Abstract: A self-contained gas impulse apparatus includes a gas impulse unit for generating a plurality of gas blasts when supplied with pressurized gas. A gas supply unit is connected by a gas conduit to the gas impulse unit. The gas supply unit is configured to be remotely activated to supply pressurized gas via the conduit to the gas impulse unit. The self-contained gas impulse apparatus is transportable by a cable to and from a remote location for operation at the remote location.

Abstract: A device for dislodging accrued deposits is disclosed. The device includes a gas impulse generating device for generating gas blasts directed in a predetermined direction; and an additive supply device for introducing an additive into the gas blasts. A method and a computer program product for dislodging accrued deposits are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for improving liquid injection into a rock formation. The method includes the steps of introducing a gas impulse device into a wellbore in the formation and pumping a pressurized liquid into the wellbore. The method also includes firing the gas impulse device periodically so that the device generates impulses of high pressure compressed gas. The gas expands through the pumped pressurized liquid substantially instantaneously increasing the liquid flow rate into the rock formation, and creates rapid cyclical injected liquid surges into the rock formation with liquid oscillation occurring inside the fractures and/or pores of the formation. The method may be used in regular oil production applications, waterflooding of wells that have ceased to be productive, in preventing lost circulation in oil wells, and in injecting hazardous wastes into rock formations.

Abstract: A method for improving liquid injection into a rock formation. The method includes the steps of introducing a gas impulse device into a wellbore in the formation and pumping a pressurized liquid into the wellbore. The method also includes firing the gas impulse device periodically so that the device generates impulses of high pressure compressed gas. The gas expands through the pumped pressurized liquid substantially instantaneously increasing the liquid flow rate into the rock formation, and creates rapid cyclical injected liquid surges into the rock formation with liquid oscillation occurring inside the fractures and/or pores of the formation. The method may be used in regular oil production applications, waterflooding of wells that have ceased to be productive, in preventing lost circulation in oil wells, and in injecting hazardous wastes into rock formations.

Abstract: A method for fracturing an oil or gas formation. The method includes introducing a gas impulse device into a wellbore followed by pumping a pressurized liquid into a wellbore at a pressure equal to or lower than the estimated fracture pressure of the formation. Finally, the method includes firing the gas impulse device periodically so that the device releases high pressure compressed gas impulses. The impulses when expanding through the pumped pressurized liquid substantially instantaneously increases the fracturing liquid flow rate into the oil or gas formation. It causes the total pressure to exceed the actual fracturing pressure of the formation thereby initiating or extending fractures in the formation stimulating the flow of the oil or gas therefrom into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for inducing motion in solid particulates in a solid/liquid mixture located in proximity to the periphery of a wellbore or in the formation zone adjacent to a wellbore in an oil or gas formation. The method includes introducing a gas impulse device into the wellbore. It then requires firing the gas impulse device so as to generate impulses of high pressure compressed gas, thereby to produce pressure waves within the wellbore and its surrounding formation. This causes motion of the solid particulates which permits settling and/or redistribution of the solid particulates. In some cases it even causes particulate flow, as in cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS). The method also frees blockages caused by the solid particulates and stimulates productivity. The method may inter alia be used in gravel pack construction and maintenance, well cementing operations and in CHOPS stimulation.

Abstract: A method for fracturing an oil or gas formation. The method includes introducing a gas impulse device into a wellbore followed by pumping a pressurized liquid into a wellbore at a pressure equal to or lower than the estimated fracture pressure of the formation. Finally, the method includes firing the gas impulse device periodically so that the device releases high pressure compressed gas impulses. The impulses when expanding through the pumped pressurized liquid substantially instantaneously increases the fracturing liquid flow rate into the oil or gas formation. It causes the total pressure to exceed the actual fracturing pressure of the formation thereby initiating or extending fractures in the formation stimulating the flow of the oil or gas therefrom into the wellbore. Use of the method of the invention in waterflooding and preventing lost circulation is also described.

Abstract: A method for inducing motion in solid particulates in a solid/liquid mixture located in proximity to the periphery of a wellbore or in the formation zone adjacent to a wellbore in an oil or gas formation. The method includes introducing a gas impulse device into the wellbore. It then requires firing the gas impulse device so as to generate impulses of high pressure compressed gas, thereby to produce pressure waves within the wellbore and its surrounding formation. This causes motion of the solid particulates which permits settling and/or redistribution of the solid particulates. In some cases it even causes particulate flow, as in cold heavy oil production with sand (CHOPS). The method also frees blockages caused by the solid particulates and stimulates productivity. The method may inter alia be used in gravel pack construction and maintenance, well cementing operations and in CHOPS stimulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for dislodging an accretion of a substance from the vicinity of a vessel, includes apparatus for generating gas-borne shock waves in the vicinity of a vessel, thereby to expose a substance accrued on a surface thereof to separation forces causing at least partial separation of the substance from the surface, so as to facilitate removal of the at least partially separated substance therefrom; and support apparatus for supporting the apparatus for generating shock waves in a selected association relative to the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for dislodging an accretion of a substance from the vicinity of a vessel, includes apparatus for generating gas-borne shock waves in the vicinity of a vessel, thereby to expose a substance accrued on a surface thereof to separation forces causing at least partial separation of the substance from the surface, so as to facilitate removal of the at least partially separated substance therefrom; and support apparatus for supporting the apparatus for generating shock waves in a selected association relative to the vessel.

Abstract: A self-firing and self-propelling gas impulse device which includes a housing having a longitudinal axis, a gas inlet port, and one or more gas discharge ports; an inlet chamber, arranged for gas communication with a source of compressed gas via the inlet port and operative to receive compressed gas therefrom; a pressurization chamber arranged for gas communication with the inlet chamber thereby to facilitate a build-up of pressurized gas therein, and arranged for selectable gas communication with the one or more discharge ports; and a piston unit arranged along the longitudinal axis of the housing between the inlet chamber and the pressurization chamber.