Abstract: A production tubing is disposed in a wellbore. Hydrocarbons entrapped in a subterranean zone enter the wellbore. Multiple valves are disposed in the production tubing at respective multiple tubing locations. The multiple valves divide the production tubing into multiple stages. A presence of hydrocarbons in a first stage terminating at a first valve is determined and gas is injected into the first stage causing the hydrocarbons in the first stage to flow uphole through the first valve into a second stage uphole of the first stage. It is determined that the second stage is filled with the hydrocarbons and injection of the gas into the first stage is ceased. Multiple side chambers are disposed in the respective multiple stages. Determining the presence of hydrocarbons in the first stage incudes detecting a fluidic level of the hydrocarbons inside the first side chamber.

Abstract: A production tubing is disposed in a wellbore. Hydrocarbons entrapped in a subterranean zone enter the wellbore. Multiple valves are disposed in the production tubing at respective multiple tubing locations. The multiple valves divide the production tubing into multiple stages. A presence of hydrocarbons in a first stage terminating at a first valve is determined and gas is injected into the first stage causing the hydrocarbons in the first stage to flow uphole through the first valve into a second stage uphole of the first stage. It is determined that the second stage is filled with the hydrocarbons and injection of the gas into the first stage is ceased. Multiple side chambers are disposed in the respective multiple stages. Determining the presence of hydrocarbons in the first stage incudes detecting a fluidic level of the hydrocarbons inside the first side chamber.

Abstract: A production tubing is disposed in a wellbore formed in a subterranean zone. The production tubing extends from a surface of the wellbore to a downhole location at which hydrocarbons entrapped in the subterranean zone enter the wellbore. Multiple valves are disposed in the production tubing at respective multiple tubing locations. Each valve is configured to permit one-way flow of hydrocarbons in an uphole direction. The multiple valves divide the production tubing into multiple stages. A stage is a portion of the production tubing between two successively disposed valves. Multiple gas injection valves are coupled to the production tubing and are disposed in a respective stage. A controller, coupled to the multiple valves and the multiple gas injection valves, transmits signals to the multiple valves and the multiple gas injection valves to lift hydrocarbons flowed into the wellbore at the downhole location to the surface on a stage-by-stage basis.

Abstract: A production tubing is disposed in a wellbore formed in a subterranean zone. The production tubing extends from a surface of the wellbore to a downhole location at which hydrocarbons entrapped in the subterranean zone enter the wellbore. Multiple valves are disposed in the production tubing at respective multiple tubing locations. Each valve is configured to permit one-way flow of hydrocarbons in an uphole direction. The multiple valves divide the production tubing into multiple stages. A stage is a portion of the production tubing between two successively disposed valves. Multiple gas injection valves are coupled to the production tubing. Each gas injection valve is disposed in a respective stage. A controller, coupled to the multiple valves and the multiple gas injection valves, transmits signals to the multiple valves and the multiple gas injection valves to lift hydrocarbons flowed into the wellbore at the downhole location to the surface on a stage-by-stage basis.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a section of a wall of a wellbore adjoining a target zone containing undesirable fluids for preventing penetration of the undesirable fluids into the wellbore is described. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon deployable in the wellbore, a coiled tubing for deploying the inflatable balloon into the wellbore and an inflating assembly tool for inflating the balloon to form a seal over the adjacent target zone of the well bore wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for conducting multiple successive same-location firings of a number of shaped charges carried by a perforating gun that is lowered into the wellbore and precisely positioned to align its charges with the penetration created by the first fired-charges in order to produce deeper and larger diameter penetrations that result in enhanced hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir and increased gas production from the completed well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for intentionally inducing “formation plugging” in a partially damaged section, water layer, or an otherwise undesirable target zone in the wall of a wellbore. The rigless apparatus is deployed to the target zone by coiled tubing and includes a pair of adjacent inflatable packers or a multi-section inflatable thermoplastic balloon component which is in valved fluid communication with an inflating container filled with formation plugging fluid. The inflating container is in valved fluid communication with a reactant-filled chemical container, the reactant being activated by contact with reactant fluid pumped through the coiled tubing via a circulation valve. The hot pressurized exothermic reaction products pass into the inflation container and displace the formation plugging fluid into the balloon sections and through weakened portions of a central balloon to penetrate the walls of the target zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for conducting multiple successive same-location firings of a number of shaped charges carried by a perforating gun that is lowered into the wellbore and precisely positioned to align its charges with the penetration created by the first fired-charges in order to produce deeper and larger diameter penetrations that result in enhanced hydraulic fracturing of the reservoir and increased gas production from the completed well.