Abstract: Objects are monitored in a subterranean well. A well system can include at least one object having a transmitter, and at least one sensing device which monitors displacement of the object along a wellbore. A method of monitoring at least one object in a subterranean well can include positioning at least one sensing device in a wellbore of the well, and then displacing the object through the wellbore, the sensing device monitoring the object as it displaces through the wellbore.

Abstract: Distributed acoustic, vibration, density and/or strain sensing is utilized for downhole monitoring. A method of tracking fluid movement along a wellbore of a well includes: detecting vibration, density, strain (static and/or dynamic) and/or Brillouin frequency shift in the well using at least one optical waveguide installed in the well; and determining the fluid movement based on the detected vibration, density, strain and/or Brillouin frequency shift. Another method of tracking fluid movement along a wellbore of a well includes: detecting a change in density of an optical waveguide in the well; and determining the fluid movement based on the detected density change.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring forces acting on a tubing string within a wellbore, comprising a body including a central passage and an internal void radially offset from the central passage. End portions extending from the body each include an internal passage and an interface configured to detachably couple to the tubing string for conveyance within the wellbore. A clamp is detachably coupled to one end portion, and first sensors coupled to the clamp are configured to detect strain induced by forces acting on the tubing string. At least one second sensor coupled to the body is configured to detect pressure and temperature within the wellbore. A memory device coupled to the body within the internal void is configured to log measurements detected by the first and second sensors. An electrical power supply coupled to the body within the internal void is configured to provide electrical power to the memory device.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring forces acting on a tubing string within a wellbore, comprising a body including a central passage and an internal void radially offset from the central passage. End portions extending from the body each include an internal passage and an interface configured to detachably couple to the tubing string for conveyance within the wellbore. A clamp is detachably coupled to one end portion, and first sensors coupled to the clamp are configured to detect strain induced by forces acting on the tubing string. At least one second sensor coupled to the body is configured to detect pressure and temperature within the wellbore. A memory device coupled to the body within the internal void is configured to log measurements detected by the first and second sensors. An electrical power supply coupled to the body within the internal void is configured to provide electrical power to the memory device.

Abstract: A method for forming a fracture in a viscous oil subterranean formation wherein a data-fracturing operation is carried out to first determine the “leak-off” rate for the formation and then the formation is fractured with a slurry wherein the liquid from the slurry will leak into the formation at the predetermined leak-off rate to thereby provide fractures of a desired length necessary in sand control or the like. In accordance with the present invention, the formation is treated before both the data-fracturing operation and the subsequent fracturing operation with a treatment fluid (e.g. diesel) which will interact with the viscous oil to reduce its viscosity so that the fracturing fluid can readily leak into the formation.