Abstract: The present invention comprises a downhole unit that includes at least one plunger and that uses a power fluid to recover production fluid from a well. The downhole unit recovers production fluid and brings it to the surface of the well during both the downward and upward motion of the at least one plunger. The downhole unit can also optionally dispose of unwanted fluids in a formation.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons and sand from a formation includes a wellbore having a substantially horizontal portion. In addition, the system includes a liner disposed in the substantially horizontal portion. The liner has a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of slots. Each slot is configured to pass sand from the formation into the wellbore. Further, the system includes a production string extending through the wellbore. Still further, the system includes a pump disposed at a downhole end of the production string in the liner. The pump has a central axis, an outlet coupled to the downhole end of the production tubing, and an inlet distal the production string. The pump is configured to pump hydrocarbons and sand from the formation to the surface. The central axis of the pump is oriented at an angle ? measured downward from vertical. The angle ? is between 60° and 90°.

Abstract: A method of treating concentrated produced water derived from a steam assisted gravity discharge oil recovery process is described. The method includes utilizing a double drum dryer to dry a concentrated slurry and produce a dried concentrate for deposition in a landfill.

Abstract: A crude oil production equipment includes a submersible pump coupled with a driving shaft, a linear motor, an oil pipe, a well casing, a filter pipe, an outer passage, an inner tube, an upper valve ball, a piston and a lower valve ball. During down stroke of the driving shaft, a suction force is produced to suck crude oil from the well casing into the upper chamber of the inner and the piston forces crude oil out of the lower chamber of the inner tube into the inner passage and then the outlet of the oil pipe. During up stroke of the driving shaft, the piston forces crude oil out of the upper chamber into the lower chamber, and the driving shaft enters the upper chamber and the lower chamber to force crude oil out of the lower chamber out of the oil outlet of the oil pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for commingling sweet gas and sour gas production in a gas well having an upper sweet zone and a lower sour zone. The apparatus comprises a commingling valve which prevents cross flow of sour fluids into the sweet zone or casing annulus.

Abstract: A method for increasing oil production in a carbonate reservoir by conducting a step-wise reduction of salinity of the injected salt water that is injected into the carbonate reservoir. The method provides for increased oil production as compared to conventional waterflooding techniques.

Abstract: The method for oil well rehabilitation by which the gaps inside the microfracture systems are widened by the influence of strong physics fields and the micro-breccia present in the microfractures are loosened or further broken up. The process allows the oil to flow freely towards the trunk of the oil well from the rehabilitated oil producing layers, where the oil was previously trapped in the microfracture systems.

Abstract: A method for increasing oil production in a carbonate reservoir by incorporating a diluted surfactant injection in conjunction with conducting a step-wise reduction of salinity of the injected salt water that is injected into the carbonate reservoir. The method provides for increased oil production as compared to conventional waterflooding techniques.

Abstract: A retrofit assembly for functionally replacing a fluid isolation valve disposed in a borehole above a lower completion, including a barrier valve operatively arranged to selectively isolate the lower completion when the fluid isolation valve is open. The barrier valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position due to engagement with an upper completion string. A packer device is included and operatively arranged to isolate a formation in which the borehole is formed. A method of retrofitting a completion system is also included.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for controlling flow in a pipe string using a finger valve. Specifically, the disclosure describes a finger valve comprising a base pipe and a sliding sleeve. The base pipe can comprise a finger port, one or more fingers; and one or more hinges, each of the hinges connecting one of the fingers to the base pipe. The sliding sleeve can comprise a sliding sleeve having a first sleeve with in inner surface comprising a void and a depressor. The first sleeve can be positionable in a first position and a second position. In the first position, the depressor can push the one or more fingers into a closed position. In the second position, the void can rest at least one of the one or more fingers, allowing the at least one of the one or more fingers to move into an open position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for completing a wellbore including providing a packer having an inner mandrel, alternate flow channels along the inner mandrel, and a sealing element external to the inner mandrel, including connecting packer to tubular body, then running the packer and connected tubular body into the wellbore. In one aspect, the packer and connected tubular body may be placed along an open-hole portion of the wellbore. Tubular body may be a sand screen, with the sand screen comprising a base pipe, a surrounding filter medium, and alternate flow channels. The method includes setting a packer and injecting a gravel slurry into an annular region formed between the tubular body and the surrounding wellbore, and then further injecting the gravel slurry through the alternate flow channels to allow the gravel slurry to at least partially bypass sealing element of the packer.

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: An embodiment of the present techniques provides a method of injecting a particulate mixture into a target location. The method includes forming a mixture of at least two sources of particles with different size distributions wherein the mixture of solids has a permeability in a predefined range. A water content of the mixture is varied to control the rheology of the mixture. The particles are injected through one or more pipes into a target location.

Abstract: A pump system and method comprising a pump barrel adapted for use within a well. A reciprocating plunger disposed within the pump barrel and operatively engaging a connector between the plunger and a pumping unit. The connector operatively engages the pumping unit and further comprises an inner and outer portion with a groove between the inner and outer portions; one or more ports disposed between the inner and outer portions and accessing an inner cavity of the connector; and the inner portion further comprising one or more ports accessing the inner cavity of the connector. The pump system and method further comprising a cage valve to create hydraulic pressure to expel trapped debris.

Abstract: A method of providing a flow control device is disclosed, which one aspect may include: defining a flow rate; defining a desired relationship between a parameter of the flow control device that exhibits a substantial change when a selected property of the fluid changes in a first range and remains substantially constant when the selected property is in the second range; determining using a computer and a simulation program the relationship between the performance parameter and the selected property over the first range and the second range for the defined flow rate for a geometry of a flow through area of a flow control device; comparing the determined relationship of the performance parameter with the desired relationship; altering the geometry to a new geometry when the difference between the desired performance and the determined performance is outside a desired range; determining using the computer and the simulation program the relationship between the performance parameter and the selected property over

Abstract: A method of transporting carbon dioxide and crude oil in a pipeline is disclosed. The method includes providing supercritical carbon dioxide and heavy or extra heavy crude oil produced from a subterranean reservoir. The crude oil is mixed with the supercritical carbon dioxide to form a mixture having a viscosity less than the viscosity of the crude oil prior to mixing. The mixture is transported in a pipeline from a first location to a second location. The pipeline is maintained at sufficient pressures and temperatures such that any unsaturated carbon dioxide remains in a supercritical state while the mixture is transported through the pipeline.

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 subsea pumping system using a subsea module is installed on the sea bed, preferably away from production wells and intended to pump hydrocarbons having a high associated gas fraction produced by subsea production wells to the surface. The system achieves an advantage by the design of a pumping module (PM) which is linked to pumping equipment already present in a production well and which includes: an inlet pipe (2), separator equipment (3), a first pump (4) and a second pump (8). Another advantage of the subsea pumping system for the production of hydrocarbons with a high gas fraction is that, 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 deliquification pump for deliquifying a well comprises a fluid end pump adapted to pump a fluid from a wellbore. In addition, the deliquification pump comprises a hydraulic pump adapted to drive the fluid end pump. The hydraulic pump includes a first internal pump chamber and a first pump assembly disposed in the first chamber. The first pump assembly includes a piston having a first end, a second end, and a throughbore extending between the first end and the second end. In addition, the first pump assembly includes a first wobble plate including a planar end face axially adjacent the second end of the piston and a slot extending axially through the first wobble plate. The first wobble plate is adapted to rotate about the central axis relative to the housing to axially reciprocate the piston and cyclically place the throughbore of the piston in fluid communication with the slot.

Abstract: The present techniques provide methods and systems for fracturing reservoirs without directly treating them. For example, an embodiment provides a method for fracturing a subterranean formation. The method includes causing a volumetric decrease in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation so as to apply a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present techniques provide systems and methods for fracturing a production formation. A method includes creating a notch in a formation and causing a volumetric change in a treatment interval proximate to a production interval so as to apply a mechanical stress on the production interval, wherein the treatment interval, the production interval, or both are located within the formation. A horizontal fracture is created in the formation originating from the notch.

Abstract: A filter sub apparatus comprising a housing configured to contain a filter and a bypass mechanism is provided. The bypass mechanism may be actuated upon debris buildup on the filter resulting in a load applied to the bypass mechanism rising above a predetermined lower level. A method to prevent chemical injection process failures may also be provided. The method may comprise the steps of providing a filter sub prior to a check valve. The filter sub may include a filter and a bypass mechanism. Another step may be passing fluid through the filter. In addition, the steps may also include containing at least some debris on a side of the filter such that the debris is prevented from reaching the check valve. A further step may be actuating the bypass mechanism after the debris builds up to a level in which a resulting load applied to the bypass mechanism exceeds a lower limit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method, which relates to modeling of drilling equipment, includes constructing one or more design configurations for at least a portion of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and calculating results from each of the one or more design configurations. The calculated results of the modeling may include one or more performance indices that characterize the BHA vibration performance of the design configurations for operating parameters and boundary conditions that are substantially the same or may be different. These results are then simultaneously displayed for a user to facilitate design selection. The selected BHA design configuration may then be utilized in a well construction operation and thus associated with the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently and effectively removing water from mine areas is presented. In one embodiment, one or more directionally drilled dewatering wells are drilled into the geologic formation such that at least a portion of the dewatering well is positioned underneath the mine. In one embodiment, one or more of the dewatering wells may originate outside the perimeter of the mine so as not to interfere with mine operations. In one embodiment, a hydrogeologic assessment along with mine dewatering requirements may be used to generate a mine dewatering plan. In one embodiment, a hydrogeologic assessment along with a determination of the dewatering requirements of the mine and surrounding areas may be used to create a mine dewatering plan. In one embodiment, the mine dewatering plan provides design information pertaining to each dewatering well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of mining underground coal and recovering coal seam gas, the method including locating a seam of coal; digging a mine shaft to reach the seam of coal; constructing a ventilated underground control center which includes a computerized control panel, wherein the computerized control panel controls the movement of a drill head, a hollow drill shaft, a movable hydraulic shield, a movable resin roof bolting machine, and a movable waste extrusion device; providing mining personnel to the ventilated underground control center; wherein the mining personnel operate the computerized control panel to perform the tasks of moving the drill head into the seam of coal to obtain aggregate coal and coal seam gas; extruding waste material into mined-out space of the coal seam; and transferring the aggregate coal and coal seam gas to the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus including a first cylindrical layer including a plurality of cylindrical members, and a second cylindrical layer including a plurality of elongate members, the plurality of cylindrical members and the plurality of elongate members arranged to form a plurality of spaces between an outer diameter of the first cylindrical layer and an inner diameter of the second cylindrical layer.

Abstract: Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

Abstract: A system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant or horizontally directionally drilled (“HDD”) wells, and for concentrate disposal (e.g., injection of brine). A method for constructing a slant or HDD well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply or to inject concentrate into a subsea aquifer.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a borehole includes a tubular disposed in the borehole. The apparatus also includes an expandable device disposed outside the tubular and proximate a selected device, the expandable device including a material that causes the expandable device to expand from a first shape to a second shape when exposed to an activating fluid. In addition, the expandable device reduces vibration of the selected device when the expandable device is in the second shape.

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 interacts with gas and fluid exiting the central orifice when the plunger is rising within the gas producing well. 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: Hydrocarbons may be produced from a well which comprises a contour section that follows a contour of a depression on a contoured base above which the reservoir is formed. Hydrocarbons may also be produced from a first well in a gravity-controlled recovery process and a second well which extends under and across the first well. For recovery of hydrocarbons from a reservoir, a pair of injection and production wells may be positioned and configured to optimize an initial rate of production from a pay region in the reservoir, and another well for producing hydrocarbons may be located below the production well and be positioned and configured to optimize an amount of hydrocarbon recovery from the pay region.

Abstract: A system comprising a carbon disulfide formulation storage; a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of the carbon disulfide formulation into a formation; and a mechanism for creating a pulse in the carbon disulfide formulation in the formation.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for planning a well path. An exemplary method comprises defining a proxy constraint volume as a three-dimensional (3D) cellular volume where each cell has at least one value derived from data from a 3D earth model. An initial well path is defined within user defined drilling parameter constraints. The exemplary method comprises defining acceptable constraint parameters to be applied to values derived from an intersection of the initial well path and the proxy constraint volume. If the intersection of the initial well path and the proxy constraint volume is not within the acceptable constraint parameters, the initial well path may be iteratively adjusted to create successive well paths until at least one of the successive well paths is within the acceptable constraint parameters for the values derived from the intersection of the well path and proxy constraint volume.

Abstract: A technique enables independent lifting of fluids in a well. The technique utilizes an electric submersible pumping system which is disposed in a wellbore and encapsulated by an encapsulating structure. The encapsulating structure has an opening through which well fluid is drawn to an intake of the electric submersible pumping system. A dual path structure is positioned in cooperation with the electric submersible pumping system and the encapsulating structure to create independent flow paths for flow of a gas component and a remaining liquid component of the well fluid. The independent flow paths also are arranged to prevent contact between the well fluid components and a surrounding wellbore wall.

Abstract: A method of unloading liquid from a reservoir includes deploying a pumping system into a wellbore to a location proximate the reservoir using a cable. The pumping system includes a motor, an isolation device, and a pump. The method further includes setting the isolation device, thereby rotationally fixing the pumping system to a tubular string disposed in the wellbore and isolating an inlet of the pump from an outlet of the pump; supplying a power signal from the surface to the motor via the cable, thereby operating the pump and lowering a liquid level in the tubular string to a level proximate the reservoir; unsetting the isolation device; and removing the pump assembly from the wellbore using the cable.

Abstract: There is provided a method for modeling a hydrocarbon reservoir that includes generating a reservoir model that has a plurality of coarse grid cells. A plurality of fine grid models is generated, wherein each fine grid model corresponds to one of the plurality of coarse grid cells that surround a flux interface. The method also includes simulating the plurality of fine grid models using a training simulation to obtain a set of training parameters, including a potential at each coarse grid cell surrounding the flux interface and a flux across the flux interface. A machine learning algorithm is used to generate a constitutive relationship that provides a solution to fluid flow through the flux interface. The method also includes simulating the hydrocarbon reservoir using the constitutive relationship and generating a data representation of a physical hydrocarbon reservoir in a non-transitory, computer-readable medium based on the results of the simulation.

Abstract: The present technology provides a system for delivering electrical power and fluid to a heater array system for use in an in situ oil production process. The system comprises multi-component composite cable having multiple conductors for delivering electrical power to a heater array, multiple hoses for transmitting fluid to a heater array, a strength member made of a heat resistant synthetic fiber material, and a cable jacket layer surrounding the conductors, hoses and strength member. The system also comprises multiple single-heater composite cables. The single-heater cables deliver electrical power and fluid from the multi-component composite cable to a heater in the heater array. A splice protector protects the connections between the multi-component composite cable and the multiple single-heater composite cables. Each of the single-heater composite cables is connected to at least one conductor and at least one hose of the multi-component cable within the splice protector.

Abstract: A method for managing hydrates in a subsea production system is provided. The production system includes a host production facility, a control umbilical, at least one subsea production well, and a single production line. The method generally comprises producing hydrocarbon fluids from the at least one subsea production well and through the production line, and then shutting in the production line. In addition, the method includes the steps of depressurizing the production line to substantially reduce a solution gas concentration in the produced hydrocarbon fluids, and then repressurizing the production line to urge any remaining gas in the free gas phase within the production line back into solution. The method also includes displacing production fluids within the production line by moving displacement fluids from a service line within the umbilical line and into the production line. The displacement fluids preferably comprise a hydrocarbon-based fluid having a low dosage hydrate inhibitor (LDHI).

Abstract: A system and process for extracting geothermal energy from a geologic formation. Coolant fluid is introduced into a first fracture system. The first fracture system is at a first height in the formation. The coolant fluid is collected from a second fracture system. The second fracture system is at a second height in the fracture system. The second height is lower than the first height. Coolant fluid introduced into the first fracture system percolates through the geologic formation from the first fracture system to the second fracture system, collecting heat from the geologic formation.

Abstract: A system and methodology utilizes a technique for filtering sand; distributing a flow of fluid; e.g. distributing an inflow of gas or condensate; and limiting the potential for erosion of completion components in a wellbore. The technique may be useful in production applications, but the technique also can be used in fluid injection applications, e.g. gas injection applications. The technique employs a base pipe and a sand screen surrounding the base pipe. The base pipe comprises a plurality of flow restriction openings of reduced size and deployed in a selected pattern along the base pipe. The size and arrangement of the flow restriction openings reduces the peak flux of radial fluid flow through the sand screen to a rate less than a sand screen erosion rate.

Abstract: Foam systems including a surfactant subsystem including one alpha-olefin sulfonic acid or a plurality of alkali metal alpha-olefin sulfonic acid salts and optionally, one ethoxylated alcohol sulfonate or a plurality of ethoxylated alcohol sulfonates, optionally, a pour point depressant subsystem including one glyme or a plurality of glymes and optionally, a corrosion inhibiting subsystem including one corrosion inhibitor or a plurality of corrosion inhibitors, where the system is thermally or heat stable up to 450° F., the system is environmentally benign, the system is capable of producing a foam in an aqueous medium including high amounts of crude oil, the system is efficient at low usage levels and the system is capable of reuse or at least on foam-defoam cycle. Methods for making and using including preparation of the foam systems, drilling, fracturing, completion and producing using the systems in conjunction with a gas.

Abstract: A method for increasing oil production in a carbonate reservoir by incorporating a saline solution injection including a saline soluble surfactant and a saline soluble polymer. The method provides for increased oil production as compared to conventional waterflooding techniques.

Abstract: A method of unloading liquid from a reservoir includes deploying a pumping system into a wellbore to a location proximate the reservoir using a cable. The pumping system includes a multi-section motor, an isolation device, and a pump. The method further includes supplying a power signal from the surface to the motor via the cable and sequentially operating each section of the motor to mimic a multi-phase motor, thereby driving the pump and lowering a liquid level in the tubular string to a level proximate the reservoir.

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 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: Method, system and apparatus to produce hydrocarbons includes a packer apparatus with a swellable packer element around primary and secondary flow paths, the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. The method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore, and gravel packing the sand control devices in different intervals. Hydrocarbons are produced by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed.

Abstract: A groundwater sampling and pumping device and system for withdrawing groundwater from a well of small size, not exceeding 1.5 inches I.D. The device includes a hollow outer housing having water inlet ports formed through a bottom thereof and a hollow inner housing sized to be positioned integrally within the outer housing and defining a water flow passage therebetween. An electric motor in the inner housing is connected to a water impeller operably positioned to draw groundwater into the water passage. The water passing upwardly through the water flow passage provides cooling for the motor. Preferably the housing is formed of a polymer material, and/or a metal, such as stainless steel.

Abstract: An inflow control device controls the rate of fluid flow from a subsurface fluid reservoir into a production tubing string. The inflow control device includes a particulate screen to remove particulate matter from the reservoir fluid, and at least two flow restrictors. The flow restrictors are positioned on circumferentially opposite sides of the inflow control device and are connected by an isolated fluid passage. The flow restrictors limit the flowrate of reservoir fluid when the reservoir fluid has a high water or gas-to-oil ratio. The inflow control device also includes at least one pressure drop device that generates a pressure drop for the reservoir fluid in response to fluid pressure in the reservoir. The inflow control device also includes a choking apparatus that allows the flow of reservoir fluid to be shut off and the particulate screen cleaned while the inflow control device is in place in hole.

Abstract: A pressurized polymer bead such as may be useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing is described, including a shell that is substantially impermeable, wherein the shell includes a polyimide polymer. The pressurized polymer bead includes a core region that is at a pressure that is greater than 5 MPa.

Abstract: Methods of resource recovery include reagents placed in a subterranean formation. The reagents generate heat, hydrogen gas and alkalinity which changes fluid flow characteristics. The forces of the reactions create fractures and cracks far from the well bore. These cracks and fractures are sealed if water is being transmitted through or near the reactions. As a result, the targeted fluids more efficiently flow to the well, along with decreased amounts of water waste, while stimulating generation of biogenic gases in the subterranean formations.