Abstract: An apparatus and system for producing a gel for the treatment of petroleum wells are disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises: a mixing fluid stream, the mixing fluid stream comprising: a mixing fluid inlet for accepting a mixing fluid; a first pump; a dry polymer inlet for accepting a dry polymer; a hydraulic mixer configured and adapted to mix the dry polymer with the mixing fluid to produce a concentrated gel; a dilution fluid stream for diluting the concentrated gel to produce a diluted gel, the dilution fluid stream comprising: a dilution fluid inlet for accepting a dilution fluid; a second pump; and an outlet coupled to the mixing fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment having a body with a lower end, an upper end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a long bore open at the upper end, an outlet port spaced from the upper end, and a die in the long bore between the upper end and the outlet port. The outlet port permits the communication of fluids between the long bore and the exterior surface. The die is substantially immovable within the long bore and has an inner open diameter in which a plug is landable to create a seal in the long bore before passing through the inner open diameter.

Abstract: A fluid system for hydraulic fracturing operations which comprises a low residue fluid that facilitates the clean up of the wellbore following the treatment is disclosed. The system includes a surfactant compound that forms micelles above a critical concentration. Under certain conditions the addition of an associative thickener compound yields a network based on hydrophobic interactions. The resulting viscous fluid can transport proppants, be applied neat or as a foamed or energized system, or used in an acidizing treatment. The fluid system may further include a breaker additive.

Abstract: A process for fracturing a selected region of a formation including: introducing a supply of fracturing fluid to the region of the formation until a first threshold is reached, adjusting the flow of the fracturing fluid to the region of the formation to reach a second threshold, adjusting the flow of the fracturing fluid to the region of the formation to reach a third threshold and ceasing flow of the fracturing fluid to region of the formation, the fracturing fluid being a non-participating gas and including a proppant in at least one of the stages of flow of the fracturing fluid.

Abstract: In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment, comprising: a body with a lower end, an upper end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a long bore open at the upper end; an outlet port spaced from the upper end, the outlet port permitting the communication of fluids between the long bore and the exterior surface; and, a die in the long bore between the upper end and the outlet port, the die being substantially immovable within the long bore and having an inner open diameter in which a plug can land to create a seal in the long bore before passing through the inner open diameter.

Abstract: Improved gelled hydrocarbon fracturing fluids include a gelling agent and a crosslinking composition including a crosslinking agent and a catalytic agent. The catalytic agent is a fatty quaternized amine, which includes monoalkyl benzyl quaternized amines.

Abstract: A fluid system for hydraulic fracturing operations which comprises a low residue fluid that facilitates the clean up of the wellbore following the treatment is disclosed. The system includes a surfactant compound that forms micelles above a critical concentration. Under certain conditions the addition of an associative thickener compound yields a network based on hydrophobic interactions. The resulting viscous fluid can transport proppants, be applied neat or as a foamed or energized system, or used in an acidizing treatment. The fluid system may further include a breaker additive.

Abstract: A well may intersect a mineral bearing stratum. A fracturing fluid in the nature of a non-participating gas may be injected into the stratum at high rates of flow, to yield a high down hole pressure, and a time v. pressure pulse extending over a period of time. A second pulse may follow the first pulse in relatively quick succession. There may be pauses, or period of relative relaxation between the pulses.

Abstract: Improved gelled hydrocarbon fracturing fluids include a gelling agent and a crosslinking composition including a crosslinking agent and a catalytic agent. The catalytic agent is a fatty quaternized amine, which includes monoalkyl benzyl quaternized amines.

Abstract: A process for fracturing a selected region of a formation including: introducing a supply of fracturing fluid to the region of the formation until a first threshold is reached, adjusting the flow of the fracturing fluid to the region of the formation to reach a second threshold, adjusting the flow of the fracturing fluid to the region of the formation to reach a third threshold and ceasing flow of the fracturing fluid to region of the formation, the fracturing fluid being a non-participating gas and including a proppant in at least one of the stages of flow of the fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A well may intersect a mineral bearing stratum. A fracturing fluid in the nature of a non-participating gas may be injected into the stratum at high rates of flow, to yield a high down hole pressure, and a time v. pressure pulse extending over a period of time. A second pulse may follow the first pulse in relatively quick succession. There may be pauses, or period of relative relaxation between the pulses.