Abstract: A wellbore is formed within a rock formation. At least a portion of the wellbore is filled with pressurized fluid. A pressure of the pressurized fluid is cycled between 40% of an expected fracture pressure of the rock formation and 85% of the expected fracture pressure of the rock formation. The rock formation is fractured responsive to the cycling pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided to produce hydrocarbons from a formation, the method includes the steps of: placing a pair of electrodes within a formation; applying differential voltages between pairs of electrodes wherein the voltage differences between the electrodes is greater than at least 10,000 volts; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation or an adjacent formation wherein the formation has an initial permeability of less than ten millidarcy. The invention also includes an apparatus effective to release pulses of electrical energy into the formation as this frequency and voltage at least until the formation has reached a point where the electrical potential arcs from one electrode to at least one other electrode.

Abstract: A method is provided to produce hydrocarbons from a formation, the method includes the steps of: placing a pair of electrodes within a formation; applying differential voltages between pairs of electrodes wherein the voltage differences between the electrodes is greater than at least 10,000 volts; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation or an adjacent formation wherein the formation has an initial permeability of less than ten millidarcy. The invention also includes an apparatus effective to release pulses of electrical energy into the formation as this frequency and voltage at least until the formation has reached a point where the electrical potential arcs from one electrode to at least one other electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a formation penetrated by a wellbore and vibrating a device for supporting a gravel pack in the wellbore, according to which the build up of scale on the device is sensed and a corresponding signal is output. A tool is lowered into the wellbore, and includes a driver for driving an acoustic transducer coupled to the device for vibrating the device and stimulating the formation.

Abstract: A barrier system for a subsurface treatment area is described. The barrier system includes a first barrier formed around at least a portion of the subsurface treatment area. The first barrier is configured to inhibit fluid from exiting or entering the subsurface treatment area. A second barrier is formed around at least a portion of the first barrier. A separation space exists between the first barrier and the second barrier.

Abstract: A method for reducing a skin effect in a downhole environment is provided, including the step of radiating vibrational waves at a wellbore wall such that the vibrational waves have at least one direction of greatest vibrational energy transfer directed toward the wall, thereby reducing the skin effect. An apparatus for reducing a skin effect in a downhole environment is also provided. The apparatus includes at least one vibrational wave source having at least one direction of greatest vibrational energy transfer, and a means for positioning the vibrational wave source proximate a wellbore wall.

Abstract: A barrier system for a subsurface treatment area is described. The barrier system includes a first barrier formed around at least a portion of the subsurface treatment area. The first barrier is configured to inhibit fluid from exiting or entering the subsurface treatment area. A second barrier is formed around at least a portion of the first barrier. A separation space exists between the first barrier and the second barrier.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a formation surrounding a well and vibrating a device for supporting a gravel pack in the well, according to which a build up of scale on the device is sensed and a corresponding signal is output. A driver is provided for driving a transducer coupled to the device for vibrating the device and removing scale from the device.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a formation surrounding a well and vibrating a device for supporting a gravel pack in the well, according to which a build up of scale on the device is sensed and a corresponding signal is output. A driver is provided for driving a transducer coupled to the device for vibrating the device and removing scale from the device.

Abstract: A method for preventing scale deposition in a fluid that includes water and ions that can produce scale precipitation and deposition flowing through a well and/or other oilfield tubular comprising arranging a liquid whistle for producing acoustic waves in the fluid in the tubular, and allowing at least part of the fluid that flows through the tubular to pass through the liquid whistle to generate acoustic waves.