Abstract: A method and a system for minimizing circulating fluid return losses during drilling of a well bore are disclosed. Circulating fluid, or mud, is heated above conventional temperatures for circulating fluids. The heated circulating fluid then contacts a region of a formation, in which a well bore is to be drilled, maintaining the formation at a relative higher temperature than if no special sources of heat were used to add heat to the circulating fluid. The region, at the relatively higher temperature, has a tendency to expand and to be placed in a relatively higher compressive state as compared to a formation at a lower temperature. Consequently, the use of the heated circulating fluid minimizes fracture initiation and growth and circulation fluid losses into the formation.

Abstract: A method and a system for minimizing circulating fluid return losses during drilling of a well bore are disclosed. Circulating fluid, or mud, is heated above conventional temperatures for circulating fluids. The heated circulating fluid then contacts a region of a formation, in which a well bore is to be drilled, maintaining the formation at a relative higher temperature than if no special sources of heat were used to add heat to the circulating fluid. The region, at the relatively higher temperature, has a tendency to expand and to be placed in a relatively higher compressive state as compared to a formation at a lower temperature. Consequently, the use of the heated circulating fluid minimizes fracture initiation and growth and circulation fluid losses into the formation. The system may use a heater mounted on the surface of a well or else on a sea floor to add heat to the circulating fluid.

Abstract: A method for determining the widths of fractures in reservoir earthen cores utilizes a series of CT X-ray scans which are translated into an estimated porosity image. A region of interest within the image is selected and a frequency histogram of the porosity distribution is created. The contribution of the fracture widths to the pore volume is determined from the histogram.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving samples through a CAT scanner is comprised of a driver table assembly and a follower table assembly. The assemblies are fixedly positioned in aligned spaced condition on opposite sides of a CAT scanner and are adapted to move a sample therethrough with great linear accuracy. The driver table assembly is the active member in moving the sample while the follower table assembly is passive in responding to movement of the driver table assembly. Both table assemblies have lathe heads mounted thereon for securing the sample therebetween in a self-centering manner.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a test cell which contains a core of coal from a coal bed methane reservoir. A tomographic system is used for testing the core at different times and provides signals corresponding to the tests. While the earthen core is being tested, a fluid having the same size molecules as methane is provided to the earthen core as part of the testing. The signals from the tomographic system are used to determine the methane storage capacity of the core.

Abstract: An earthen core analyzer includes a test cell which contains an earthen core. A tomographic system is used for testing the earthen core and provides signals corresponding to the tests. While the earthen core is being tested, a fluid is provided to the earthen core as part of the testing. The signals from the tomographic system are used to determine a porosity of the earthen core.