Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for detecting and locating a breach of a pipe in nested multi-pipe petroleum wells through the use and measurement of pressure valves and pressure sensors. The system “locates” breaches in the sense that it determines in which pipe or pipes, if any, in a nested multi-pipe production well the breach exists. The method comprises the steps of, first, connecting at least two of the well pipes of a nested multi-pipe production well to a collection reservoir to allow fluid communication from the well into the reservoir; second, sealing the well pipes to maintain the pressure therein; third, measuring a pressure parameter within each of said at least two well pipes until said pressure parameter indicates a stabilization of pressure therein; fourth, altering the pressure within one of the well pipes; fifth, measuring a pressure parameter within the other well pipes; and sixth, stabilizing the pressure in the well pipe within which the pressure was previously altered.

Abstract: A system and method for locating leaks in oil wells based on the principles of vibration and pressure. Leaks are located by the identification and measurement of characteristic signals comprising elastic mechanical vibrations and pressure activity within the interior of an oil well that corresponds to the depth and location of leaks. For multiple leak determinations, a separate parallel well is drilled a short distance from the target oil well. The parallel well is filled with water and the studies are conducted within this parallel well, such information correlating to the conditions of the target oil well.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing transferred fluid volume during an oil well pumping cycle. The speed of a traveling valve, which lifts the petroleum from the well, is monitored to determine at what point during its downstroke the traveling valve contacts the hydrocarbon fluid that has accumulated in the bottom of a petroleum pipe. The system then analyzes speed data returned by a lift sensor and adjusts the speed of the traveling valve either upward or downward during the next upstroke to optimize the amount of hydrocarbon fluid transferred. The system can be configured to handle different ascent speeds, and chooses the most suitable speed depending on the petroleum level detected within the production pipe during the route of the traveling valve downwards.

Abstract: A method and system for containing escaping hydrocarbon fluid from a well pipe of a production well. Suppression of the hydrocarbon fluid to a level below the breach location using a control fluid allows the breach to be repaired through the installation of a containment sleeve at the location of the breach. After collecting the escaping hydrocarbon fluids with a containment sleeve, the hydrocarbon fluid is routed to a collection reservoir from which it may be easily recovered without causing environmental damage. This process occurs with minimal downtime of the production well with the added environmental benefit of remediation of earth contaminated by the hydrocarbon breach.

Abstract: A method for locating leaks in nonmetallic pipes on the principal of measuring and graphing the intensity of electric fields. Leaks are located by creating a closed circuit with a negatively charged metallic electrode submersed in water inside a manhole connected to the nonmetallic pipe and several positively charged metallic electrodes placed in several reference holes in the ground above the nonmetallic pipe. A leak is determined by finding segments of nonmetallic pipe that corresponds with greater electric field intensity measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for gathering and recovering natural and artificial accumulations of crude oil from natural emanations and capped oil wells, respectively. For a natural emanation or leak from capped oil wells, a vertical well is drilled in the vicinity of the accumulated crude oil. The migration of the crude oil through the cracks and fractures of the rocks are attracted to the interior of the vertical well. The crude oil is then gathered and collected through the use of an air compressor. For multiple natural emanations, a horizontal well is placed in the vicinity of the accumulated crude oil and gathered and collected through the use of a pumping system. The present invention removes environmental hazards to underwater, surface underground water and soil, wildlife, while providinge a cost efficient method to transform otherwise wasted crude oil accumulations to a commercially viable product.