Abstract: A method for minimizing formation damage during gravel packing operations in a loosely consolidated hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing formation penetrated by at least one well. Solidifiable chemical blocking agents are used to keep intrusive fluids, e.g. kill fluids, from the hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing interval of said formation during said gravel packing operation. Said blocking agents comprise gels wherein amino resins such as melamine formaldehyde ("MF") resins co-gel and crosslink with polymers useful for profile control where said polymers have amine, amide, hydroxyl and thiol functionalities.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing particulate matter from fluid wells where low pH conditions or high temperature exist. The process comprises forming a cylindrical shaped retainer having one closed and one open end. Said retainer has an inner and an outer wall which join with said closed end to provide a space between said walls. An open ended fused porous refractory tube is fitted within said space. Said retainer, with the refractory tube therein, is affixed to a delivery tube. This tube is directed into a formation where said refractory tube is used to control fines or sandflow entrained in fluids obtained from said formation. Being sandwiched between said walls, the refractory tube is protected from shock and is easily removed for cleaning. Said refractory tube is chemically resistant and endures high temperatures encountered during steam-flooding or steam injection.

Abstract: A process for acid treating a formation where a gelled and foamed acid pre-flush solution is utilized. Said pre-flush is injected into the formation under conditions and pressures sufficient to fracture said formation. Thereafter, a foamed acid solution is directed into the gelled and foamed acid pad. The resultant viscosity contrast causes the foamed acid to "finger" through said pad and unevenly etch the fracture face. "Fingering" of the foamed acid through said pad causes it to propagate substantially further into the formation than with existing sandstone acidizing processes.

Abstract: A process for improving the effectiveness of control pulse fracturing in a carbonate formation wherein a high energy impulse device having a metallic sheath reactive with a retarded acid is utilized in combination with a retarded acid. Upon placement of such device within a wellbore, the metallic sheath reacts with the retarded acid and generates heat which activates said acid. Afterwards, the high energy impulse device is ignited which fractures the formation and forces the activated acid into the created fractures thereby enhancing acid contact with said formation.

Abstract: A process for improved acidizing in carbonate formations, where controlled pulse fracturing (CPF) is utilized in combination with a retarded acid. The retarded acid comprises hydrochloric, formic, acetic acid or mixtures thereof which is placed in a wellbore adjacent the area to be treated. Said acid can contain retarders and corrosion inhibitors sufficient to make said acid stable in the wellbore. At least one CPF device is placed in said acid near the interval to be treated. Upon detonation of said device, acid is forced into the desired interval, thereby enhancing the acidizing treatment.

Abstract: Recovered formation fines are pumped in slurry form into an injection well during an enhanced oil recovery process e.g. a steam flood. Said injection can be done incrementally in stages in conjunction with said process. Said fines improve the sweep efficiency of the injected medium. This method is also beneficial where steam breakthrough has occurred since the breakthrough path is in a fluid or semi-solid state thereby allowing the fines slurry to be injected.

Abstract: A process for recovering viscous heavy oil from a substantially shallow reservoir having a low temperature and pressure. Following a steam flood, liquid carbon dioxide is injected into the reservoir where said carbon dioxide remains in its liquid state. Afterwards, a spacer volume of a vaporizable drive fluid is injected into the reservoir behind said carbon dioxide. Subsequently, steam injection is commenced which causes the drive fluid to vaporize and the liquid carbon dioxide to gasify. Vaporization of the drive fluid along with gasification of the carbon dioxide causes a pressure increase in the formation allowing the thinned oil to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for effecting high impulse fracturing in a stratified formation penetrated by a well where multiple fractures are first induced in a lower zone. Thereafter, said fractures and the well area within and adjacent said lower zone are filled with a gel mixture which solidifies. A gel plug is thus formed in said lower zone. High impulse fracturing is instituted in a higher zone which is filled with a gel mixture similarly as in said lower zone. High impulse fracturing and forming a solid gel within the induced fractures and area within the well adjacent the fractured zone are continued until each desired zone has been fractured. The gel plug prevents high impulse energy from entering fractures of previously fractured zones resulting in deeper fracture penetration.

Abstract: A modified acoustic logging tool to evaluate the condition of a gravel pack is disclosed. Said tool is placed in the wellbore near the gravel pack. An initial log is obtained via said tool at the conclusion of the initial gravel pack treatment. Information gained from the log is indicative of gravel fill and quality. Subsequent logging measurements are indicative of changes in said pack and indicative of remedial treatments.

Abstract: A process for improving the effectiveness of control pulse fracturing in a carbonate formation wherein a two stage high energy impulse device is utilized in combination with a retarded acid. Upon placement of such device within a wellbore, the first impulse stage activates said acid. Afterwards, the second impulse stage fractures the formation and forces the activated acid into the created fractures thereby enhancing acid contact with said formation.

Abstract: Voids in a gravel pack, particularly in deviated wellbores, are substantially eliminated via a process which utilizes a high energy impulse device. Said device is lowered into the vicinity of the voids and detonated thereby causing turbulence through the screen or slotted liner which causes a re-adjustment of the pack. Energy from said device can be tailored to allow considerable agitation to the gravel pack and screen without destroying said screen.

Abstract: A process for removing particulate matter from a non-dissoluble sand control pack containing grangulated ceramic material which pack is used to produce hydrocarbonaceous fluid from a subterranean formation. Said pack is contacted with a mineral acid of a strengh and composition sufficient to react with said particulate matter thereby removing said matter and increasing the permeability of said pack without damaging said pack.

Abstract: A method for completion of an inclined or deviated well having an in-line opening on its lower side. A work string tubing is removed and a production tube having a slotted liner is directed through a gelled fluid. The gelled fluid is removed and an in-casing gravel pack is placed within said wellbore. Hydrocarbonaceous fluids are then produced from said wellbore.

Abstract: A method for diverting steam injection in injection wells by the use of perforation ball sealers composed of polymer compounds covered with a thin coating of elastomer of low enough density to float in the injected fluids, yet able to stand the adverse temperatures of steam injection.

Abstract: A method for diverting CO.sub.2 injection in injection wells by the use of perforation ball sealers composed of polymer compounds covered with a thin coating of elastomer of low enough density to float in the injected fluids, yet able to stand the adverse temperatures of CO.sub.2 injection.

Abstract: A method for modifying the injectivity profile of hydrocarbonaceous formations penetrated by at least one injection well and one production well which formation contains zones of varying permeabilities. Via this method, ball sealers are used to stop fluids from flowing through a zone of greater permeability while a zone of lesser permeability receives a temporary blocking agent. Thereafter, the ball sealers are removed and the zone of greater permeability is closed with a permanent blocking agent. Subsequently, the temporary blocking agent is removed and water flooding is reinstituted leading to improved oil recovery.

Abstract: A method for improving vertical hydraulic fracturing of an inclined wellbore through in-line openings in said wellbore. Via this method, the initiation, growth, and propagation of vertical fractures are controlled.

Abstract: A method for minimizing formation damage during gravel packing operations in a loosely consolidated hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing formation penetrated by at least one well. Solidifiable chemical blocking agents are used to keep intrusive fluids, e.g. kill fluids, from the hydrocarbonaceous fluid producing interval of said formation during said gravel packing operation.

Abstract: The effectiveness of controlled pulse fracturing treatment ("CPF") is enhanced by creating a foam when energy is released from the pulse device. Foam created by a foaming agent in the wellbore fluid increases said fluid's apparent viscosity and controls fluid loss. The increased viscosity causes additional fracture propagation. Upon commencement of production of hydrocarbonaceous fluids, fines and debris resultant from CPF are transported from the fractures which cleans up the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a wellbore with a solid gel plug stem in high impulse or high energy fracturing. This apparatus facilitates the removal of the propellant canister support means, the propellant ignition means, as well as any debris adhering thereto. By this apparatus, damage to the wellbore and formation is minimized.