Abstract: Disclosed is an anti-extrusion assembly used in conjunction with an expandable packing device. The assembly comprises two slotted metallic rings encapsulated in a non-metallic material. The slotted metallic rings prevent extrusion of the sealing mechanism of the expandable packing device as the device is set in a wellbore casing. The encapsulating non-metallic material protects the metallic rings from damage as the packing device is run into the wellbore. In an alternative embodiment, the anti-extrusion assembly comprises a crimped metallic ring flanked by non-metallic rings. As with the slotted metallic rings, the single crimped metallic ring prevents extrusion of the sealing mechanism of the expandable packing device as it is set in the wellbore casing.

Abstract: A thermal insulating packer fluid contains water and/or brine, a crosslinkable viscosifying polymer, a crosslinking agent and an optional set retarder. The composition is capable of inhibiting unwanted heat loss from production tubing or uncontrolled heat transfer to outer annuli. The viscosity of the composition is such as to reduce the convection flow velocity within the annulus.

Abstract: A method of acidizing a subterranean formation with a diverting agent composed of a gelled or thickened viscoelastic foam or fluid generated from (i.) an amidoamine oxide gelling agent and (ii.) an acid or foam, water and/or brine. The gelled or thickened foam or fluid may be generated in-situ or introduced directly into the formation by mixing of the amidoamine oxide gelling agent and acid or foam, water and/or brine. As the acid spends, the acidizing fluid thickens. When the acid is further spent, the fluid viscosity declines eventually returning to a low viscosity state, allowing for easy cleanup. The process allows for selective acidizing of less permeable zones of the formation and more uniform stimulation of the hydrocarbon bearing formation.

Abstract: An interventionless actuator for oil well tools is described wherein the actuator comprises at least one floating piston adapted to equalize a pressure differential and lock onto an actuating member. An interventionless actuator is described that is charged to an initial energy level less than the expected at-depth well pressure and then recharged down hole to approximately the at-depth well pressure by a floating piston. At the time of desired interventionless actuation, the actuator is overcharged to a pressure greater than the at-depth well pressure, which pressure is reacted by an actuating piston to generate an actuating movement.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for use with the assembly of tubular segments with a tubular string in a well bore is disclosed. The alignment apparatus includes an actuator assembly functionally associated with an engagement assembly. Upon actuation of the actuator assembly, the engagement assembly engages the segment. The alignment apparatus is then lowered such that the segment contacts the string, and a connection may be made. A method of improving the alignment of the segment with the tubular string in the well bore is also is also disclosed.

Abstract: A densimeter contains an inlet pipe section, a second pipe section joined to the downstream end of the inlet pipe section, and an outlet pipe section joined to the downstream end of the second pipe section. The inlet and outlet pipe sections are constrained by a support structure, while flexible couplings allow the second section of pipe to undergo a limited amount of radial motion relative to the adjacent pipe sections. The weight of the second pipe section is supported by a weight measuring unit, which continuously measures the weight of the second pipe section as fluid flows through the densimeter. One preferred embodiment of the invention uses the densimeter to measure the density of a proppant in a blender system for preparing fluid mixtures for fracturing and propping oil bearing geological formations.

Abstract: An isolation system for an oil and gas well is described wherein the system comprises an isolation section and a first isolation device integral with the section and a second isolation device sealingly engaged to the section. The first isolation device may be a pressure-actuated valve and the second isolation device may be a plug.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for removing sand and/or other fill material located in a wellbore ahead of a coiled tubing tractor and displacing the material behind the tractor. More particularly, the apparatus and methods of the present invention allow a coiled tubing tractor to drive forward in a wellbore by removing fill material in front of the tractor thereby allowing the wheels or traction pads of the tractor to remain in contact with the wellbore.

Abstract: A formulation containing a copolymer derived from a cationic monomer effectively inhibits and controls the formation of inorganic scales. The formulation has particular application in the removal of zinc sulfide and iron sulfide scales formed when zinc bromide brines are used as completion fluids. The copolymer exhibit high solubility in high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines. The polymers may be introduced into an oil or gas well as a portion of a carrier fluid or with brine. The preferred copolymer for use in the invention contains an acrylamide unit and a diallyldimethylammonium salt and, optionally, an acrylic acid or a salt thereof. The weight average molecular weight of such inhibitor copolymers is generally between from about 500,000 to about 5,000,000.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans may be removed from a fluid or gaseous stream by reacting the hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in the stream with a scavenger selected from a: (i.) 1,3,5-trisalkanylamino hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine derivative; (ii.) morpholine or piperazine derivative; (iii.) amine oxide; (iv.) alkanolamine; or (v.) aliphatic or aromatic polyamine.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for removing extraneous water from a natural gas well using a miniaturized jet pump assembly and a concentric coiled tubing string. The miniaturized jet pump assembly is attached to a concentric coiled tubing string at the surface and then run into the well as a single unit. Alternatively, the concentric coiled tubing string may be assembled in the well. Once downhole, the jet pump assembly is activated to remove extraneous water from the well thereby facilitating the production of natural gas. Should the functional portion of the jet pump assembly corrode or wear out, that portion may be uninstalled and replaced without removing the jet pump assembly and concentric coiled tubing string from the well.

Abstract: A method for completing a well in a single trip, including: inserting a completion tool assembly into the well, the completion tool assembly having a gravel packing assembly and a service tool assembly slidably positioned substantially within an interior cavity in the gravel packing assembly; removably coupling the service tool assembly and the gravel packing assembly; plugging at a first location, whereby fluid is blocked from flowing through the interior channel; diverting fluid blocked by the plugging at the first location through a first fluid flow path to an exterior of the completion tool assembly; circulating a gravel pack slurry through the completion tool assembly; plugging at a second location, whereby fluid is blocked from flowing through the interior channel; diverting fluid blocked by the plugging at the second location through a second flow path that reenters the interior channel at a location distal of the first and second plugging locations; and circulating a filter cake stimulating fluid thro

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a small diameter continuous hydraulic conduit or capillary tube down a well bore is presented. The methods and apparatus allow either the injection of chemicals to enhance production of oil and gas, or to provide a conduit for production up through the small diameter tubing in marginal wells, into a hanger below a well valve to permit its removal from below the valve if the valve should be required to be closed and its reinsertion without pulling the tubing from the well bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a subterranean well is described. The apparatus typically includes a mandrel and a packing element. The mandrel may have an outer surface and a non-circular cross-section and a the packing element may be arranged about the mandrel, the packing element having a non-circular inner surface matching the mandrel outer surface such that concentric rotation between the mandrel and the packing element is precluded. The apparatus may include slips having cavities to facilitate removal of the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a valve for controlling fluid flow through a hollow mandrel. The valve may include a flapper having at least one tab to engage at least one recession in the mandrel such that rotation between the mandrel and the valve is precluded when the valve is in a closed position. The apparatus may further include a central member which is releaseably attached to the mandrel by a release mechanism.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing element on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply combination of force for a given amount of time to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above-described components are also disclosed.

Abstract: An acid treatment composition is provided including a corrosion inhibitor, an antisludge agent, an alpha olefin sulfonate, and an alkyl diphenyloxide sulfonic acid or derivative, in a hydrochloric acid solution. More specifically, the composition includes an acetylenic alcohol, an alkylaryl sulfonic acid, an alpha olefin sulfonate, and an alkyl diphenyloxide sulfonic acid or derivative, in a hydrochloric acid solution. A method for treating a hydrocarbon well with these acid stimulation compositions is also provided.

Abstract: Compositions containing a peroxide or peracid and an organic acid salt buffer are disclosed. The compositions are useful for removing polymers from oil and gas wells, while simultaneously dissolving encountered calcium carbonate deposits.

Abstract: An improved well completion system for completing two or more separate production zones in a well bore during a single downhole trip is disclosed. The improved completion system comprises a completion assembly comprising two or more production zone assemblies and a completion tool assembly. Each production zone assembly may comprise an automatic system locating assembly and at least two inverted seal systems for sealing against the tool assembly.

Abstract: An isolation assembly for use with coiled tubing is described. The isolation assembly has a check valve for providing selective fluid communication through from the coiled tubing, through the isolation assembly, and into a downhole tool, such a straddle packer. The isolation assembly includes a shuttle moveable within a housing, and plurality of ports to selectively provide fluid communication from within the isolation assembly below the check valve, through the ports, and into the annulus, thus allowing selective surface-controlled equalization of downhole equipment. Also described is a bottom hole assembly including the isolation assembly. An improved method of fracing a formation includes providing a check valve, thus improving the life of the coiled tubing and the safety of the operation, and reducing the time to perform a given downhole operation.

Abstract: A method of treating a well consists of introducing into the wellbore a biodegradable fluid system containing a blend of lactic acid ester, such as ethyl lactate, and a fatty acid ester, such as methyl soyate. The fluid system may be further in the form of a microemulsion that is formed by combining a blend with one or more emulsifiers, an alcohol, and water. The fluid system may be used in displacement, well remediation and stimulation as well as additional, alternative applications such as the cleaning of surface and/or downhole equipment.