Abstract: Facies in wells in areas of a hydrocarbon reservoir are predicted or postulated. Artificial neural networks are utilized to build a training image based on rock phases which are described and interpreted using existing data obtained from certain wells in the reservoir, and also well log characteristics of those same wells for each rock facies. Well logs from which wells where no well core data has been collected are then analyzed against the training image and the rock facies in the non-cored wells are postulated. The cost and also the possibility of damage to the wells from extraction of the core rock during drilling are avoided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for estimating porous-media longitudinal dispersion and adsorption coefficients. According to various embodiments of the invention, a method for estimating porous-media longitudinal dispersion coefficients is provided, which includes introducing a pure phase component though a porous medium, and introducing a component having a same phase as the pure phase component through the porous medium. The component includes a viscosifying agent having a non-linear viscosity-concentration dependence. The method further includes measuring, using a permeability analyzer, a pressure drop across the porous medium after each introduction at a plurality of intervals over a period of time. Further, the method includes determining, using the measured pressure drops, a pressure transition, and analyzing the pressure transition across the porous medium to determine a dispersion coefficient for the porous medium.

Abstract: A non-catalytic hydrogen generation process is provided that supplies hydrogen to a hydrodesulfurization unit and a solid oxide fuel cell system combination, suitable for auxiliary power unit application. The non-catalytic nature of the process enables use of sulfur containing feedstock for generating hydrogen which is needed to process the sulfur containing feed to specifications suitable for the solid oxide fuel cell. Also, the non-catalytic nature of the process with fast dynamic characteristics is specifically applicable for startup and shutdown purposes that are typically needed for mobile applications.

Abstract: An apparatus, operable with a source of cleaning fluid under pressure, for cleaning external surfaces of heat exchange tubes of an air cooled heat exchanger which tubes are situated in generally horizontal rows vertically separated from each other, thus defining a generally horizontal zone between each two adjacent rows, including a. a spray mat having: i. top and bottom fluid impermeable sheets sealed at their mutual peripheral edges defining at least one chamber with a fluid inlet into said chamber for receiving a flow of the cleaning fluid under pressure, and ii. a plurality of laterally spaced apertures and coupled spray nozzles in the top and bottom sheets which are in fluid communication with the chamber, and b. a positioning mechanism for moving the spray mat transversely into and out of one of the zones between two adjacent rows of the heat exchange tubes.

Abstract: In solving linear systems of billions of equations resulting from reservoir simulator pressure equations for giant reservoirs organized into fine-grid models, a multi-level methodology acquires a fast and coarser grid solution to be used as a more accurate initial estimate for the fine grid problem. Solver iterations performed on the coarser grid in reduced processing time generate a better initial estimate, resulting in fewer of the more expensive iterations at the fine-grid level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transient testing of an oil well to determine the individual, distinct skin factor components of an apparent skin factor, which includes opening the well to a first predefined choke setting to allow the reservoir fluid to flow through the well for a first predefined period of time, and measuring a production rate of the reservoir fluid through the well, when the first predefined period of time expires. The method further includes performing a shut-in of the well for a first predefined build-up period, and repeating, when the first predefined build-up period expires, the steps of the flowing, the measuring, and the performing for at least two additional choke settings. The distinct skin factor components of the apparent skin factor are determined using a graphical relationship between the determined apparent skin factors and the measured production rates.

Abstract: A linear solver methodology is applied to reservoir data to solve for large system of equations arising from high-resolution reservoir simulation of giant oil fields with minimal upscaling using either structured grids or unstructured grids. Full geologic complexity and discontinuities at the resolution desired for accurate simulation results may be taken into account. A general unstructured method is provided, so that very complex flow geometry near multi-lateral wells can be modeled.

Abstract: Provided are a sulfur modified polymer composition, free from asphalt, bitumen or like compounds, and method of making same. The inclusion of 50% by weight sulfur, or greater, into the polymer composition results in a composition that is softer and having an increased melting point, relative to the unmodified polymer composition.

Abstract: Provided is an asphalt composition that includes a sulfur modified polymer composition and method of making same. The inclusion of 50% by weight sulfur, or greater, into the polymer composition results in a composition that is softer and having an increased melting point, relative to the unmodified polymer composition.

Abstract: A sulfur-sand limestone mortar and methods of preparing the sulfur-sand limestone mortar and disposing of elemental sulfur, are disclosed. In embodiments, the sulfur-sand limestone mortar includes elemental sulfur, limestone powder, and sand. Modifiers, such as plasticizers, are not required and are not used in embodiments of the sulfur-sand limestone mortar. In embodiments of the method to prepare the sulfur-sand limestone mortar, each of the elemental sulfur, limestone powder, and sand are heated to at least 140 C, then combined, and then allowed to solidify.

Abstract: A sulfur-steel slag aggregate concrete, and methods of preparing the sulfur-steel slag aggregate concrete and disposing of elemental sulfur, are disclosed. In embodiments, the sulfur-steel slag aggregate concrete includes elemental sulfur, steel slag aggregate, limestone powder, and sand. Modifiers, such as plasticizers, are not required and are not used in embodiments of the sulfur-sand limestone mortar. In embodiments of the method to prepare the sulfur-steel slag aggregate concrete, each of the elemental sulfur, limestone powder, steel-slag, and sand are heated to at least 140 C, then combined, and then allowed to solidify.

Abstract: A machine, computer program product, and method to enable scalable parallel reservoir simulations for a variety of simulation model sizes are described herein. Some embodiments of the disclosed invention include a machine, methods, and implemented software for performing parallel processing of a grid defining a reservoir or oil/gas field using a plurality of sub-domains for the reservoir simulation, a parallel process of re-ordering a local cell index for each of the plurality of cells using characteristics of the cell and location within the at least one sub-domain and a parallel process of simulating at least one production characteristic of the reservoir.

Abstract: Provided is a method and composition for the in-situ generation of synthetic sweet spots in tight-gas formations. The composition can include nitrogen generating compounds, which upon activation, react to generate heat and nitrogen gas.

Abstract: Methods for managing an intelligent field, are provided. An exemplary method can include receiving real-time dynamic field data, analyzing validity of the dynamic field data, validating values of the field data, validating a state/condition of a well, and flagging well components, well conditions, and/or well state validation issues.

Abstract: A dynamically controlled drill string includes a communications sub, a circulation sub and a measurement sub. The communications sub is operable to receive a wireless signals and retransmit the signals wirelessly. The measurement sub is operable to detect a downhole condition and transmit wirelessly a corresponding data signal. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication between the interior fluid conduit and the exterior of the dynamically controlled drill string at the circulation sub. The circulation sub is operable to selectively permit fluid communication through the internal fluid conduit at the circulation sub. A method for using the dynamically controlled drill string in a well bore includes the steps of introducing the dynamically controlled drill string into the well bore and introducing fluid operable to modify a detected downhole conditions into the well bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and computer readable media for managing an intelligent field, are provided. An exemplary apparatus can include hydrocarbon well instruments, a SCADA system, a process integration server and/or dynamic field data analyzing computer, and memory/computer readable media storing a dynamic field data analyzing computer program. The computer program can include instructions that when executed cause the dynamic field data analyzing computer to perform various operations to include receiving real-time dynamic field data, analyzing validity of the dynamic field data, validating values of the field data, validating a state/condition of a well, and flagging well components, well conditions, and/or well state validation issues.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a formation that at the same time drills a wellbore through the formation selectively deploys a seal from a drill string and pressurizes the wellbore beneath the seal. The seal can be formed by moving sliding blades into channels between cutting blades on a drill bit. The seal can also be a packer on the drill bit that selectively expands radially outward into sealing engagement with the wellbore. At a designated depth in the wellbore, the seal is deployed and fluid is diverted into the space. A pressurizing system pressurizes the fluid so that pressure in the space overcomes the formation strength and fractures the formation adjacent the enclosed space. The packer can be released, drilling can resume, and fracturing can occur at a different depth in the wellbore.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in drilling a wellbore and that can be used for fracturing the subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore. Included on the bit body is a packer for sealing against the wellbore wall during fracturing. A chamber in the drill bit houses a valve assembly for selectively diverting fluid between use in drilling and for use in fracturing. The fluid is delivered through a drill string that attaches to an upper end of the bit. The valve assembly can be shuttled between drilling and fracturing configurations by selectively adjusting an amount and/or pressure of the fluid flowing in the drill string.

Abstract: A three step method of using a non-acidic stimulation fluid in high temperature sandstone formation is provided. The method consists of using a preflush brine, a non-acidic stimulation fluid, and an overflush brine.

Abstract: A system for a drilling and fracturing a wellbore in a single trip includes a drill string, drill bit, and a fluid flow means for delivering fluid through the string and drill bit. The drill bit includes a body with cutting elements, and nozzles between the cutting elements for washing away drilling generated cuttings. A packer on the drill bit selectively seals with an inner surface of the wellbore. Deploying the packer at a designated spot in the wellbore defines a fracturing zone in the wellbore. Closing the nozzles while opening side ports on the body delivers fracturing fluid into the space. A pressurizing system can be included to pressurized the fluid so that pressure in the space overcomes the formation strength and fractures the formation adjacent the enclosed space. The packer can be released, drilling can resume, and fracturing can occur at a different depth in the wellbore.