Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for evaluating rock specimens subjected to high pressures and temperatures by ultrasonic evaluation utilizing various transducer enhancements. Certain embodiments contemplate configuring ultrasonic evaluation systems to provide more accurate measurements, enhanced protection of transducer elements, fewer metal interfaces between transducer elements and test specimens, and easier access to transducer elements for maintenance and replacement. Additionally, certain embodiments allow for sequential or simultaneous p-wave and s-wave measurements of a test specimen. These enhancements translate into a more accurate and efficient ultrasonic evaluation system offering higher resolution measurements.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for favorably altering the chemomechanical properties of subterranean formations using treatment fluids comprising surfactants and halide salts. Methods for treating formations comprise the steps of introducing a chemomechanical treatment fluid into the formation and allowing the treatment fluid to interact with the formation to alter its petrochemical properties in various ways. Depending on the application, the chemomechanical treatment fluid may comprise a base fluid, a halide salt and an amphoteric or nonamphoteric surfactant where the surfactant is dissolved in the base fluid at a concentration below its critical micelle concentration. Applications of use involving the chemomechanical treatment fluids include treatment operations, secondary recovery operations, drilling operations, and any other operation that would benefit from the formation property modifications described herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for evaluating rock specimens subjected to high pressures and temperatures by ultrasonic evaluation utilizing various transducer enhancements. Certain embodiments contemplate configuring ultrasonic evaluation systems to provide more accurate measurements, enhanced protection of transducer elements, fewer metal interfaces between transducer elements and test specimens, and easier access to transducer elements for maintenance and replacement. Additionally, certain embodiments allow for sequential or simultaneous p-wave and s-wave measurements of a test specimen. These enhancements translate into a more accurate and efficient ultrasonic evaluation system offering higher resolution measurements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for estimating a physical property of a specimen, particularly the specimen strength, are provided. More specifically, a roller indenter comprising an indenting wheel and a force indicator is used to create an elongated trough in a specimen. The width of the trough is measured as a plurality of locations and correlated with a known standard to provide an estimate of the strength of the sample.

Abstract: A method for predicting the on-set of sand production or critical drawdown pressure (CDP) in high flow rate gas wells. The method describes the perforation and open-hole cavity stability incorporating both rock and fluid mechanics fundamentals. The pore pressure gradient is calculated using the non-Darcy gas flow equation and coupled with the stress-state for a perfectly Mohr-Coulomb material. Sand production is assumed to initiate when the drawdown pressure condition induces tensile stresses across the cavity face. Both spherical and cylindrical models are presented. The spherical model is suitable for cased and perforated applications while the cylindrical model is used for a horizontal open-hole completion.

Abstract: A method for predicting the on-set of sand production or critical drawdown pressure (CDP) in high flow rate gas wells. The method describes the perforation and open-hole cavity stability incorporating both rock and fluid mechanics fundamentals. The pore pressure gradient is calculated using the non-Darcy gas flow equation and coupled with the stress-state for a perfectly Mohr-Coulomb material. Sand production is assumed to initiate when the drawdown pressure condition induces tensile stresses across the cavity face. Both spherical and cylindrical models are presented. The spherical model is suitable for cased and perforated applications while the cylindrical model is used for a horizontal open-hole completion.

Abstract: A method for strengthening a subterranean formation by injecting an aqueous gellable composition containing a cross-linkable polymer into the subterranean formation through a wellbore to increase the strength of the subterranean formation while retaining the ability of the subterranean formation to produce fluids.

Abstract: A method for strengthening a subterranean formation by injecting an aqueous gellable composition containing a cross-inkable polymer into the subterranean formation through a wellbore to increase the strength of the subterranean formation while retaining the ability of the subterranean formation to produce fluids.

Abstract: A method for determining the minimum length for a fracture in a fluid-producing formation to control the production of sand therefrom wherein a plurality of critical drawdown pressures are calculated from known formation data which correspond to a plurality of different, estimated respective fracture lengths. Once the critical drawdown pressures for the reservoir are correlated with their corresponding fracture lengths, a critical drawdown curve for that particular reservoir is established. Additional sets of curves are generated from known data which when overlaid with the critical drawdown pressure curve allows a minimum length of fracture to be selected which will produce the formation at a given rate at a prescribed drawdown pressure without producing any substantial amounts of sand from the formation.