Abstract: Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery “EOR” chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.). In one embodiment, a fluid flow apparatus may be provided that has a conductor segment that defines an internally-heterogeneous fluid flow space in the form of an internal slot. Such an internally-heterogeneous fluid flow space may include one or more fluid flow diversion features and/or have a varying or non-consistent cross-sectional flow area. Individual fluid flow apparatus may be configured for assembly and disassembly from each other, and/or may be configured to capture and contain contents for future testing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that may be used for laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of fluids and/or proppants such as those for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells using a test system network. A test system network may include a reconfigurable network of conductor segments that may be arranged to simulate a fracture network matrix that exists downhole within an underground formation during a hydraulic fracturing treatment. Test fluids, including proppant-less as well as proppant-laden test fluids, may be flowed through the conductor segment network of a test system to measure, among other things, fluid and/or proppant distribution and proppant volume (or mass) during and after treatment within various parts of the test system network after the proppant is transported into the network by the introduced test fluid/s.

Abstract: Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery “EOR” chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.).

Abstract: Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery “EOR” chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a proppant testing apparatus with a portable piston extractor and related methods. In one embodiment, a testing apparatus includes a test cell body in which an upper piston is constrained to vertically reciprocate within a test cavity. A laterally-extending width bar is coupled to the piston above the test cell body. A portable piston extractor is provided for freeing the stuck piston following testing. The piston extractor includes an extractor base removably supported on the test cell body and an extractor arm movably coupled to the extractor base. A drive mechanism is configured for driving the extractor arm into vertical engagement with the width bar, to raise the piston for extraction. In another embodiment, a set of gear boxes interconnected by shafts may be used to apply a uniform separation force between the piston and test cell body.

Abstract: Methods and systems useful for obtaining a representative sample of solid particles from a pneumatically conveyed stream of solid particles. One preferred method and system includes establishing a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through a sampling conduit and diverting the steam through a second conduit; isolating an inlet of the sampling conduit from the second conduit substantially simultaneously with the step of diverting the entire stream through the second conduit and emptying material from the isolated sampling conduit, wherein the representative sample comprises the material emptied from the sampling conduit. The outlet end of the sampling conduit may be vented into the second conduit or the atmosphere. The system for accomplishing the method may include a controller for controlling, inter alia, a position of the means for diverting the stream through a second conduit, the means for isolating an inlet sampling conduit, or combinations thereof.