Abstract: Integrally molded impaling spikes are positioned in aligned longitudinally and transversely extending rows throughout substantially one side of an applicator head. A cleaning component is provided with a layer of fibers to be penetrated and engaged by the impaling spikes when the cleaning component is pressed against the applicator head so that lateral movement of the cleaning component is prevented during use of the cleaning device. The cleaning component may be easily stripped from the applicator head for replacement by another cleaning component.

Abstract: Particles coated with a fusible thermosetting resin are placed in the vicinity of a wellbore and in conjunction with a subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore and are cured in the presence of a treating solution containing a softening agent capable of reducing the fusion temperature of the resin.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation to remove fines lodged therein wherein a mixture comprising an aqueous liquid and an immiscible fluid is injected into the formation at matrix rates to cause two-phase flow.

Abstract: A method of forming a gravel pack in a wellbore is disclosed which involves disposing a pipe adjacent the incompetent formation, depositing gravel around the pipe, consolidating the resulting gravel bed using a suitable resinous material, and removing the pipe to leave a high permeability, high strength, self-supporting annular gravel sheath.

Abstract: A method of controlling the migration of fines in a subterranean formation comprising contacting the formation with a dilute resin solution; displacing the resin solution into the formation, preferably with an overflush oil, so as to leave behind a thin film of resin solution; extracting the diluent present in the resin, and then curing the resin to an infusible state. The preferred resin is a one-step phenolic type resin which cures at formation temperatures and which should comprise from about 5 to about 30 weight percent of the resin solution and preferably about 10 to 20 weight percent.

Abstract: A perforated liner is sealed at longitudinally spaced intervals with a removable sealant. The partially sealed liner maintains sufficiently high fluid flow velocity outside the liner during gravel packing so as to prevent the formation of gravel dunes. After packing is completed, the sealant is removed permitting the passage of fluids through the liner.

Abstract: A method of fracturing subterranean formations wherein a formation is fractured and propped two or more times to increase the width of the propped fracture.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing method wherein a viscous oil-in-water emulsion is injected into a formation under sufficient pressure to fracture the formation. The emulsion contains from about 70 to about 90 volume percent of an internal liquid hydrocarbon phase, from about 10 to about 30 volume percent of an external aqueous phase and sufficient amounts of a nonionic surfactant to stabilize and viscosify the emulsion. The preferred hydrocarbon phase concentration is between about 75 and 85 volume percent. The nonionic surfactant also gives the emulsion a breaking temperature which is not greater than the temperature of the formation. Preferably, an electrolyte is used to adjust the temperature at which the emulsion will break. After fracturing is completed the emulsion is then left in the wellbore for a sufficient time to permit the temperature of the emulsion to reach its breaking temperature. Upon breaking, the emulsion reverts to a low viscosity fluid which is readily removable from the formation.