Abstract: A shock tool is adapted to a bottom hole tool assembly for isolating a zone in a subterranean formation accessed by a wellbore. Fracturing fluid such as nitrogen is accumulated at fracturing pressures uphole of the shock tool for subsequent and rapid release to the formation. Coal bed methane seams are particularly well suited to such a shock fracturing methodology. The tool assembly can be suspended from a conveyance string in which fluid is accumulated for shock release through a valve of the shock tool and through an injection tool to the zone isolated by the injection tool. After a first zone is shocked, the tool assembly can be moved to a new zone, or multiple shocks can be applied cyclically at the selected zone.

Abstract: A well servicing rig for communicating with a fluid source and an effluent reservoir (such as a flow back tank) has an apparatus for holding and dispensing coiled tubing. A manifold assembly is advantageously located on the rig for routing the pressurized fluid (such as nitrogen gas mixed with proppant) from the fluid source between the coiled tubing apparatus, the well and the effluent reservoir. The manifold assembly controls the flow of the fluid to perform fracturing operations, for reverse fluid circulation, for a common coiled tubing operation, for pressure testing, and the like. The assembly includes remotely controlled valves and pressure transducers for controlling the fluid flow, and chokes for diffusing fluid energy prior to entering the effluent reservoir. The rig, fluid source, effluent reservoir and a fluid pumper provide a novel method of servicing an underground formation (such as a coal bed) for natural gas.

Abstract: A high-pressure injection proppant system for stimulating coal bed methane production preloads proppant, such as sand, into one or more high-pressure vessels, for delivery into a fluid stream, such a N2 gas stream. A screw auger arrangement meters the proppant volumes and rates into the fluid stream. Two such vessels operationally mounted in parallel can function separately or concurrently depending on the demand for proppant in a particular formation. The system provides for the injection of surfactants into the fluid stream to enhance the performance of the proppant, to aid in the placement of the proppant into a fracture network, and to demote proppant flowback during production and embedment. The system can be operated manually or by computer automation to aid in the accuracy of the mixing of the fluid stream components.

Abstract: A high capacity pumper for liquefied gas incorporates multiple pumping systems distributed in a parallel arrangement and in opposing orientation on a transportable platform such as a trailer. Vaporizers incorporate a burner control system utilizing a primary set of burners operating a baseline and a secondary set of burners providing fine regulating control. A system for fracturing formations is now possible using a minimum number of components including the high capacity pumper, a coiled tubing rig and a source of liquefied gas. An improved manifold for a cryogenic plunger pump includes unions and angled connectors between a supply conduit and each of a plurality of pump heads.

Abstract: A support system for a lubricator to prevent the lubricator from deflecting during coil tubing operations, particularly on slant wells. A support member is connected to the lubricator through truss members for supporting the lubricator in tension or in compression, depending upon whether the support member is placed above or below the lubricator. A coil tubing injector is provided which is capable of manipulating the supported lubricator axially along a path coaxial to the wellhead to permit fine adjustment with the wellhead.