Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved system for measurement of the liquid flow rate and totalized liquid production of a producing well. In the method of the present invention, liquid production rate in a pumping well is determined by calculation based upon wellbore geometry and continuously monitoring the depth of the fluid level within the wellbore. It is applicable to any pump lifted well where it is possible to shut the pump off periodically. Accuracy is enhanced with this method by properly accounting for pump leakage and where pump leakage is either known or can be estimated within reasonable limits or where it is measured during the pump shut off cycle.

Abstract: A method for lifting fluids within a subterranean well includes lowering an elongated plunger to a lower region of a bore of the subterranean well. The plunger includes a motor assembly operably connected to a propeller. A seal can be created between the plunger and an inner surface of the bore of the subterranean well. A thruster, such as motor assembly connected to a propeller, generates thrust to lift the plunger to a plunger retainer located proximate to a wellhead of the subterranean well.

Abstract: A well passing through a geological formation is fitted with a tube, open at its bottom end, that is filled with a fluid. Another fluid is in the annular space between the tube and the wall of the well, the two fluids exhibiting an interface situated in the annular space. A hydraulic balance of the fluids of the well is disturbed and the trend of certain quantities is measured. These measurements are moreover simulated by computer by using different sets of values for the physical parameters, and efforts are made to estimate the geological formation. A comparison of the measurements with the simulation results makes it possible to identify an optimum set of values for the parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus. Embodiments may include determining the boundary between a cement composition and a consolidating spacer fluid based on presence of tagging material in the well bore.

Abstract: A method for modeling deformation in subsurface strata, including defining physical boundaries for a geomechanical system. The method also includes acquiring one or more mechanical properties of the subsurface strata within the physical boundaries, and acquiring one or more thermal properties of the subsurface strata within the physical boundaries. The method also includes creating a computer-implemented finite element analysis program representing the geomechanical system and defining a plurality of nodes representing points in space, with each node being populated with at least one of each of the mechanical properties and the thermal properties. The program solves for in situ stress at selected nodes within the mesh.

Abstract: Method for estimating fluid heterogeneity in a subsurface region from seismic wave attenuation or velocity dispersion that is either measured or extracted from geophysical data (210). A rock physics model in the form of a mathematical relationship is selected that relates attenuation or velocity to frequency and to physical properties that are related to fluid heterogeneity (220). The model, or asymptotes (230) representing the model's behavior at frequency extremes, is inverted (240) and that relationship is used to obtain (250) one or more of the physical properties related to fluid heterogeneity, such as characteristic length scale for fluid saturation heterogeneities (270) and relative volume fractions of the fluids saturating the pore space (280).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mitigating slug formation in a multiphase fluid stream that is flowing through a conduit wherein the conduit comprises a first portion and a second portion which is upwardly inclined to the first portion and wherein the multiphase fluid stream comprises a gaseous phase and a liquid phase, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining the pressure in the conduit upstream of a slugging zone; (b) determining the pressure in the conduit downstream of the slugging zone; (c) determining the actual pressure difference across the slugging zone by subtracting the downstream pressure from step (b) from the upstream pressure from step (a); (d) determining the error between a target pressure difference and the actual pressure difference; (e) producing a signal comprising a first component which is proportional to the error and a second component which is proportional to the rate of change of the error over time; and (f) using the signal produced in step (e) to control the position of an a

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 of predicting earth stresses in response to changes in a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir within a geomechanical system includes establishing physical boundaries for the geomechanical system, acquiring logging data from wells drilled, and acquiring seismic data for one or more rock layers. The well and seismic data are automatically converted into a three-dimensional digital representation of one or more rock layers within the geomechanical system, thereby creating data points defining a three-dimensional geological structure. The method also includes (a) applying the data points from the geological structure to derive a finite element-based geomechanical model, and (b) initializing a geostatic condition in the geomechanical model, and then running a geomechanics simulation in order to determine changes in earth stresses associated with changes in pore pressure or other reservoir characteristics within the one or more rock layers.

Abstract: We describe a method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a three-dimensional representation of the underlying geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising: inputting terrain-corrected potential field data for said surveyed region, said potential field data comprising data for a range of spatial wavelengths, geological features at different depths in said surveyed region being associated with different wavelengths in said range of wavelengths; filtering said potential field data by spatial wavelength to generate a first plurality of filtered sets of potential field data, each relating to a respective wavelength or range of wavelengths, each targeting geological features at a different respective said depth; processing each said filtered set of potential field data, to identify a set of spatial features comprising one or both of line spatial features and point spatial features in each

Abstract: A system, method and device may be used to monitor fluid levels in a borehole. The system includes a pulse generator to generate a pulse of electromagnetic energy to propagate along the wellbore towards a surface of the fluid, a detector to detect a portion of the electromagnetic pulse reflected from the surface of the fluid and propagated along the wellbore towards the detector, a processor to analyze detected signals to determine a level of the surface of the fluid, and a pump controller to control the operation of a pump located in the wellbore based on the fluid surface level.

Abstract: An example downhole tool configured for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation comprises a first fluid communicator configured to allow drilling fluid communication with an annulus between the downhole tool and the wellbore, a second fluid communicator configured to direct formation fluid to the annulus, and a formation testing device disposed deeper in the wellbore relative to the first fluid communicator and configured to pump formation fluid from the formation to the second fluid communicator. At least one of the first and second fluid communicators comprises a jet pump.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus that controls a liquid level down-hole of a hydrocarbon producing well by physically monitoring the liquid level down-hole having a down-hole liquid level measurer and a signal device connected to the liquid level measurer that causes a pump to adjust its current liquid output based on the liquid level down-hole as measured by the down-hole liquid level measurer.

Abstract: A tool for use in well monitoring is described to insert devices for well fluid level control into a wellhead. The tool also permits removal of the devices for well fluid level control from an operating well for servicing. The tool also permits precise positioning of the components utilized to take measurements in the well annulus.

Abstract: A method of determining a fluid level in a well space without substantial venting of gas to the atmosphere or injecting a gas at high pressure. Gas being produced by the well is used to create a pressure differential between two spaces. A wave is induced in the well space by causing the two spaces to come into gaseous communication for a selected time internal. Pressure changes are measured as the induced wave travels through the gas in the well space from the measurement system to a fluid surface and back to the measurement system to determine a round trip travel time of the wave. The fluid level is calculated from the round-trip travel time and a speed of the wave as one-half of the product of the wave speed and the round-trip time.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid in-flow in a region of interest in a wellbore comprises deploying a fiber optic cable concurrently with placement of a downhole tubular, transmitting a light signal along the cable and receiving a reflected signal from the region of interest, and interpreting the received signal to obtain information about fluid flowing in the region of interest. The wellbore may include a horizontal portion. The received signal may also be interpreted by assessing amplitude and frequency spectra across array of channels, conditioning the received signal by removing at least a portion of the signal that is not related to flow, assessing flow regimes across depths and times, calculating axial flow/s within the wellbore using relationships for axial flow, and calculating flow into or out of the wellbore at one or more points using relationships for flow through an orifice.

Abstract: A plug disposable in a well bore to block fluid from passing through the wellbore. The plug includes a body formed from water soluble glass. The body dissolvable in water. A method of utilizing water soluble glass is included.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a parameter of interest includes a conduit and a reactive media in the conduit. The reactive media interacts with a selected fluid component to control a flow parameter of the conduit. The apparatus also includes at least one sensor responsive to the flow parameter. The apparatus may be used for estimating a water content of a fluid flowing from a subterranean formation. The apparatus may include a flow path configured to convey fluid from the formation. The at least one sensor may be responsive to a pressure change in the flow path caused by interaction of the reactive media with water.

Abstract: A method detects at least one phase of multiphase borehole fluids within a borehole. The method has a step of providing coiled tubing connected to a top end of a bottom hole assembly having a sensor configured to detect a property associated with the multiphase borehole fluids. Further, the method has a step of positioning the sensor adjacent to a first phase of the multiphase borehole fluids by rotating the bottom hole assembly or a portion of the bottom hole assembly. Moreover, the method has the steps of detecting a first measurement with the sensor as the sensor rotates and determining a fractional amount of at least one phase of the multiphase borehole fluids.

Abstract: A method of inferring gas production utilizing a conduit having an outlet controlled by a valve in communication with a space within a well through which a gas volume is being produced. A selected number of measurements are taken during a selected period of time, with each measurement including closing the outlet valve to allow gas pressure within the conduit to change, sampling the gas pressure within the conduit over a sampling time period, calculating a rate of pressure change from samples taken over the sampling time period, and calculating a rate of gas production in the conduit from the calculated rate of change of pressure, the gas volume, well characteristics and gas properties. The calculated rates of gas production for the selected number of measurements are summed to determine an inferred rate of gas production through the conduit during the selected period of time.

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 sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: A method of measuring fluid in-flow in a region of interest in a wellbore comprises deploying a fiber optic cable concurrently with placement of a downhole tubular, transmitting a light signal along the cable and receiving a reflected signal from the region of interest, and interpreting the received signal to obtain information about fluid flowing in the region of interest. The wellbore may include a horizontal portion. The received signal may also be interpreted by assessing amplitude and frequency spectra across array of channels, conditioning the received signal by removing at least a portion of the signal that is not related to flow, assessing flow regimes across depths and times, calculating axial flow/s within the wellbore using relationships for axial flow, and calculating flow into or out of the wellbore at one or more points using relationships for flow through an orifice.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system for a dewatering pump configured to dewater a gas well is provided. A dewatering pump is driven at a first speed to pump fluid out of a well annulus. A fluid level detection device is configured to identify a change of fluid level in the well annulus occurring between a first time and a second, later time. A controller is configured to change the speed of the dewatering pump from the first speed to a second speed based upon the identified change in fluid level. Several embodiments of the fluid level detection devices are provided.

Abstract: Formation testing which may involve circulating mud in a pipe string from a mud pit through a port in the pipe string to a downhole diverter sub, wherein the pipe string is suspended in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, operating a downhole pump to pump formation fluid from the formation, wherein the formation fluid comprises gas, and mixing the pumped formation fluid with circulated mud such that a proportion of the pumped formation gas in the circulated mud is maintained below a threshold value.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a sensing device on a drill string and communicating with the sensing device during a plug cementing operation over a wired infrastructure of the drill string. The technique includes controlling the plug cementing operation in response to the communication.

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: A method of determining parameters relating to the flow performance of subterranean sources is described using the steps of measuring a total flow rate and pressure at a reference datum for at least two different flow rates, allocating the flow from each of the sources using identified concentrations of characteristic components, and using the total flow rate, pressure and the allocation to determine selective inflow performance relationships for each source.

Abstract: A transmitter generates an acoustic ping in a fluid in a borehole, and a receiver monitors waves resulting from the acoustic ping. Responsive to the monitored waves, an attribute of the fluid is estimated, including a sonic velocity, a mixture of gas and oil, a mixture of water and oil, an amount of sand, an amount of gas, an amount of skin effect, or a depth of fluid. An operation of the artificial lift device is then controlled responsive to the estimated attribute. Alternately, a sonic velocity is estimated for the fluid through an analysis of a sample pumped to the surface or through an analysis of monitored waves. A depth of the fluid is calculated responsive to the estimated sonic velocity for the fluid in the borehole and the monitored T-waves. The operation of the artificial lift device is then controlled responsive to the calculated depth of fluid.

Abstract: An example instrumented formation tester for injecting fluids and monitoring of fluids described herein includes a downhole tool which can be deployed in a wellbore via a wireline or a drill string. The downhole tool may facilitate the injection of fluids into an underground formation, and the monitoring of the directions in which the injected fluids flow in the formation in an open hole environment. In particular, the downhole tool may be configured for removing the mud cake from a portion of the wellbore wall for facilitating a fluid communication with the formation to be tested.

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for measuring and controlling liquid levels in a well. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors comprising: a first sensor coupled to the well, the first sensor configured to measure a casing pressure, a second sensor coupled to the well, the second sensor configured to measure a tubing pressure, and a third sensor coupled to a motor that is further coupled to the well, the third sensor configured to measure at least one characteristic of the motor, and a processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, wherein the processor calculates a level of liquid in the well based upon measurements of at least two of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A transmitter generates an acoustic ping in a fluid in a borehole, and a receiver monitors waves resulting from the acoustic ping. Responsive to the monitored waves, an attribute of the fluid is estimated, including a sonic velocity, a mixture of gas and oil, a mixture of water and oil, an amount of sand, an amount of gas, an amount of skin effect, or a depth of fluid. An operation of the artificial lift device is then controlled responsive to the estimated attribute. Alternately, a sonic velocity is estimated for the fluid through an analysis of a sample pumped to the surface or through an analysis of monitored waves. A depth of the fluid is calculated responsive to the estimated sonic velocity for the fluid in the borehole and the monitored T-waves. The operation of the artificial lift device is then controlled responsive to the calculated depth of fluid.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system for determining a wellbore parameter includes a pulse generator positioned in fluid communication with a wellbore such that a fluid can flow from the wellbore through the pulse generator, wherein the pulse generator selectively releases the fluid to flow through the pulse generator causing pressure pulses in the wellbore; a receiver in operational connection with the wellbore, the receiver detecting the pressure pulses; and a controller in functional connection with the receiver, the controller determining a wellbore parameter from receipt of a signal from the receiver in response to the detected pressure pulses.

Abstract: A positive displacement wellbore servicing pump having a power end and a fluid end is disclosed. The fluid end has a main chamber and a suction bore in fluid connection with the main chamber and the suction bore has a suction central axis vector. A discharge bore is in fluid connection with the main chamber and the discharge bore has a discharge central axis vector. A portion of the suction central axis vector is vertically higher than any portion of the discharge central axis vector. A method of providing a wellbore servicing fluid to a wellbore is also disclosed. A method of providing a wellbore servicing fluid to a fluid end of a positive displacement pump is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for selectively and safely reversing flow in coiled tubing used for wellbore cleanouts are disclosed. One apparatus includes a section of coiled tubing having a main flow channel, at least two flow-preventing valves in the section of coiled tubing, each adapted to close the main flow channel upon attempted flow reversal; and at least one actuator adapted to deter closing of the flow-preventing valves. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A technique is employed to remove liquid from a gas well to improve gas production from the well. An electric submersible pumping system is deployed into the wellbore and positioned to remove accumulated liquid. The electric submersible pumping system is constructed and controlled to maintain a flow of liquid during operation of the pumping system.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well for indicating movement of a reservoir. The apparatus may include first and second equipment assemblies connected by a telescoping connection mechanism. A sensor assembly may be provided and configured to detect relative movement of at least a portion of the telescoping connection mechanism. The relative movement of at least a portion of the telescoping mechanism may interpreted so as to correlate to the compaction or expansion of the reservoir.

Abstract: A technique enables the reduction or prevention of galvanic action by electrically insulating components of a system. Fiber optic systems can be protected with the technique by preventing the formation of hydrogen ions through galvanic action that otherwise contribute to hydrogen darkening of optical fibers.

Abstract: A technique enables determination of gas influx in a fluid handling system. A tubing is provided for conducting fluid flow therethrough. Pressure signals are transmitted through the fluid in the tubing. Parameters of the pressure signal, e.g. time and/or attenuation, are measured at a first location and a second location along the tubing. Parameter data is evaluated to determine the occurrence of changes indicative of gas influx into the tubing.

Abstract: A method for detecting pressure disturbances in a formation accessible by a borehole while performing an operation includes positioning a tool within the borehole, positioning a first probe of the tool at a first location, positioning a second probe of the tool at a second location remote from the first location to obtain a pressure reading, performing an operation with the first probe, detecting the presence of a first phase fluid within the tool, detecting a pressure disturbance within the formation with the second probe, and identifying a second phase fluid based on the detection of the pressure disturbance. Other methods and systems for detecting pressure disturbances in the formation are further shown and described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for estimating terminal purity or terminal contamination for a fluid during the withdrawal of the fluid from a subsurface formation. The apparatus and method provide for measuring refractive index of the fluid over a time period, fitting a curve through the refractive index measurements or data values derived therefrom and estimating a terminal refractive index or terminal value for the data values from the fitted to curve to estimate the terminal contamination or purity for the fluid.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system for determining a wellbore parameter includes a pulse generator positioned in fluid communication with a wellbore such that a fluid can flow from the wellbore through the pulse generator, wherein the pulse generator selectively releases the fluid to flow through the pulse generator causing pressure pulses in the wellbore; a receiver in operational connection with the wellbore, the receiver detecting the pressure pulses; and a controller in functional connection with the receiver, the controller determining a wellbore parameter from receipt of a signal from the receiver in response to the detected pressure pulses.

Abstract: A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid injected into the earth's subsurface through a first wellbore that involves positioning a fluid analysis tool within a second wellbore and determining the presence of the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid by making a measurement downhole on the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid using the fluid analysis tool. Also a related method of enhancing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface area having first and second wellbores that involves injecting a nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid into the subsurface through the first wellbore, positioning a fluid analysis tool within the second wellbore, and determining the presence of the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid by making a measurement downhole on the injected nonhydrocarbon and nonaqueous fluid using the fluid analysis tool.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a producing cycle in a well, during the production cycle, for optimizing production from the well including disrupting fluid in a wellbore with a pulse generator to create a pressure pulse transmitted through the fluid in the wellbore, detecting the pressure pulse created and the pressure pulse reflected from objects located within the wellbore, wherein the objects may include a liquid/gas interface and a producing apparatus such as a plunger, converting the detection of the pressure pulse and the reflected pressure pulses to a signal, computing the signals to determine the well status and controlling production of the fluid from the wellbore based on the well status.

Abstract: A method of using an everting borehole liner to perform fluid conductivity measurements in materials surrounding a pipe, tube, or conduit, such as a borehole below the surface of the Earth. A flexible liner is everted (turned inside out) into the borehole by introducing into the liner a pressurized driving fluid. As the liner displaces the ambient fluid in the borehole into the surrounding formation, the varying rate at which driving fluid is introduced into the liner is monitored and recorded. As the impermeable liner covers the flow paths in the wall of the hole, the rate at which driving fluid must be introduced slows. From the measured driving fluid introduction rate, the flow rates out discrete sections of the borehole are determined.

Abstract: A system to determine the mixture of fluids in the deviated section of a wellbore comprising at least one distributed temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature profile along at least two levels of a vertical axis of the deviated section. Each distributed temperature sensor can be a fiber optic line functionally connected to a light source that may utilize optical time domain reflectometry to measure the temperature profile along the length of the fiber line. The temperature profiles at different positions along the vertical axis of the deviated wellbore enables the determination of the cross-sectional distribution of fluids flowing along the deviated section. Together with the fluid velocity of each of the fluids flowing along the deviated section, the cross-sectional fluid distribution enables the calculation of the flow rates of each of the fluids. The system may also be used in conjunction with a pipeline, such as a subsea pipeline, to determine the flow rates of fluids flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in circulating cement in a casing in a wellbore is described having a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed at a fluid interface formed between the cement and a fluid. The sensor may be a sensor coil mounted on the perimeter of the lower end of the casing, while the detectable device may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival at the lower end of the casing. The transponder may be encased in a protective covering. Also described is a method of cementing a casing utilizing a first component such as a sensor disposed on the casing and a second component such as a detectable device disposed in the cement.

Abstract: A system to determine the mixture of fluids in the deviated section of a wellbore comprising at least one distributed temperature sensor adapted to measure the temperature profile along at least two levels of a vertical axis of the deviated section. Each distributed temperature sensor can be a fiber optic line functionally connected to a light source that may utilize optical time domain reflectometry to measure the temperature profile along the length of the fiber line. The temperature profiles at different positions along the vertical axis of the deviated wellbore enables the determination of the cross-sectional distribution of fluids flowing along the deviated section. Together with the fluid velocity of each of the fluids flowing along the deviated section, the cross-sectional fluid distribution enables the calculation of the flow rates of each of the fluids. The system may also be used in conjunction with a pipeline, such as a subsea pipeline, to determine the flow rates of fluids flowing therethrough.