Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: Method for hydraulic fracturing of wells by transporting a cross-linked polymer containing a proppant down a wellbore in a carrier fluid, allowing the cross-linked polymer to coalesce into a polymer phase and squeezing the cross-linked polymer as a fracturing fluid is provided. Composition of the cross-linked polymer solution and the selection of additives may be varied to adjust the viscosity, degradation time and other properties of the fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring optical scattering characteristics includes coupling a continuous wave laser excitation signal to an optical fiber. Radiation backscattered by the optical fiber in response to the coupled excitation signal is detected to produce a backscattered radiation signal. The backscattered radiation signal is mixed with the excitation signal to produce a mixed signal. The mixed signal is filtered to reduce the magnitude of frequencies other than conjugate mixing frequencies relative to the conjugate mixing frequencies. The filtered signal is digitized and the magnitude of backscattered radiation from a specific portion of the fiber is calculated based on the digitized signal. The temperature of a specific portion of the fiber can be determined from the magnitude of the backscattered radiation.

Abstract: Method is provided for increasing the productivity of gas wells producing from reservoirs where retrograde condensation occurs around the wells. An oil-wetting surfactant is injected in a solvent to oil wet the formation for a selected distance around a well or a hydraulic fracture intersecting the well. A pre-flush liquid, such as carbon dioxide, alcohol or similar products and mixtures thereof, may be used to reduce water saturation before injection of the surfactant. The method may also be applied to increase the productivity of oil wells producing from reservoirs where breakout of solution gas occurs near the well.

Abstract: An intermittent gas lift well pumping system containing an accumulator, a gas line, a liquid discharge line, and a battery operated controller. By using one or more constrictions in the gas line and acoustical techniques, accurate liquid level is determined in the pumping system for optimum production. Bypasses are connected between the gas line and the liquid discharge line. Each contains a valve that opens at a preset absolute pressure in the gas line, an orifice, and a one-way valve. The bypasses are strategically placed to prevent overloading of the system. A liquid slug sensor on the upper end of the liquid discharge line and a rabbit in this line enables optimum production and gas conservation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided to protect a gas engine or turbine used to generate electric power against damage that would otherwise result from changes in the operating characteristics of the engine, for example, changes caused by fluctuation in the heat content of the gaseous fuel. To effect such protection, the engine or turbine is controlled by adjusting the supply of fuel gas to the engine or turbine in response to changes in the output of the electric power generated.