Abstract: During an Extended Well Test or Early Floating Production at an offshore hydrocarbon production site, where oil and gas hydrocarbons are produced by a production vessel, applicant stores the natural gas as pressured gas in a storage tank and occasionally transfers the pressured gas to a shuttle vessel which carries the gas to a site where it is used, as by pumping it into a natural gas pipeline. The transfer of natural gas to the shuttle can be accomplished by pumping it through a conduit extending between the vessels to a second tank on the shuttle, or can be accomplished by moving a gas-filled tank on the production vessel to the shuttle.

Abstract: The invention is a method for suppressing noise in controlled source electromagnetic survey data based on the frequency content of the noise. The invention recognizes that some data variations across bins cannot be attributed to resistivity variations within the earth. This variation across bins constitutes a model of noise in such surveys, and the invention mitigates noises that obey this model. Noise varying rapidly in either space or time is removed by filtering temporal frequency domain data (131) with a low-pass filter (134) having a selected cutoff frequency (133).

Abstract: A fluid extraction system and method for the removal of fluid from subterranean wells. The system comprising: an upper extraction unit; an extraction container; a valve assembly engaged to the extraction container; a drainage tray engaged to the upper extraction unit; a curvilinear gear engaged to the upper extraction unit and the drainage tray; and, a linear gear engaged to the extraction container.

Abstract: Gas from a tight gas formation may be produced using a drain hole having a juncture to a main wellbore and a terminal end at a depth higher than the juncture. The terminal end may be positioned in the tight gas formation.

Abstract: A method for pumping fluid at a wellhead is provided. The invented method will improve liquid removal by eliminating the need to transport liquid produced from a well to containment facilities using trucks or large diameter pipelines capable of accommodating periodic surges of a high volume of fluid. The danger that the liquid will freeze in cold weather is also addressed. The invention removes liquid from the well site through a small diameter pipeline as a continuous flow at a constant flow rate. An apparatus for removing liquid from the well site is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for developing an offshore field comprising deploying a lead drilling and production vessel to a offshore field to drill and complete at least one well. Production from the at least one well is initiated and evaluated. A secondary production vessel is selected based upon the evaluated production and is deployed to the offshore field to replace the lead drilling and production vessel and support production of the at least one well.

Abstract: Surfactants of the general formula R1—X where R1 is an aliphatic C17H35-alkyl radical and X is a hydrophilic group, and the mean degree of branching of the R1 radical is from 2.8 to 3.7. Mixtures which comprise such surfactants and the use of such surfactants and of mixtures thereof for tertiary mineral oil extraction.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore.

Abstract: Method for estimating a model of seismic velocity in a subsurface region from seismic data (31) recorded on 3-component instruments. The method measures the apparent incidence angle (32) of a seismic wave observed at a surface as a function of wave frequency. This apparent angle is converted to an effective velocity as a function of frequency (33), which is then inverted (34) to obtain a subsurface velocity model.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for drawing down a fluid level in a well bore. The apparatus and method includes a first tubular disposed within the well bore forming a well bore annulus therein, an annular nozzle connected to an end of the first tubular, and a second tubular concentrically disposed within the first tubular forming a micro annulus. The annular nozzle includes an annular adapter and a suction tube having an internal section and an external section with an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the first tubular. The external section of the suction tube may be positioned within a restricted section of the well bore, for example, within a restricted well bore section containing a casing liner to drawn down the fluids and solids within the well bore to produce hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A geophysical model of a subsurface region is generated based on seismic data, e.g., seismic reflection data. Migration and seismic inversion are applied to the seismic data to generate estimates of one or more physical or seismic properties of the subsurface region. Seismic inversion, such as spectral shaping inversion, is applied before or after migrating the seismic data through a variety of techniques that each avoid the amplification of dipping energy while optimizing computational efficiency and/or accuracy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for providing a visualization of data describing a physical structure. An exemplary method comprises defining an unstructured grid that corresponds to a three-dimensional physical structure, the unstructured grid comprising data representative of a property of interest. The exemplary method also comprises defining a probe as an object that comprises a set of topological elements, at least one of which does not share a common plane. The exemplary method additionally comprises providing a visualization of the unstructured grid data on the geometry defined by the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of downhole fluids, the apparatus comprising: a body having a throughbore and at least one port extending through a sidewall of the body to enable fluid communication between the throughbore and an exterior of the body; a flow control device for controlling the flow of fluids through the port and arranged to change configuration between a closed configuration in which fluid flow through the port is restricted and an open configuration in which fluid flow through the port is permitted; an actuator mechanism associated with the flow control device for selective actuation of the flow control device to change the configuration of the flow control device between the closed and open configurations; a locking device to lock the configuration of the flow control device; and an unlocking mechanism to unlock the locking device and to permit the actuator mechanism to change the configuration of the flow control device.

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of hydrocarbon production from a hydrocarbon reservoir. The method includes providing a substantially horizontal wellbore having at least one productive interval within a hydrocarbon reservoir and forming at least one non-conductive transverse fracture in the reservoir along the substantially horizontal wellbore. An injection well is also provided. A fluid is injected into the reservoir through the injection well to displace hydrocarbons within the reservoir toward a production portion of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Hydrocarbons are drained from the reservoir into at least one production interval of the substantially horizontal wellbore. Fluid production from the at least one production interval into the substantially horizontal wellbore flows through an inflow control device that can restrict the fluid flow.

Abstract: A method of flowing fluid from a formation, the method comprising: sensing presence of a reservoir impairing substance in the fluid flowed from the formation; and automatically controlling operation of at least one flow control device in response to the sensing of the presence of the substance. A well system, comprising: at least one sensor which senses whether a reservoir impairing substance is present; and at least one flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from a formation in response to indications provided by the sensor.

Abstract: A multistage pump (4) comprises: a plurality of components (50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110) comprising a plurality of pre-assembled pump modules (70, 90, 110) including at least one twin screw pump module (1, 2); characterised in that the multistage pump (4) further comprises an elongate sleeve (41) for housing the components (50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110); and securing means (42a, 42b) attachable or engagable with a portion of the elongate sleeve (41), the securing means (42a, 42b) being operable to fixedly retain the components (50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110) within the sleeve (41).

Abstract: A siphon tube having a polymeric material into which at least one continuous reinforcing agent is embedded, and wherein the at least one reinforcing agent runs substantially the length of the siphon tube. The polymer material can be one or more polymers selected from one or more high density polyethylenes, one or more polyamides, and one or more fluoropolymers.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a well fluid intake having a shroud hanger formed in an upper portion thereof, a seal section having a motor head formed in a lower portion thereof, and an electrical conduit extending between the shroud hanger and the motor head. The intake has a plurality of fluid entry slots positioned a select distance from the shroud hanger in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the shroud hanger to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor head. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures.

Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, a first fluid removal means within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and a second fluid removal means within the proximal section of the inner tubing string.

Abstract: An oil well sealing device that is submergible for sealing under water oil wells and a method for sealing underwater oil wells in such a fashion that oil production can be resumed are described. The device comprises a housing having at least one lower opening at a lower end of the housing and at least one upper opening at an upper end of the housing; a pump sucking oil through the lower opening into the housing and pushing the oil through the upper opening out of the housing; a connector allowing the lower end of the housing to be fixed to an oil well tube at an oil wellhead; and at least one valve at the lower end of the housing that is closable after the lower end of the housing has been installed to the oil well tube.

Abstract: A method of forming a geologic model of a subsurface region is disclosed. Data related to the subsurface region is obtained. A framework is constructed to represent the subsurface region. A template is selected from a plurality of templates. The selected template provides at least one property that is characteristic of the subsurface region. The selected template is inserted into the framework, to form the geologic model. The geologic model is then outputted.

Abstract: A method of demulsifying a water-in-oil emulsion is provided. The method includes treating a volume of fluids comprising oil and water by adding a salt of a polynuclear, aromatic sulfonic acid to the fluids so as to cause the oil and water to be at least partially demulsified. The method may further include separating water and oil in a separator. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface reservoir is also provided. The hydrocarbons include a water-in-oil emulsion. The method includes producing the hydrocarbons through a wellbore, and subjecting the water-in-oil emulsion to a salt of a polynuclear, aromatic sulfonic acid additive so as to cause the oil and water to be at least partially demulsified.

Abstract: A downhole burner is used for producing heavy-oil formations. Hydrogen, oxygen, and steam are pumped by separate conduits to the burner, which burns at least part of the hydrogen and forces the combustion products out into the earth formation. The steam cools the burner and becomes superheated steam, which is injected along with the combustion products into the earth formation. Carbon dioxide is also pumped down the well and injected into the formation.

Abstract: A method is provided for simulating a physical process such as fluid flow in porous media by performing a fine-grid calculation of the process in a medium and re-using the fine grid solution in subsequent coarse-grid calculations. For fluid flow in subsurface formations, the method may be applied to optimize upscaled calculation grids formed from geologic models. The method decreases the cost of optimizing a grid to simulate a physical process that is mathematically described by the diffusion equation.

Abstract: A system for producing hydrocarbons from a well includes an unloading unit that receives fluids from a wellhead. The unloading unit separates the oil and gas, and the oil is pumped to a pipeline. Using the unloading unit and the pump helps to reduce the pressure at the wellhead which helps increase production. The gas separated by the unloading unit is compressed and re-injected into the well to create a gas lift which further helps increase production. Capturing and reinjecting the separated gas for gas lift operations reduces environmental damages associated with conventional unloading unit and pump assemblies. The unloading unit, compressor, and pump are modular for quicker installation and a smaller footprint. After increasing the productive life of a first reservoir, the system can be broken down and reassembled for use at another reservoir.

Abstract: A system for removing CO2 from air such as atmospheric air is described that uses a cooling tower, a pseudo-cooling tower, or a wind capture device to provide a large volume of atmospheric air. A CO2 capture apparatus is positioned to contact atmospheric air moving towards or within the cooling tower, pseudo-tower, or wind capture device, and includes wherein the CO2 capture apparatus includes a CO2 binding agent that binds to CO2 in atmospheric air. An associated reprocessing apparatus releases C02 from the binding agent, directs the released CO2 to a CO2 storage chamber, and returns the binding agent to the CO2 capture apparatus. A system for removing CO2 from flue gas is also described.

Abstract: A method of producing hydrocarbon material from a layer of oil sand in an earth formation, the layer having a thickness and extending in an extension direction for more than its thickness comprises creating production borehole having a production borehole section extending in a production borehole direction, and a refill borehole having a refill borehole section extending in a refill borehole direction, wherein both the production and refill borehole directions deviate less than 45 degrees from the extension direction; creating a cavity in the layer of oil sand, the cavity being in fluid communication with the production borehole section; extending the cavity by operating fluid jetting means against a wall of the cavity; withdrawing the slurry from the cavity via the production borehole to a processing facility; and injecting refill material into the cavity via the refill borehole section, wherein the refill borehole section extends below the production borehole section.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for modified lignins and other compositions that may be useful as surfactants. These compositions have particular utility for energy-related applications. In embodiments, they may be useful for enhanced oil recovery. In embodiments, they may be useful for extracting bitumen from oil sands. In embodiments, they may be useful for environmental remediation.

Abstract: A method for correlating data predicted by a processor physics-based geologic model to describe a subsurface region with obtained data describing the subsurface region. Data is obtained describing an initial state of the subsurface region. Data describing a subsequent state of the subsurface region is predicted. The predicted data is compared with the obtained data taking into account whether the obtained data or the predicted data represent a discontinuous event. A sensitivity of the predicted data is determined if the predicted data is not within an acceptable range of the obtained data. The data describing the initial state of the subsurface region is adjusted based on the sensitivity before performing a subsequent iteration of predicting data describing the subsequent state of the subsurface region. A representation of the subsurface region based on the data describing the subsequent state of the subsurface region is outputted.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimal lift resource allocation, which includes optimally allocating lift resource under a total lift resource constraint or a total production constraint, the allocating step including distributing lift resource among all lifted wells in a network so as to maximize a liquid/oil rate at a sink.

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: Described is a well completion for evenly distributing a viscosity reducing injectant (e.g. steam and/or solvent, e.g. in SAGD or CSS) into a hydrocarbon reservoir (e.g. of bitumen), for evenly distributing produced fluids (most specifically vapor influx) and for limiting entry of particulate matter into the well upon production. On injection, the injectant passes through a limited number of slots in a base pipe, is deflected into an annulus between the base pipe and a screen or the like, and passes through the screen into the reservoir. On production, hydrocarbons pass from the reservoir through the screen into a compartmentalized annulus. The screen limits entry of particulate matter (e.g. sand). The hydrocarbons then pass through the slots in the base pipe and into the well. Where a screen is damaged, the compartmentalization and the slots in the base pipe limit particulate matter entry into the well.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid production system that is disposable in a wellbore comprising a separator, a pump, a compressor, and a motor. The separator segregates the gas and liquid and delivers the gas to the compressor inlet and the liquid to the pump inlet. The pump pressurizes the liquid for delivery to the surface. The compressor pressurizes the gas for reinjection into the wellbore, injection into another subterranean formation, or for delivery to the surface.

Abstract: Wellbore tubing having an annular seating member and an annular anti-rotation member can be used for one or more types of surface driven submersible pumps. In one embodiment, a stator and a rotor of a surface driven progressing cavity pump can be inserted into the tubing after the tubing is deployed. In one embodiment, a surface driven reciprocating pump can be inserted into the tubing, later withdrawn from the tubing, and then a progressing cavity pump can be inserted into the same tubing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a non-stick apparatus, comprising a liquid storage or conveyance article comprising a first material; a coating on an internal surface of the article comprising a second material; wherein the second material comprises a critical surface tension value less than 75 mN/m and a hardness value of at least 5 measured on a Moh's scale.

Abstract: Generally, devices and methods of redistribution of fluids produced in well bore environments. Specifically, well bore fluid redistribution apparatuses which can isolate and redistribute fluids produced in well bores between geologic sections to reduce surface discharge of fluids.

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 system is disclosed for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant wells. A method is disclosed for constructing a slant well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply. A system of angled wells (slant wells) is constructed. The slant wells obtain a desalination feedwater supply from permeable aquifer systems near and/or beneath a saline water source (i.e., an ocean, sea, or salty inland lake). The slant wells induce recharge of the aquifer system through the floor of the ocean, sea, or inland lake due to the hydraulic head difference between the slant well pumping level and the level of the ocean, sea, or lake. As the supply source is relatively constant, the water supply to such a slant well system generally provides a long-term, sustainable water source for a desalination plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promoting the production of oil and/or gas from organic carbon-rich sedimentary rocks in a subterranean formation. Aspects of the method comprise detecting hydrogen starvation in the formation and remedying the hydrogen starvation.

Abstract: The invention provides formulations for facilitating the removal of oil from a surface using a chisel composition, wherein the chisel composition includes a polymer having one or more binding points with a high affinity for the surface, and one or more hydrophilic segments that form a hydrophilic coating on the surface, rendering the surface water-wet and thereby facilitating the removal of oil from the surface. The invention also provides for methods of use of such formulations.

Abstract: Method for identifying geologic features from geophysical or attribute data using windowed principal component (22), or independent component, or diffusion mapping (61) analysis. Subtle features are made identifiable in partial or residual data volumes. The residual data volumes (24) are created by (36) eliminating data not captured by the most prominent principal components (14). The partial data volumes are created by (35) projecting the data (21) on to selected principal components (22, 61). Geologic features may also be identified from pattern analysis (77) or anomaly volumes (62, 79) generated with a variable-scale data similarity matrix (73). The method is suitable for identifying physical features indicative of hydrocarbon potential.

Abstract: A process for controlling the production of loose sand particles within an underground formation through the use of magnetic forces is provided. The loose sand particles are magnetized and then subjected to a magnetic field of sufficient strength such that the operator can control the movement of the loose sand particles within the underground formation. In some instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for keeping the loose sand particles within the formation, and thereby prolonging the useful life of the downhole equipment. In other instances, the present invention can provide an efficient process for sweeping the loose sand particles out of the underground formation in a controlled fashion. The present invention includes at least three embodiments for magnetizing the loose sand particles, including direct magnetization, contacting the sand particles with a magnetizing reagent, and contacting the sand particles with paramagnet nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for enhancing a recovery process employing one or more substantially horizontal wellbores. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for enhancing a recovery process employing one or more horizontal wellbores by providing a zone of increased permeability in a hydrocarbon reservoir to facilitate vertical movement of flowable materials through the reservoir to thereby enhance the recovery process. In some embodiments, the reservoir comprises one or more vertical permeability impediments.

Abstract: Measurement and/or control units located within a borehole are inductively coupled to a flat three phase power cable segment without piercing the armor around the cable. For drawing power from the cable, C-shaped, L-shaped or straight core(s) with winding(s) around at least a portion thereof are positioned proximate to one or both end conductors, outside the armor, with significantly overlapping the center conductor. For impressing or detecting signals on the cable, straight core(s) with winding(s) around at least a portion thereof are disposed on one or both sides of the cable, outside the armor, across all three conductors with the core oriented transverse to the cable conductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier system (100) for expanding an annular barrier (1) in an annulus (2) between a well tubular structure (3) and an inside wall (4) of a borehole downhole. The annular barrier system comprises an annular barrier (1) having a tubular part (5) for mounting as part of the well tubular structure (3), the annular barrier further comprising an expandable sleeve (6) surrounding the tubular part (5), at least one end (7) of the expandable sleeve being fastened in a fastening means (8) of a connection part (9) in the tubular part. The annular barrier system also comprises a tool (20) for expanding the expandable sleeve by letting a pressurised fluid through a passage (11, 21) in the tubular part into a space (12) between the expandable sleeve and the tubular part.

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: There is provided a system and method for providing data describing a physical structure. An exemplary method comprises defining an unstructured grid that corresponds to a three-dimensional physical structure. The unstructured grid comprises data representative of a property of interest. At least one filter object and a selection criterion are defined. A portion of the unstructured grid data that meets the selection criterion relative to the filter object is selected.

Abstract: A method of operating an electrical submersible pumping system that includes realtime monitoring of the wellbore fluid and adjusting pump speed so the fluid entering the pump remains subcooled. The method can include adding sensors within the wellbore and digitally storing fluid data accessible by a pump controller. The pump speed can be increased or decreased by adjusting the frequency of the electrical power delivered to the pump motor.