Abstract: The present application describes a method and system associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In the method, fluid travel time models are constructed from a reservoir model. Then, reservoir connectivity measures are calculated from the fluid travel time models and analyzed to determine a location for at least one well. Based on the analysis, one or more wells may be drilled and hydrocarbons produced.

Abstract: A landfill well control system includes a mobile hand-held device provided with a software monitoring application including a table having data related to determination of a desired methane gas output flow rate. A landfill gas (LFG) wellhead gas control valve includes: an electronically controlled, powered flow control device actuator; a flow measurement element producing differential pressures proportional to a gas flow rate; a pressure sensor/transducer; and a microprocessor having control logic capability and the ability to communicate via a local wireless signal to the mobile hand-held device. The powered flow control device actuator using data from the table of the mobile hand-held device or remotely stored data provides automatic valve positioning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing mineral oil from underground formations, wherein, in one process step, permeable regions of the underground formation are blocked by injecting aqueous formulations of hydrophobically associating copolymers into the formation.

Abstract: A system and a method for the artificial pneumatic production of oil and gas which is self-supplied is provided. The well's originating gas separates in a skid of separation of oil and after gas is rectified, gas is injected again into the well; the gas injection is made to a pressure enough to lift the oil-gas mixture inside the well. The excess of gas is exhausted toward the closer processing station.

Abstract: A drive head for a wellhead, the drive head comprising: a rod drive; a pressure chamber; and a rod receiving part connected to the rod drive and enclosed within the pressure chamber. A method comprising: pressurizing a chamber mounted to a wellhead, in which the chamber encloses an upper end of a rod extending from the wellhead; and driving the rod using a rod receiving part enclosed within the chamber.

Abstract: An artificial oil lifting unit uses an endless olephilic absorbent belt, driven by a surface equipment and tensed by a down hole equipment placed in the well production casing. The said absorbent belt (1) is looped over a central pulley (2) from a driving and collecting module (C) and driven by a double toothed belt (4) looped over six pulleys from which five are free (6,7,8,9 and 10). One is a driving pulley (5) placed over an entry shaft (36), the double toothed belt (4) being looped also over the oil absorbent belt on the central pulley and tensed with two identical systems (I) with pulleys commanded from the exterior of the case (13).

Abstract: In solvent-dominated recovery processes for recovering In situ oil, including bitumen, the produced fluid stream includes oil and solvent. The solvent is preferably recovered and reinjected into the reservoir. In previously described methods, solvent is removed from the oil/solvent mixture. In the present method, the oil/solvent mixture is first separated into a heavier stream and a lighter stream from which solvent is independently removed.

Abstract: Vibration of an electric submersible pump assembly is monitored to produce a vibration spectrum. The vibration spectrum is compared to a known vibration signature for a pump condition that precedes gas lock. The pump condition is at least one of an impeller rotating stall condition, a diffuser stall condition, a pre-surge condition, and percentage of free gas within the wellbore fluid. Operation of the pump is then adjusted in response to the similarity of the vibration spectrum to the vibration signature for the pump condition to prevent impending gas lock.

Abstract: A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %.

Abstract: A method can include providing a motor that includes a housing, axially aligned stationary electromagnets disposed in the housing, an aperture defined by the axially aligned stationary electromagnets, movable axially aligned permanent magnets disposed in the aperture and a connector shaft connected at an end of the movable axially aligned permanent magnets; disposing the motor and a rod pump in a well; controlling operation of the motor to linearly reciprocate the axially aligned movable permanent magnets and the connector shaft; pumping fluid from the well via the rod pump responsive to the linear reciprocation of the axially aligned movable permanent magnets and the connector shaft; and substantially blocking the pumped fluid from flowing through the aperture defined by the axially aligned stationary electromagnets of the motor. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating an open-hole horizontal water injection well in a tight reservoir rock formation to remove undesirable materials such as formation-damaging polymers and chemical residues from pipe dope from the formation surface and adjacent formation pores prior to an acidizing treatment includes maintaining the drilling fluid pressure on the injection zone to induce flowback of formation fluid which is produced at the wellhead located at the earth's surface, where it is monitored for a reduction in the undesirable materials. In the event that the formation pressure is insufficient to produce formation fluid flowback, a nitrogen-lift is introduced at a predetermined location in the adjacent vertical well that will reduce the drilling fluid pressure to induce production of formation fluid at the wellhead.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and methods for enhanced well control in slim completions. An embodiment can include an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) positioned within a casing and having at least a portion thereof extending outwardly from a production tubing positioned within the casing. The production tubing terminates adjacent a distal end portion of a pump discharge to thereby provide greater interstitial space between outer surfaces of the portion of the pump disposed to extend outwardly from the production tubing and inner walls of the casing. This increased interstitial space, for example, can assist in cost savings by reducing the rate of erosion damage to the ESP. Embodiments of the present invention can further include a valve connected to inner walls of the casing and positioned distal from the ESP to control the flow of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing gaseous and liquid components from one or more multi-phase streams in one or more pipelines. The method includes passing a first multi-phase stream along a first pipeline, and passing the first multi-phase stream through a first slugcatcher system to provide a first gaseous component stream and at least one first liquid component stream. The method also includes selectively opening a first branch pipeline from the first pipeline upstream of the first slugcatcher system to pass at least a fraction of the first multi-phase stream through the first branch pipeline to provide a first branch multi-phase stream, and passing at least a fraction of the first branch multi-phase stream to a first gas/liquid separator to provide an overhead gaseous stream and a bottom liquid stream.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for obtaining data corresponding to a property of interest on an unstructured grid. An exemplary method comprises defining a path of interest at least a portion of which goes through the unstructured grid. The exemplary method also comprises extracting data corresponding to the property of interest on the unstructured grid where the path of interest and the unstructured grid overlap.

Abstract: Sulfonated betaines amine oxides, and sultaines are made by the reaction of the corresponding unsaturated betaines or sultaines. These are formulated into injection fluids suitable for the recovery of residual oil from subterranean reservoirs. The sulfonated betaines, amine oxides, and sultaines exhibit lower adsorption onto reservoir rock compared to their corresponding unsulfonated betaines, amine oxides, and sultaines. They can be used in applications where their respective amphoteric surfactants are currently used such as personal care, mining, improved oil recovery (IOR), oil field drilling, fracturing, acidizing, foaming, oil field stimulation, and agricultural formulations.

Abstract: A system and/or a method collects formation fluids using a single packer with expansion rings and/or an irregular sealing layer. The packer may have an expansion ring extending around an outer circumference. The expansion ring may seal a portion of a wellbore to sample fluid from a formation. An irregular sealing layer may facilitate leaking between drains of the packer. The irregular sealing layer may have grooves through which fluid may flow. The irregular sealing layer may be composed of fibers and/or plastic.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for positively pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well where the hydrocarbon well has bee previously completed with a permanent packer and tailpipe. A rod pump having a plunger connected to a hollow rod string can positively pump the liquids collecting at the bottom of the well while the natural gas is produced up the annulus between the production tubing and the hollow rod string. In this invention, the tail pipe is perforated above the rod pump and below the packer to all the natural gas into the production tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well are presented, and in particular for providing a fluid diode to create a relatively high resistance to fluid flow in one direction and a relatively low resistance to fluid flowing in the opposite direction. The diode is positioned in a fluid passageway and has opposing high resistance and low resistance entries. In one embodiment, the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice and the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface. The concave, annular surface of the high resistance entry preferably extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid will flow in eddies adjacent the concave, annular surface.

Abstract: A down-hole jet pumping apparatus and method for removing accumulated water in a small diameter well bore are described. Chosen fluids are pumped under high pressure from a surface pump through a 3-way valve into a tube disposed in a well bore. The jet pumping apparatus includes a down-hole accumulator connected to an eductor. The high-pressure fluid is stored in the accumulator and may be released to the surface reservoir by the control valve through the tube along with the fluid to be pumped drawn into the eductor. When the accumulator is exhausted, the control valve again directs high-pressure fluid from the surface pump to the accumulator until a chosen pressure is achieved in the accumulator. The fluid pressure in the accumulator is maintained using a gas-charged metal bellows. Hydraulically driven jet boosters are described for increasing the fluid pressure along the tube in deep wells.

Abstract: A pump comprising: a pump barrel for use within a well; a reciprocating plunger disposed within the pump barrel and operatively engaging a removable connector adapted to flushly secure over the top of the plunger; said connector operatively engaging a pumping unit; the connector further comprising: an inner and outer portion with an upwardly disposed tapered edge between the inner and outer portions; and one or more tubular ports extending generally diagonally from the axis of the connector and adapted to expel fluids through hydraulic pressure resulting from the reciprocating action of the plunger and wherein said ports are annularly disposed between the upwardly disposed tapered edge and the inner portion and accessing an inner cavity of the connector; the connector further comprising an axial bore adapted to allow fluids to pass through the connector and further comprising one or more upper fluid bypass ports disposed on the inner portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a work string for downhole use in a well comprises a safety valve comprising a sealable flow path; a first electrical connection disposed above the safety valve; a second electrical connection disposed below the safety valve; and a jumper electrically coupling the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection, wherein the jumper does not pass through the sealable flow path of the safety valve.

Abstract: To protect a hydraulic, electric and/or other conduit in an annular space around a well casing against damage from perforating and other well operations the conduit is arranged in a groove in a U- or V-shaped protective gutter, which is secured to the outer surface of the well casing and which is capable of deflecting a shaped charge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swellable screen assembly having inflow control capabilities. One swellable screen assembly includes a base pipe comprising a sidewall portion defining at least one opening therein, a rigid member disposed about a first portion of the base pipe and having a piston arranged therein. The piston has a telescoping portion movably arranged within a non-telescoping portion. An autonomous valve is arranged within the piston and provides fluid communication between a filter medium disposed about the base pipe and the opening in the base pipe, the filter medium being coupled to the telescoping portion of the piston. A swellable material is disposed about a second portion of the base pipe and the filter medium is disposed about the swellable material, wherein, as the swellable material expands, the filter medium is displaced toward an inner surface of the wellbore, thereby extending the telescoping portion.

Abstract: 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 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 wellbore servicing composition comprising a base fluid, the base fluid comprising a substantially aqueous fluid, a brine, an emulsion, an invert emulsion, an oleaginous fluid, or combinations thereof, a quantity of template assisted crystallization beads, and a wellbore servicing fluid component, the wellbore servicing fluid component comprising a quantity of proppant, a quantity of gravel, or combinations thereof. A wellbore servicing system comprising a flowpath, the flowpath comprising at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment, and a conduit extending from the at least one component of wellbore servicing equipment to a wellbore, and a wellbore servicing fluid disposed within the flowpath, wherein the wellbore servicing fluid comprises a plurality of template assisted crystallization beads.

Abstract: A method of passive surveying comprises generating one or more detected signals by passively detecting a signal generated within a subsurface earth formation due to a seismoelectric response or an electroseismic response in at least one porous subsurface earth formation containing at least one fluid, and processing the one or more detected signals to determine at least one property of the subsurface earth formation.

Abstract: A subsea drilling method and system for controlling the drilling fluid pressure, where drilling fluid is pumped down into the borehole through a drill string and returned back through the annulus between the drill string and the well bore. The drilling fluid pressure is controlled by draining drilling fluid out of the drilling riser (8) or BOP (6) at a level between the seabed and the sea water in order to adjust the hydrostatic head of drilling fluid. The drained drilling fluid and gas is separated in a subsea separator (28) where the gas is vented to surface through a vent line (39), and the fluid is pumped to surface via pump (40).

Abstract: A method for monitoring fluid flow through a downhole device, comprises a) providing an acoustic tube wave in fluid in the device; b) measuring the acoustic tube wave after it has passed through the fluid in the device; and c) assessing the permeability of the device by measuring the attenuation of the acoustic signal. Changes in velocity of the acoustic signal may also be measured. The device may be a permeable downhole device such as a sand screen the measurements in step b) are made using a plurality of sensors deployed in the hole. The method may further including the step of cross-correlating a signal received at a first receiver with signals received at additional sensors so as to obtain an effective response as if the signal had been emitted from a source at the position of said first receiver.

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.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprising a body (12) configured to be coupled to a production tubular and an upper opening and a lower opening. First (28a) and second (28b) flow paths are provided between the upper opening (22) and the lower opening (24) in the body, and a flow diverter (34) is arranged to direct downward flow through the body towards the second flow path and away from the first flow path. A filter device (31) in the second flow path filters or collects solid particles in the second flow path from passing out of the lower opening of the apparatus. The apparatus has particular application to artificial lift hydrocarbon production systems, and may be installed above a down-hole pump in a production tubing to prevent solids from settling on the pump during pump shutdown. Embodiments for use with ESPs and PCPs are described.

Abstract: A system and methodology utilizes a technique for filtering sand. For example, a sand control system may be provided with a base pipe having a non-permeable section and a permeable section in which the permeable section is created via at least one opening formed laterally through a wall of the base pipe. The sand control system also comprises at least one drainage tube positioned along an exterior of the base pipe and coupled to the base pipe in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The drainage tube is permeable and enables the inflow of fluid while preventing the influx of sand. The inflowing fluid is delivered along an interior of the drainage tube and through the opening into an interior of the base pipe for production.

Abstract: A plunger for removing fluid from a gas producing well has a fluid path through the plunger body, a narrow passageway within the fluid path, and a central orifice at an end of the passageway. The plunger may have a lip within the fluid path spaced above the central orifice. The lip can interact with gas and fluid exiting the central orifice when the plunger is rising within the gas producing well. The lip may be provided by an internal fishing neck. The plunger may have a bypass valve to allow the plunger to fall while the well is flowing, and may have a central constriction to regulate the rate of falling.

Abstract: A movable downhole tubing string for a downhole well. The well has a wellhead and a downhole pump. The movable downhole tubing string has a movable tubing string having a surface end adjacent to the wellhead and a pump end adjacent to the downhole pump. At least one of the surface end and the pump end is telescopically received within a stationary tubing section. The stationary tubing section is stationary relative to the wellhead. There is an actuator for telescopically moving the movable tubing string relative to the stationary tubing section.

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping a downhole fluid includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating the earth; a pump disposed at the carrier and configured to pump the downhole fluid; a multi-phase electric motor coupled to the pump and configured to receive multi-phase electrical energy from a power source in order to operate the pump, the multi-phase electrical motor having multiple windings; and a switch configured to connect the multiple windings in a configuration selected from a plurality of configurations that includes (i) a first configuration where one terminal of each winding of the multiple windings is uniquely connected to one terminal of another winding and (ii) a second configuration where one terminal of each winding of the multiple windings is commonly connected to one terminal of each of the other windings.

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 a rotary pump having a rotor and a stator in communication with hydrocarbon production tubing, a submersible pump driver assembly includes a drive motor having an output connected by a drive link to the rotor of the pump. A production housing of the drive assembly includes a production passage receiving the drive link in which the output axis of the drive motor is radially offset from the passage. A control line for providing a drive input to the motor is thus suited to extend alongside the production tubing. The driver assembly thus allows for flushing with only a coiled tubing unit as the coiled tubing can be readily inserted past the offset motor and the motor can be optionally run in reverse to improve flushing.

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 method for recovering heavy oil in a stratum with an injection well, a production well and a steam generator. The method begins by injecting steam from the steam generator into a horizontal portion of the injection well followed by soaking the stratum with the steam from the injection well for a predetermined period of time; and producing heavy oil from the stratum with the production well.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of a first fluid stream within a bulk rotating fluid stream is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a fluid flow region having a longitudinal axis, within which a rotating flow of fluid may be established; a flow guide having a convex outer surface disposed centrally within the fluid flow region, the convex outer surface of the flow guide extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid flow region, the convex surface being shaped to induce a spiral coanda effect in the flow of the first fluid stream over the flow guide.

Abstract: A method of flocculating coal fines from produced water that includes the steps of: (A) mixing at least: (i) produced water, wherein the produced water comprises suspended coal fines; (ii) one or more oil-soluble phosphate esters; and (iii) water-immiscible solvent; wherein the mixing is in proportions to obtain an oil-in-water emulsion; (B) allowing or mechanically causing the oil-in-water emulsion to substantially break into: (i) a first fluid having a continuous phase comprising at least some of the water from the produced water; and (ii) a second fluid having a continuous phase comprising at least some of the water-immiscible solvent; and (C) mechanically separating the first fluid and the second fluid. Optionally, the step of mixing further includes mixing with a crosslinker for the one or more phosphate esters to form a gel for suspending the separated coal fines.

Abstract: A process for mineral oil production by means of Winsor Type III microemulsion flooding and an aqueous surfactant formulation are disclosed. The aqueous surfactant formulation containing at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R1—O—(CH2C(CH3)HO)m(CH2CH2O)n—XY?M+ is injected through injection boreholes into a mineral oil deposit, and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production boreholes.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the conductivity of propped fractures in subterranean formations may involve using a tackifier to minimize particulate settling during particulate placement operations in subterranean formations. For example, methods may involve introducing a first treatment fluid into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; and introducing a second treatment fluid into the wellbore at a pressure sufficient to maintain or extend the fracture in the subterranean formation. The first treatment fluid may include at least a first aqueous base fluid and a tackifier. The second treatment fluid may include at least a second aqueous base fluid and a proppant particle.

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: Adaptable systems for a surface pumping unit that includes a low inertia pumping unit mechanism having a pneumatic counterbalance assembly are described, as well as methods for the use of such systems for subterranean fluid recovery. The system is capable of being integrated with well management automation systems, thereby allowing for response to active control commands, and automatically altering and/or maintaining a counterbalance force in the pumping unit by adding or removing air mass from a containment vessel associated with the pumping unit.

Abstract: Methods for hydrocarbon recovery from a subsurface formation include removing a mixture comprising hydrocarbons and particulate solids from a first formation. At least a portion of the hydrocarbons are separated from the particulate solids. The particulate solids are separated into a plurality of streams. A mixed slurry comprising a first portion of the plurality of streams is injected through a first pipe into the first formation. A waste stream comprising a second portion of the plurality of streams is injected through a second pipe into a second formation. The first formation and the second formation lie in a substantially vertical line.

Abstract: Methods and systems of reducing drilling vibrations include generation a vibration performance index using at least one frequency-domain model having a velocity-dependent friction relationship. The vibration performance index may be used to aid in the design or manufacture of a drill tool assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the vibration performance index may inform drilling operations to reduce vibrations.

Abstract: A motor includes two or more sections. Each section includes a submersible tubular housing and a stator core disposed within the housing. The stator core has one or more lobes and each lobe has a winding wrapped therearound. The motor further includes a rotor disposed within the housing and including a shaft and a rotor core. The rotor core has two or more lobes. Each section is incrementally oriented so that the sections may be operated to mimic a multi-phase motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing pressures present in an annular space defined between casing strings contained within a subterranean well. These systems and methods may include providing a pressure distribution casing that includes a plurality of pressure distribution passages and distributing fluids present within the annular space along a length of the pressure distribution casing and/or between the annular space and the subterranean formation using a portion of the plurality of pressure distribution passages. Pressure distribution passages may be present on an inner surface of the pressure distribution casing, on an outer surface of the pressure distribution casing, and/or within a wall of the pressure distribution casing and may distribute the fluids along the length of the pressure distribution casing without distributing the fluids across and/or through a wall of the pressure distribution casing, such as between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pressure distribution casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving functional access to subterranean formations that include a well, which includes a casing string having at least one casing conduit that extends and provides a hydraulic connection between a surface region and the subterranean formation. Performing a plurality of downhole operations utilizing a casing string that constitutes a plurality of hydraulic pathways between the surface region and the subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the plurality of downhole operations may be simultaneous operations and/or may be associated with at least one of a plurality of operational states including a drilling state, completing state, stimulating state, producing state, abandoning state, and/or killing state. In some embodiments, systems and methods may include a plurality of production control assemblies to control and/or monitor the downhole operations.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrocarbons from a reservoir. The method includes positioning a burner having a combustion chamber in a first well, supplying a fuel, an oxidant, and one of water or steam from the surface to the burner in the first well, supplying a viscosity-reducing gas from the surface to the reservoir in a conduit separate from the fuel, igniting the fuel and the oxidant in the combustion chamber to generate heat and steam in the burner, injecting the viscosity-reducing gas and steam into the reservoir to reduce the viscosity of and heat hydrocarbons within the reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.