Abstract: A method for removing a sealing plug from a casing or a wellbore according to which a sealing plug is adapted to expand into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. A wireless signal is sent to the plug to cause the plug to lose its structural integrity and fall to the bottom of the wellbore.

Abstract: An actuator device for setting a downhole tool is disclosed. The actuator device includes a gas releasing material that releases a gas when activated by a solvent or other activator. The gas produced due to the contact with the activator is captured within a chamber in the downhole tool. As a result, gas pressure builds up inside the tool to move a piston and cause setting of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A buffering device for use in conjunction with a downhole tool string, wherein the tool string includes a ballistics device. The buffering device includes a mandrel attached within a tool string and proximate to the ballistics device. An anchor is disposed on the mandrel and a disk plate is coaxially placed on the mandrel that is slideable thereon. The disk plate is proximate to the ballistic device. A resilient member, such as a spring, is coaxially placed on the mandrel between the disk plate and the anchor. The pressure wave produced by activation of the ballistic device pushes the disk plate toward the anchor and compresses the spring there between. Since the disk plate extends outward into sealing contact with casing lining the wellbore, compression of the spring dissipates energy waves produced by activation of the ballistic device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-energy gas fracture tool for through-tubing operation. The tool includes a blast head and a fracturing bullet connecting with the blast head. An electric detonator is provided in the blast head, and the fracturing bullet has a central pipe, which is sleeved by a fracture charge column and in which there is an explosive fuse sleeved by tubular igniting charge column. The present invention increases effectively charge amount per unit due to using no-shell bared fracture charge column, can attain combustion gas peak pressure quickly and increases energy utilization factor during fracturing because of utilizing blasting energy of explosive fuse and combustion energy of igniting charge. The present invention has better application effect, reliable and safe working. Moreover, the present invention may be used for fracturing or plug removal without tubing.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the enhanced recovery of petroleum fluids from the subsurface by in situ combustion of the hydrocarbon deposit, from injection of an oxygen rich gas and drawing off a flue gas to control the rate and propagation of the combustion front to be predominantly horizontal and propagating vertically downwards guided by the vertical highly permeable hydraulic fractures. Multiple propped vertical hydraulic fractures are constructed from the well bore into the oil sand formation and filled with a highly permeable proppant containing hydrodesulfurization and thermal cracking catalysts. The oxygen rich gas is injected via the well bore into the top of the propped fractures, the in situ hydrocarbons are ignited by a downhole burner, and the generated flue gas extracted from the bottom of the propped fractures through the well bore and mobile oil gravity drains through the propped fractures to the bottom of the well bore and pumped to the surface.

Abstract: A surge chamber assembly (70) for use in a wellbore includes a housing (80) having one or more openings (112), a surge chamber (100) and a combustion chamber (98). The openings (112) provide fluid communication between the exterior (82) of the housing (80) and the surge chamber (100). A sleeve (114) is slidably positioned within the housing (80) and has a first position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is prevented and a second position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is allowed. A combustible element (124) is positioned in the combustion chamber (98) such that combusting the combustible element (124) generates pressure in the combustion chamber (98) that actuates the sleeve (114) from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes: a charge case; an explosive disposed inside the charge case; and a liner for retaining the explosive in the charge case, wherein the liner is fabricated from a material soluble with a selected dissolving fluid (e.g., an acid, an acid matrix, an injection fluid, a completion fluid, and/or a wellbore fluid). A method for perforating in a well includes the steps of: disposing a perforating gun in the well, wherein the perforating gun comprises a shaped charge having a charge case, an explosive disposed inside the charge case, and a liner for retaining the explosive in the charge case, wherein the liner is fabricated from a material soluble with a selected dissolving fluid; detonating the shaped charge to form a perforation tunnel in a formation zone; and exposing the material comprising the liner to the selected dissolving fluid.

Abstract: A transient overbalance condition is created in a wellbore interval such that a pressure of the wellbore interval is greater than a reservoir pressure in surrounding formation. Creating the transient overbalance condition causes a near-wellbore region of the formation to increase in pressure. The pressure in the wellbore interval is reduced at a rate that produces a relative underbalance condition in which the pressure in the wellbore interval is less than the pressure of the near-wellbore region of the formation, but the pressure in the wellbore interval is greater than the reservoir pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus string for use in a wellbore is disclosed comprising a plurality of activation modules having first and second ends and containing devices to be activated/initiated downhole. An apparatus string according to the present invention also comprises a plurality of initiator modules where at least initiator is operatively connected to each activation module and is addressable. Each initiator module may comprise a safety initiator which when the initiator module is addressed initiates the firing of the shaped charges in the gun module to which it is operatively connected. A wireless transmitter is provided which is operatively connected in and integral to the apparatus string for use in transmitting signals to address any initiator module in the apparatus string. An apparatus string according to the present invention may be especially useful in perforating operations.

Abstract: The invention uses a feed of atmospheric air and mixes the air with hydrogen. The hydrogen and air mixture is fed into a catalytic reactor where a deoxygenation reaction occurs. The deoxygenation reaction uses a platinum catalyst to produce water from oxygen and hydrogen. The nitrogen passes through the catalytic reactor without reacting with the hydrogen, the oxygen, or the water. The water is separated from the nitrogen in a dryer. The nitrogen may then be used in drilling and production operations. The water is fed into an electrolyzer where an electrolysis reaction occurs. The electrolyzer passes an electrical current through the water to produce gaseous oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen is recycled back to the catalytic reactor and the oxygen may be vented or sold.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing a well has a propellant charge held by a carrier, and upper and lower restrictor plugs secured to the carrier above and below the propellant charge, respectively. The restrictor plugs allow a restricted flow of combustion gases generated by the propellant charge to pass the restrictor plugs, but maintain sufficient pressure in the well between the restrictor plugs to fracture the formation surrounding the well.

Abstract: An underbalanced perforating system is disclosed for use in openhole completions to maximize the wellbore and matrix cleanup efficiency, to connect natural fracture patterns, and/or to enable application of new drilling fluid technology in difficult subsurface environments. The perforating system can be used for any hydrocarbon bearing formations with any lithology.

Abstract: A non-rigid carrier conveys a pump and/or the steam generator through a bore of the production tubing string to support enhanced oil recovery operations. An annular space separates the production tubing string and a wall of a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation. Using the non-rigid carrier, the steam generator is conveyed into the wellbore and operated to inject hot gases into the formation through the perforations in the casing. Afterwards, the steam generator is conveyed out of the cased wellbore and the pump is conveyed into the cased wellbore and operated to pump hydrocarbons to the surface. For cyclic injection operations, the pump may be retrieved to the surface and the steam generator may be returned into the well. The production tubing string, such as a production tubing, remains in the well while the pump and/or the steam generator are conveyed up and down the cased well. A base installed in the cased well receives either the pump or the steam generator.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method are useful for lifting reservoir fluid in a gas-producing wellbore through the application of a differential between pressure of the gas in the wellbore's gas-production conduit a lower end of which is disposed in reservoir fluid accumulated at a bottom of the wellbore and pressure of the wellbore annulus. The apparatus comprises a collection module disposed in the gas-producing wellbore for collecting by condensation reservoir fluid being lifted as vapor with produced gas in a gas-production conduit disposed in the wellbore, and one or more lift modules for applying the pressure differential to lift the reservoir fluid collected by condensation, and optionally reservoir fluid accumulated at the bottom of the wellbore, within the wellbore.

Abstract: A well treatment system of the present invention includes a housing forming a sealed surge chamber, and a surge charge disposed within the sealed surge chamber, wherein the surge charge is adapted upon activation to penetrate the housing and to not penetrate material exterior of the housing. Fluid communication is created between the surge chamber and the wellbore when the housing is penetrated by the surge charge. The penetration permits wellbore fluid to flow quickly into the surge chamber. Fluid flow into the surge chamber may enhance a surge of flow from the formation into the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for treating the backfilled area of the productive stratum adjacent to the drilling area of oil and gas wells using high pressure pulses. The technological equipment consists of a submersible cylindrical container which is equipped with a high pressure section for accumulating the gaseous working agent, a high pressure one-way electromagnetic valve for dispensing the gaseous agent, a low pressure section where gamma radiation and material solidity detectors and data transmission equipment are located, an intermediate section where at least two one-way nozzles are located, specially arranged radially for injecting the working agent into the areas to be treated, and the technical control and operating equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for selectively firing a gun train formed of a plurality of guns. Conventionally, the guns each include a detonator assembly that detonates upon receiving a firing signal transmitted by a surface source. In one embodiment of the present invention, an operator provided in the gun train selectively couples one or more of the guns to the signal transmission medium. The operator has an safe state wherein the operator isolates the gun from the firing signal and an armed state wherein the operator enable the transmission of the firing signal to the gun. A control signal is used to move operator between the safe state and the armed state. In some embodiments, two or more guns are each provided with a separate operator. In other embodiments, one operator can selectively engage two or more guns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for intensifying the permeability of ground layers close to bore holes and filter bodies and filter layers (W) in the underground extraction areas (F) of wells and other production drill holes (11) wherein liquid is continuously pumped away in the extraction area (F) of the drill hole (11) by means of an underground pump (8). The liquid which is thus displaced is successively impinged upon with hydraulic energy pulses (E) in the direction of the walls of the drill hole, filter bodies and filter layers (W) by continually moving a pulse generator (1) up and down in the area of extraction (F) The effect of each energy pulse (E) is evaluated by means of seismic measurements and the parameters of the following energy pulses (E) are determined according to the evaluation of the measuring result of the previous energy pulse (E).

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes providing one or more explosives into portions of one or more wellbores selected for the explosion in the formation. The wellbores are formed in one or more zones in the formation. The explosives are controllably exploded in one or more of the wellbores such that at least some of the formation surrounding the selected wellbores has an increased permeability. One or more heaters are provided in the one or more wellbores.

Abstract: A firing assembly for activating a perforating device comprising a module having a first chamber and a second chamber. The firing assembly comprises a firing head for transferring ballistic energy to the perforating device, said firing head having a detonator and a plurality of ballistic charges, said detonator coupled to at least one of said first gun assembly and said second gun assembly a remote telemetry device for sending a detonation signal, a transmission medium for transmitting said detonation signal to said firing head, and a receiving device for receiving said detonation signal and a processor for interpreting said detonation signal and activating said detonator.

Abstract: A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.

Abstract: An actuator device for setting a downhole tool is disclosed. The actuator device includes a gas releasing material that releases a gas when activated by a solvent or other activator. The gas produced due to the contact with the activator is captured within a chamber in the downhole tool. As a result, gas pressure builds up inside the tool to move a piston and cause setting of the downhole tool.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods allow a downhole anchor device to be cut, released, and retrieved using a single one-trip cutter and removal assembly. The assembly preferably includes a cutter head recessed behind an anchor latch. The latch is landed to the anchor device to be removed and the cutter head is extended therefrom and activated. Once cut by the cutter head, the anchor device is retrieved upon a distal end of the assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.

Abstract: The Invention is a Well Cleaning Method and Apparatus using detonating cord having Additional Reliability and a Longer Shelf Life. The method and apparatus employs one or more subassemblies, each subassembly having a combustible material, means for igniting the combustible material, and one or more high-strength sleeves attached around portions of the combustible material to attenuate the outwardly-directed pressure wave created by ignition of the combustible material. The assemblies further exhibit staggered detonation with the simultaneous application of electrical current to all assemblies. The combustible material is further modified to add an additional outer impervious layer such that the combustible material exhibits prolonged shelf life and durability.

Abstract: An anchoring tool to position an attached tool, such as a chemical cutter or other tools, in a predetermined position within the bore of a tubular. After the desired location for cutting the tubular or performing other functions is determined, the anchoring tool, along with the chemical cutter or other tools, is lowered into the bore of the tubular until the predetermined position is reached. Thereafter, an ignitor expands pressure propellants, positioned within the body of the anchoring tool, and produces pressure which causes anchoring slips to anchor the tool and any associated equipment within the interior of the tubular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placement of continuous pre-split, gel explosive in an elongated borehole or cavity. An anchor is attached to one end of a selected length of continuous gel explosive. A suitable anchor is a flexible, plastic “pilgrim's hat” with a hole in the narrow, closed end. The size of the anchor depends on the width of the borehole; the flared skirt should be narrow enough to permit insertion of the anchor into the hole but wide enough to resist removal. One end of the explosive charge is pressed through the hole in the anchor. The remainder of the length of explosive is placed inside a tubular member, such as PVC pipe. The loaded pipe then is inserted into the borehole or cavity with the anchor leading. The pipe is used to push the anchor back into the hole to the desired depth. Then, the pipe is withdrawn. The flexible skirt on the anchor engages the sidewall of the borehole and thus resists removal with the pipe.

Abstract: A surge chamber assembly (70) for use in a wellbore includes a housing (80) having one or more openings (112), a surge chamber (100) and a combustion chamber (98). The openings (112) provide fluid communication between the exterior (82) of the housing (80) and the surge chamber (100). A sleeve (114) is slidably positioned within the housing (80) and has a first position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is prevented and a second position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is allowed. A combustible element (124) is positioned in the combustion chamber (98) such that combusting the combustible element (124) generates pressure in the combustion chamber (98) that actuates the sleeve (114) from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stimulating a subterranean formation that is penetrated by a well bore in fluid communication with the formation. At least one length of propellant is assembled with at least one shaped explosive charge that is aimed axially along the well bore toward the propellant. Detonation of the explosive charge ignites the propellant and any successive explosive charge positioned in the well bore. Detonation of the successive explosive charge ignites the next successive length of propellant and next successive explosive charge.

Abstract: A method for positioning sleeve down hole in a hydrocarbon producing well. A running assembly with associated sleeve is run down a hydrocarbon producing well until the sleeve is in a desired positioned in a conduit. The sleeve is expanded until it sealingly engages the conduit. Pressure is maintained within the sleeve until the seals of holding the pressure sequentially fail to expand the ends of the sleeve. When a preset pressure threshold is reached, the pressure is relieved. The running assembly is then pulled back through the expanded sleeve to surface. A major advantage of this method is that the expanded sleeve provides sufficient internal clearance that a further sleeve of the same size as the original may, in future, be passed through the expanded sleeve and positioned lower down in the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the post-detonation pressure of a perforating gun, the apparatus including a perforating gun carrying at least one explosive charge, wherein when the explosive charge is detonated the explosive charge produces a pressurized detonation gas, and a mechanism for reducing the pressure of the detonation gas proximate the perforating gun. The detonation gas pressure is desirably reduced in a time frame sufficient to create a dynamic underbalance condition to facilitate a surge flow of fluid from a reservoir into a wellbore. The pressure reduction mechanism may include singularly or in combination a heat sink to reduce the temperature of the detonation gas, a reactant to recombine with the reactant gas and reduce the molar density of the detonation gas, and a physical compression mechanism to utilize the waste energy of the detonation gas to create work, simultaneously reducing the temperature of the gas and the molar density of the detonation gas.

Abstract: A system for fracturing wells uses a primary propellant charge to initially produce pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure of the surrounding formation, but below that which would cause damage to the well. A supplemental propellant charge burns for a substantially longer period of time than the primary propellant charge, and thereby maintains pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure for a significant period of time following completion of the primary propellant burn.

Abstract: In a flowing gas well having concentric production casing and tubing strings: a funnel is mounted to the bottom end of the tubing string; a packer divides the annulus into upper and lower portions; a tube is provided having an inlet, which communicates with the lower portion of the annulus, immediately beneath the packer, and an upwardly directed restrictive outlet which communicates with the passageway extending through the funnel; so that gas under pressure moves through the tube from the annulus lower portion, is jetted into the production bore (formed by the funnel passageway and tubing string bore) and assists in gas lifting produced water to ground surface.

Abstract: A shaped charge is formed having a pressed polymer pellet positioned between the explosive charge and the metal liner. The shock wave resulting from detonation of the explosive passes through the polymer to the liner. The collapse of the liner results in the formations of a jet—piercing the casing. The high-pressure gaseous by-products of the explosive force (inject) the polymer in the perforation “tunnel”. This shockwave will also start the decomposition of the polymer. The polymer will continue to decompose during its injection into the tunnel. As it is being injected into the perforation tunnel, the residue heat generated by the explosive combined with the shear and induced plastic flow, the polymer will ignite and burn. The burn time will be an order of magnitude greater than the explosive; the pressure generated by the polymer will be an order of magnitude less than the explosive.

Abstract: A well tool (12) includes a mandrel (86), a collar (64), a sleeve (76) and a piston body (88). The collar (64) is disposed above and the sleeve (76) is disposed beneath a seal element (70), a conical element (72) and slips (74). A central bore (92) extends into the mandrel (86), and a flow port (96) extends from the central bore (92) to an exterior of the mandrel (86) which is adjacent to the sleeve (76). The piston body (88) extends exteriorly outward of the mandrel (86) and beneath the flow port (96). The sleeve (76) extends exteriorly around and slidably engages the mandrel (86) and the piston body (88). A setting pressure applied to the central bore (92) and passed through the flow port (96) moves the sleeve (76) upwards on the mandrel (86) to press the slips (74), the conical element (72) and the seal element (70) between the sleeve (76) and the collar (64) to set the well tool (12).

Abstract: The apparatus is used for cutting an opening through the wall of a conduit located in a borehole traversing the subsurface formations. The apparatus includes a body adapted to be lowered into the conduit to a desired level. The body is formed by a cylindrical wall defining an elongated chamber having a combustible charge receiving portion and an ignition portion located close to the combustible charge receiving portion. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are formed through the wall defining a given pattern which may be at least one elongated row of apertures generally parallel with the axis of the cylindrical wall or a line which encloses a given configuration on one side of the axis.

Abstract: A process and assembly for completing and providing sand control in a subterranean well and/or fracturing and preventing proppant flowback in a subterranean formation in a single trip. One or more perforating gun assemblies are juxtaposed and secured to one or more screen assemblies. Once positioned in a well adjacent a subterranean formation of interest, the explosive charges in each perforating gun assembly are detonated so as to penetrate the well and formation thereby initiating fracturing. The penetrations and the annulus defined between the well and screen assembly are then packed with gravel. Well fluid may be pressurized to in excess of the formation pressure prior to detonation of the explosive charges so as to enhance formation fracturing.

Abstract: A power generator for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, including an internal combustion engine having a cylinder and a piston defining a combustion chamber in the cylinder, the engine being arranged to induce a reciprocating movement to the piston relative to the cylinder upon combustion of a combustible gas mixture in the combustion chamber, and a linear electricity generator having a stator and a drive shaft. The generator is arranged to generate electricity upon a reciprocating movement of the drive shaft relative to the stator, and the piston is connected to the drive shaft so as to transmit the reciprocating movement of the piston to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An ignition device for a downhole tool includes a body with a cavity, a thermite material and a resistive element within the cavity. The resistive element, which is heated to the high temperature needed for ignition of the thermite material, has a non-galvanic outer surface at the ignition temperature. A large amount of electrical power is required to reach the ignition temperature, making the device safe and unlikely to accidentally ignite. The device has an electrical connector that is located within a sealed chamber when downhole.

Abstract: A novel method and device for sealing a borehole that is filled either partially or completely with water. A water-permeable sleeve is capable of expanding to the diameter of the borehole, and is constructed of a material that will allow the passage of water in and out throughout its length, with a series of apertures, but will prevent an explosive charge from escaping. Once the sleeve is in place, a hose, to introduce the explosive charge, is lowered through the sleeve to bottom of the borehole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a wellbore includes running a tool string to an interval of the wellbore, and activating a first component in the tool string to create a transient underbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval. Additionally, a second component in the tool string is activated to create a transient overbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval, or vice versa.

Abstract: A gas-generator is disclosed to intensify output of oil, gas, including gas from coal formations, or metals extracted by underground leaching by breakage and thermo gas chemical treatment of the critical formation zone with gaseous combustion products from a solid propellant. The rate of increase of gas pressure is raised and the effect on the formation is enhanced by assembling the gas generator using coated and bare charges in a selected ratio. The charges burn radially, so the coated charges, which burn only from the center outwards, burn for longer and with a rising output. A two-peaked pressure characteristic is thus obtained. A high-velocity igniter may also be used to give a third, early pressure peak.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation surrounding a wellbore, according to which a tool inserted into the wellbore for performing a function in the wellbore is fabricated of a material that breaks up upon detonation of an explosive mounted on the tool, thus allowing the pieces of the tool to fall to the bottom of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a tubular member (e.g., leg of an abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment) is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having a frame carrying explosive shaped charges. The frame includes charges having curved sections which can be moved relative to one another for engaging the inside bore of a tubular member to be severed. The charges are biased (e.g., spring loaded) to be moved automatically to an extended position that engages the tubular member (e.g., platform leg) when a trigger is activated from a remote location. The trigger can be a pin carried in a tube with wires connecting each curved charge section to the pin. When the pin is lifted from its tube, the wires are released enabling the springs to thrust the charges against the inside of a pipe, leg or tubular member to be cut. Once in this position, the charges can be fired.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning calcites and other extraneous matter from the perforated casing of a sub-terrainian water well comprises a plurality of elongate explosive members 14 for lowering into the well, detonators 16 for detonating each member 14 to produce an explosion which propagates longitudinally of the well, and a plurality of short tubular attenuators 19 circumscribing the explosive members 14 at intervals along the length thereof. Each tubular attenuator 19 comprises a steel tube 20 and an annular ring 21 extending around the tube at a point along the length thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a subterranean well formation to stimulate the production of hydrocarbons utilizing foam diversion in the well formation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure; and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims under 37CFR 1.72.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placement of continuous pre-split, gel explosive in an elongated borehole or cavity. An anchor is attached to one end of a selected length of continuous gel explosive. A suitable anchor is a flexible, plastic “pilgrim's hat” with a hole in the narrow, closed end. The size of the anchor depends on the width of the borehole; the flared skirt should be narrow enough to permit insertion of the anchor into the hole but wide enough to resist removal. One end of the explosive charge is pressed through the hole in the anchor. The remainder of the length of explosive is placed inside a tubular member, such as PVC pipe. The loaded pipe then is inserted into the borehole or cavity with the anchor leading. The pipe is used to push the anchor back into the hole to the desired depth. Then, the pipe is withdrawn. The flexible skirt on the anchor engages the sidewall of the borehole and thus resists removal with the pipe.

Abstract: A chemically inflated gas bag for mining is provided. This gas bag includes a modified PVA bag that contains sodium bicarbonate and an HDPE bag that contains acetic acid. The PVA bag and the HDPE bag are contained within a nylon/PE bag. Preferably, when the HDPE bag is broken, the flow of acetic acid onto the PVA bag is controlled by a second bag having small holes therein surrounding the HDPE bag, allowing the gas bag to be lowered into a borehole before it inflates. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this gas bag. This method includes pouring diluted acetic acid into an HDPE bag, putting sodium bicarbonate into a PVA bag, sealing these bags, and placing these bags within a nylon/PE bag. The gas bag is folded in such a manner as to easily inflate and completely seal the borehole.

Abstract: A method and system for gas-lifting well effluents utilizes a porous wall in which an array of small lift-gas injection ports is present such that lift-gas is injected as an agglomerate of finely dispersed micro-bubbles into the stream of well effluents. In this way the lift-gas and produced crude oil form a froth and the risk of slugs of lift-gas that bypass slugs of crude oil and create an unstable flow regime is minimized.

Abstract: A system for fracturing wells uses a primary propellant charge to initially produce pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure of the surrounding formation, but below that which would cause damage to the well. A supplemental propellant charge burns for a substantially longer period of time than the primary propellant charge, and thereby maintains pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure for a significant period of time following completion of the primary propellant burn.