Abstract: The tubing section comprises an outer skin (52a) defining at least one perforation (58), an inner skin (54a), the inner and outer skins being arranged to define a tubing annulus therebetween and an access device (48) to selectively provide fluid communication between the tubing annulus and a tubing section throughbore.

Abstract: Method for assessing hydrocarbon source rock potential of a subsurface region without well log information. The method uses surface electromagnetic (121) and seismic (122) survey data to obtain vertical profiles of resistivity and velocity (123), which are then analyzed in the same way as well log data are analyzed by the well known DeltaLogR method (124).

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for providing a visualization of data corresponding to a physical structure, the data relating to a property that varies along a curved path. An exemplary method comprises defining the curved path by successively computing values for a position, a measured depth and an exit vector for a plurality of path points along the curved path. The exemplary method also comprises providing a visual representation corresponding to the data for the property.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating inverted laterals or drainholes for producing from a subterranean reservoir including the steps of lowering, positioning and securing a reverse whipstock in a wellbore. A tube is secured from the surface to a pull tube which extends through and below the reverse whipstock. Fluid is pumped from the surface and through a U-tube device below the pull tube. At least one inverted drainhole is drilled using force from the pumping fluid. The pull tube is pulled upward vertically toward the surface while pumping the fluid.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a formation comprising a mixture of oil and/or gas and a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation; a mechanism for releasing a separating agent into the formation, the separating agent adapted to separate the oil and/or gas from the carbon disulfide formulation and/or the carbon oxysulfide formulation.

Abstract: A process for forming a gel, which process comprises mixing an alkaline silicate solution with a polymer in solid form, the polymer being capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; and allowing the polymer to release sufficient acid to cause formation of a silicate gel.

Abstract: A cemented open hole selective fracing system and method are shown. In the producing zone, an open hole is drilled therein and a production tubing is cemented in place. At preselected locations along the production tubing, the production tubing will have sliding valves located there along. The sliding valves may be selectively opened, and the cement around the sliding valve dissolved. Thereafter, the formation may be fraced immediately adjacent the opened sliding valve. By selectively opening different combinations of sliding valves, fracing can occur in stages with more fracing pressure and more fracing fluid being delivered deeper into the formation. Just as the sliding valves can be selectively opened, the sliding valves can also be selectively closed to protect the production of the well.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: A well intake with an anti-coning end portion provides for withdrawal of fluid hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, from pockets that contain an underlying layer of water. The anti-coning end portion may include a tube having an upwardly turned or upwardly facing end or mouth, a tube having a non-circular cross section, a tube having one or more baffles, or a combination thereof, in order to prevent or block the formation of cyclonic or swirling flow patterns of water in the vicinity of the well intake.

Abstract: A method of making a flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and a wellbore is provided, which method in one aspect may include: providing a member suitable for placement in a wellbore for receiving formation fluid; selecting a geometry for a flow-through region configured to substantially increase value of a selected parameter relating to the flow-through region when a selected property of the formation fluid is in a first range changes and maintain a substantially constant pressure drop across the flow-through region when the selected property of the fluid is in a second range; and forming the flow-through region on the member to provide the flow control device.

Abstract: A method of drilling a slim hole and inserting a slotted liner into such hole drilled in an underground reservoir using jet-drilling. The method enables jet-drilling to be effective in unconsolidated subterranean formations, such as some petroleum reservoirs. The method enables fluid injection or production to be undertaken on individual jet-drilled holes or on groups of holes drilled laterally at different vertical intervals in a vertical well within an underground formation.

Abstract: A system for assuring subsea hydrocarbon production flow in pipelines by chilling the hydrocarbon production flow in a heat exchanger and causing solids to form, periodically removing deposits and placing them in a slurry utilizing a closed loop pig launching and receiving systems.

Abstract: An electric pumping system having an electric submersible pump located downhole in a well, the electric submersible pump comprising a motor part, a pump part, and a protector part; the motor part has an internal motor volume containing motor oil; the motor part connected to an electric power source at surface; a motor oil container located at surface outside of the well; a conduit fluidly connecting the motor oil container with the internal motor volume containing motor oil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slim hole production system for pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well and especially a hydrocarbon well that is producing both natural gas and liquid liquids where the diameter of the hole in the production area is too small to get production tubing and a sucker rod into a productive arrangement. The slim hole pump includes a hollow tube that raises and lowers the plunger and carries the liquids to the surface and uses the annulus to produce the gas.

Abstract: A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid.

Abstract: A downhole oilfield completion method comprises determining a surge profile for a wellbore and assembling a downhole completion tool having an interior surge volume and comprising a surge attenuation system operable to reduce a surge of the downhole completion tool based at least in part on the surge profile. The method also comprises running the downhole completion tool into the wellbore and surging the wellbore by admitting wellbore fluid into the interior surge volume, the surge reduced at least in part by the surge attenuation system.

Abstract: The invention is a method to predict surface-wave waveforms (306) and subtract them (307) from seismic data. Prediction is done by estimating a set of surface-consistent components (transfer functions in the frequency domain or impulse responses in time domain) that best represent changes in the waveforms for propagation along the surface from source to receiver (303). The prediction uses a mathematical expression, or model, of the earth's filtering effects, both amplitude and phase, as a function of frequency. The desired surface-consistent components are model parameters, and model optimization is used to solve for the surface-consistent components. The surface-consistent components may include filter transfer functions for each source location, each receiver location, and for propagation (302) through each region (301) of the surface that exhibits lateral variation.

Abstract: A method to produce formation fluid from an oil or gas well. The methods employs a jet pump and a spoolable multi-string tubing system. The jet pump is adapted to produce formation fluid, which may be produced in combination with power fluid. The multi-string tubing system consists of two or more tubing conduits, allowing surface pump equipment to deliver power fluid to the jet pump down a supply tubing string, while return fluid is returned up a return tubing string. Other downhole functions can be provided with the inclusion of additional features on the jet pump and additional conduits or conductors in the multi-string tubing system. Preferred embodiments provide additional functionality by inclusion of a jetting sub, sensing elements, or a back-pressure valve to the jet pump, and auxiliary tubing strings or communication members to the spoolable multi-string tubing system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for producing fluid from a well formed in a formation including the step of generating a visual display depicting a depth-based layout of a plurality of production devices, a first setting of each production device and values for at least one production parameter, wherein the visual display enables an operator to graphically input a desired value for the at least one production parameter at a selected depth of the well. The method also includes determining a second setting for at least one production device utilizing a model and the desired value, wherein the second setting is expected to provide the desired value for the at least one production parameter the second setting is implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coiled tubing installed and operated hydraulically driven downhole pump for hydrocarbon wells and especially hydrocarbon gas wells that are prone to produce fluids that choke gas production. The hydraulically driven downhole pump is driven by a closed loop surface positioned hydraulic power system. Should the hydraulically driven downhole pump become inoperative, it may be quickly retrieved and immediately replaced using a coiled tubing unit as compared to a workover rig. A coiled tubing unit is able to pull the coiled tubing string and re-install the string quite rapidly because the coiled tubing does not have joints that need to be disassembled or reconnected. The manpower needs and costs for replacement are considerably less and lost production of the well is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A surface-adjustable downhole exhaust valve for use with a relatively slowly producing oil well to exhaust heavier water below a production zone while producing essentially oil at the surface.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (“ESP”) module is disclosed for producing fluids from subsea wells. The ESP module includes at least two ESPs positioned side by side and connected in parallel to discharge into a common manifold. The ESPs and manifold can be enclosed in a housing and deployed to a subsea location. At the subsea location, the ESP module can be operationally connected to an electric source, the production fluid, and to an export conduit. The production fluid from the well(s) is drawn from within the housing into one or more of the at least two ESPs which energize and discharge the production fluid into the manifold and through the export conduit to a collection point. Each of the ESPs may be selectively operated to provide the desired flow rate and/or lifting head.

Abstract: A system for recompletion of an old well in order to achieve an increased oil recovery from a reservoir, said system comprising a pipe inserted into the old well, at least two constrictors or swell packers being arranged along the length of the recompleted well and defining a well section between two successive constrictors or swell packers, said system further comprising at least one autonomous valve arranged in said well section defined between said two successive swell packers or constrictors. Disclosed is also a method for recompletion of an old well in order to achieve an increased oil recovery from a reservoir.

Abstract: Method for analysis of hydrocarbon potential of subterranean regions by generating surfaces or geobodies and analyzing them for hydrocarbon indications. Reflection-based surfaces may be automatically created in a topologically consistent manner where individual surfaces do not overlap themselves and sets of multiple surfaces are consistent with stratigraphic superposition principles. Initial surfaces are picked from the seismic data (41), then broken into smaller parts (“patches”) that are predominantly topologically consistent (42), whereupon neighboring patches are merged in a topologically consistent way (43) to form a set of surfaces that are extensive and consistent (“skeleton”). Surfaces or geobodies thus extracted may be automatically analyzed and rated (214) based on a selected measure (213) such as one or more direct hydrocarbon indications (“DHI”), e.g. AVO classification.

Abstract: A method to extract oil for a pool of oil in the ground utilizes an interconnected series of rotating helical blades extending from the surface of the ground through a canted bore to the pool of oil. The blades can be staggered and interconnected with a gear arrangement that moves oil from pool to pool and up to the surface of the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus, assembly and process for allowing gas lift operations to be conducted along a relatively long perforated interval below a packer in a generally vertical or a deviated subterranean well. An elongated segregation member may be lowered into locking engagement with a bypass mandrel secured to a tubing string above the packer. This segregation member may be configured and dimensioned to define two fluid flow paths. A first flow path extends from the surface of the earth through the annulus formed between the tubing string above the packer and casing secured in the well, the bypass mandrel, a bore through a portion of the segregation member and the interior of the tubing string below the packer. A second flow path extends from the subterranean region penetrated by the well through the annulus formed between the tubing string below the packer and casing secured in the well, the annulus between the segregation member and the packer, and the interior of the tubing string above the packer.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described comprising a main body coupled with a well tubing and a swellable mantle disposed on the main body. The swellable mantle expands upon contact with at least one predetermined fluid, and the main body comprises at least one opening for fluid flow between an exterior of the main body and the bore. An insert permits the passage of fluid, through the swellable mantle, between the exterior of the apparatus and the opening. In one aspect of the invention a screen filters solids between the exterior of the apparatus and the bore, and a swellable mantle comprises a first region which allows the passage of fluid between the exterior of the apparatus and the main body and a second region, circumferentially adjacent the first region, which substantially prevents passage of fluid. Corresponding well completion and production methods are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to equipment and a subsea pumping system using a subsea module installed on the sea bed, preferably away from a production well and intended to pump hydrocarbons having a high associated gas fraction produced by one or more subsea production wells to the surface. One object of this invention is achieved by means of the design of a pumping module (PM) which is linked to pumping equipment already present in a production well and which basically comprises: an inlet pipe (2), separator equipment (3), a first pump (4) and a second pump (8). In the subsea pumping system for the production of hydrocarbons with a high gas fraction, the other object of this invention, when oil is pumped from the production well (P) the well pump (13) increases the energy of the fluid in the form of pressure and transmits this increase in energy in the form of an increase in suction pressure in the second pump (8) of the subsea module (PM).

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

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for performing oilfield surveillance operations. The oilfield has a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. The oilfield is divided into a plurality of patterns, with each pattern comprising a plurality of wells. Historical production/injection data is obtained for the plurality of wells. Two independent statistical treatments are performed to achieve a common objective of production optimization. In the first process, wells and/or patterns are characterized based on Heterogeneity Index results and personalities with the ultimate goal of field production optimization. In the second process, the history of the flood is divided into even time increments. At least two domains for each of the plurality of wells are determined. Each of the at least two domains are centered around each of the plurality wells. A first domain of the at least two domains has a first orientation.

Abstract: A low emission and environmentally friendly apparatus and method is used to generate a high pressure stream of thermal vapor. The thermal vapor stream may be injected into a subterranean formation for recovery of highly viscous petroleum or used to turn a steam turbine for driving an electrical generator. In one implementation, the high pressure stream of thermal vapor is generated by burning a high temperature fuel, including any short or long chain hydrocarbon products from methane to coal, in an enclosed vessel to produce combustion gases. Various techniques may be used to improve heat distribution and lower the temperature of the combustion gases. Water may be used to quench the combustion gases and produce the superheated steam or vapor. The water may be introduced onto the combustion gases by spraying, weeping, dripping, and the like.

Abstract: A method for generating a softened injection water comprising: (A) generating the softened injection water by (i) introducing a source water having a total dissolved solids content of up to 15,000 mg/litre and having a multivalent cation content of greater than 40 mg/litre to a vessel that contains a bed of a cation exchange resin in its monovalent cation form, (ii) passing the source water through the cation exchange resin bed so that at least a portion of the multivalent cations in the source water are replaced by monovalent cations from the cation exchange resin, and (iii) withdrawing from the vessel the softened injection water having a multivalent cation content of up to 40 mg/litre; (B) regenerating the cation exchange resin by (i) introducing a regenerating brine to the vessel, (ii) passing the regenerating brine through the resin bed and (iii) withdrawing from the vessel a brine containing displaced multivalent cations, wherein the regenerating brine is a naturally occurring high salinity water having

Abstract: A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. An eduction tube has an upper end above the shroud within the upper portion of the caisson and a lower end in fluid communication with an interior portion of the shroud. The eduction tube causes gas that separates from the liquid and collects in the upper portion of the caisson to be drawn into the pump and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is being pumped.

Abstract: An underwater placed assembly produces gas or gas and oil/condensate from a subsea gaseous reservoir, where at least one production well is provided from the seabed to a production zone and at least one water injection well is provided from the seabed to an injection zone. The assembly includes: a pressure increasing device connected to the outlet of the production well in order to increase the pressure in a production flow from the production well, and a water turbine that is connected to and driving the pressure increasing device.

Abstract: A process for producing a proppant particulate substrate having a coating layer thereon including the step of blending a proppant particulate substrate with a powder coating composition at a temperature sufficient to cause the powder coating composition to coat the proppant particulate substrate with a powder coating; and a proppant particulate substrate coated by such a process.

Abstract: Methods for creating and using space-time surrogate models of subsurface regions, such as subsurface regions containing at least one hydrocarbon formation. The created surrogate models are explicit models that may be created from implicit models, such as computationally intensive full-physics models. The space-time surrogate models are parametric with respect to preselected variables, such as space, state, and/or design variables, while also indicating responsiveness of the preselected variables with respect to time. In some embodiments, the space-time surrogate model may be parametric with respect to preselected variables as well as to time. Methods for updating and evolving models of subsurface regions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for generating an emulsion with enhanced stability. The methods include forming a stressed emulsion fluid using a high-shear mixer and stressing the emulsion by microporous flow, aging, heating, or another process, and reshearing the stressed emulsion fluid. The process may be repeated for enhanced stability. In some embodiments the generated emulsion may be used in hydrocarbon recovery operations. Optionally, the emulsion may include surfactants or solid microparticles for additional stability enhancement.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing hydrocarbon fluid, such as crude oil and/or natural gas, through a well or well cluster of which the trajectory is at least partly defined and iteratively optimized by an well trajectory optimization algorithm which is coupled to a finite difference reservoir simulation program that represents a hydrocarbon fluid containing reservoir as a set of grid cells with a specified permeability and fluid content and which algorithm: provides a virtual well (101) with a series of virtual well branches (102) that extend into cells in the vicinity of inflow points of the virtual well (101); and subsequently iteratively moves the inflow points of the virtual well or well cluster through the reservoir in order to optimize a reservoir depletion strategy that provides an optimized life cycle value of the well and/or well cluster and/or optimized NPV of the produced crude oil and/or natural gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cooling an electrical submersible pump. More specifically, the invention relates to blocking a portion of wellbore fluid from entering a sump, thereby causing the pump to draw fluid from below the pump motor past the exterior of the pump motor toward a pump inlet.

Abstract: A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. A separating device is connected to an upper end portion of the discharge pipe within the caisson. The separating device causes separation of gas from the flow containing gas and liquid to be enhanced prior to the flow reaching the operating liquid level in the caisson.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and systems for automating or metering fluid recovered at a well. According to one example, a system is described for automating the fluid recovery of oil wells using a pump jack or oil extractor. A communications device is installed with each system to allow remote bi-directional communications to monitor, control, and diagnose problems with the device or system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing hydrocarbons through an instrumented smart well containing a well tubular (6,29-32) and an assembly of power, DTS and/or other sensing and/or signal transmission cables (13,40-44) comprising at least one power and/or signal transmission cable, which is bonded along at least part of its length to an outer surface of the well tubular (6,29-32) by an adhesive, which preferably is reusable and/or has a thermal conductive of at least 3 W/mK or at most 0.2 W/mK.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reducing the occurrences of lateral wellbores being occluded by fines such as sand and silt. More specifically, the invention relates to discharging a portion of the output of an electrical submersible pump through nozzles that pass through the sidewalls of tubing, the tubing being located in the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A pump has a housing having a top plate and a bottom plate and a shaft slidingly extending through an aperture in the top plate. A piston is connected to the shaft. The piston separates a volume within the housing into a first stage chamber defined in the housing below the piston and a second stage chamber defined in the housing above the piston. A fluid transfer port in the piston is in fluid communication with the second stage chamber and, through a check valve, with the first stage chamber. Another stage check valve allows one-way flow of fluid from a suction area below the bottom plate into the first stage chamber. A pressure control valve may be provided for selectively allowing fluid to flow out of the first stage chamber.

Abstract: Offshore hydrocarbon (e.g. oil) production units that produce considerable contaminated water (produced water), are able to repeatedly dispose of the produced water so each production unit requires only a moderate-sized tank to hold the produced water, and most of the tank storage capacity of the production unit can store hydrocarbons. A mobile water-treatment plant is provided on a converted tanker that sails from one production unit to another one, transferring produced water from the oil production units and separating out contaminants as by settling, to leave clean water that can be dumped into the sea and contaminants that cannot be dumped into the sea. The mobile plant occasionally sails to an on-shore facility where it is allowed to dump contaminants.

Abstract: Methods for generating a surrogate model for subsurface analysis may include identifying input parameters for the subsurface analysis, and selecting a range of values for the identified parameters. The methods also include selecting a design of experiments method for filling sampling points within the ranges of values for the identified input parameters. The design of experiments method may be a classical method or a space-filling technique. The methods also include filling sampling points within the ranges of values for the identified input parameters. The sampling points are filled based on the design of experiments method selected. The methods further include acquiring output values for each of the selected sampling points, and constructing a surrogate model based upon the output values for at least some of the selected sampling points. The surrogate model is a mathematical equation that represents a simplified model for predicting solutions to complex reservoir engineering problems.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the speed of a progressing cavity liquid well pump to increase liquid production from a well while avoiding operation of the well in a pumped-off state. A controller controls a variable speed drive to drive a progressing cavity liquid well pump at a set pump speed while measuring well and system parameters indicative of pumping performance and/or liquid production from the well. The set speed of the pump is changed in steps either increasingly or decreasingly by the controller, acting through the variable speed drive, in response to the measured well and system parameters. The controller, responsive to the measured well and system parameters, challenges the set pump speed by varying the set pump speed so as to increase the production from the well while avoiding pump and well operation in a pumped-off state.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump (ESP) for use in a wellbore includes a submersible pump; a motor; and a protector operatively coupled to the motor to protect the motor, wherein at least one of the motor and protector is filled with a PFPE oil. A method for manufacturing an ESP for use in a wellbore includes assembling the ESP from a pump, a motor, and a protector, wherein the protector is operatively coupled to the motor for the protection of the motor; and filling at least one of the motor and protector with a PFPE oil. A method for pumping a fluid from a wellbore using an ESP includes disposing the ESP in the wellbore; and operating the ESP, wherein the ESP comprises a pump, a motor, and a protector, and wherein at least one of the motor and protector is filled with a PFPE oil.

Abstract: A drilling system employing a main tubular having a plurality of fluid inlet and outlet conduits positioned thereon and a concentric inner tubular having a plurality seals for sealing the annular space between the concentric inner and main tubulars. The fluid inlet and outlet conduits work in cooperation with the annular seals to selectively open and close for effective management of pressure within the tubulars.