Abstract: In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, completion operations are performed which include a perforation operation followed by a fracturing operation. During the perforation operation perforations (or other means for creating flow paths) are shot at a low perforation density, in order to create a flowpath between the wellbore and the hydrocarbon bearing formation as well as an unknown number of relatively wide fractures and relatively few, but unknown number of fracture initiation sites in the hydrocarbon bearing formation. During the fracturing operations, relatively small, high-concentration proppant slugs with clean spacer stages are pumped early in the treatment, in order to screenout the narrower fractures, but these slugs are not sufficient to screenout the wider fractures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating coded messages in a wellbore between a transmission node and a reception node is provided. The coded messages are messages are impressed upon a fluid column which extends between the transmission node and the reception node. A transmission apparatus is provided at the transmission node which is in communication with the fluid column, for altering pressure of the fluid column to generate at least a portion of the coded message. A reception apparatus is provided at the reception node. The reception apparatus includes a rigid structural component with an exterior surface which is in direct contact with fluid column and an interior surface which is not in contact with the fluid column, and a sensor assembly which detects elastic deformation of the rigid structural component. The transmission apparatus is utilized to alter pressure of the fluid column in a predetermined pattern to generate at least one coded message.

Abstract: A wireline tool string is provided which includes a wireline conveyable fluid-pressurization device, an equalizing apparatus, a pressure extending device, a pull-release apparatus, and a fluid-pressure actuable wellbore tool. The wireline tool string may be utilized to lower the fluid-pressure actuable wellbore tool, such as a bridge plug, through tubing string to be actuated in the wellbore below the tubing string.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a measurement-while-drilling logging tool which includes a minimum number of analog electrical and electronic components, and which instead utilizes digitally-controlled electronic and electrical components to obtain an accuracy which is not possible utilizing prior art measurement-while-drilling logging tools. Additionally, the present invention allows for calibration operations to be conducted before, during, and after logging operations. Preferably, the calibration operations are performed periodically or intermittently during logging operations, and recorded, to be utilized later in explaining any irregularities in the log data. This calibration operation during drilling operations is not found in prior art devices, and is rendered practical by the utilization of digitally-controlled electrical and electronic components in lieu of analog components which are traditionally utilized in logging tools.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining wellbore azimuth accurately, notwithstanding the corrupting influence of axial and transverse magnetic field biasing error components.A reliable value of the axial magnetic field component (B.sub.x) is determined by minimizing the vector distance between B (as measured) and its expected value B. Preferably, this is accomplished utilizing a method of radicals to solve a quadratic equation.Given a reliable B.sub.x, the transverse magnetic field components (B.sub.x and B.sub.x) can be determined from taking a number of surveys as the drillstring is rotated about. B.sub.x and B.sub.x can be determined by utilizing the assumption that the transverse magnetic field components should remain invariant as the drillstring is rotated.

Abstract: A fishing rod carrier for use in a vehicle cab interior bounded in-part by a vehicle cab roof is provided for receiving a plurality of fishing rods having a handle at one end and a rod tip at the opposite end, and includes first and second carrier members. Each carrier member includes a first flexible non-elastomeric elongated strap having first and second ends. A second flexible elastomeric elongated strap is coupled to the first strap at selected locations but otherwise uncoupled to the first strap, and forms a plurality of elastomeric loops along the length of the first strap. Each loop defines a clearance of preselected dimensions between the first and second straps. A means is provided for releasably coupling the first and second ends of the first strap to the vehicle cab roof.