Abstract: A method for detecting in real time the growth of a hydraulic fracture in an impermeable subterranean zone separating a monitored subterranean zone and an injection subterranean zone, which zones are penetrated by a wellbore, whereby a pressure sensor is positioned in pressure sensing communication with the first subterranean zone, and the pressure sensor is monitored for a pressure increase in the first subterranean zone, the pressure increase being indicative of a hydraulic fracture extension from the second subterranean zone through the impermeable zone to the first subterranean zone.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna has two dielectric layers bonded together with an array of conducting strips interposed therebetween, the strips being spaced to define a slot between each pair of adjacent strips. A conductive ground plane is disposed on a first outer side of the two bonded dielectric layers, and an array of radiating patches are disposed on a second outer side of the two bonded dielectric layers, each of which patches is positioned over a corresponding slot, the array of patches being spaced apart to form an aperture between each pair of adjacent patches. Responsive to electromagnetic energy, a high-order standing wave is induced in the antenna and a directed beam is transmitted from and/or received into the antenna.

Abstract: A method for injecting fluid, such as an accelerator, into a wellbore comprises storing the fluid in a reservoir, locating the reservoir downhole in the wellbore, and then transferring the fluid from the reservoir into the wellbore. More particularly, one embodiment of the method comprises storing the fluid in a reservoir in a plug, pumping the plug down casing in a wellbore, and transferring the fluid at the bottom of the wellbore via a venturi effect. Another embodiment of the method comprises storing the fluid in a reservoir integrated into the wall of a portion of casing, setting the casing in the wellbore, and then transferring the fluid via a venturi effect from the reservoir into the annulus defined between the casing and the wellbore.