Abstract: A method for generating acoustic waves, the method having the steps of: extending a tine from a support structure so that a proximal end of the tine is attached to the support structure and a distal end of the tine is uninhibited; positioning an oscillator so as to be supported by the support structure and to mechanically communicate with the tine; and oscillating the tine with the oscillator.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a formation surrounding a well and vibrating a device for supporting a gravel pack in the well, according to which a build up of scale on the device is sensed and a corresponding signal is output. A driver is provided for driving a transducer coupled to the device for vibrating the device and removing scale from the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating acoustic waves, the apparatus having: a support structure; two tines extending from the support structure so that proximal ends of the two tines are attached to the support structure so that distal ends of the two tines are positioned with standoffs relative to a dimension of the support structure and the distal ends of the two tines are uninhibited, wherein the two tines each comprise a moment arm; and an oscillator in mechanical communication with the two tines.

Abstract: Methods that comprise: providing a carrier fluid comprising a delayed breaker; providing a plurality of proppant aggregates comprising a binder fluid and a filler material; suspending the plurality of proppant aggregates in the carrier fluid; introducing the carrier fluid into the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture, the carrier fluid comprising the plurality of proppant aggregates suspended therein; allowing the carrier fluid to break so as to reduce the viscosity of the carrier fluid; and recovering at least a portion of the carrier fluid from the at least one fracture wherein at least a substantial portion of the plurality of proppant aggregates remains in the at least one fracture so as to create a high porosity propped fracture.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying the surface stress-activated reactivity of proppant particulates used in subterranean operations. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a plurality of particulates, at least one of which comprises a mineral surface; providing a surface-treating reagent capable of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineral surface of a particulate; and allowing the surface-treating reagent modify the stress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of the mineral surface of at least one particulate. In other embodiments, the methods comprise the use of particulates comprising a modified mineral surface in fluids introduced into subterranean formations.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of subterranean fracture faces and other surfaces in subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid and a surface-treating reagent capable of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineral surface in a subterranean formation; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and allowing the surface-treating reagent to modify the stress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of a mineral surface in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A sealant composition for servicing a wellbore comprising at least one gel system, a leak off prevention material and water.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating acoustic waves, the apparatus having: a support structure; two tines extending from the support structure so that proximal ends of the two tines are attached to the support structure so that distal ends of the two tines are positioned with standoffs relative to a dimension of the support structure and the distal ends of the two tines are uninhibited, wherein the two tines each comprise a moment arm; and an oscillator in mechanical communication with the two tines.

Abstract: A sealant composition for servicing a wellbore, comprising a crosslinkable material, a crosslinking agent, a fluid loss control additive, water, and a cement present in an amount in a range of from about 0% to about 50% by weight of the sealant composition. A method of preparing a sealant composition, comprising combining a crosslinkable material, a crosslinking agent, a fluid loss control additive, water, and a cement, and controlling the amount of cement in the sealant composition such that the sealant composition has a gel time greater than or equal to about 4 hours when exposed to ambient temperatures in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising preparing a sealant composition comprising a crosslinkable material, a crosslinking agent, a fluid loss control additive, and water, placing the sealant composition in a permeable zone in the wellbore, and allowing the sealant composition to set. A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising preparing a sealant composition by combining a crosslinkable material, a crosslinking agent, a fluid loss control additive, water, and a cement, wherein an amount of the cement is reduced to an effective amount to increase a gel time of the sealant composition to greater than or equal to about 4 hours when the sealant composition is exposed to ambient temperatures in the wellbore, placing the sealant composition in a permeable zone in the wellbore, and allowing the sealant composition to gel.

Abstract: Methods of forming a high porosity propped fracture comprising: providing a slurry comprising a fracturing fluid, proppant particulates, and a weighting agent; introducing the slurry into a portion of a fracture within the subterranean formation; and, depositing the proppant particulates into the portion of the fracture within the subterranean formation so as to form a high porosity propped fracture. Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation to form a high porosity propped fracture comprising: creating at least one fracture within a portion of a subterranean formation; placing a slurry comprising a fracturing fluid, high density plastic particulates, and a weighting agent into at least a portion of the created fracture; and, depositing the high density plastic proppant particulates into a portion of the fracture so as to form a high porosity propped fracture. Slurries suitable for use in subterranean fracturing operations comprising: a fracturing fluid, proppant particulates, and a weighting agent.

Abstract: A liquid gel concentrate for forming a high viscosity treating fluid is provided which can be premixed and stored before being used. The concentrate is comprised of an aqueous formate solution, at least one hydratable polymer which yields viscosity upon hydration and optionally an inhibitor having the property of reversibly reacting with the hydratable polymer in a manner whereby the rate of hydration of the polymer is retarded. Upon the selective reversal of the hydration inhibiting reaction the polymer is hydrated and high viscosity yielded thereby. The concentrate can be diluted with water to hydrate the hydratable polymer and form a large volume of high viscosity treating fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a formation surrounding a well and vibrating a device for supporting a gravel pack in the well, according to which a build up of scale on the device is sensed and a corresponding signal is output. A driver is provided for driving a transducer coupled to the device for vibrating the device and removing scale from the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of consolidating particulate material in a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore. The methods basically comprise the steps of coating the particulate material with a hardenable resin composition and irradiating the hardenable resin composition coating on the particulate material with microwaves to thereby accelerate the hardening of the resin composition whereby the particulate material is rapidly consolidated into a stationary permeable mass.