Abstract: A well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to excite a formation with acoustic waves transmitted from the acoustic generator. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can transmit acoustic waves into cement surrounding a casing. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to transmit acoustic waves into an annulus surrounding a well screen during or after a gravel packing operation. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be connected in a drill string in close proximity to a drill bit, with the acoustic generator transmitting acoustic waves into a formation ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A drill bit having a bit body includes one or more acoustic sensors that are configured to detect elastic waves when the drill bit is used for drilling a wellbore. The acoustic sensor may be configured to detect a sonic signature associated with a failure event. In further arrangements, the acoustic sensors may be configured to receive signals from a controlled acoustic source.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, method and system for stimulating production of a natural resource (e.g., Oil, gas or water) producing well using vibrational energy delivered to the geological formation combined with one or more existing EOR treatments. Pressure waves are applied through a device that maybe permanently installed, and continuously or periodically operated during EOR treatment and even later during recovery of the natural resource. The vibrational energy provide a synergistic effect with existing EOR treatments, enhancing the outcome of EOR treatments. The invention provides a downhole type apparatus constructed to resist corrosion and provides one or more heat sink chambers for controlling heat dissipation during operation. The system provided by the invention is capable of monitoring production, adapting stimulation parameters based on user input and other pertinent parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a fracture operation on a well site having a subterranean formation with a reservoir therein. The method involves measuring at least one seismic wave before and after stimulating the subterranean formation, comparing the seismic waves measured before the stimulation of the subterranean formation to the seismic waves measured after stimulation of the subterranean formation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from the compared seismic waves.

Abstract: To increase oil recovery from an oil reservoir, an acoustic transmitter is disposed in a source well and an acoustic receiver is disposed in a producing well. A portion of the oil reservoir is disposed between the source well and the producing well. An acoustic signal is transmitted from the acoustic transmitter at frequencies of 30 Hz and greater. The transmitted acoustic signal is received by the acoustic receiver and a resonant frequency of the portion of the oil reservoir is determined based on attenuation of the transmitted signal. The acoustic signal is transmitted from the acoustic transmitter at the determined resonant frequency to reduce a boundary layer effect between oil in the oil reservoir and a surface of a substrate in the oil reservoir and between the oil and a brine interface in the oil reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for enhanced oil recovery using at least one in-situ seismic energy generator for generating seismic acoustic waves. More particularly the system and method employ a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance the recovery of oil from reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hydraulic actuated pump system which lifts production fluids and re-circulating hydraulic fluid from a petroleum well. Additives may be added to the hydraulic fluid to apply direct chemical treatment to the production formation. A sonic stimulator may be included to stimulate and produce the same liquids from the horizontal section of the well.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for sonically activating cement slurries. In some implementations, a method of treating a subterranean formation includes positioning a settable composition including a capsule in a wellbore. The capsule is used to increase a setting rate in response to at least sonic signals. A sonic signal is transmitted to at least a portion of the settable composition to release an activator from the capsule.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body, a transducer within the body, and an opening formed through a sidewall of the body. The opening provides a port through which the transducer can communicate from within the body. An elastomeric boot in the body covers the opening and is a barrier that prevents fluid ingress into the downhole tool. An expandable sleeve envelopes the elastomeric boot and provides support that limits bulging of the elastomeric boot from within the body through adjacent openings in the body. An example sleeve is made from elongated members woven into a tubular.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a fracture operation on a well site having a subterranean formation with a reservoir therein is provided. The method involves measuring at least one seismic wave before and after stimulating the subterranean formation, comparing the seismic waves measured before the stimulation of the subterranean formation to the seismic waves measured after stimulation of the subterranean formation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from the compared seismic waves.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for dampening of sudden shocks in the wells filled by liquid wherein the tubing pump is used in which on upstroke of pumping unit the damper plunger and tubing pump plunger are moving in concordance thereby compressing the liquid contained within the damper chamber and allowing the liquid inside the damper chamber to be discharged into the internal volume of tubing string above damper plunger providing a dampening counterforce inside the damper chamber, i.e. when the damper plunger is displaced upwardly in the elongated damper cylinder, the damper plunger having a diameter smaller than diameter of the tubing pump plunger causes the compression of liquid inside the damper chamber thereby creating a dampening force.

Abstract: A method usable with a subterranean well that includes actuating a downhole tool (a valve assembly, for example). The method also includes applying at least one of an impulse stimulus and a vibration stimulus to the tool during the actuating to enhance operation of the tool.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for stimulating a borehole of a well. The invention provides an apparatus that generates low-frequency seismic type elastic waves that propagate to the geologic formation and in order to enhance the movement of fluids in the geologic formation toward a well. The apparatus may operate automatically driven by a power source that may be located on the ground surface. The regime of operation may be determined by user input. Operation of the apparatus may carried out while production of a natural resource is ongoing.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method and downhole tool for stimulating a borehole of wells in reservoir. The invention allows a user to determine the type of stimulation adequate to promote production in a reservoir, and apply one or more treatments to each individual well by activating one or more modules comprised in the downhole tools. Furthermore, the tool comprises sensors that collect information in real-time of the state of the reservoir. The data collected is processed and newly acquired data is compared with previously acquired data to assess the development of production and further plan treatment strategies to optimize production.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus, method and system for stimulating production of a natural resource (e.g., Oil, gas or water) producing well using vibrational energy delivered to the geological formation through a device that maybe permanently installed, and continuously or periodically operated even during recovery of the natural resource. The apparatus is of a downhole type. The apparatus is constructed to resist corrosion and provides one or more heat sink chambers for controlling heat dissipation during operation. The system provided by the invention is capable of monitoring production, adapting stimulation parameters based on user input and other pertinent parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for stimulating a formation penetrated by a wellbore and vibrating a device for supporting a gravel pack in the wellbore, according to which the build up of scale on the device is sensed and a corresponding signal is output. A tool is lowered into the wellbore, and includes a driver for driving an acoustic transducer coupled to the device for vibrating the device and stimulating the formation.

Abstract: The invention generally relates a method of determining completion criteria for a coal bed methane reservoir having a plurality of coal seams.

Abstract: A radiofrequency reactor for use in thermally recovering oil and related materials includes a radiofrequency antenna configured to be positioned within a well, where the well is provided within an area in which crude oil exists in the ground. The radiofrequency antenna includes a cylindrically-shaped radiating element for radiating radiofrequency energy into the area in which crude oil exists. The cylindrically-shaped radiating element is configured to allow passage of fluids there through. The radiofrequency reactor also includes a radiofrequency generator electrically coupled to the radiofrequency antenna. The radiofrequency reactor is operable to control the radiofrequency energy generated.

Abstract: A well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to excite a formation with acoustic waves transmitted from the acoustic generator. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can transmit acoustic waves into cement surrounding a casing. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be used to transmit acoustic waves into an annulus surrounding a well screen during or after a gravel packing operation. Another well system and associated method can include an acoustic generator which can be connected in a drill string in close proximity to a drill bit, with the acoustic generator transmitting acoustic waves into a formation ahead of the bit.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for controllably mobilizing, flowing and maneuvering the flow of hydrocarbon-containing materials within and about a subterranean reservoir. The system comprises selectively positioning at a ground surface level above a subterranean reservoir containing hydrocarbon-containing materials, at least three seismic apparatus spaced apart in a triangulated configuration. The system is provided with an electronic seismic control device configured to controllably communicate with and cooperate with each of the seismic apparatus to concurrently modulate the amplitudes and frequencies of the vibrational energies produced therefrom. The system is provided with a sensing apparatus configured to detect and monitor changes in the fluidity and movement of the hydrocarbon-containing materials about the subterranean reservoir.

Abstract: A remotely-operated selective fracing system and valve. The valve comprises a casing with at least one casing hole; an inner sleeve nested within the casing and having at least one sleeve hole alignable with the at least one casing hole; actuator means engagable with the inner sleeve for moving the inner sleeve relative to the casing to selectively align the at least one sleeve hole with the at least one casing hole; and receiver means electrically connected to the actuator means and having a sensor for detecting a seismic or electromagnetic signal generated by a remote source. The system further includes source means for generating an acoustical signal receivable by the receiver means.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved method of increasing well yield and enhancing oil production. The method comprises the steps of lowering a vibroacoustic downhole emitter into a well down to a production layer depth and performing acoustic impact on the formation. The impact is implemented by a multiple frequency signal containing at least two simple harmonic components whose frequencies and amplitudes meet the resonance overlapping condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of electromagnetic radiation, acoustic energy, and surfactant injection to recover hydrocarbon-containing materials from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: A spark-gap tool includes a plurality of electrodes, a mandrel, transductive element(s), and a force transmission configuration. Upon relative movement between components a physical distortion of one or more transductive elements occurs, whereby an electrical potential is generated. A method for powering the spark-gap tool is by physically distorting one or more transductive elements by moving components axially and/or rotationally. A method for treating a borehole is by physically distorting one or more transductive elements thereby creating sufficient voltage potential to cause an arc of selected magnitude across a spark-gap in the tool. A downhole power generation arrangement includes a first member and a second member that are movable and a piezoelectric element on one of the first member and the second member and in force transmissive communication with the other of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: An acoustic source for delivering acoustic energy to a ground formation, particularly a rock formation, the source including (a) a solenoid to generate an electromagnetic field, (b) a bullet positioned within the influence of the electromagnetic field, (c) a casing surrounding and enclosing the solenoid and bullet so that both the solenoid and the bullet are protected from the surrounding environment, in use the solenoid being electrically energized to cause the bullet to be propelled by electromagnetic force so that the bullet impacts an anvil portion of the casing in contact with the ground formation is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound source for the stimulation of an oil reservoir or an oil well for enhanced oil recovery or for seismic logging of the reservoir. The sound source is operated by a pressurized gas from a compressor or a pressure tank on the surface, and the gas is transported to an in the sound source situated cylinder with an accumulator, via a feed line.

Abstract: During a surge-pulsing operation in a borehole (e.g an oil-well undergoing remediation) liquid is stored under pressure upstream of a valve, and then released through the valve suddenly enough to create a seismic wave, which propagates into the formation around the borehole, and assists the surge-pulsing to improve the conductivity and liquid-injectability of the formation. The downhole valve achieves the rapid-opening requirement by virtue of its geometrical layout, as dictated by the strictures of the downhole environment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic processor for continuous processing of material is disclosed comprising an enclosed processor chamber (12) having opposed end wall (18) and (16) and an input (40) and an output (42) so that material to be processed can be passed through the processor chamber. Ultrasound is applied to the chamber by a bank of ultrasonic converters (22,24) and the input and output are mutually displaced along a connecting wall (14) in a direction perpendicular to the processor wall to which the converter bank is coupled.

Abstract: The present disclosure addresses apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. A first deployable annular isolator is carried on tubing as it is positioned in a borehole. An annular isolator forming material is placed in the annulus around the first deployable isolator. The first isolator is then deployed into the material in the annulus to form a combined isolator. The annular isolator forming material is carried in a compartment in the tubing and forced from the compartment into the annulus. A second deployable isolator may be deployed before placing the material in the annulus to resist annular flow of the material before the first isolator is deployed. The second isolator may be deployed by material from the compartment. A second compartment may be provided to deploy the first isolator.

Abstract: A back-off tool for use in a tubular member disposed inside a wellbore. The back-off tool includes a housing and at least one sonic wave generator mounted within the housing. The sonic wave generator is configured to generate a plurality of sonic waves.

Abstract: An electro acoustic device and related method for increasing the production capacity of wells that contains oil, gas and/or water is disclosed. The electro acoustic device is submerged in the well producing zone, and includes an electric generator, one or more electro acoustic transducers, and one or more wave guide systems (sonotrodes) that include radiators which transmit vibrations into the medium under treatment. The electro acoustic device produces vibrations that stimulate the occurrence of mass transfer processes within the well. According to one or more embodiments, shear vibrations are produced in the well bore region due to the phase displacement of mechanical vibrations produced along the axis of the well, achieving alternate tension and pressure due to the superposition of longitudinal and shear waves.

Abstract: An electro acoustic device and related method increase production capacity of wells that contain oil, gas and/or water. The electro acoustic device produces vibrations stimulating occurrences of mass transfer processes within the well. The resultant acoustic flow generated in porous media, produced by superposition of longitudinal and shear waves, is developed over a characteristic frequency threshold value specific to water, normal oil and heavy oil, with an acoustic energy density capable of establishing higher fluidity zones in the porous media, promoting mobility and recovery of desired fluid and formation damage reduction in a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and seismic method for producing an shock wave in an oil well borehole, with a pumping unit arranged at the wellhead, a tubing string extending downward into the production casing of the well, a hollow cylinder assembly connected with the bottom of the tube string, and pair of plungers arranged within the cylinder assembly and connected with the pumping unit with sucker rods and a polish rod for compressing liquid contained within the cylinder assembly and discharging the compressed liquid into the production casing, thereby generating a shock wave. The cylinder assembly includes an upper cylinder, a lower cylinder below the upper cylinder, a crossover cylinder below the upper and lower cylinders, and a compression chamber cylinder containing a compression chamber arranged between the crossover cylinder and the upper cylinder. The lower cylinder is adapted to receive the lower plunger, and the upper cylinder is adapted to receive the upper plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing pressure variations in a wellbore. A valve mechanism and a sealing device are provided in the wellbore. The valve mechanism is part of a valve device which may be actuated between an open position and a closed position. The valve device is actuated to the closed position to allow an increase in pressure below the sealing device and is actuated to the open position to allow a fluid to pass through the valve device up the wellbore. The valve device is alternately actuated between the closed position and the open position to cause cyclical pressure variations in the wellbore below the sealing device. The valve device includes the valve mechanism, a fluid passage, a control mechanism for controlling the valve mechanism, and a delay mechanism for delaying the actuation of the valve device from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A back-off tool for use in a tubular member disposed inside a wellbore. The back-off tool includes a housing and at least one sonic wave generator mounted within the housing. The sonic wave generator is configured to generate a plurality of sonic waves.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for improving oil recovery, preferably a high-viscosity oil relying on gravity drainage, by applying vibrational energy. A fracture is created at a wellbore and a fluid displacement device is inserted at or near the fracture opening. The optimum oil mobilization frequency and amplitude is determined. The fluid inside the fracture is oscillated to a prescribed range of frequency and amplitude to improve oil production. Applications for using the fracture as a delivery device for vibrational energy to enhance performance of the steam-assisted gravity drainage process, vapor-extraction gravity drainage, or cyclic steam process are provided. An application to improve recovery of heavy oil by aquifer drive or peripheral waterflood is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method of damping fluid pressure waves in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, pressure waves are damped by positioning a dampener in the well during a perforating operation. The dampener may attenuate the pressure waves by absorbing the pressure waves, flowing the pressure waves through viscously damping material, generating complementary pressure waves, changing a material phase, or by a combination of these methods.

Abstract: Tracing hydraulic fractures, stimulations, selective cement jobs, etc. in oil and gas wells includes introducing into a well in a zone of interest a plurality of radio frequency transmitting elements each having an identification, moving in the well a reader tool operative for transmitting radio waves so as to generate and send a radio frequency signal for activating the radio frequency transmitting elements and thereafter to receive a signal returned from the corresponding radio frequency transmitting elements together with the identification of each radio frequency transmitting element, and analyzing data related to the sending of the radio frequency signal from the reader tool to the radio frequency transmitting element and the receiving of the radio frequency signal from the radio frequency transmitting elements with the identification of the radio frequency transmitting elements, so as to trace a corresponding hydraulic fracture, stimulation, selective cement job, etc., in the zone of interest.

Abstract: A transducer member is made from a piezoelectric material (e.g. barium titanium) having a looped configuration and a gap in the loop and having properties of vibrating upon the introduction of an electrical voltage to the transducer member. A support member made from steel or aluminum and having a looped configuration and enveloping, and attached to, the transducer member has a gap aligned with the transducer member tap and has properties of vibrating with the transducer member. The transducer member may have a uniform thickness around its periphery or a progressively increasing thickness with progressive distances from the gap. The transducer has a high mechanical Q (e.g. 8-12) and a particular resonant frequency when disposed in air or in a vacuum. When the transducer is disposed below the earth's surface, its resonant frequency may vary because of variations in the earth's characteristics at the different positions.

Abstract: A process is provided to enhance fluid production, recovery, and/or injection from and/or into fluid-bearing formations. The process includes the stimulation of the formation by vibrations, generated by the vibration source installed in the vicinity of the productive layer so that the stimulation is performed on the frequency coinciding with the eigen frequency bandwidth of filtration process of productive layer/sublayer.

Abstract: A system for stimulating the production of hydrocarbon containing substances, such as from oil and gas wells, by the use of a generally cylindrical, high energy producing transducer mechanism. The transducer comprises a series of aligned transducer elements, preferably formed of doped ceramic piezoelectric materials, encased in a housing maintained under controlled pressure by a pressure compensator to equalize the pressure within the housing to that of the surrounding strata containing the hydrocarbon substance. When energized, the respective transducer elements transmit a very narrow, horizontal beam of ultrasonic energy radiating omni directionally, preferably in a narrow band of about 2 to 3°, to thereby focus the energy horizontally for maximum penetration into the surrounding strata.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.