Abstract: An apparatus for use in wellbores that enables the running in, washing down, gravel packing, reversing excess slurry, and the spotting of post gravel pack fluids on a single trip. The one trip apparatus comprises a housing having an exterior and a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, and a lateral port providing a communication path between the housing longitudinal bore and the exterior of the housing. A first sleeve is disposed within the housing longitudinal bore that has a longitudinal passageway therethrough and is capable of being positioned in an upper position and a lower position relative to the housing. First and second lateral passageways extend through the wall of the first sleeve. A second sleeve is disposed within the first sleeve and also has a longitudinal passageway therethrough. The second sleeve is capable of being positioned in an upper position and a lower position relative to the first sleeve.

Abstract: Improved aqueous fracturing fluids are disclosed that are particularly useful as well stimulation fluids to fracture tight (i.e., low permeability) subterranean formations. Gas wells treated with these fracturing fluids have rapid cleanup and enhanced well production. The fluids contain small but sufficient amounts of certain amine oxides to aid in the removal of the fracturing fluid from the formation. By facilitating the removal of fluid from the invaded zones, the amount of damage to the fracture faces in the formation is thereby minimized. The amine oxides correspond to the formula I, wherein R1 is an aliphatic group of from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, and wherein R2 and R3 are each independently alkyl of from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. The amine oxides in which R1 is an alkyl group are preferred, and those in which R1 is an alkyl group of from 8 to 10 carbon atoms and R2 and R3 are each methyl or ethyl groups are most preferred.

Abstract: The use of high flash point, low vapor pressure compositions for injection into, and coating of, gas and oil wells and surrounding underground hydrocarbon bearing formations and processing equipment for the purpose of removing scale, paraffins, tars, and other viscous constituents. Treatment results in increased flow of gas and/or oil and decreased adhesion of soil and scale in all aspects of oil and gas recovery, including hydrocarbon bearing formations, casings, lines and pumping equipment. The composition contains about 40 to 99 wt. % of a fatty acid alkyl ester blend and about 1 to 25 wt. % of at least one lower alkyl glycol ether.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a well casing and a method for its use. The apparatus includes: a coupling having first and second ends, the first end constructed and arranged for connection to a drill stem of a drilling rig having vertical and rotational motion and means for pumping liquid therethrough to the coupling, the coupling having a central passageway therethrough connected to the means for pumping liquid; a drill collar tube having first and second ends, the first end of the drill collar tube connected to the second end of the coupling, the drill collar tube having a central passageway therethrough connected to the central passageway of the coupling, an outer surface, a plurality of nozzles disposed between the central passageway and the outer surface, and closure means for closing the second end of the drill collar tube; and a plurality of brushes disposed generally perpendicularly to the outer surface of the drill collar tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for substantially cleaning fill from a borehole, variously including in preferred embodiments disturbing, particulate solids of fill while RIH, entraining particulates while POOH, jetting downhole while RIH and jetting uphole while POOH, and controlling at least one of a pump rate regime or a POOH rate regime.

Abstract: Acid based micro-emulsions are disclosed comprising water, an acid blend, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, a co-solvent, a solvent and an oxidizer. The micro-emulsions have particular utility in cleaning oil sludges and drilling mud residues from well cuttings, well formations and down hole and surface oil well drilling and production equipment.

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 and apparatus for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil is disclosed. The combination pressure and surge wash tool has a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly. A diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups. A pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for washing a wellbore ahead of an expansion swedge and radially expanding a sand-control screen jacket in a subterranean well. The methods and apparatus can be used in either the bottom-up or top-down direction and can accomplish borehole washing and screen expansion in a single trip.

Abstract: In order to simplify the cleaning and disinfection of water wells, perforated casings are installed outside and adjacent to a water well casing and screen. This installation provides cleaning and disinfection capability of the well without removing the well's pump. The number of adjacent perforated casings can range from one for a small diameter well to three or more for lager diameter wells. The perforated casings define alternating blank sections and perforated sections.

Abstract: A system is provided which has a downhole membrane separator, including a membrane, which separates hydrocarbons, such as methane and oil, from other contaminants, such as CO2 and water. After the membrane becomes fouled with contaminants after separating a sufficient quantity of a feedstock, the membrane is backflushed or chemically treated, in place to assist in the removal of contaminants from the membrane. An explosive may be used to create the a pressure wave which backflushes the membrane. Or else, the pressure differential across the membrane may be reversed to create the backflushing action. Chemicals may be used to assist in removing foulants. Or else, a spray or bubbler system may be used to create turbulence to assist in the removal of a foulant. Methods of unfouling the membrane are also taught including backflushing and chemical treatment of the membranes to removed unwanted contaminants from the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for removing a water-based drilling fluid from surfaces in a well bore and leaving the surfaces water-wet. A method of the invention basically comprises the following steps. A water-based drilling fluid removal solution comprised of water and a mixture of a sulfonated kraft lignin salt and an N-methyl-N-oleyltaurine salt dissolved therein is provided. The drilling fluid is displaced from the well bore and the well bore surfaces are contacted with the removal solution to thereby remove the drilling fluid from the surfaces and make the surfaces water-wet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the production of newly developed water wells and existing wells that have suffered a reduction in capacity due to plugging. A gas line directs gas under pressure to a relief valve carried in the production string at a location in the production zone of the well. When the applied pressure reaches the pressure setting of the relief valve, the valve opens to apply air sidewardly in bursts which create shock waves to dislodge built up material from the well screen and the surrounding filter pack and formation fractures. Following each burst, the pressure conditions create a flushing effect which draws water back into the well along with the bacteria and particles that were dislodged. A submersible pump or airlift assembly in the production string then delivers the dislodged materials to the surface.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid composition effective to reduce oil-containing residue and water wet wellbore surfaces is provided. The fluid composition comprises a terpene composition and a surfactant. Methods for use of the fluid composition as a single spacer or as a multiple spacer in conjunction with a second fluid are provided. Methods for use of the composition in reduction or removal of oil-containing residue from wellbore surfaces, as a clean-up fluid, in wellbore completions, as a displacement fluid, and in wellbore treatment are provided.

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: Encapsulated water soluble chemicals for use in controlled time release applications, methods of encapsulating the chemicals and methods of using the encapsulated chemicals are provided. The methods of encapsulating the chemicals are basically comprised of forming a first coating of a dry hydrophobic film forming material or a sparingly soluble material which provides a dry shield on the chemical and then forming a second coating of a porous cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on the first coating which prevents the substantial dissolution of the resulting encapsulated chemical for a selected period of time.

Abstract: One or more brush bodies fabricated from an incompressible material, for example, from high density polyurethane, high density polyethylene, high density polypropylene, nylon, ORLON—synthetic forming polymers and copolymers of acrylic acid or its derivatives, high density plastics, phenolic resin-based materials hard rubber, wood, aluminum, or other easily drillable metals, are connected to, or integrally fabricated with one or more elastomeric, conventional cement plugs, and are pumped down within the interior of oilfield casing situated within an earth borehole, to minimize or eliminate the need to run a workstring of drillpipe and drill bit to clean out the interior of the string of casing.

Abstract: A well treatment tool is installed along the sucker rod string of a well, within the surrounding production tube string. The tool provides for the distribution of a treatment fluid (solvent, etc.) within the fluid being pumped or flowing from the well. The tool receives treatment fluid through the hollow sucker rod string, and distributes the fluid through a valve which is set at a predetermined pressure. When the treatment fluid pumped down the sucker rod string from the surface exceeds the predetermined opening pressure of the valve, the treatment fluid is distributed into the production tube string through one or more passages in the tool. The present tool may be used simultaneously with well production, with fluid (oil, etc.) rising up the production tube string, carrying the treatment fluid therewith. The treatment fluid is thus distributed throughout the local fluid processing system, including pipelines from the well, any initial treatment operations, and any storage tanks.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and composition for cleaning and inhibiting solid, bitumin tar, and viscous fluid deposition in well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of a miscible terpene in the well fluid. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning and inhibiting deposits in and on well equipment used in conjunction with a water-based well fluid which includes mixing an effective amount of d-limonene into the well fluid is disclosed.

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: Disclosed is a process for cleaning wellbore walls, tubing or casings.

Abstract: A tubular body or mandrel incorporated into a string of tubular pipe, on which first and second swab cups and first and second metal brushes and a casing scraper are mounted, is run into a cased earth borehole to displace a first fluid in the borehole, usually a drilling fluid, with a second fluid, usually either a completion fluid or a workover fluid. In a first embodiment, reverse circulation, in which the second fluid is pumped into the borehole annulus above the swab cups and/or the metal brushes, and in which the first fluid is thereby pumped back towards the earth's surface through the interior of the string of tubular pipe, causes displacement of the first fluid merely by lowering the string of pipe while pumping the second fluid into the borehole annulus.

Abstract: Well drilling and servicing fluids for use in producing formations and methods of removing filter cake therefrom are provided. The methods basically comprise using a drilling or servicing fluid basically comprised of water, a water soluble salt and a particulate solid bridging agent selected from magnesium oxychloride cement, magnesium oxysulfate cement, magnesium potassium phosphate hexahydrate, magnesium hydrogen phosphate trihydrate and magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate. Thereafter, the filter cake deposited by the drilling or servicing fluid is contacted with an aqueous clean-up solution for a period of time such that the bridging agent is dissolved thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.

Abstract: A straddle packer tool for treatment of wells has a tool body supporting sealing elements in spaced relation for defining a sealed annulus zone within a wellbore. The tool body defines a treatment fluid passage having treatment ports that open to the sealed annulus zone for formation fracturing or other well treatment. The tool body has a bypass passage therethrough which is isolated from the treatment fluid passage and communicates with the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A check valve permits downward flow of well fluid from the bypass passage into the wellbore below the tool and prevents upward flow of fluid into the bypass passage. Bypass ports conduct fluid flow to and from the bypass passage and the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A packer actuated bypass valve is opened or closed to control the flow of well fluid within the bypass passage.

Abstract: A method of preventing corrosion in pipelines comprising draining pipeline of all residual compounds, blowing through with nitrogen and rinsing with a corrosion inhibiting rinsing agent.

Abstract: Well drilling and servicing fluids for use in producing formations and methods of removing filter cake therefrom are provided. The methods basically comprise using a drilling or servicing fluid comprised of water, a density increasing water soluble salt, a fluid loss control agent, a hydratable polymer solid suspending agent and a particulate solid bridging agent which is soluble in an aqueous ammonium salt solution. Thereafter, the filter cake deposited by the drilling or servicing fluid is contacted with a clean-up solution comprised of water and an ammonium salt for a period of time such that the bridging agent is dissolved thereby.

Abstract: A cleanup tool is described for use in a wellbore, the tool having a body which defines flow passages which communicate with the venturi chamber, the venturi chamber itself communicating with a discharge passage for radially or near radially discharging jetted fluid for cleaning a well head or the like. The tool may further include or be associated with filtration devices, including a junk basket or filter screen.

Abstract: The invention provides a head for injecting a liquid under pressure from a borehole to break up the soil, said head being mounted at the end of a drill string including liquid feed means for feeding a liquid under pressure. The head comprises a body and an outside wall, the body having at least one injection nozzle mounted therein, the nozzle having an inlet diameter equal to d and presenting an axis x,x′, the body also having duct-forming means. The duct-forming means present a mean line having a first end connected to the bottom end of the liquid feed means and having a second end connected to the nozzle tangentially to the axis x,x′. The mean line is defined by at least one curved portion presenting a radius of curvature that varies continuously. The right section of the duct-forming means decreases regularly over at least half of its length from its first end to its second end.

Abstract: An improved method for the chlorine dioxide treatment of oil and/or gas well bores is provided, which eliminates the need for costly and complex chlorine dioxide-generating equipment and yields very high concentrations of chlorine dioxide down hole. The preferred method involves the introduction of reactant(s) into a well and causing a reaction to generate chlorine dioxide in situ. Chlorite and hypochlorite ion sources (e.g., sodium chlorite and sodium hypochlorite) are introduced into the well along with an acid. The well may then be flushed with water to force the reactants and chloride dioxide downwardly to the well formation.

Abstract: Well drilling and servicing fluids for use in producing formations and methods of removing filter cake therefrom are provided. The methods basically comprise using a drilling or servicing fluid comprised of water, a density increasing water soluble salt, a fluid loss control agent, a hydratable polymer solid suspending agent and a particulate solid bridging agent which is soluble in an aqueous ammonium salt solution. Thereafter, the filter cake deposited by the drilling or servicing fluid is contacted with a clean-up solution comprised of water and an ammonium salt for a period of time such that the bridging agent is dissolved thereby.

Abstract: An acidizing composition and a method of acidizing a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation in the presence of ferric ions are provided. The acidizing composition includes a strong mineral acid solution, an electron donor agent, a primary electron transfer agent and a secondary electron transfer agent. The primary electron transfer agent is a source of rhenium ions. The secondary electron transfer agent is a source of iodide ion or iodine. The electron donor agent and primary and secondary electron transfer agents function together to reduce ferric ion present in the mineral acid solution to ferrous ion which in turn prevents ferric hydroxide and/or free sulfur from precipitating out of the solution and reduces the formation of sludge in crude oil in the formation. The particular electron transfer agents used in connection with the invention function with virtually all known electron donor agents.

Abstract: A method of taking the energy from the radiator water, exhaust gas system, and/or the mechanical work from the drive shaft of a thermal module and transferring it to a fluid from a tank for the purpose of heating the fluid in the tank, and scavenging the additional energy from the radiator water, exhaust gas system, and/or mechanical work from the drive shaft of a separate system to supplement the energy from the thermal module for the purpose of greater heating the fluid from the tank.

Abstract: A down-hole tool 1 has a body of varying cross-sectional diameter to correspond with a stepped profile of a well bore, such as at the well head. The tool is provided with cleaning members, such as bristles, and fluid circulation paths terminating in radial outlets 11 for cleaning otherwise difficult formations or profiles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which alkane-utilizing bacteria are used to reduce fouling of injection and recovery wells. Fouling materials such as combinations of bacteria and metal oxides that would otherwise clog the wells are prevented from depositing on the wells. In a preferred embodiment, a butane substrate and an oxygen-containing gas are injected near a well inlet or outlet to stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria which are effective at reducing or eliminating fouling of the well.

Abstract: An injection spool for use in the injection of a fluid, for example a slurry of drilling cuttings, into a subsea wellhead assembly has an outer housing having a central bore therethrough. The housing has a first end for connection to a wellhead assembly such that the central bore of the housing is aligned with the central bore of the wellhead assembly. An inner housing, for example an isolation sleeve, having a central bore therethrough is disposed within the central bore in the outer housing, whereby a cavity is formed between the inner housing and the outer housing. A port in the outer housing has an opening into the cavity between the inner housing and the outer housing, through which a fluid may be injected. The inner housing has a portion extending from within the outer housing beyond the first end of the outer housing for forming a cavity within a wellhead assembly to which the injection spool is connected.

Abstract: Methods of treating wells for cementing operations and for improving placement of cement in wells containing water swelling clays include treatment of the well with a fluid containing clay precipitating agents capable of coagulating clays in the well. The coagulating fluid can contain quaternary ammonium salts, aqueous salts of potassium or cesium, or silicates as the clay coagulating agent. The coagulating fluids can be applied to convert soft mud cake into hard mud cake prior to placement of cement.

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: A tubular body or mandrel incorporated into a string of tubular pipe, on which first and second swab cups and a casing scraper are mounted, is run into a cased earth borehole to displace a first fluid in the borehole, usually a drilling fluid, with a second fluid, usually either a completion fluid or a workover fluid. In a first embodiment, reverse circulation, in which the second fluid is pumped into the borehole annulus above the swab cups, and in which the first fluid is thereby pumped back towards the earth's surface through the interior of the string of tubular pipe, causes displacement of the first fluid merely by lowering the string of pipe while pumping the second fluid into the borehole annulus. In a second embodiment, using normal circulation, the first fluid is pumped from the earth's surface downwardly through the interior of the string of tubular pipe into the borehole annulus between the pair of swab cups.

Abstract: A system and method for restarting a downhole pump that has seized due to an accumulation of debris above the pump and around the pump intake. The system consists of a flexible annulus sealing element fitted on a joint of production tubing where the annulus seal can be activated by pumping fluid down the well annulus from surface. The tool includes tubing and check valve arrangements such that fluid from the well annulus above the flexible annulus sealing element can enter the production tubing immediately above the downhole pump and circulate debris back to surface as well as introduce fluid to the pump intake to mobilize debris accumulated at the pump intake.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a treatment chemical into an oil well produced using a subsurface pump, preferably a subsurface rotary pump, is described. Crude oil is pumped upward from a subsurface oil production zone through a central production pipe in the well. A small portion of produced fluid is diverted through a by-pass line interconnecting the production pipe and the annular space of the well between the production pipe and the well casing. A venturi nozzle comprising a throat of reduced diameter is mounted in the by-pass pipe. A suction pipe interconnects a chemical storage container containing a treatment chemical with the nozzle throat. Under the action of the venturi nozzle a suction pressure is created in the nozzle throat whereby the treatment chemical is drawn through the suction pipe and mixes with the fluid in the by-pass line thereby delivering the chemical to the well annulus.

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: An apparatus for use in wellbores that enables the running in, washing down, gravel packing, reversing excess slurry, and the spotting of post gravel pack fluids on a single trip. The one trip apparatus comprises a housing having an exterior and a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, and a lateral port providing a communication path between the housing longitudinal bore and the exterior of the housing. A first sleeve is disposed within the housing longitudinal bore that has a longitudinal passageway therethrough and is capable of being positioned in an upper position and a lower position relative to the housing. First and second lateral passageways extend through the wall of the first sleeve. A second sleeve is disposed within the first sleeve and also has a longitudinal passageway therethrough. The second sleeve is capable of being positioned in an upper position and a lower position relative to the first sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new aqueous wash composition suitable for the clean-up of drilling and completion fluid filtercakes. The wash composition comprises water and an effective amount of cationic salts of polyaminocarboxylic acids at neutral or acidic pH.

Abstract: A fluid jetting nozzle includes a nozzle head and at least one jetting orifice in the nozzle head, the jetting orifice(s) being capable of ejecting a mixture that includes substantially spherically shaped solid particles and fluid to loosen obstructive material from a metallic surface.

Abstract: One or more brush bodies fabricated from an incompressible material, for example, from high density polyurethane, high density polyethylene, high density polypropylene, nylon, Orlon*, high density plastics, phenolic resin-based materials hard rubber, wood, aluminum, or other easily drillable metals, are connected to, or integrally fabricated with one or more elastomeric, conventional cement plugs, and are pumped down within the interior of oilfield casing situated within an earth borehole, to minimize or eliminate the need to run a workstring of drillpipe and drill bit to clean out the interior of the string of casing.

Abstract: In accordance with a method of servicing a well there is provided a casing spool having an endless tubing access port. The endless tubing access port has a feed passage that extends toward the first end and outwardly from the body. The feed passage terminates in a flow control valve. Endless tubing is extended through the endless tubing access port while a tubing hanger is still in position supporting a tubing string. The endless tubing passes along the central flow passage beside the tubing string. Fluids are then pumped through the endless tubing to promote circulation within the well.

Abstract: The invention relates to washpipe assemblies for use in well bores and provides a washpipe assembly (2) comprising a washover shoe (10) attached to a washpipe (18), wherein a washpipe stabiliser (22) is provided on the washpipe (18) so that, when in use, deflection of the washover shoe (10) from a desired position is substantially prevented. The washpipe assembly of the present invention has the advantage over the prior art assemblies of providing means for supporting the washpipe off the wall of a well bore or well bore casing (52), and thereby reducing the torque required to rotate the washover string and the tendency of the washover shoe (10) to deviate from its preferred path down the well bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to iron control in an acid medium for forestalling the formation of precipitates known as “sludges” (asphaltic products) in contact with certain crude oils. Use is made of compounds comprising a mercaptan function, and, in combination, a selection of catalysts. Application to acid treatments for oil, gas, water, geothermal and analogous wells, as well as to industrial cleaning.

Abstract: A sweep material is disclosed comprising barium sulfate that has been ground and sieved, preferably in the range of about −95% 30 mesh to about +95% 100 mesh. The sweep material is added to and circulated with the drilling fluid during drilling of a deviated, directional or horizontal well to remove cuttings beds accumulated on the lower side of the well. After the drill cuttings are dislodged, the drilling fluid is sieved or screened to remove the barium sulfate to avoid a change in density of the fluid. The drilling operation does not have to be stopped during the sweep or cleaning treatment.