steps of placing a first layer (16) of stemming in the borehole, placing a spherical body (20) in the borehole on top of the layer (16), the body being relatively incompressible and a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the borehole, and placing a second layer (18) of stemming in the borehole over the body. The stemming (16, 18) may be placed in the borehole either in direct contact with an explosive (8), or spaced from it by a gas bag (24) or the like form a deck (22). In accordance with an alternate application, the stemming layers (16, 18) may be placed in the borehole prior to placement of an explosive material such that it serves as backfill. Preferably, the stemming includes crushed rock and drill cuttings such as those produced during formation of the borehole. However, other available materials may also be used such as gravel.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of stimulating fluid production from an unconsolidated formation penetrated by a well bore while reducing or preventing the migration of formation sands with fluids produced from the formation. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing an explosive in the well bore adjacent to the zone, creating at least one fracture extending from the well bore into the zone, depositing a hardenable resin composition coated proppant in the fracture with some of the resin composition coated proppant also being deposited in the well bore, causing the resin composition to harden and then detonating the explosive to thereby break up and cause the removal of at least a portion of the consolidated proppant in the well bore.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon producing well is treated by first igniting a gas generating charge in the well to clean out perforations communicating between the casing and the formation without creating high permeability channels adjacent the perforations or fracturing the formation in a macroscopic sense. Then, a treatment liquid is injected into the wells by a gas generating propellant charge placed in the production string and then ignited. The propellant charge is designed to produce a minimum horsepower sufficient to push the liquid more-or-less equally through all of the open perforations. The propellant charge is designed to produce a maximum horsepower which is less than what is necessary to fracture the formation. Basically, the combustion rate of the propellant charge is reduced by one of a multiplicity of techniques to produce a long, relatively slow combustion rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening perforations in a casing string. The casing string has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in said holes and retained therein. The ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand the fluid differential pressures normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impact by a mild explosive charge. The explosive charge is provided by detonating a length of det-cord disposed in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. A method of perforating using this apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for severing a tubular, such as a drill string, which is stuck within a subterranean well bore. A volume of liquid explosive is positioned within a housing and initially restrained against movement therein. The housing is lowered within the tubular and positioned at a location where the tubular is to be severed. The volume of liquid explosive is then moved into closer proximity to the tubular and detonated thereby severing the tubular. A portion of the tubular is then removed from the well bore.

Abstract: A wellbore completion system utilizes casing conveyed devices to establish a fluid communication path between a downhole formation and the casing string. Extendible pistons are mounted in the wall of the casing pipe string and are extended toward contact with the downhole formation after the casing is set. An explosive device is mounted in the pistons and includes a detonator and a shaped charge. The detonator is housed in a plug threaded into one end of the piston. The shaped charge is housed in a canister conveniently inserted into the other end of the piston. The explosives included in the system may thus be conveniently assembled at the well site. Explosive in the pistons are activated by a separately conveyed activation system which produces a pressure wave to detonate the explosives and establish fluid communication between the casing and formation.

Abstract: A self-contained tool incorporates an electronic system for significantly reducing the number of batteries required to detonate an explosive downhole, making the tool short enough for transport by helicopter, rather than by boat, to an offshore well. This shortness is further beneficial for negotiating tight-radius bends in deviated wells. Safety is improved by a shear pin holding a pressure-activated switch in an open position until sufficient pressure shears the shear pin. Control from the surface is provided in applications where fluid pressure is controlled at the surface and raised to shear the shear pin. Longer run-in time is better accommodated by the combination of the electronic system and the shear pin.

Abstract: A method for completing a well penetrating a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation by positioning a perforating gun in an uncased portion of a wellbore penetrating the solid carbonaceous subterranean formation; perforating the coal formation; and, producing fluids and particulate coal from the coal formation through the well to form a cavity in the coal formation surrounding the well.

Abstract: A method and device for stimulating and completing a drilled wellbore in a productive formation. The device comprises a pipe having a plurality of weakened portions and containing a propellant material. When the propellant is ignited it produces rapidly expanding gaseous combustion products which puncture the weakened portions of the pipe. The expanding gas fractures the surrounding formation thereby stimulating the formation to production. The pipe remains in the wellbore and is used for collecting oil and gas from the formation.

Abstract: A fluid actuated detonating device is shown being used to activate explosive devices in a borehole. The detonating device has an explosive detonation charge arranged in a housing wherein a rupture disc in the wall of the housing separates the explosive charge from a fluid environment so that when pressure in the fluid environment is raised to a sufficient level the rupture disc fails and communicates a sudden pressure wave to the explosive to detonate the explosive.

Abstract: Perforations and other openings in well casings, liners and other conduits may be substantially blocked or sealed to prevent fluid flow between the casing or liner interior and an earth formation by placing a radially expansible sleeve adjacent the perforations or openings and urging the sleeve into forcible engagement with the casing or inner wall using an explosive charge. An apparatus including a radially contracted sleeve formed by a coiled plate member or a tubular member having flutes defined by external and internal folds, may be deployed into a well casing or liner through a production or injection tubing string and on the end of a flexible cable or coilable tubing. An explosive charge disposed on the apparatus and within the sleeve may be detonated to urge the sleeve into forcible engagement with the casing inner wall.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for stimulating, refurbishing, or otherwise increasing production from water wells, using pressure waveforms and mass displacement within the well bore volume. The non-destructive methods are useful in a variety of water production contexts and can be modified downhole to meet specific performance requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blasting of hard rock using a highly insensitive energetic material ignited with a moderately high energy electrical discharge causing the fracturing and break up of the hard rock is provided. The blasting apparatus comprises a reusable blasting probe including a high voltage electrode and a ground return electrode separated by an insulating tube. The two electrodes of the blasting probe are in electrical contact with a continuous volume of highly insensitive yet combustible material such as a metal powder and oxidizer mixture. The metal particles within the metal powder and oxidizer mixture form a plurality of fusible metal paths between the high voltage electrode and the ground return when subjected to an electric current delivered from a large capacitor bank coupled to the high voltage electrode.

Abstract: Linear apertures are created in well casing through the use of linear charges lowered into the well casing in place; hydraulic fracturing conducted through the linear apertures achieves larger and less dissipated fractures than conventional small circular perforations which generate near well bore tortuosity. The linear charges can also be used in open bores and in overbalance perforating.

Abstract: A perforation trigger bypass conduit assembly (10) for a well perforation gun (17) positioned in a well casing (12) at a down-hole location below a tubular completion assembly (16). A pressure sensing device (20) senses a detonation pressure of fluid communicated from a pump (21) through bypass conduit assembly (10) to the sensor (20). The sensing device (20) triggers the gun upon sensing a pressure surpassing a predetermined value, which perforates the casing (12). The bypass conduit assembly (10) is formed to enable blocking of the bypass conduit assembly (10) after triggering of the perforation gun (17) to prevent pumping of production and power fluid back into the formation upon severing of a portion (34) of the conduit assembly (10). Blocking can be effected by removing a member (25) which contains a passageway (51) forming part of the bypass conduit assembly (10) and replacing the removable member (25) with a passageway-free insert member (35).

Abstract: An actuating tool which is conveyed into a tubing string to attach to portions of an emplaced perforating gun. The tool includes an actuator with an electronic delay timer and an explosive device. The tool attaches to an emplaced perforating gun and detonates it by initiating an explosive charge along a complete explosive pathway formed between the actuator and gun, the actuator includes a tandem piston arrangement functional at most existing hydrostatic pressure levels, but nonfunctional at or near the surface of the wellbore. The tool may be withdrawn from the tubing string for a backup detonation tool to be placed into the tubing string to detonate a secondary firing head.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for severing multiple concentric casing strings in an abandoned oil or gas well allowing the upper portion of the casing strings to be removed comprising positioning a container holding a sealed cylinder full of air at atmospheric pressure that is surrounded by a high velocity explosive in the casing at the location of the desired cut. Igniting the explosive at one end of the container so that the mixture detonates producing a shock wave and gas bubbles that travel downwardly progressively, collapsing the sealed cylinder and increasing the pressure of the air in the cylinder until the cylinder fails whereby pressurized air forced from the cylinder causes the shock wave and gas bubbles from the TNT, RDX, and aluminum mixture to move laterally and sever the casing strings.

Abstract: A method for supplying gas to gas consumers, which method resides in forming a storage reservoir above a gas-saturated water-bearing horizon under development, filling the storage reservoir thus-formed with gas by periodically subjecting the horizon under development to extraneous effects, followed by delivering the gas to gas consumers. Extraneous effects can be exerted by generating elastic vibrations, providing a pressure difference, raising the temperature, applying electromagnetic field oscillations, or combining these factors. If the method of the invention is used in seismically active areas or in regions exposed to effects of elastic vibrations, its efficiency is considerably increased.

Abstract: A method of consolidating an incompetent particulate in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore accomplished by introducing fluids to be injected into a wellbore into coiled tubing while the tubing is outside the wellbore and thereafter pumping the fluids from the coiled tubing into the wellbore after circulating ports open in a firing head in response to initiation of the variable delay firing head for ignition of a gas generator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a capacitor bank for storing electrical charge to which is coupled an inductance which delivers the electric charge as a current through a switch to an explodable conductor comprising a portion of a probe. The explodable conductor is a ribbon helically wound on a cylindrical mandril, the ribbon having a given length to cross section ratio which is proportional to the square root of the ratio of the inductance to the capacitance in order to ensure efficient dissipation of an optimal amount of the electrical energy stored in the capacitance.

Abstract: A tracer system can monitor in real-time the propagation of a fracture through a rock formation traversed by a well borehole, during hydraulic fracturing processes. The inventive system permits continuous measurement of the movement of gamma-emitting tracers in the fracturing fluid, while the fluid is pumped into the formation. The tracers are injected into the fluid from downhole-placed exploding charges. The fracturing fluid with the tracers passes through perforated production casing into the induced formation fracture, and the tracers emit characteristic gamma radiation. Multiple sodium-iodide scintillometer detectors, arrayed on the logging tool above and below the neutron source, are calibrated to detect the characteristic energy spectra emitted from the activated radioactive tracer isotopes in the fractured formation through the formation rock and the steel production casing and tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of widening or extending fractures in a subterranean formation which intersect a wellbore to enhance the flow of fluids from the formation. The enhancement is achieved by introducing an explosive gas comprising a gaseous oxidizer and a gaseous fuel and optionally a quantity of inert gas into at least one fracture intersecting the wellbore and then detonating the explosive gas. The detonation produces a pressure wave which passes down the length of the fracture. The pressure wave can cause the fracture to extend and can cause the face of the fracture to yield whereby rubble is produced within the fracture which can prop the fracture in an open position.Identical application of the method can be used to rubblize a formation for solution mining of minerals of said formation.

Abstract: A production valve includes an outer housing having a production port, a piston disposed within the outer housing and adapted to move from one position to another position, a frangible breakup element supporting the piston in the one position, and a detonating cord adapted for propagating a detonation wave passing through the center of the piston and the breakup element. The detonation wave shatters the frangible breakup element when the detonation wave, propagating within the detonating cord, passes through the breakup element. When the breakup element shatters, the support provided to the piston by the breakup element is removed. When the support provided to the piston by the breakup element is removed, the piston moves from the one position to the other position in response to either tubing pressure or rathole pressure or both, and the production port of the production valve opens when the piston moves to the other position.

Abstract: A firing head actuator for a perforating gun includes an atmospheric pressure chamber which is run into the well on a slick line. The atmospheric pressure chamber can then be communicated with a low pressure side of an actuating piston to move the piston and initiate firing of the perforating guns. Either pyrotechnic or electrical time delays may be built in to the firing head actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stimulating the production zone of an oil well having a high pressure gas gun and a coil tubing conduit to deliver cleaning, stimulating, and cooling liquid to the zone while firing the gun. The coil tubing conduit has discharge ports positioned to allow discharge of the liquid at or near the gun to provide cooling of the gun's electrical transmission line and the gun's moving parts. The gun may be gradually withdrawn from the production zone while continuing to fire the gun to stimulate the production zone.

Abstract: A propellant is ignited within a well to rapidly produce combustion gases to generate pressure exceeding the fracture extension pressure of the surrounding formation. Combustion gases are generated at a rate greater than can be absorbed into any single fracture, thereby causing propagation of multiple fractures into the surrounding formation. In one embodiment, each segment of the propellant is in the form of a solid cylindrical body of fuel/oxidizer surrounded by an expandable casing made of a material similar to a fire hose. A linear shaped charge extends between the casing and the propellant. Upon ignition of the shaped charge, combustion gases quickly stretch the casing thereby allowing the hot gases to surround and ignite the entire propellant surface area. The propellant then burns in a radially inward direction in a predictable manner.

Abstract: A method for plugging and unplugging the slots or openings in slotted liners in wells is provided. A resin is coated onto the slotted liner by using an explosive to disperse the resin from an elongated container onto the surrounding slotted liner.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a subterranean formation containing desired natural resources in which controlled pulse fracturing (CPF) is combined with hydraulic fracturing in a second wellbore along with hydraulic fracturing in a first wellbore. Multiple radial vertical fractures are created by CPF in the second wellbore by a solidifiable gel material which is directed into created fractures during a subsequent hydraulic fracturing procedure. During this procedure, multiple vertical hydraulic fractures initiate in and propagate away from CPF created fractures thereby bringing the second wellbore fracture system into fluid communication with the fracture system of the first wellbore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for perforating the formation in a wellbore wherein the wellbore is established for the production of hydrocarbons. The formation is perforated by explosive material carried in pistons which are carried within either the pipe casing or the collars or both and remain generally within the maximum outward profile of the pipe string so as not to interfere with the movement and placement of the pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe string may be rotated, reciprocated and circulated which enhances the ability of the installer to place the pipe string in a deviated or long reach wellbore. Once the pipe string is in place, the pistons may be deployed by one of several methods such that pistons mounted in openings in the peripheral wall of the pipe string move outwardly with sufficient force to move the pipe string way from the walls of the wellbore sufficient to form a complete annulus for cementing.

Abstract: An expendable plug is shown for use in a well bore tool for controlling the flow of well bore fluids from a production zone to the well surface. The plug is located within a tubular housing which is made up in a well tubing string having an internal bore with a predetermined minimum internal diameter. The plug initially closes off the internal bore of the tubing string at a selected location. An actuator is triggered by an appropriate signal to expend the plug of expendable material, and to remove the plug from the internal bore of the tubing string, whereby fluids in the surrounding earthen formation are allowed to flow up the tubing string to the well surface.

Abstract: Methods are provided for chemically consolidating subterranean formations around wells using resins. Resins are forced into the formations by high pressures instantaneously applied when perforations are formed in casing in wells or when pressures are released from tubing in wells. Perforating, explosives or gas generators may be used in addition to the high pressures for driving resins into formations. The resins are polymerized to form permeable consolidated zones around wells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for severing tubular members and is provided with a carrier, which carries a sparging assembly and an explosive assembly downwardly into the tubular member to be severed. The outlet of the sparging assembly is below the lower end of the carrier and is at a level adjacent to the level of the explosive charge carried by the explosive assembly. The sparging assembly dislodges and agitates the debris accumulated within the tubular member and evacuates it from the level, wherein it is deployed, simultaneously allowing progression of the explosive assembly downward along the interior of the tubular member.

Abstract: In a well treatment method, a fluid is positioned in a wellbore have formation perforations in alignment with the portion thereof to be treated. A gas generator is positioned in proximity with the fluid and is actuated to disperse the fluid within the wellbore in accordance with a pressure/time relationship. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid is a fluid resin material which is polymerized following operation of the gas generator to form a consolidated, porous, permeable matrix which retains sand and other fine materials while permitting the flow of production fluid into the well.

Abstract: A method for diverting resins and other treating fluids used for sand control in wells drilled through unconsolidated subterranean formations is provided. Explosives placed in the wellbore in proximity to the treating solutions are actuated to divert the solutions through all perforations in the casing of the well and allow sand-free production of fluids through the well.

Abstract: An apparatus attenuates a shock, such as an impact load from an explosion, by undergoing plastic deformation and by serially dissipating energy from a plurality of surfaces. In a particular embodiment, the plastic deformation and serial energy dissipation occur in and from a hollow unitary body having a cylindrical wall in which are defined a plurality of longitudinally spaced circumferential grooves. A method of attenuating shock from an explosion in an oil gas well comprises: lowering into the well an explosive connected to a shock attenuating member; detonating the explosive whereby an impact load with a shock wave is generated; and collapsing without severing the member in response to the impact load and dissipating energy of the shock wave from a plurality of surfaces of the member so that the shock wave is attenuated along the member.

Abstract: In a well treatment method, a fluid is positioned in a wellbore have formation perforations in alignment with the portion thereof to be treated. A gas generator is positioned in proximity with the fluid and is actuated to disperse the fluid within the wellbore in accordance with a pressure/time relationship. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid is a fluid resin material which is polymerized following operation of the gas generator to form a consolidated, porous, permeable matrix which retains sand and other fine materials while permitting the flow of production fluid into the well.

Abstract: In a gas-generating chemical reaction carried out in a borehole that is largely filled with water, substantial pressure increases can be generated. This pressure can be used to fracture rocks around the borehole and, hence, stimulate water, oil or gas wells in tight rock formations. This pressure increase can also be used to fracture coal seams for enhanced in-situ gasification or methane recovery. This invention discloses the use of a new, novel system, based on the homogeneous reaction of aluminum alkyls with water, to create a controlled pressure increase. The most appropriate reaction mixture, as characterized by the rise of time of the generated pressure pulse and the energy content per unit length of borehole charge, is disclosed in this new invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving adiabatic heat ignition of combustible material, particularly explosive compositions which involves entrapping a quantity of gas in a chamber which is in communication with the combustible material and suddenly compressing the gas to the extent that the temperature thereof is increased adiabatically to the ignition temperature of the combustible material. The apparatus is particularly adaptable for use as an adiabatic ignition device for detonating cord and shaped charges of perforating guns for completion of wells. A quantity of high explosive within an explosive barrel is in detonating proximity with the detonating cord. A cylinder forms an air chamber which is in communication with the explosive composition and is provided with a piston for compression of the gas. One or more shear pins or other locking devices are provided to secure the piston in immovable relation with the cylinder.