Abstract: A method is performed for defining optimal landing location(s) of horizontal wells for hydraulic fracturing stimulation, for improved well performance of unconventional reservoirs. The method includes evaluating one or more planes of weakness, pinch-out points, or thin rock layering in the reservoir that may impede hydraulic fracture growth or may close fractured sections during production. The method can include conducting detailed analysis on core and open hole logs, and defining the presence, density, orientation, spacing, and mechanical properties of various thin interfaces and barriers in the rock mass. The method can include classifying the barriers or thin interfaces based on their effect on hydraulic fracture growth or fracture connectivity, and on uncertainty of their effect.

Abstract: Methods for simulating the movement of fluid through a formation volume comprises defining a lab-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability along a single well location within a formation volume and converting the lab-scale model to a field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability at the single well location. The field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability is correlated with field-scale log data and interpolated between multiple well locations so as to create a field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability across the formation volume so that the movement of fluid through the formation volume can be simulated.

Abstract: Methods for simulating the movement of fluid through a formation volume comprises defining a lab-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability along a single well location within a formation volume and converting the lab-scale model to a field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability at a single well location. The field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability is correlated with field-scale log data and interpolated between multiple well locations so as to create a field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability across the formation volume so that the movement of fluid through the formation volume can be simulated.

Abstract: A method is performed for defining optimal landing location(s) of horizontal wells for hydraulic fracturing stimulation, for improved well performance of unconventional reservoirs. The method includes evaluating one or more planes of weakness, pinch-out points, or thin rock layering in the reservoir that may impede hydraulic fracture growth or may close fractured sections during production. The method can include conducting detailed analysis on core and open hole logs, and defining the presence, density, orientation, spacing, and mechanical properties of various thin interfaces and barriers in the rock mass. The method can include classifying the barriers or thin interfaces based on their effect on hydraulic fracture growth or fracture connectivity, and on uncertainty of their effect.

Abstract: A method is performed for defining optimal landing location(s) of horizontal wells for hydraulic fracturing stimulation, for improved well performance of unconventional reservoirs. The method includes evaluating one or more planes of weakness, pinch-out points, or thin rock layering in the reservoir that may impede hydraulic fracture growth or may close fractured sections during production. The method can include conducting detailed analysis on core and open hole logs, and defining the presence, density, orientation, spacing, and mechanical properties of various thin interfaces and barriers in the rock mass. The method can include classifying the barriers or thin interfaces based on their effect on hydraulic fracture growth or fracture connectivity, and on uncertainty of their effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for integrating measurements from known laboratory techniques of fluid extraction (Dean Stark, Retort, Rock-Eval), which conducted independently by multiple disciplines and which have been so far treated as independent evaluations. In using these results, particularly Dean Stark and Retort, the oil industry has shown specific preferences between these two methods, with some groups advocating the validity of one method over the other, and others showing the opposite. Forums and discussions have been organized by the technical community to debate the benefits and drawbacks of each of these and to define which is the more suitable for reservoir characterization. Commercial laboratories have specialized in one method or the other based on their perceived validity. Both methods are correct, but each measure an incomplete assessment of the properties needed, and that together they provide considerable more information than when considered independently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for integrating measurements from known laboratory techniques of fluid extraction (Dean Stark, Retort, Rock-Eval), which conducted independently by multiple disciplines and which have been so far treated as independent evaluations. In using these results, particularly Dean Stark and Retort, the oil industry has shown specific preferences between these two methods, with some groups advocating the validity of one method over the other, and others showing the opposite. Forums and discussions have been organized by the technical community to debate the benefits and drawbacks of each of these and to define which is the more suitable for reservoir characterization. Commercial laboratories have specialized in one method or the other based on their perceived validity. Both methods are correct, but each measure an incomplete assessment of the properties needed, and that together they provide considerable more information than when considered independently.

Abstract: A method is performed for defining optimal landing location(s) of horizontal wells for hydraulic fracturing stimulation, for improved well performance of unconventional reservoirs. The method includes evaluating one or more planes of weakness, pinch-out points, or thin rock layering in the reservoir that may impede hydraulic fracture growth or may close fractured sections during production. The method can include conducting detailed analysis on core and open hole logs, and defining the presence, density, orientation, spacing, and mechanical properties of various thin interfaces and barriers in the rock mass. The method can include classifying the barriers or thin interfaces based on their effect on hydraulic fracture growth or fracture connectivity, and on uncertainty of their effect.

Abstract: A combination circulating valve and fluid unloader adapted for connecting in a tubing string disposed within the well bore of a producing well which is closed to downward flow of fluids therethrough. The valve includes a tubular member with ports through the wall thereof having a sliding sleeve disposed around the outside surface which is also provided with ports through the wall thereof for passage of fluid into the annulus. Opening and closing of the valve is accomplished by shifting the sliding sleeve between three positions by changing the pressure of the fluids contained in the tubing string to overcome the force exerted by a spring biasing the sliding sleeve toward a first, closed position. When the pressure of the fluid is increased to a first selected pressure, the sliding sleeve is shifted with respect to the tubular member to a second, circulating position in which the ports of the tubular member are in fluid communication with the ports of the sliding sleeve.