Abstract: A reciprocating pump vent-dump and methods of use for utilization in the hydrocarbon industry. The device is preferably used with barrel pumps although it may be used with tubing pumps. The device is positioned at the bottom of the wellbore immediately above the stinger and immediately below above the standing valve and comprises a sliding piston within an outer housing. The device may be opened pulling upwards on the pump drive mechanism thereby allowing fluid within the production tubing to drain back into the formation as long as the pump drive mechanism is held up. The device closes when the pump is returned to normal operation. The method of spotting chemicals requires a pre-measured quantity of chemicals at the surface which is sucked into the tubing string when the valve is opened followed by a pre-measured quantity of make-up fluid which is drawn into the well thereby placing the chemicals at the required point.

Abstract: An oil well capsule to reduce the paraffin and asphaltene which accumulate on the walls of the pipes which are used to bring the oil up from underground deposits, and a method of using said oil well capsule. An oil well capsule having a shell encapsulating a chemically active mass wherein said chemically active mass consists essentially of alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of inhibiting microbial growth in a well. A packing material containing a mixture of a first material and an antimicrobial agent is provided to at least partially fill a well bore. One or more access tubes are provided in an annular space around a casing within the well bore. The access tubes have a first terminal opening located at or above a ground surface and have a length that extends from the first terminal opening at least part of the depth of the well bore. The access tubes have a second terminal opening located within the well bore. An antimicrobial material is supplied into the well bore through the first terminal opening of the access tubes. The invention also includes well constructs.

Abstract: Gelatin capsules containing oil field chemicals, preferably weighted with a heavy metal compound, are made more stable under certain conditions by the incorporation of a strong chelating agent. The microcapsules can provide an extended treatment period since many materials that would damage the microcapsules are controlled by the chelating agent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the treatment of a hydrocarbon well which method comprises administering down said well polymeric particles impregnated with a well treatment chemical or precursor or generator thereof (e.g. a scale inhibitor), said particles having a pore volume of at least 20%, and being prepared by a process which comprises preparing in a first step an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles containing from 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting high temperature of corrosion-prone metal surfaces by organic acid-containing petroleum streams by providing an effective corrosion-inhibiting amount of phosphorous acid, typically up to 1000 wppm, to the metal surface.

Abstract: A scale dissolver fluid for dissolving scale in a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises an effective amount of a scale dissolver formulation and an effective amount of a surfactant for controlling the viscosity of the fluid. In use, formation hydrocarbons act on the surfactant to reduce the viscosity of the fluid so that the fluid selectively invades a hydrocarbon-bearing zone of the formation.

Abstract: Blast joint assemblies are used for integral prevention of erosion of a production string crossing a production zone and simultaneous protection of hydraulic, electric and/or optical lines which need to cross same zones to operate and retrieve data from downhole operated tools. Each assembly is composed by one or more modular joint bodies having each at least one longitudinal slot on its outer surface; protecting covers shielding the longitudinal slots to house control lines housed in each of the longitudinal slots, with the protecting covers being properly retained on the related tubular joint body. The tubular joint bodies are precision machined to be connected by male and female threads granting an exact alignment of all slots in the blast joint(s) and allowing any combination of lengths for coping with any required assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting corrosion of corrosion-prone metal surfaces by organic acid-containing petroleum streams by providing an effective corrosion-inhibiting amount of certain sulfur and phosphorus-free aromatic compounds substituted with nitrogen, containing functional groups at the 5- or 3, 5-position, typically up to 1000 wppm, to the metal surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting high temperature corrosion of corrosion prone metal surfaces by organic acid-containing petroleum streams by providing an effective corrosion-inhibiting amount of 4-sulfophthalic acid, typically up to 1000 wppm, to the metal surface.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump has one or more components coated with a biocide-incorporated coating for the purpose of controlling the activity of bacteria. The portions exposed to well fluid are coated for inhibiting bacteria from growing. Both centrifugal and progressing cavity pumps are applicable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting high temperature corrosion of corrosion prone metal surfaces by organic acid-containing petroleum streams by providing an effective corrosion-inhibiting amount of an additive aromatic compound tri-substituted with acidic functionalities selected from 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, typically up to 1000 wppm, to the metal surface.

Abstract: An oil well capsule to reduce the paraffin and asphaltene which accumulate on the walls of the pipes which are used to bring the oil up from underground deposits, and a method of using said oil well capsule. An oil well capsule having a shell encapsulating a chemically active mass wherein said chemically active mass consists essentially of alkaline or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to protect explosive components used in various tools, such as tools for use in wellbores, includes a component with an adsorptive material. Example tools include perforating gun strings that include shaped charges, detonating cords, and booster explosives. Other tools may include surface tools containing explosive components. The adsorptive material is placed inside a container. A temperature-activated mechanism is used to open the container. The temperature-activated mechanism includes an element formed of a shape memory metal or plural layers with different coefficients of thermal expansion, such as a bi-metallic strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting high temperature corrosion of corrosion prone metal surfaces by organic acid-containing petroleum streams by providing an effective corrosion-inhibiting amount of triphenylstibine, typically up to 1000 wppm, to the metal surface.

Abstract: A method of producing fluids from a well bore by polishing the inside diameter surface of a down-hole tubular. The method includes the steps of providing a down-hole tubular having an inside diameter and being made of a carbon steel alloy or a high chromium alloy, preparing an inside diameter surface of the down-hole tubular, subjecting the inside diameter surface to an electropolishing treatment to produce a smooth surface being slick and essentially non-stick, locating the down-hole tubular within the well bore adjacent a fluid-producing formation, and producing the fluids through the inside diameter of the down-hole tubular. The electropolishing treatment can also be applied to the inside diameter surfaces of carbon steel drill pipe.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.

Abstract: Improved methods of completing wells penetrating subterranean corrosive fluid disposal zones are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of preparing a pumpable, water compatible, corrosion resistant, hardenable epoxy sealing composition comprised of a hardenable epoxide containing liquid and a hardening agent, placing the epoxy sealing composition in the annulus between a string of pipe and a well bore penetrating a disposal zone and allowing the epoxy sealing composition to harden.

Abstract: Methods and acidizing compositions for reducing the corrosion of the metal surfaces of tubular goods and the like and reducing the precipitation of metal sulfide from the acidizing compositions are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of combining an aldol-amine adduct with an aqueous acid solution to preferentially react with sulfide ions subsequently dissolved by the aqueous acid solution and thereby prevent subsequently dissolved metal ions from reacting therewith and precipitating, and then introducing the aqueous acid solution containing the aldol-amine adduct into a well or other location to be acidized.

Abstract: The invention is the method of treating of a well, a formation, or both, with the solids, liquids, or apparatuses, by 1) encasing the solids, liquids, or apparatuses in a water-soluble shell, 2) conveying the encased solids, liquids, or gases to the predetermined location in the well, and then 3) allowing the water-soluble shell to dissolve in the aqueous phase in the wellbore. The shell is preferably made of water-soluble polymers such as collagen, a crosslinking agent such as zolidine, optionally a hydrophobic compound such as a processed oil, and water used in processing. Other modifying or conditioning compounds, for example glycerin and other polymeric additives, may be incorporated to extend the strength or temperature range of the shell. The shell encases a variety of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, where the solids or liquids are useful in the treatment of the well or of the producing formation.

Abstract: Solid, slowly dispersible well treatment composites are provided which have a sufficiently high melting point to prevent melting of the composite in hot weather. The composites have a low solubility and high specific gravity compared to prior art treatment agents; thus the composites readily sink in well and pipeline fluids and slowly release treatment ingredients over time, depending on the downhole and pipeline conditions. The composites include a nonylphenol ethoxylate having at least about 50 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol and a fatty acid amide having from 14-20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the composites further include a weighting agent and active ingredients selected from the group consisting of corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, bactericides, scale converters, foaming agents, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the composites are spherical in shape and are passed through pipelines for maintenance and treatment of the pipelines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a particulate laden fluid whereby particulate flowback is reduced or prevented while also providing a controlled release of a treatment chemical within the formation. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate, a tackifying compound and a treatment chemical, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of the particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation and said tackifying compound retards release of at least a portion.

Abstract: Solid, slowly dispersible well treatment composites are provided which have a sufficiently high melting point to prevent melting of the composite in hot weather. The composites have a low solubility and high specific gravity compared to prior art treatment agents; thus the composites readily sink in well and pipeline fluids and slowly release treatment ingredients over time, depending on the downhole and pipeline conditions. The composites include a compound selected from the group consisting of nonylphenol ethoxylates having at least about 50 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol, fatty acid amides having from 14-20 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the composites further include a weighting agent and active ingredients selected from the group consisting of corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, bactericides, scale converters, foaming agents, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a pipeline is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing through which pipeline fluids may enter from the rear of the housing, pass through the housing and subsequently exit from the housing. A first bonnet, having several openings, is mounted at the front of the housing on a shaft which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. A second bonnet is mounted on the housing and fits over the first bonnet. The second bonnet has openings which, when aligned with the openings in the first bonnet, permit the flow of pipeline fluid out of the housing in various directions. The first bonnet is movable in relation to the second bonnet so as to vary the degree of alignment of the openings in the bonnets. By varying the degree of alignment of the openings in the bonnets, the flow of fluids through the housing is regulated so as to control the speed of the apparatus.

Abstract: Solid, slowly dispersible well treatment composites are provided which have a sufficiently high melting point to prevent melting of the composite in hot weather. The composites have a low solubility and high specific gravity compared to prior art treatment agents; thus the composites readily sink in well fluids and slowly release treatment ingredients over time, depending on the downhole conditions. The composites include a nonylphenol ethoxylate having at least about 50 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of nonylphenol and a fatty acid amide having from 16-20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the composites further include a weighting agent and active ingredients selected from the group consisting of corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, bactericides, scale converters, foaming agents, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or preventing the deposition of metals onto metallic surfaces, particularly the metal surfaces in an oil or gas well is disclosed.

Abstract: The existence and rate of corrosion in a section of a well tubing or well casing string is determined and monitored continuously or intermittently by installing at predetermined locations as the string is placed in the well bore, sections of pipe that have been fitted with an array of piezoelectric transducers positioned around the circumference of the pipe and a microprocessor that controls signals going to and from each array of transducers and signals going to and received from controls and instrumentation apparatus located at the earth's surface. The apparatus can also include a reference block isolated from corrosion sources that is fitted with transducers associated with the microprocessor for the adjacent array of transducers. The microprocessors at varying locations along the string are electrically connected to the surface control and instrumentation apparatus by conductor cables and/or by wireless means using the pipe string as the conductive path for electrical signals.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (10) having a sacrificial anode (26) is disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (10) comprises a plurality of ribs (16) spaced around a base pipe (12) and a screen wire (18) wrapped around the plurality of ribs (16) forming adjacent turns (20, 22) having gaps therebetween that allow the flow of fluids therethrough while preventing the flow of particulate therethrough. The plurality of ribs (16) includes at least one rib (26) that comprises a first metal. The screen wire (18) comprises a second metal that is cathodic to the first metal such that the at least one rib (26) that comprises the first metal acts as a sacrificial anode to reduce the environmental cracking of the screen wire (18).

Abstract: An acidic fluid that is useful in stimulation and workover operations, and in particular, in matrix acidizing treatments, comprises an acid, such as hydrochloric acid; water; an aliphatic aldehyde having 1-10 carbon atoms; and an aromatic aldehyde having 7-20 carbon atoms. The aliphatic aldehyde preferably has 1-6 carbon atoms. Glyoxylic acid and glyoxal are especially preferred aliphatic aldehydes. The aromatic aldehyde preferably has 7-10 carbon atoms. Cinnamaldehyde is especially preferred.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with inhibiting corrosion in metal, usually steel, equipment which is exposed to oil field production flow including gases, oil, water, and sand. It is injected into the aqueous stream and carried with it to contact and coat the metal surfaces. It includes a corrosion inhibitor including at least one sulfur amine based on the equation:R--X(C.sub.2 H.sub.4 NZ).sub.n C.sub.2 H.sub.4 NYIn which R is a C12-36 hydrocarbon;X is an amide-CO--NH-- or 5 membered cyclic imidazoline ring;Z is H or Y; Y is SO.sub.2 ;and .sub.n is an integer from 1 to 8.

Abstract: Chemical treatment agents are supplied to a well or borehole extending through an earth formation by subjecting the well to a fracturing treatment with a high pressure fluid and proppant particles. The proppant particles are thereby trapped in fractures in the earth formation. Some or all of the proppant particles are of porous insoluble inorganic material, and are impregnated with a chemical treatment agent, such as a scale inhibitor or a corrosion inhibitor. The porous particles may be of a ceramic or oxide material, for example a silica and/or an alumina-based material.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of protecting ferrous metal well tubular goods and the like disposed in a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation from corrosion. The method basically includes the steps of introducing a liquid or solution of a tackifying compound having ferrous metal corrosion inhibition properties into the well bore whereby the tackifying compound is coated onto the tubular goods thereby providing extended corrosion protection to the tubular goods. Thereafter, formation fluids are produced from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Corrosion, scale-formation, or other deleterious processes are inhibited in an oil well by installing within the oil well (10) fluid-permeable elements, such as tubular filters (20), which comprises a suppressing material. Each filter (20) comprises two tubular filter screens (24) between which is a bed (26) of particles comprising suitable inhibitor material. The particles might for example be porous ceramic spheres impregnated with the inhibitor material. The inhibitor material gradually dissolves in the well fluids during operation, and may for example inhibit corrosion and/or scale formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a treatment fluid whereby fine particulate flowback is reduced or prevented. The method includes the steps of providing a fluid suspension including a mixture of a particulate coated with a tackifying compound, pumping the suspension into a subterranean formation and depositing the mixture within the formation whereby the tackifying compound retards movement of at least a portion of any fine particulate within the formation upon flow of fluids from the subterranean formation through the wellbore. Alternatively, the tackifying compound may be introduced into a subterranean formation in a diluent containing solution to deposit upon previously introduced particulates to retard movement of such particulates and any fines subject to flow with production of fluids from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A highly effective module for preventing corrosion of oil well pipes and equipment and for preventing resulting fires and explosions. The module is a collar formed from slitted and expanded metal net and is adapted to fit in the annular space between the oil production pipe and the outer casing of the oil well, to prevent oxygen from the atmosphere from entering the annular space at the top of the well, and to exclude hydrocarbon vapors from the subterranean production zone from entering the annular space at the bottom of the well. The invention also relates to methods for extinguishing a burning oil well.

Abstract: A method and device for increasing oil and gas recovery include connecting an oil and gas flow enhancing stick to a weighted plunger to speed the decent of the stick to the bottom of a well, which optionally includes a retrieving member to retrieve the plunger from the well.

Abstract: A tool for monitoring corrosion levels within a wellbore particularly suited for remote monitoring over extended periods. The monitoring tool utilizes a thin wall electrical resistance type corrosion sensor to determine rate of metal loss within the wellbore. The corrosion sensor is preferably made of the same material as the production tubing or drill pipe of the well and is positioned to allows the fluid within the wellbore to flow over the sensor at the same rate as the fluid flows over the tubing. A reference element is incorporated into the corrosion sensor to provide primary temperature compensation. A temperature sensor provides temperature data and allows for secondary temperature compensation for the corrosion sensor. A central processing unit reads and stores the data from the three sensors into solid state memory. The probe records data at programmable time intervals.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion on metal surfaces and downhole equipment and above surface separation equipment from a mixture of brine and crude oil extracted from underground formations. The method comprises the injection on a periodic basis of an effective amount of an oxime compound having the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl groups of one to eight carbons or aryl groups. In addition to functioning as a corrosion inhibitor for the metal surfaces in contact with the mixture, the oxime compound is less susceptible to neutralization by contact with acidic species, and is less likely to emulsify the brine and crude oil mixture brought to the surface.

Abstract: A blast joint for protecting production tubing passing through a producing zone including one or more tubing joints of sufficient length to extend through the producing zone, erosion resistant carbide rings mounted on the tubing joints in end-to-end array, ring retainers at each end of the erosion resistant rings to hold the rings on the tubing joints, and one or more elastomer spacer rings engaged with the erosion resistant rings for holding the erosion resistant rings in end-to-end array and being yieldable axially by outward displacement in response to movement of the erosion resistant rings along the tubing joint to permit the rings to move in response to lateral bending of the tubing joints and impact forces on the blast joint during assembly and installation to minimize damage to the erosion resistant rings. The carbide rings are larger than the tubing joints to permit lateral bending of the tubing joints in the rings without stressing the rings.

Abstract: Corrosion control cathodic protection for the rod string and the well tubing. Anode assemblies for mounting on the rods of the rod string.

Abstract: An improved method for preventing iron precipitation from a spent oil well acidizing solution is disclosed. The acidizing solution is preceded into the tubular goods and formation by the injection of an iron sensitive, acid insensitive acidified surfactant solution.

Abstract: A sacrificial anode sub and method are disclosed which provide a lower voltage at the proximately located bit than at the sacrificial anode disposed on sub to thereby deter bit balling. An electromotive force (emf) dynamo is built into the sacrificial anode sub to provide a direct current voltage source for this purpose. Annular insulator electrically insulates sacrificial anode from tubular body. An electrical connection to drill bit is made through threaded lower connector with bit. Impeller rotates in response to drilling fluid flow to rotate the rotor assembly of dynamo.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to facilitate the economical recovery of crude oil from an oil well having a string of tubing which extends to the level of the underground reservoir of crude oil. An Ion Collider is attached to the lower end of the tubing with the Ion Collider at the level of the crude oil reservoir. The Ion Collider consists of two spaced-apart cylindrical metal tubes whose common vertical axis coincides with the axis of the string of tubing. The Ion Collider's inner tube has its upper end capped and its lower end joined to the lower end of the outer tube whose upper end opens into the interior of the tubing. The Ion Collider's inner tube contains a multiplicity of spaced-apart holes in its cylindrical wall. The entire inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube are made of an alloy of copper and nickel in which the copper comprises at least 80% of the alloy.

Abstract: A method for placement of a long life scale inhibitor into a formation where variable density scale inhibitors are utilized. A substantially low density non-reactive fluid is loaded into an interval of the formation to be treated. Afterwards, a high density first stage scale inhibitor is injected into the interval. Thereafter, a low density spacer fluid is injected into the interval being treated. Next, a second stage high density scale inhibitor having a density lower than the first stage inhibitor is injected into said interval. Subsequently, a low density spacer is injected into the interval. Volume increments are repeatedly injected with decreasing fluid densities until a desired zone has been treated. The entire treatment is then overflushed with an inert high density fluid. Use of this method allows even inhibitor distribution in intervals of a formation with permeability variations thereby preventing scale build-up.

Abstract: A geothermal well is operated by continuously pumping spent geothermal fluid into the well and continuously adding concentrated acid to the spent geothermal fluid, such that the concentration of acid in the fluid is in the range of 0.1% to 5%, and occasionally to 10%. Over a period of time, the spend geothermal fluid flowing through the geological formations of the geothermal field carries the dilute acid into the formations for dissolving rock and increasing the permeability thereof. If it is desired to decrease the permeability of the formations, components of drilling mud or other suitable material, are continuously added to the spent geothermal fluid.

Abstract: A magnetic well tubing and pipe protector/fluid ionizer for protecting the interior of pipes from scaling, corrosion, and algae, comprising a case (14) containing four magnetic condensers comprised of rectangular neodymium iron boron magnets (10 . . . ) and tapered concentrators (11 . . . ) which drive magnetic flux through a core (13) into flowing oil, water, or other fluids, ionizing and charging the fluid positive and the core (13) and all connected pumps and tubing negative. The flowing oil or water or other fluid cutting the perpendicular lines of magnetic flux (16) generates an electrical current which charges the pump and tubing or pipe negative enough to repel and prevent scaling, corrosion, and algaes. Also, the electrical current ionizes the oil, water or other fluids, improving separation of crude oil from water and contaminants. improving combustion of petroleum fuels, and increasing the heat transfer coefficient of heating and cooling water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and composition for acidizing a subterranean formation employing an acidic solution comprising hydrochloric acid solution containing a corrosion inhibitor present in a corrosion-reducing effective amount. The corrosion inhibitor comprises the product of the reaction of (i) a compound having at least one reactive hydrogen atom and having no groups reactive under the conditions of reaction other than hydrogen, (ii) a carbonyl compound having at least one hydrogen atom on the carbon atom adjacent to the carbonyl group, (iii) an aldehyde, (iv) a fatty compound and an acid source which is admixed with a source of antimony ions.

Abstract: A process for the treatment or processing and transportation of a natural gas from a gas well to a reception and treatment or processing terminal comprises, in a zone in the producing well, contacting the natural gas and a recycled liquid phase containing water and at least one anti-hydrate additive and/or at least one anti-corrosion additive, both of which being at least partly miscible with water and which vaporize in the pure state or as an azeotrope. The resultant additive-containing gaseous phase is cooled to form an uncondensed and a condensate. The condensate containing substantially all of the additive is separated from the uncondensed gas and is recycled to the contact zone in the producing well.

Abstract: A process has been developed for treating plastic and plastic composite materials wherein a protective epoxy coating is placed on said material by contacting with a composition comprising an epoxy resin, an effective amount of curing agent for the epoxy resin, an alcohol and a hydrocarbon solvent. In another embodiment, the protective epoxy coating is applied by a process comprising the sequential contacting of the plastic or plastic composite surface with a first hydrocarbon solution comprised of an epoxy resin and a hydrocarbon solvent, and a second hydrocarbon solution comprised of an alcohol, a curing agent, and a hydrocarbon solvent.