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: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing a workstring in the wellbore, wherein the workstring comprises at least a first downhole tool, a signal receiver subassembly, and a conveyance between the first downhole tool and the surface. The method further comprises the signal receiver subassembly receiving a first signal generated by contact between the wellbore and the workstring and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.

Abstract: A system for oscillating compressible working fluid in a wellbore defined in a subterranean formation includes a fluid supply and a fluid oscillator device. The fluid supply communicates compressible working fluid into a conduit disposed within the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device is configured to reside in the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device includes an interior surface that defines an interior volume of the fluid oscillator device, an inlet into the interior volume, and an outlet from the interior volume. The interior surface is static during operation to receive the compressible working fluid into the interior volume through the inlet and to vary over time a flow rate of the compressible working fluid from the interior volume through the outlet.

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 method and system for monitoring any incursion of particulate matter from a gas hydrate formation into a well casing used for the production of the gas hydrate and determining the degree of incursion of particulate material within the distal end of the well casing.

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: 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 device and method and/or system for generating pulses to improve drilling rates, the ability to drill straighter and farther by increasing fracturing or injection efficiencies in a geological formation that may contain desirable hydrocarbons. This system can be used in other types of drilling or fracturing operations, whether to unclog arteries or to open formations for underground storage in conjunction with pulsing/fracturing and create large pulses downhole for seismic purposes. The system and method comprises several pulse generating devices longitudinally and axially positioned within upper, middle, lower, and outer annular drill collar flow channels or packer isolation mechanisms such that the PFD medium flows through the various annular drill collar flow channels and the PFD medium is guided into one or more sets of selectively reversible flow connecting channels, wherein the connecting channels are connected to guide pole channel allowing for controlling pulsing within the geological formation.

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: A sol of metallic alkoxide is pumped into a desired location in a wellbore and allowed to gel, creating solids in-situ. The sol is either unstabilized, requiring rapid placement before gelling, or the sol is stabilized, permitting off-site mixing. Sols can be stabilized with either surfactant or with interfacial polymers. Large concentrations of surfactant can be placed in the sol to create templates around which gelation occurs, creating porous solids.

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: Described is a method for introducing at least one manufactured gas in the area of an oil reservoir for the purpose of enhancing the recovery of the oil reservoir. The gas is at least temporarily introduced in shock waves.

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 gas hydrate is produced by injecting guest molecules into voids in a layer of which temperature and pressure condition allows the guest molecules to cause to form hydrate, in a form of emulsion where liquid of the guest molecules is dispersed in water as minute particles having a size of less than a size of voids, and thereby dispersing the guest molecules uniformly into the voids in the layer.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing resistance to flow in liquid reservoir extraction is provided. A working seal is used to seal an annulus between a well casing and a tubing to create a forcible volume between the working seal and a liquid filled column at the bottom of a well such as an oil well. The working seal may correspond to a wellhead and a Christmas tree. Pressure in the forcible volume is varied to increase the amplitude of the pressure response of the liquid filled column. The pressure may be varied from a maximum positive pressure to a minimum negative pressure in a cyclic manner in a pressure resonation process as controlled by a control system based on measuring the amplitude and phase of the pressure response. Pressure may be supplied to the forcible volume using a pressure supply hose, a pressurized canister associated with the working seal, by a downward stroke of a liquid pumping apparatus, or by controlling the combustion of gases within the forcible volume.

Abstract: A Seismic source comprising an actuator having a rotary part (104) and a reciprocative part (105), conversion means (109) in the form of corrugated surfaces to convert a rotation of the rotary part (104) into a reciprocal movement of the reciprocative part (105), and a vibrator body (106) that is connected to the reciprocative part (105) of the actuator by means of a spring (107).

Abstract: Remote operation wire line core sampling device capable of increasing efficiency of working and maintaining a wall of a hole using a stabilized sea-bottom core drill at a sea-bottom, and adopting a wire line system. The device includes a drill rod held by a chuck of the sea-bottom core drill, a wire line core barrel having, at a tip thereof, a bit for annularly drilling into ground, an inner tube assembly detachably incorporated in the wire line core barrel, and an over-shot assembly having a function for engagement thereof with a spear head part at a top end of an inner tube assembly. The device also includes a water swivel in which water supply ports are formed at upper and lower parts thereof, a modified built-in type over-shot assembly is formed at upper and lower parts thereof, and a modified built-in type over-shot assembly is incorporated therein to reside at an intermediate part thereof.

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 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: Methods for remediating a subterranean environment. Methods comprising introducing a cleanup fluid through a well bore and into a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by the well bore, applying a pressure pulse to the cleanup fluid, and introducing a consolidating agent through the well bore and into the portion of the subterranean formation. Methods of cleaning a sand control screen comprises introducing a cleanup fluid through a sand control screen and into a portion of a subterranean formation, the sand control screen located in a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation; applying a pressure pulse to the cleanup fluid; and introducing a consolidating agent through the sand control screen and into the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of extraction of fuels, organic pollutants, and elements from Methane hydrate deposits, shale seams and the soil is described which freezes the zone and heats the center carrying the fuel, chemicals and water in these deposits and seams from where they are found, be it deep in the sea or on land, and carries them into the condensing unit in inert Nitrogen gas. Required drilling on the surface or sea bottom includes a main shaft and with auxiliary narrow drillings widely spaced from the shaft. The extraction zone, which is first cooled to brittle cold using the evaporation of Liquid Nitrogen and fractured with vibrations, is heated to the highest temperature of the hydrocarbon fraction desired to be extracted. The evaporating hydrocarbons are extracted in a Nitrogen gas carrier, a recognized fire suppressant (NFPA Code 2000).

Abstract: For extracting a liquid (such as oil) from a porous medium, the liquid is subjected to pulses that propagate through the liquid flowing through the pores of the medium. The pulses cause momentary surges in the velocity of the liquid, which keeps the pores open. The pulses can be generated in the production well, or in a separate excitation well. If the pulses travel with the liquid, the velocity of travel of the liquid through the pores can be increased. The solid matrix is kept stationary, and the pulses move through the liquid. The pulses in the liquid can be generated directly in the liquid, or indirectly in the liquid via a localized area of the solid matrix.

Abstract: Provided are methods that include a method comprising: placing a treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates a subterranean formation, wherein the subterranean formation comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: a shale, a clay, a coal bed, and a combination thereof; and applying a pressure pulse to the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus control a plurality of sonic sources to generate sound waves within at least one opening of an item. The “item” can comprise almost anything that has a percolation path (a path where solid particles are to be separated from liquid particles), such as the ground, aggregates, porous structures, porous materials, and a semi-solid structure. By controlling the sonic sources, the method transmits the sound waves to the percolation path. Further, the method regulates the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves such that the liquid particles oscillate out of phase with the solid particles. The method also regulates the phases of the sound waves generated by the different sonic sources so as to control locations within the percolation path where the liquid particles oscillate out of phase with the solid particles.

Abstract: Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation.

Abstract: Elastodynamic waves are generated by a tool having a hammer rotatably connected with a housing by a first hinge and an actuator arm rotatably connected with the hammer by a second hinge. An axial force applied to the actuator arm by a drive shaft and spring is translated and amplified to a radial impact force by rotation of the hammer around the first hinge. The tool may also include a stabilizer arm connected to the actuator arm by a third hinge, and connected to the housing by a fourth hinge. The housing may be an acoustic wireline tool cylinder having an opening that permits the hammer mass to extend outside the housing when rotated in a first direction. The housing may also include a second opening that permits the hammer mass to extend outside the housing when rotated in a second direction, and a third opening that permits the hammer mass to extend outside the housing when rotated between the first and second openings.

Abstract: Gas hydrates, particularly natural gas hydrates e.g. methane hydrates, may be formed and controlled within conduits and vessels by imparting energy to gas and water, for instance using agitation or vibration. The systems and methods allow for improved flow characteristics for fluids containing the gases, e.g. hydrocarbon fluids being transported, and for improved overall efficiencies. The gas and water within a gas flow path may be perturbed or agitated to initiate formation of relatively small hydrate particles. The hydrate particles continue to form as long as energy is imparted and water and hydrate guest molecules are available. High amplitude agitation of the gas and water will repeatedly break up agglomerated hydrate particles that form and encourage the formation of more and smaller particles. As more hydrate forms in this manner, less and less free water may be available proximate the gas and water contact.

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: A system comprising a carbon disulfide formulation storage; a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of the carbon disulfide formulation into a formation; and a mechanism for creating a pulse in the carbon disulfide formulation in the formation.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for generating seismic acoustic waves, and more particularly a downhole electro-hydraulic seismic pressure wave source to enhance oil recovery.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the oil producing industry and particularly to apparatus the cleaning of face zones and filters of gas-and-oil-producing and water-injection wells.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for stabilizing portions of a subterranean formation and controlling the production of water from those subterranean formations. In one aspect, a method of treating a plurality of discrete portions of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: (a) moving a treatment tool through the wellbore on work tubing to a desired subterranean location, wherein the treatment tool comprises: (i) a fluidic oscillator; and (ii) a lower packer positioned below the fluidic oscillator; (b) expanding the cross-section of the lower packer to engage the wellbore, thereby isolating a portion of the wellbore from another portion below the lower packer; (c) injecting a consolidation fluid through the tubing and through the fluidic oscillator into the isolated portion of the wellbore; (d) reducing the cross-section of the lower packer, thereby disengaging the tool from the wellbore.

Abstract: A completion mounted spark gap tool comprising a completion component housing; a spark gap device having a plurality of electrodes at the housing and configured to produce a shockwave having a frequency in the range of about 0.1 to about 100 HZ; a voltage source in operable communication with the electrodes and a method for far field stimulation.

Abstract: Methods for cleaning or stimulating a well include providing an isolation device, providing a penetration device, isolating a zone, and penetrating a portion of the formation utilizing the penetration device. Isolating and penetrating may occur in a single trip into the well. The isolation device may include one or more packers. The penetration device may be a pulsating/oscillating hydrajet that introduces fluid pressure waves into the formation.

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: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating fluid downhole in the well. The technique includes enhancing fluid recovery from a reservoir by, downhole in the well, controlling the pumping of the fluid to create a pressure wave which propagates into the reservoir.

Abstract: A gas hydrate is produced by injecting guest molecules into voids in a layer of which temperature and pressure condition allows the guest molecules to cause to form hydrate, in a form of emulsion where liquid of the guest molecules is dispersed in water as minute particles having a size of less than a size of voids, and thereby dispersing the guest molecules uniformly into the voids in the layer.

Abstract: A pulse width modulated downhole flow control. A downhole flow control system includes a flow control device with a flow restrictor which variably restricts flow through the flow control device. An actuator varies a vibratory motion of the restrictor to thereby variably control an average flow rate of fluid through the flow control device. A method of controlling flow in a well includes the steps of: installing a flow control device in the well, the flow control device including a flow restrictor which variably restricts flow through the flow control device; and displacing the restrictor to thereby pulse a flow rate of fluid through the flow control device.

Abstract: A system for oscillating compressible working fluid in a wellbore defined in a subterranean formation includes a fluid supply and a fluid oscillator device. The fluid supply communicates compressible working fluid into a conduit disposed within the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device is configured to reside in the wellbore. The fluid oscillator device includes an interior surface that defines an interior volume of the fluid oscillator device, an inlet into the interior volume, and an outlet from the interior volume. The interior surface is static during operation to receive the compressible working fluid into the interior volume through the inlet and to vary over time a flow rate of the compressible working fluid from the interior volume through the outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus control a plurality of sonic sources to generate sound waves within at least one opening of an item. The “item” can comprise almost anything that has a percolation path (a path where solid particles are to be separated from liquid particles), such as the ground, aggregates, porous structures, porous materials, and a semi-solid structure. By controlling the sonic sources, the method transmits the sound waves to the percolation path. Further, the method regulates the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves such that the liquid particles oscillate out of phase with the solid particles. The method also regulates the phases of the sound waves generated by the different sonic sources so as to control locations within the percolation path where the liquid particles oscillate out of phase with the solid particles.

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: Methods of remediating a subterranean formation comprising directing vibrational waves at a portion of the subterranean formation containing fines; allowing the vibrational waves to displace at least a portion of the fines; and introducing a consolidating agent into the portion of the subterranean formation through a well bore that penetrates the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating fluid pressure pulses are disclosed. An example apparatus may include a chamber that can collect fluid and an upstream ported disc coupled to a downstream end of the chamber. The upstream ported disc may rotate about a central axis. The upstream ported disc includes an upstream eccentric port that rotates about the central axis as the upstream ported disc rotates. The example apparatus may include a downstream ported disc coupled to a downstream end of the upstream ported disc such that the downstream ported disc remains substantially rotationally fixed relative to the upstream ported disc. The downstream ported disc includes a downstream eccentric port that may align with the upstream eccentric port to form a passageway for fluid to exit from the chamber to outside of the apparatus, at some time in a rotation cycle of the upstream ported disc.

Abstract: Oil recovery enhancement method that calls for lowering a vibroacoustic downhole emitter into a well down to the production layer depth and for performing acoustic impact on the formation, wherein the impact on the formation 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 invention relates to a device and method for treating the backfilled area of the productive stratum adjacent to the drilling area of oil and gas wells using high pressure pulses. The technological equipment consists of a submersible cylindrical container which is equipped with a high pressure section for accumulating the gaseous working agent, a high pressure one-way electromagnetic valve for dispensing the gaseous agent, a low pressure section where gamma radiation and material solidity detectors and data transmission equipment are located, an intermediate section where at least two one-way nozzles are located, specially arranged radially for injecting the working agent into the areas to be treated, and the technical control and operating equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the oil-extracting industry and is intended for increasing petroefficiency of an oilfield and petroleum production in oily and depleted oil layers. The invention may be also applied in gas-production industry. It provides for increasing petroefficiency of an oilfield and petroleum production due to use of tidal stretching and compression of the earth's crust owing to solar-lunar influences on it. The essence of the invention: periodic external physical influences are exerted on an oil-bearing layer depending on solar-lunar influences on the earth's crust. Thus the physical influences are applied in a zone of oil-bearing layer during compression of the earth's crust at solar-lunar ebbs. They take into account the set of amplitudes of solar-lunar influences.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing resistance to flow in liquid reservoir extraction is provided. A working seal is used to seal an annulus between a well casing and a tubing to create a forcible volume between the working seal and a liquid filled column at the bottom of a well such as an oil well. The working seal may correspond to a wellhead and a Christmas tree. Pressure in the forcible volume is varied to increase the amplitude of the pressure response of the liquid filled column. The pressure may be varied from a maximum positive pressure to a minimum negative pressure in a cyclic manner in a pressure resonation process as controlled by a control system based on measuring the amplitude and phase of the pressure response. Pressure may be supplied to the forcible volume using a pressure supply hose, a pressurized canister associated with the working seal, by a downward stroke of a liquid pumping apparatus, or by controlling the combustion of gases within the forcible volume.

Abstract: Wellbore apparatus including an elongated tubular adapted for disposal within the wellbore. The tubular having an elongated recess formed on its exterior surface along the longitudinal axis. The recess is adapted to accept and house a component therein. A shield disposed within the recess and adapted to slide to a selected position therein, covering a housed component. The sliding shield and housed component are retained within the recess by a retainer system using minimal fasteners.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for intensifying the permeability of ground layers close to bore holes and filter bodies and filter layers (W) in the underground extraction areas (F) of wells and other production drill holes (11) wherein liquid is continuously pumped away in the extraction area (F) of the drill hole (11) by means of an underground pump (8). The liquid which is thus displaced is successively impinged upon with hydraulic energy pulses (E) in the direction of the walls of the drill hole, filter bodies and filter layers (W) by continually moving a pulse generator (1) up and down in the area of extraction (F) The effect of each energy pulse (E) is evaluated by means of seismic measurements and the parameters of the following energy pulses (E) are determined according to the evaluation of the measuring result of the previous energy pulse (E).

Abstract: A coalbed methane production method comprises acoustic radiators strategically placed within exhaust boreholes that sonically vibrate the immediate wall areas. The gas volume output that can be realized by an exhaust well is mainly determined by the penetrability of the inside faces of the borehole. Such inside faces behave like a filter matrix, and the important areas involved in restricting the gas flow the most are not more than a few diameters away from the exhaust well in the collector zone. Therefore, the more permeable that such immediate area around the exhaust borehole can be made, the higher will be the volume of gas produced. Strong sonic vibrations from the acoustic radiators positioned in a drillstring shake open spaces in the media for the gas to flow out and be collected. The media experiences a type of elastic collapse under the differential pressures that are exerted the strongest near the borehole opening.