Abstract: A hydrocarbon well downhole fluid acquisition and injection system for selecting and stimulating zones based on operations of the system. Target depths in a hydrocarbon well are identified, and reservoir fluids may be acquired or tagging agents may be injected at the target depths using a specialized hydrocarbon well downhole fluid acquisition and injection system. The well may be operated to generate flow of fluids, and the reservoir fluids may be monitored and assessed for the presence of tagging agents. The presence of tagging agents and the fluid sample may be assessed to identify zones that may be candidates for stimulation or other operations.

Abstract: A downhole PVT tool for performing in-situ formation fluid phase behavior characterizations in a wellbore using pressure, volume, and temperature (PVT) measurements of the formation fluid while continuing to pump the formation fluids. The disclosed downhole PVT tool includes an intake mandrel and utilizes two individual pumps to split the formation fluid to perform PVT measurements during the fluid pump out. The downhole PVT tool, two-pump configuration permits a first pump to be used to pump formation fluid along a first flowpath and a second pump to be used to pump formation fluid along a second flowpath, with one or more sensors deployed along one of the flowpaths to perform fluid and/or gas phase behavior measurements to determine one or more properties of the formation fluid in-situ. The first pump may be utilized in the phase behavior analysis while the second pump simultaneously continues flow-through pumping of the formation fluid.

Abstract: A system is for testing the integrity of a well barrier. The system has a well including a wellbore and a upper wellbore termination means, such as a wellhead and a mud circulation system and/or a mud conditioning system comprising means for transporting, cleaning or storing mud outside said wellbore; a barrier provided in the wellbore, the barrier having an upstream side below the barrier and a downstream side above the barrier; a tracer; a storage means for storing said tracer, the storage means being provided in a lower part of the barrier and/or below the barrier in the well; and a release mechanism for releasing the tracer from the storage means, wherein the system further comprises a detector for detecting tracer that has leaked through the barrier and into said mud, the detector being arranged above the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole PVT tool for performing in-situ formation fluid phase behavior characterizations in a wellbore using pressure, volume, and temperature (PVT) measurements of the formation fluid while continuing to pump the formation fluids. The disclosed downhole PVT tool includes an intake mandrel and utilizes two individual pumps to split the formation fluid to perform PVT measurements during the fluid pump out. The downhole PVT tool, two-pump configuration permits a first pump to be used to pump formation fluid along a first flowpath and a second pump to be used to pump formation fluid along a second flowpath, with one or more sensors deployed along one of the flowpaths to perform fluid and/or gas phase behavior measurements to determine one or more properties of the formation fluid in-situ. The first pump may be utilized in the phase behavior analysis while the second pump simultaneously continues flow-through pumping of the formation fluid.

Abstract: An in-situ method of assessing an oil recovery process from a subsurface reservoir includes the steps of accessing the subsurface reservoir by means of a vertical or horizontal well, conducting a first test to determine a residual oil saturation, and conducting a second test to determine in-situ emulsion formation.

Abstract: A method for conducting an earth reservoir process includes receiving a stress field of a reservoir that includes a pore pressure field for a rock volume, selecting a search radius extending from a grid cell of interest, and substituting a pore pressure from a plurality of surrounding grid cells within the selected radius for the pore pressure of the grid cell of interest and determining if a critical stress state exists for each of the substituted pore pressures. The method further includes determining a shortest distance to a grid cell in the plurality of surrounding grid cells having a pore pressure that yields a critical stress state when substituted in the grid cell of interest and conducting the earth reservoir process with earth reservoir process apparatus using a parameter related to the determined shortest distance.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and techniques for enhancing the production of hydrocarbons such as crude oil from subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formations are disclosed. In some embodiments, the invention relates to processes for evaluating enhanced oil recovery mechanisms in carbonate based reservoirs at both the rock-fluid and oil-water interfaces using spectroscopic and interfacial techniques. In further embodiments, the spectroscopic and interfacial techniques include microscopic, rheometric and tensiometric measurements. In preferred embodiments, the disclosed methods and techniques provide reservoir based details at that allow for optimized “smart water” flooding practices and correspondingly higher oil recovery rates.

Abstract: A method for determining integrity of a wellbore. The method includes underbalancing a volume of fluid in the wellbore, receiving pressure data of the wellbore after shut-in of the wellbore, determining a pressure curvature based on the pressure data, and generating a failing indication as a result of the pressure curvature indicating that the slope is constant or increasing in absolute value. The failing indication indicates fluid communication across a wellbore boundary.

Abstract: A wireline logging tool and method for fluid monitoring and flow characterization in individual zones of controlled salinity is disclosed. The tool and method advantageously facilitate zone-specific testing. Sets of packers are used to create hydraulically distinct zones proximate to the tool. Coiled tubing and isolation valves are used to selectively introduce and remove an electrically conductive fluid such as brine to and from a selected zone. Individual sensors are disposed near each zone to make zone-specific measurements while fluid properties are changed, e.g., while salinity is changed to cause salinity fronts in the formation.

Abstract: An electronic equipment enclosure (10), especially for an oil-in-water analyzer. The enclosure has a metal body (22) including an expandable folded section (26) that expands in response to increased pressure within the enclosure thereby increasing the volume defined by the enclosure. The enclosure is capable of containing internal explosions and is suitable for use in hazardous environments where the electronic equipment can come into contact with explosive gases.

Abstract: A method described herein involves lowering a tool into a wellbore adjacent a subterranean formation and inflating a first packer on the tool to initiate a fracture of the formation. The method also includes inflating second and third packers on the tool to seal an interval of the wellbore containing the fracture where the first packer is located between the second and third packers. The method further includes pumping fluid into the interval to increase a pressure in the interval to propagate the fracture.

Abstract: A system for measuring a profile of a hydraulic head. A flexible liner is everted down the borehole. The profile of the transmissivity of the geologic media is obtained during (and indirectly from) the eversion of the flexible liner as it proceeds down the borehole. The liner is then retrieved by inversion from the borehole, while the pressure head in the borehole fluid below the liner is monitored and measured. From the previously obtained transmissivity profile, and the measured head within the borehole, the hydraulic head in the geologic media surrounding the borehole is determined for borehole intervals. A complete hydraulic head profile may be obtained from the collected data.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a downhole tool configured for conveyance within a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises: a probe assembly configured to seal a region of a wall of the borehole; a perforator configured to penetrate a portion of the sealed region of the borehole wall by projecting through the probe assembly; a fluid chamber comprising a fluid; and a pump configured to inject the fluid from the fluid chamber into the formation through the perforator.

Abstract: A method for determining water saturation in a subsurface formation include determining an invasion depth in the formation from a plurality of measurements made within a wellbore drilled through the formation. The measurements have different lateral depths of investigation into the formation. Carbon and oxygen in the formation are measured at substantially a same longitudinal position as at a position of the determining the invasion depth. The measured carbon and oxygen and the invasion depth are used to determine the water saturation in a substantially uninvaded part of the formation.

Abstract: Subsurface formation evaluation comprising, for example, sealing a portion of a wall of a wellbore penetrating the formation, forming a hole through the sealed portion of the wellbore wall, injecting an injection fluid into the formation through the hole, and determining a saturation of the injection fluid in the formation by measuring a property of the formation proximate the hole while maintaining the sealed portion of the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A method for estimating properties of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore provides for injecting a fluid with the plurality of tracer agents wherein each tracer agent is an object of submicron scale, into the wellbore and formation, flowing the fluid back from the subterranean formation and determining the properties of the formation. The properties are determined by analyzing changes in the tracers size and type distribution function between the injection fluid and produced fluid.

Abstract: A well passing through a geological formation is fitted with a tube, open at its bottom end, that is filled with a fluid. Another fluid is in the annular space between the tube and the wall of the well, the two fluids exhibiting an interface situated in the annular space. A hydraulic balance of the fluids of the well is disturbed and the trend of certain quantities is measured. These measurements are moreover simulated by computer by using different sets of values for the physical parameters, and efforts are made to estimate the geological formation. A comparison of the measurements with the simulation results makes it possible to identify an optimum set of values for the parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates an Integral analysis method of inter-well tracer tests, which integrates and performs continuous feedback to each of the major stage (design, operation and interpretation) allowing quantitative interpretation of these tests. It is presented as a tool to investigate the behavior of injection fluids for recovery of hydrocarbons, as well as for the dynamic characterization of reservoirs. The main advantage of this invention is that it allows a greater certainty in the tracer response and a marked improvement in the sensitivity and quantitative analysis of the test results, since the curves fit both with mathematical models and numerical models. Another outstanding attraction of this invention is the reduction in the costs of testing such applications.

Abstract: An example instrumented formation tester for injecting fluids and monitoring of fluids described herein includes a downhole tool which can be deployed in a wellbore via a wireline or a drill string. The downhole tool may facilitate the injection of fluids into an underground formation, and the monitoring of the directions in which the injected fluids flow in the formation in an open hole environment. In particular, the downhole tool may be configured for removing the mud cake from a portion of the wellbore wall for facilitating a fluid communication with the formation to be tested.

Abstract: A method of determining reservoir permeability and geometry of a subterranean formation having a reservoir fluid including oil that has not been previously water-flooded includes isolating the subterranean formation to be tested; providing an injection fluid at a substantially constant rate from a wellhead to the formation being tested, wherein the injection fluid is miscible with the oil at the tested formation; sealing, at the top, the tested formation from further fluid injection; measuring pressure data in the tested formation including pressure injection data and pressure falloff data; and determining the reservoir permeability and geometry of the tested formation based on an analysis of the measured pressure injection data and the measured pressure falloff data using a well pressure model.

Abstract: A method for characterization of a formation that includes inducing fluid motion in a formation while making electronic measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a downhole tool configured for conveyance within a borehole penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises: a probe assembly configured to seal a region of a wall of the borehole; a perforator configured to penetrate a portion of the sealed region of the borehole wall by projecting through the probe assembly; a fluid chamber comprising a fluid; and a pump configured to inject the fluid from the fluid chamber into the formation through the perforator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the determination of at least one multiphase flow parameter of an earth formation comprising propagating within the formation a first salinity front, determining a first value of the at least one multiphase flow parameter, propagating in the formation a second salinity front and improving the determination of the at least one multiphase flow parameter from the first value for the at least one multiphase flow parameter and a saturation profile associated with the first and second salinity fronts within the formation.

Abstract: A method for calculating transmissibility, pore pressure, permeability and/or other properties of a subsurface layer comprising the modeling of the borehole pressure recorded from the time the subsurface layer is fractured by isolating said subsurface layer with a downhole tool, pumping fluid into the subsurface layer and stopping pumping said fluid once the formation is fractured until a pseudo-radial or pseudo-linear flow is reached. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes disposing a distributed temperature sensor in a conduit that traverses a region of the well. The region contains at least two different well fluid layers. The technique includes circulating a fluid through the conduit and using the distributed temperature sensor to observe at least one temperature versus depth profile of the fluid. Based on the observation, the depth of a boundary of at least one of the well fluid layers is determined.

Abstract: A method of using an everting borehole liner to perform fluid conductivity measurements in materials surrounding a pipe, tube, or conduit, such as a borehole below the surface of the Earth. A flexible liner is everted (turned inside out) into the borehole by introducing into the liner a pressurized driving fluid. As the liner displaces the ambient fluid in the borehole into the surrounding formation, the varying rate at which driving fluid is introduced into the liner is monitored and recorded. As the impermeable liner covers the flow paths in the wall of the hole, the rate at which driving fluid must be introduced slows. From the measured driving fluid introduction rate, the flow rates out discrete sections of the borehole are determined.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the effective vapor diffusion coefficient of a test vapor diffusing through a sample of porous media contained within a test chamber. A chemical sensor measures the time-varying concentration of vapor that has diffused a known distance through the porous media. A data processor contained within the apparatus compares the measured sensor data with analytical predictions of the response curve based on the transient diffusion equation using Fick's Law, iterating on the choice of an effective vapor diffusion coefficient until the difference between the predicted and measured curves is minimized. Optionally, a purge fluid can forced through the porous media, permitting the apparatus to also measure a gas-phase permeability. The apparatus can be made lightweight, self-powered, and portable for use in the field.

Abstract: A subterranean environment evaluating apparatus and method, which measure, e.g., the geologic distribution coefficient in a subterranean environments using, e.g., a pit formed by boring. The subterranean environment evaluating apparatus comprises a geologic evaluation sensor, a pump, an analyzer, a PC, a data transmitter, etc., and it is disposed in the pit formed underground by boring. The geologic evaluation sensor is disposed to form a thin layer channel defined by the surface of a rock bed. Groundwater mixed with a tracer is caused to flow through the sensor, and the analyzer measures a change of tracer concentration in the groundwater between before and after contact of the groundwater with the rock bed. The PC determines a breakthrough curve from the change of tracer concentration, thereby calculating the distribution coefficient (Kd) between the rock bed and the groundwater and the effective diffusion coefficient of the rock bed.

Abstract: A drill string comprises a first drill string member having a male end; and a second drill string member having a female end configured to be joined to the male end of the first drill string member, the male end having a threaded portion including generally square threads, the male end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the threaded portion, and the male end further having a bearing surface, the female end having a female threaded portion having corresponding female threads, the female end having a non-threaded extension portion coaxial with the female threaded portion, and the female end having a bearing surface. Installation methods, including methods of installing instrumented probes are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining at least one downhole formation property is disclosed. The apparatus includes a probe and a pretest piston positionable in fluid communication with the formation, and a series of flowlines pressure gauges, and valves configured to selectively draw into the apparatus for measurement of one of formation fluid and mud. The method includes performing a first pretest to determine an estimated formation parameter; using the first pretest to design a second pretest and generate refined formation parameters whereby formation properties may be estimated.

Abstract: Solutions for the propagation of a hydraulic fracture in a permeable elastic rock and driven by injection of a Newtonian fluid. Through scaling, the dependence of the solution on the problem parameters is reduced to a small number of dimensionless parameters.

Abstract: The invention is related to the oil industry and can be used in well intake capacity testing and well bottom zone treatment. On injection line in front of the wellhead it is set a measuring section of a length allowing to fix pressure drops when flow medium of minimum hydraulic friction flowing. The section is in the form of a calibrated pipe with assembled flow sensors, a pressure sensor and an additional differential manometer with impulsive pipes connected with the start and the end of the measuring section. The following operations are conducted. An impulsive non-stationary formation water injection, the injection pressure and flow rate measurements at wellhead, recalculation of the data to the bottom hole conditions, determination of the stored flow rate and the work required for a non-steady state flow of the agent consumption unit in a well bottom zone.

Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.

Abstract: A method of using an everting borehole liner to perform fluid conductivity measurements in materials surrounding a pipe, tube, or conduit, such as a borehole below the surface of the Earth. A flexible liner is everted (turned inside out) into the borehole with an internal pressurized fluid. As the liner displaces the ambient fluid in the borehole into the surrounding formation, the rate of descent of the liner is recorded. As the impermeable liner covers the flow paths in the wall of the hole, the descent rate slows. From the measured descent rate, the flow rates out discrete sections of the borehole are determined.

Abstract: A method and system of monitoring the movement of at least one front in an inter-well region is comprised of: providing a first well representing the origination of at least one front (such as a saturation front or a salinity front); providing one or more monitoring locations, each equipped with at least one sensor; and monitoring the arrival of at least one front at one or more monitoring locations. The origination well may be any type of permanent or temporary well, but is preferably an injector well. Likewise, the monitoring location(s) may be any type of permanent or temporary well such as an observation well, a production well, an exploratory well, and an appraisal well. Information regarding front arrival times may be used to characterize or appraise the formation. Front arrivals may be monitored as a function of time to develop their respective time evolution and shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for using a formation tester to perform a pretest, in a formation having low permeability, by intermittently collecting a portion of fluid at a constant drawdown rate. The drawdown pressure is monitored until a maximum differential pressure is reached between the formation and the tester. Then the piston is stopped until the differential pressure increases to a set value, at which time the piston is restarted. The controlled intermittent operation of the piston continues until a set pretest volume is reached. The modulated drawdown allows for an accurate collection of pressure versus time data that is then used to calculate the formation pressure and permeability. The present invention also finds applicability in logging-while-drilling and measurement-while drilling applications where power conservation is critical.

Abstract: A permeameter having a hollow tube with a second tube slidably disposed within an internal chamber of the hollow tube, used in combination with one or more tables each of which correlates a specific rate of reading fall rate of water within the hollow tube with a unique soil hydraulic capacity of the soil being tested. The second tube has an air hole and a slot which are used in causing water contained in the hollow tube to seep into an auger hole. A reducing connector is secured to the bottom of the hollow tube which provides the means for maintaining the second tube within the internal chamber of the hollow tube. The second tube is secured in the extended position by a compression fitting attached to the reducing connector. A conventional measuring tape, having consecutive markings showing continuous ¼, ½, and 1 inch distances, is affixed to the outside surface of the hollow tube such that the numbers extend vertically along the length, or longitudinal central axis, of the hollow tube.

Abstract: A method of designing a hydraulic fracturing treatment in a subterranean reservoir comprising the steps of a) quantifying reservoir parameters including the bottomhole temperature and the formation permeability, b) assessing the temporary variation in temperature of the formation due to the injection of a treatment fluid and c) designing a fluid optimized for said temporary temperature.

Abstract: A method for determining the in-situ effective mobility of hydrocarbons in a formation layer, in which a formation test tool, having a fluid analyzer, induces sample fluid to flow from the formation, the sample being analyzed and discarded where it includes fluid from the invaded zone, so as to perform the pressure test on uncontaminated formation fluid.

Abstract: A method for collecting data regarding a matric potential of a media includes providing a tensiometer having a stainless steel tensiometer casing, the stainless steel tensiometer casing comprising a tip portion which includes a wetted porous stainless steel membrane through which a matric potential of a media is sensed; driving the tensiometer into the media using an insertion tube comprising a plurality of probe casing which are selectively coupled to form the insertion tube as the tensiometer is progressively driven deeper into the media, wherein the wetted porous stainless steel membrane is in contact with the media; and sensing the matric potential the media exerts on the wetted porous stainless steel membrane by a pressure sensor in fluid hydraulic connection with the porous stainless steel membrane. A tensiometer includes a stainless steel casing.

Abstract: A self-contained, transportable system for conducting any of hydrologic tests or water sampling techniques without the need for retooling or readjusting the system. The system includes a borehole unit for conducting the tests in a borehole, and a data acquisition unit for monitoring and recording the results of the tests. The borehole unit includes, connected in serial relation, a pair of borehole packers for forcing the unit in place in the borehole, several pressure transducers for obtaining hydraulic measurements, a pump located between the borehole packers for withdrawing fluid and a fluid injector for injecting fluid. The data-acquisition system includes flow meters for monitoring fluid injection and fluid withdrawals, a data-acquisition module for monitoring a fluid pressure from the pressure transducers, power source and a computer interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for using a formation tester to perform a pretest, in a formation having low permeability, by intermittently collecting a portion of fluid at a constant drawdown rate. The drawdown pressure is monitored until a maximum differential pressure is reached between the formation and the tester. Then the piston is stopped until the differential pressure increases to a set value, at which time the piston is restarted. The controlled intermittent operation of the piston continues until a set pretest volume is reached. The modulated drawdown allows for an accurate collection of pressure versus time data that is then used to calculate the formation pressure and permeability. The present invention also finds applicability in logging-while-drilling and measurement-while drilling applications where power conservation is critical.

Abstract: A method for designing acid treatments provides for the selection of optimal treatment for well stimulation wherein reservoir characteristics are obtained to further select the reaction kinetic data on the minerals of interests, the treatment to the reservoir is scaled up using a mathematical model and real time damage are computed based on bottomhole pressure and injection rate and compared to that predicted by the mathematical model to adjust the treatment. The model generated facilitates optimization of matrix treatments by providing a rapid quantitative evaluation of various treatment strategies for a formation. Stimulation with non-traditional fluid recipes containing mixtures of inorganic and organic acids, and chelating agents can be readily computed. The computed values can then be used in an economic model to justify the additional costs associated with the use of the non-traditional fluids.

Abstract: Characterization of organic contaminants in subsurface formation is performed by methods for detecting the presence of nonaqueous phase liquid in a subsurface formation, and for determining the composition and for determining the volume of nonaqueous phase liquids. Generally the methods comprise introducing one or more partitioning tracers and one or more non-partitioning tracers at one or more injection points located in the subsurface formation and measuring separation between the one or more partitioning tracers and the one or more non-partitioning tracers from one or more sampling points located in the subsurface formation to determine presence, composition and/or volume of nonaqueous phase liquid in the subsurface formation. In addition, the methods can be used to assess the performance of an attempted remediation.

Abstract: A sidewall tensiometer to in situ determine below-grade soil moisture potential of earthen soil includes, a) a body adapted for insertion into an opening in earthen soil below grade, the body having lateral sidewalls; b) a laterally oriented porous material provided relative to the body lateral sidewalls, the laterally oriented porous material at least in part defining a fluid chamber within the body; c) a pressure a sensor in fluid communication with the fluid chamber; and d) sidewall engaging means for engaging a portion of a sidewall of an earth opening to laterally urge the porous material into hydraulic communication with earthen soil of another portion of the opening sidewall. Methods of taking tensiometric measurements are also disclosed.

Abstract: The distal end of a basic tube element including a stopper device with an expandable plug is positioned in a pre-drilled hole in a rock face. Rotating a force control wheel threaded on the tube element exerts force on a sleeve that in turn causes the plug component of the stopper means to expand and seal the distal end of the tube in the hole. Gas under known pressure is introduced through the tube element. A thin capillary tube positioned in the tube element connects the distal end of the tube element to means to detect and display pressure changes and data that allow the permeability of the rock to be determined.