Abstract: An example method of mitigating casing deformation includes determining that a geologic area in a formation within a threshold distance of a cased wellbore is prone to formation relaxation. The method also includes altering a drilling plan for one or more wellbores to be drilled within the threshold distance of the wellbore.

Abstract: An example method of identifying geologic areas in a formation that are prone to casing deformation includes conducting hydraulic fracturing along a portion of a cased wellbore. The method includes recording microseismic activity occurring within a first threshold distance of the wellbore and establishing stresses on the wellbore casing at one or more points. The method further includes determining, based on the recorded microseismic activity and the stresses on the casing, whether a geologic area in the formation within a second threshold distance of the wellbore is prone to formation relaxation or shear slippage.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening perforations in a casing string. The casing string has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in said holes and retained therein. The ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand the fluid differential pressures normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impact by a mild explosive charge. The explosive charge is provided by detonating a length of det-cord disposed in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. A method of perforating using this apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubing cutter apparatus includes a housing or casing member formed of a zirconia ceramic material. The zirconia ceramic material is located at least proximate an explosive charge section, such the detonation of the explosive charge will cause shattering the ceramic section. The tubing cutter may be assembled in a safe manner by establishing ground connections between separate portions of the apparatus. These ground connections established during assembly will prevent the buildup of static electrical charges, which could cause premature detonation of the cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus attenuates a shock, such as an impact load from an explosion, by undergoing plastic deformation and by serially dissipating energy from a plurality of surfaces. In a particular embodiment, the plastic deformation and serial energy dissipation occur in and from a hollow unitary body having a cylindrical wall in which are defined a plurality of longitudinally spaced circumferential grooves. A method of attenuating shock from an explosion in an oil gas well comprises: lowering into the well an explosive connected to a shock attenuating member; detonating the explosive whereby an impact load with a shock wave is generated; and collapsing without severing the member in response to the impact load and dissipating energy of the shock wave from a plurality of surfaces of the member so that the shock wave is attenuated along the member.