Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining fluid samples in a subterranean wellbore comprises a carrier assembly configured to be disposed in a subterranean wellbore; a sampling chamber operably associated with the carrier assembly; a pressure assembly coupled to the sampling chamber and configured to pressurize a fluid sample obtained in the sampling chamber, wherein the pressure assembly is configured to contain a pressure generating agent; an activation mechanism configured to activate the pressure generating agent; and a power device operably associated with the carrier assembly and configured to provide an impulse for activating the activation mechanism, wherein the power device is not disposed on the pressure assembly.

Abstract: A method of using an electrochemical gas lift apparatus to induce artificial gas lift in a production fluid includes introducing the electrochemical gas lift apparatus into a well bore having a production zone, operating the electrochemical gas lift apparatus such that a combination of hydrocarbon fluid and formation water is introduced into the interior of the electrochemical gas lift apparatus, introducing electrical power to the electrochemical gas lift apparatus such that at least a portion of formation water in the interior of the electrochemical gas lift apparatus converts into product gases, operating the electrochemical gas lift apparatus such that the product gases form product gas bubbles in the interior of the electrochemical gas lift apparatus, and operating the electrochemical gas lift apparatus such that production fluid forms in the interior of the electrochemical gas lift apparatus. The production fluid comprises hydrocarbon fluid, unconverted formation water and product gas bubbles.

Abstract: The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated, after cessation of fracturing and establishment of fracture networks, by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. In one method, attachment site particles are positioned within the formation during fracturing and additional reactive particles are later introduced. The reactive particles attach to the attachment sites and, upon a triggering event, react to produce micro-seismic events. The waves generated by the micro-seismic events are used to provide mapping of the effective fracture space. Additionally, time-lapse mapping is provided with use of “species” of attachment sites and reactive particles.

Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The pellets are loaded serially in a column in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing a reliable, high purity source of CO2 that is used in the recovery of formation deposits, such as fossil fuels. At least a portion of the fossil fuels recovered may be directly combusted or extracted using the same process used to provide the pure source of CO2 without the need to first remove CO2, sulfur, other fossil fuels, or other impurities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore assembly. The wellbore assembly may comprise a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline; an accumulator system connected to the conveyance member; and a setting tool connected to the accumulator system. The accumulator system may be configured to supply a fluid pressure to actuate the setting tool. A method of operating a wellbore tool may comprise lowering a wellbore assembly into a wellbore using a conveyance member including at least one of a continuous spooled rod, a wireline, and a slickline, wherein the wellbore assembly includes an accumulator system and a setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the accumulator system to provide a fluid pressure to the setting tool. The method may comprise actuating the setting tool using the fluid pressure.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.

Abstract: An explosive system for fracturing an underground geologic formation adjacent to a wellbore can comprise a plurality of explosive units comprising an explosive material contained within the casing, and detonation control modules electrically coupled to the plurality of explosive units and configured to cause a power pulse to be transmitted to at least one detonator of at least one of the plurality of explosive units for detonation of the explosive material. The explosive units are configured to be positioned within a wellbore in spaced apart positions relative to one another along a string with the detonation control modules positioned adjacent to the plurality of explosive units in the wellbore, such that the axial positions of the explosive units relative to the wellbore are at least partially based on geologic properties of the geologic formation adjacent the wellbore.

Abstract: The power charge of a wireline pressure setting assembly includes a barrier located adjacent an open upper end of the power charge. The barrier centralizes the power charge in horizontal applications to ensure the associated tool properly sets. The barrier also limits how much of the power charge can flow out of its housing in a horizontal application. The barrier can be porous or impervious to contain as much of the power charge in a small sub-chamber in the pressure chamber defined by the barrier. Once ignition starts in the power charge the barrier can be consumed or otherwise disabled for the normal functioning of the setting device to set a tool and release from the set tool in a normal manner.

Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.

Abstract: A pneumatic fracturing method for exploiting shale gas, the method including: 1) applying a compressed gas for a first period of time at a first pressure to a shale formation; 2) applying the compressed gas for a second period of time at a second pressure to the shale formation; and 3) repeating steps 1) and 2) to produce fissures in the shale formation. A temperature of the compressed gas is at least 80° C. A maximum pressure of the compressed gas is at least 25 megapascal, and a minimum pressure of the compressed gas is between ¼ and ? of the maximum pressure.

Abstract: An antenna for receiving electromagnetic energy with multiple grid arrays includes first and second grid patterns of diodes each acting as a half-wave rectifying element when illuminated by the electromagnetic energy whereby the electromagnetic energy is efficiently converted into electrical current at an output even when the electromagnetic energy is randomly polarized. The multiple grid arrays are spaced from one another and can also be offset from one another. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the first and second grid patterns of diodes have varying diode densities.

Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.

Abstract: A system for matching the hydrocarbon reservoir inflow with the outflow of an artificial lift system utilizes an apparatus which makes real time fluid level determinations based upon shock waves detected by a surface device and inputs the observed fluid levels into a processor which controls the speed of a motor which operates a subsurface pump, so as to increase hydrocarbon production. The apparatus which makes real time fluid determinations is installed such that a gas emission port and a pressure wave pressure wave receiving port are placed within the tubing-casing annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for penetrating a downhole target within a wellbore include providing a body with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end into a wellbore, the body having a nozzle at the first end. The nozzle is adapted to project a medium, such as molten thermite, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, such as in a downhole direction. An initiation source is usable to consume a fuel load associated with the body to cause projection of the medium in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore, to affect an obstruction in the wellbore. A series of such apparatus can be used in succession, such that the actuation of each preceding apparatus enhances the effect of each subsequent apparatus on the obstruction.

Abstract: Propellant structures and stimulation tools incorporating propellant structures may comprise composite propellant structures including two or more regions of propellant having different compositions, different grain structures, or both. An axially extending initiation bore containing a initiation element may extend through a center of the propellant structure, or may be laterally offset from the center. An offset initiation bore may be employed with a composite grain structure. Methods of tailoring ballistic characteristics of propellant burn to result in desired operational pressure pulse characteristics are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a gun string assembly within a wellbore and perforating the wellbore using the gun string assembly. The gun string assembly comprises a plurality of perforating guns coupled in series. A first perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a first portion of shaped charges, and a second perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a second portion of shaped charges operably associated with a secondary pressure generator. The first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured in the gun string assembly to provide a pressure transient comprising one or more pressures at a location in the wellbore that meet one or more thresholds.

Abstract: An explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: A self-contained gas impulse apparatus includes a gas impulse unit for generating a plurality of gas blasts when supplied with pressurized gas. A gas supply unit is connected by a gas conduit to the gas impulse unit. The gas supply unit is configured to be remotely activated to supply pressurized gas via the conduit to the gas impulse unit. The self-contained gas impulse apparatus is transportable by a cable to and from a remote location for operation at the remote location.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.

Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and to exploration and production of water resources, in particularly, for stimulation of fluid flow to the well, e.g., for higher oil production, productivity index, and recovery factor. The disclosed device and method can be used for higher permeability of the pay zone due to creation of a network of microcracks in the bottomhole formation zone and facilitates to increase the flow of oil, or other fluids, from the reservoir to the well. Generation of cyclic pressure pulses with varied amplitude and time parameters and proper localization of pulses in space through mechanism of convective combustion provides a “soft” impact upon the wellbore without risk of damage or formation consolidation; the said impact is achieved by using a device which is a downhole cyclic pressure generator operating by a consecutive combustion of layers of compositions having different combustion rates.

Abstract: A method comprises: a. determining a configuration of a gun string, b. determining, by a computer, a pressure transient at a location in a wellbore, c. comparing the one or more pressures with the one or more pressure thresholds at the location, and d. perforating the wellbore with the gun string using the determined configuration of the gun string when the one or more pressures meet the one or more pressure thresholds at the location. The location in the wellbore has one or more pressure thresholds, and the pressure transient comprises one or more pressures.

Abstract: A downhole tool assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body carrying an explosive which is selectively detonated to create a dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect in the wellbore. The tubular body has opposite ends provided with plug assemblies including plug elements movable between a normally collapsed state and an actuable expanded state. The plug elements are adapted to be actuated to the expanded state between the tubular body and an outer extent of the wellbore before the creation of the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect to isolate a discrete segment of the wellbore to which the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect is confined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and systems for perforating a well using a wired work string assembly. According to embodiments of the invention, the method includes positioning a wired work string assembly in a wellbore, the work string assembly comprising a plurality of wired pipe communicatively coupled at each joint, a depth correlation tool, and a perforating gun assembly. A depth of the perforating gun assembly is determined from a depth correlation tool positioned within the wellbore, and an electrical signal related to the depth of the perforating gun assembly is transmitted to a surface above the wellbore. Firing of the perforating gun assembly is initiated via a signal transmitted from the surface above the wellbore. An electrical signal from the wellbore is transmitted to the surface to confirming the firing of perforating gun assembly. The system includes various tools for perforating the well using the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A friction reduction assembly for a downhole tubular. The friction reduction assembly includes an electrically activated friction reduction sub. The sub includes a flowbore fluidically connected to a flowbore of the tubular and remaining open for fluid flow therethrough during both activated and non-activated states of the friction reduction sub. A friction reducer responsive to an indication of lockup of the tubular, wherein friction between the tubular and surrounding casing or borehole is reduced in an electrically activated state of the friction reduction sub. A method of reducing friction in a downhole tubular is also included.

Abstract: A fracturing tool includes a container structure, and a puncher charge arranged in the container structure, where the puncher charge if detonated is configured to extend an opening through the container structure without creating a perforation tunnel in a formation surrounding the well. An energetic material is to be initiated by detonation of the puncher charge, where the energetic material upon initiation creates an increased pressure in the well to perform fracturing of the formation.

Abstract: A plasma source for generating nonlinear, wide-band, periodic, directed, elastic oscillations in a fluid medium. The plasma source includes a plasma emitter having two electrodes defining a gap, a delivery device for introducing a metal conductor into the gap, and a high voltage transformer for powering the plasma emitter. A system and method for stimulating wells, deposits, and boreholes through controlled periodic oscillations generated using the plasma source. The system includes the plasma source, a ground control unit, and a support cable. In the method, the plasma source is submerged in the fluid medium of a well, deposit, or borehole and is used to create a metallic plasma in the gap. The metallic plasma emits a pressure pulse and shockwaves, which are directed into the fluid medium. Nonlinear, wide-band, periodic and elastic oscillations are generated in the fluid medium, including resonant oscillations by passage of the shockwaves.

Abstract: A system of fracturing a geological formation penetrated by a borehole. At least one borehole is drilled into or proximate the geological formation. An energetic charge is placed in the borehole. The energetic charge is detonated fracturing the geological formation.

Abstract: A fracturing apparatus in a wellbore, having a housing with at least one injection port; an injection fluid supply interface to provide injection fluid for the hydraulic fracturing apparatus; and at least one high pressure combustor received within the housing. The housing further includes a combustible medium interface that is in fluid communication with the high pressure combustor, which is configured and arranged to provide repeated ignition cycles that include a combustion cycle that ignites the combustible medium and a fuel delivery cycle that delivers the combustible medium to the combustor, wherein pressure resulting from the combustion cycle forces the injection fluid out an injection port to cause fracturing in a portion of the earth around the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying and activating a downhole tool activated by an explosive charge such as a drill pipe cutter or hole puncher. The apparatus includes a sealing member with an external wedge-shaped profile that forms a metal-to-metal partial seal with a profile at the top end of a pipe joint in a drill pipe string. The apparatus includes an impact force absorbing device that maintains a firing rod in a non-actuated position during impact of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a differential pressure piston that actuates at a pre-determined well bore pressure to release the firing rod to activate the downhole tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cutting a wellbore tubular may include an upper section and a lower section mating at a juncture plane defined by a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore tubular. Each section may include a support plate having a passage, a liner positioned adjacent to the support plate, and an energetic material disposed between the support plate and the liner. An initiator having a shaft may be positioned in the passages of the upper section and the lower section.

Abstract: A downhole tool gun string assembly comprises a first perforating gun operable to generate a first pressure at a first location in a wellbore, wherein the first perforating gun comprises a first plurality of perforating charges; a second perforating gun operable to generate a second pressure at a second location in the wellbore, wherein the second pressure is different from the first pressure and the second perforating gun comprises a second plurality of perforating charges, and wherein at least one of the second plurality of perforating charges is operably associated with a secondary pressure generator, where the first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured to maintain a pressure at a selected location in the wellbore below a threshold when the first and second perforating guns are activated substantially concurrently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retro-fitting an explosive setting tool to a non-explosive setting tool is provided to eliminate the use of pyrotechnics when setting auxiliary tools. An explosive setting tool is retro-fitted by removing the pyrotechnic elements of the tool and replacing them with a conversion assembly including a hydraulic pump, thus converting the explosive tool into a non-explosive tool. The hydraulic pump provides the energy necessary to set the auxiliary tool. Once the auxiliary tool has been set, the non-explosive setting tool can be brought to the surface and reset using a resetting tool.

Abstract: A fracturing system for wells has a propellant charge having a known surface area for combustion, and a combustion rate as a function of pressure with lower combustion rates at lower pressures and rapidly increasing combustion rates at higher pressures separated by a knee in the combustion rate function. The propellant charge is initially sealed within a vessel as it is inserted into a well. The system also includes means for creating openings in the vessel on ignition of the propellant charge in the well, such that the openings have a known combined flow area selected to create a condition of choked flow of combustion gases from within the vessel and maintain pressures within the vessel below the knee in the combustion rate function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for modifying downhole wellbore pressure at the instant that an explosive event occurs. By a significant temporary reduction in wellbore pressure, for example, an explosive cutter will be able to cut through thicker pipe in a deep well with high hydrostatic pressure. A favorable transient wellbore pressure is achieved by the selective timing of implosion and explosion devices, to improve the performance of certain explosive tools when subsequently initiated, such as shaped charge explosive cutters, severing tools, setting tools and perforating guns. As part of the system, each implosion or explosion device is initiated by a detonator having a preprogrammed control unit with a preselected timing delay to take advantage of the temporarily lowered wellbore pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation downhole tool for hydrocarbon wells. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall and a propellant volume having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the propellant volume and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each chamber proximal to the propellant volume such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the propellant volume. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining fluid samples in a subterranean wellbore comprises a carrier assembly configured to be disposed in a subterranean wellbore; a sampling chamber operably associated with the carrier assembly; a pressure assembly coupled to the sampling chamber and configured to pressurize a fluid sample obtained in the sampling chamber, wherein the pressure assembly is configured to contain a pressure generating agent; an activation mechanism configured to activate the pressure generating agent; and a power device operably associated with the carrier assembly and configured to provide an impulse for activating the activation mechanism, wherein the power device is not disposed on the pressure assembly.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a pulse detonation tool is provided for fracturing subterranean formations. The pulse detonation tool includes a pulse detonation combustor and creates an isolated zone within a wellbore. The tool generate a series of repeating supersonic shock waves that are directed into the subterranean formation to cause propagation of multiple fractures into the formation. According to another aspect of the invention, a method and system for fracturing a subterranean formation using pulse detonation is provided.

Abstract: A post cold heavy oil production with sand (“CHOPS”) microbial enhanced oil recovery method comprises selecting a well having at least one wormhole and that has completed primary CHOPS production. When the reservoir does not contain enough of a gas producing indigenous microbe, an injectant is prepared comprising a gas-producing microbe, a nutrient suitable for the microbe, and a fluid base. The injectant is injected through the well and into the at least one wormhole in the reservoir; the well is shut in until pressure in the well reaches the target pressure; and then the well is produced.

Abstract: A pumping system is disclosed comprising a supply pipe, a delivery pipe, a pump capable of pumping a liquid, a first tank with a top port and a bottom port, a second tank with top port and a bottom port, a first pipe switcher operable to switch connections the supply/delivery pipes and the top ports, and a second pipe switcher operable to switch connections between the bottom ports and the pump inlet/outlet. The pipe switchers serve to switch input and output connections such that the tanks are swapped from a position between the supply pipe and the pump inlet and a position between the pump outlet and the delivery pipe. Uses for cooling systems, air compressors, deep wells, and oil extraction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial lift device is useful for inducing artificial gas lift in a well bore fluid present in a horizontal well bore system using electrically conductive aqueous solution. The artificial lift device includes an ion exchange membrane, an electrode pair having an anode and a cathode separated by the ion exchange membrane, a sensor operable to detect the presence of solution and a power relay operable to selectively permit the electrode pair to receive electrical power. The artificial lift device is operable to form hydrogen product gas bubbles from hydrogen product gas. A method for providing artificial gas lift using the artificial lift device includes forming a horizontal well bore system having a well boot, introducing the artificial lift device into the well bore system, introducing electrical power to the electrode pair, and operating the device to introduce hydrogen product gas bubbles into the horizontal well bore system.

Abstract: An explosive tool is disclosed. The explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure.

Abstract: A method for unseating a threaded connection of wellbore tubing within the wellbore. The method utilizes a back-off tool which consists of a tubular metal housing, a shaped charge and HNS detonating cord within the housing, and an explosive material attached to the housing. The back-off tool is detonated near the threaded connection, creating a shockwave that strikes the threaded connection with sufficient force to unseat the connection.

Abstract: A method for use in a wellbore includes the steps of providing an elongated, closed tubular body defining an internal chamber wherein the tubular body has an external surface formed with treated areas and an elongated recess extending longitudinally of the tubular body and running through the treated areas; retaining a detonating device in the recess adjacent the external surface of the tubular body; positioning the tubular body with the detonating device in a wellbore adjacent perforation tunnels previously formed in a surrounding well formation and filled with debris; and activating the detonating device to rupture the tubular body inwardly along the external surface forming the recess at the treated areas to expose the chamber within the tubular body to a dynamic underbalanced pressure condition such that fluid from the wellbore and debris from the perforation tunnels is drawn through the wellbore and into the chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation downhole tool for hydrocarbon wells. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall. A propellant volume having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one pressure chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the propellant volume and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each pressure chamber proximal to the propellant volume such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the propellant volume. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the pressure chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.

Abstract: A system for use in borehole completion is provided and includes a perforating sub, a firing sub having a first port and an interior and including a firing assembly disposable within the interior and operably coupled to the perforating sub and a drilling fluid barrier, which is formed with a second port and is displaceable toward a position at which the first and second ports align to form a fluid path through the interior that is sufficiently pressurizable to actuate the firing assembly, a drop plug selectively engageable with the drilling fluid barrier to enable displacement thereof to the position in response to applied pressures and an isolation sub, into which the drop plug is receivable following disengagement thereof from the drilling fluid barrier.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fracturing rock in a formation to enhance the production of fluids from the formation. In one exemplary method, one or more wells are drilled into a reservoir, wherein each well comprises a main wellbore with two or more lateral wellbores drilled out from the main wellbore. One or more explosive charges are placed within each of the two or more lateral wellbores, and the explosive charges are detonated to generate pressure pulses which at least partially fracture a rock between the two or more lateral wellbores. The detonations are timed such that one or more pressure pulses emanating from different lateral wellbores interact.

Abstract: A device including a lower assembly (30) and a cable (32) for deploying the lower assembly (30) in the well (12). The lower assembly (30) includes a pyrotechnic system (72), and a firing assembly further including a module (86) for controlling a power battery (88) and a power module (150). The control module (86) includes arming means (112; 158) of the power module (150) capable of connecting the power battery (88) to the power module (150) upon receiving an electrical arming signal transmitted through the cable (32). It includes means (114; 160) for triggering the pyrotechnic system (72) capable of connecting the power module (150) to the pyrotechnic system (72), upon receiving a distinct electrical triggering signal posterior to the arming signal.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in a wellbore. The perforating gun assembly includes a carrier gun body and a charge holder disposed within the carrier gun body. A plurality of shaped charges are supported within the carrier gun body. A secondary pressure generator is operably associated with at least one of the shaped charges. The secondary pressure generator optimizes the wellbore pressure regime immediately after detonation of the shaped charges by controlling the dynamic underbalance created by the empty gun chambers to prevent excessive dynamic underbalance which may detrimentally effect the perforating operation.

Abstract: A marker placement device, such as a modified coring gun, is used to place one or more markers into the formation. The marker placement device uses explosive charges to fire one or more marker assemblies into a borehole wall. A marker assembly includes a driver assembly which is adapted to be fired from the placement device and a marker which is releasably secured to the driver with frangible shear members.