Abstract: A method of forming a container from a construct. The method includes obtaining a tool having a cavity, a core, and an articulated section for being moveable within the cavity relative to the cavity and the core. The method further includes placing a construct between the cavity and the core, moving the core relative to the cavity so that the articulated section at least partially initially grips a portion of the construct, and further moving the core into the cavity. The portion of the construct remains gripped by the articulated section in the cavity during the further moving of the core.

Abstract: A high strength composite particle comprised of a series of incrementally applied resin microlayer coatings such that each of the microlayer partial coatings are interleaved with each other is described. Methods of making the composite particles, as well as methods of using such particles as a proppant in oil and gas well hydraulic fracturing are also described.

Abstract: A tool for forming a container from a construct. The container comprises a bottom wall and at least one sidewall foldably connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall to form an interior space of the container. The tool comprises a cavity having at least one peripheral wall for at least partially forming the sidewall of the container. The tool comprises a core operatively associated with the cavity and being operable to move within the cavity to position the at least one sidewall of the container relative to the bottom wall to form the interior space. The tool comprises at least one articulated section movably received in the cavity. The at least one articulated section being for gripping at least a portion of the at least one sidewall of the construct, when the core is moved relative to the cavity to form the interior space of the container.

Abstract: A tool and method for forming a container from a construct. The tool comprising a cavity for receiving a construct, a core operatively associated with the cavity and being operable to move into the cavity, an injection cavity for receiving injection-molding material and directing injection-molding material around at least a portion of the perimeter of the construct, and a clamping feature. The clamping feature is operatively connected to at least one of the cavity and the core and is for clamping a peripheral portion of the construct as the core moves into the cavity to form the construct into the container.

Abstract: A container or tray having various features. The container or tray comprises at least one sidewall having a top edge, the top edge of the at least one sidewall corresponding to a top surface of the tray and a bottom surface adjacent to the sidewall. A flange extends laterally outward from the top edge and is foldably connected to the sidewall at the top edge. The flange comprises at least a portion of the top surface of the tray. An injection-molded feature at least partially encapsulates the flange. The injection-molded feature comprising resin and has a first region in contact with the sidewall and at least a portion of the flange, and a second region adjacent the first region and extending laterally outward from the first region to a free edge of the injection-molded feature. The first region has a greater cross-sectional area than the second region.

Abstract: A tool for creating a container or tray having various features. The tool comprises a cavity operable to receive a blank. The cavity has at least one sidewall for forming at least one sidewall of the container. A core is operatively connected to the cavity. The core is operable to enter the cavity to least partially form the blank into the container. An injection cavity is for receiving liquid resin and directing liquid resin around at least a portion of the perimeter of the blank. The injection cavity comprises an advanced-flow section and a delayed-flow section. The advanced-flow section has a greater cross-sectional area than the delayed-flow section, and the advanced-flow section is located adjacent the at least one sidewall of the cavity.

Abstract: A container or tray having various features. Also, the invention is generally directed to a method of forming the container or tray and a tool or apparatus for forming the container or tray.

Abstract: A tool for creating a container or tray having various features. The tool comprises a cavity operable to receive a blank. The cavity has at least one sidewall for forming at least one sidewall of the container. A core is operatively connected to the cavity. The core is operable to enter the cavity to least partially form the blank into the container. An injection cavity is for receiving liquid resin and directing liquid resin around at least a portion of the perimeter of the blank. The injection cavity comprises an advanced-flow section and a delayed-flow section. The advanced-flow section has a greater cross-sectional area than the delayed-flow section, and the advanced-flow section is located adjacent the at least one sidewall of the cavity.

Abstract: A container or tray having various features. Also, the invention is generally directed to a method of forming the container or tray and a tool or apparatus for forming the container or tray.

Abstract: Described is an oil-degradable ball sealer for use in the oil and gas industry. The ball seal comprises a particular composition including ethylene and one or more alpha-olefins, prepared by an injection molding technique to provide a ball sealer which will dissolve in stimulation or wellbore fluids after stimulation operations are complete. The composition, when dissolved into wellbore fluids, does not pose a hazard or problem to aqueous wellbore fluids or further wellbore stimulations.

Abstract: A new proppant comprises a proppant particle substrate, a water-soluble external coating on the proppant particle substrate and a microparticulate reinforcing and spacing agent at least partially embedded in the water-soluble external coating in a manner such that the microparticulate reinforcing agent is substantially released from the proppant particle substrate when the water-soluble coating dissolves or degrades.

Abstract: A new proppant comprises a proppant particle substrate, a water-soluble external coating on the proppant particle substrate and a microparticulate reinforcing and spacing agent at least partially embedded in the water-soluble external coating in a manner such that the microparticulate reinforcing agent is substantially released from the proppant particle substrate when the water-soluble coating dissolves or degrades.

Abstract: Coated particle substrates having a coating of resin and/or water soluble polymers and soluble, fibrous material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The coated particle substrate particles are typically proppants used to prop open subterranean hydrocarbon formations during recovery processes, such as after a hydraulic fracture, and provide both improved settling characteristics and improved hydrocarbon flow characteristics due to the conductive channels formed by the soluble fibers downhole. Methods of making the coated particles are also described.

Abstract: A high strength composite particle comprised of a series of incrementally applied resin microlayer coatings such that each of the microlayer partial coatings are interleaved with each other is described. Methods of making the composite particles, as well as methods of using such particles as a proppant in oil and gas well hydraulic fracturing are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating of a well, a formation, or both, with the solids, liquids, or apparatuses, by 1) encasing said solids, liquids, or apparatuses in a water-soluble shell, 2) conveying said encased solids, liquids, or apparatuses to a predetermined location in the well, and then 3) allowing the water-soluble shell to dissolve in the aqueous phase in the wellbore. The shell is preferably made of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and a waterproofing agent. The shell encases a variety of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, where said solids or liquids are useful in the treatment of the well or of the producing formation. Illustrative encased material includes soap, acid, corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, scale inhibitors, mutual solvents, paraffin inhibitors, paraffin dissolvers, clay stabilizers, and tracer materials. The encased materials may also be apparatuses, such as a prefabricated screen completion or a prefabricated sand-pack.

Abstract: A tray (100) or container (478) which may be hermetically sealed having a flange encapsulated by or formed from injection-mold material. The tray (100) has a flange (116) extending outwardly from a sidewall (114) of the tray, and containing irregularities induced by the creation of the tray (100). An encapsulating material surrounds the flange (116) in substantially uniformly thick manner, and along with the flange (116) defines an encapsulated rim (124). The encapsulating material is generally a plastic such as polyolefin, nylon, or polyethylene, but may also be made from other materials. This encapsulating material covers a portion of the flange (116) and extends a set distance from the flange's (116) outer edge.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating of a well, a formation, or both, with the solids, liquids, or apparatuses, by 1) encasing said solids, liquids, or apparatuses in a water-soluble shell, 2) conveying said encased solids, liquids, or apparatuses to a predetermined location in the well, and then 3) allowing the water-soluble shell to dissolve in the aqueous phase in the wellbore. The shell is preferably made of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and a waterproofing agent. The shell encases a variety of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, where said solids or liquids are useful in the treatment of the well or of the producing formation. Illustrative encased material includes soap, acid, corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, scale inhibitors, mutual solvents, paraffin inhibitors, paraffin dissolvers, clay stabilizers, and tracer materials. The encased materials may also be apparatuses, such as a prefabricated screen completion or a prefabricated sand-pack.

Abstract: A degradable compound, which may be used as a ball sealer and as an fluid loss additive for use in the oil and gas industry is disclosed. The compound comprises a particular composition of matter and injection molding technique that provides a ball sealer which will dissolve in stimulation or wellbore fluids after stimulation operations are complete. In a similar manner the compound may be used as a fluid loss additive which enhances the fracture filter cake and will dissolve completely after use in fracturing operations. Used as a ball sealer, the surface of the ball sealer softens slightly assuring a solid seal between the ball and the casing perforation. The pure composition when dissolved into wellbore fluids does not pose a hazard and has excellent dispersion in aqueous based wellbore fluids. The same composition, may be combined with fiber-glass to manufacture a high temperature ball sealer.

Abstract: The invention is the method of treating of a well, a formation, or both, with the solids, liquids, or apparatuses, by 1) encasing the solids, liquids, or apparatuses in a water-soluble shell, 2) conveying the encased solids, liquids, or gases to the predetermined location in the well, and then 3) allowing the water-soluble shell to dissolve in the aqueous phase in the wellbore. The shell is preferably made of water-soluble polymers such as collagen, a crosslinking agent such as zolidine, optionally a hydrophobic compound such as a processed oil, and water used in processing. Other modifying or conditioning compounds, for example glycerin and other polymeric additives, may be incorporated to extend the strength or temperature range of the shell. The shell encases a variety of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, where the solids or liquids are useful in the treatment of the well or of the producing formation.