Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling the production of oil and gas in a well such that the well operates at the edge of gas coning. Thereto the flow rate and/or pressure of the produced well effluents are controlled by a dynamically controlled choke such that continously a limited amount of gas is entrained in the produced crude oil, whereas full gas coning and breakthrough of gas from the gas cap is prevented. The choke may be controlled by a control system which includes an algorithm that takes wellhead temperatures, pressures and choke position as measured variables and which maintains the average bulk velocity of the well effluents at a substantially constant and relatively high level. Optionally, the system also maintains an optimal gas-to-liquid ratio of the well effluents.

Abstract: A method for producing oil or gas from multiple wells, the wells including at least a first well and a second well, with each well using an artificial lift system that includes a plunger associated with a motor valve off time, and first and second identical connecting subsystems that connect their respective wells to a common sales line. The first connecting subsystem includes: a) a plunger arrival sensor connected to a micro controller; b) a wellhead connected to the first well; c) a motor valve connected to the wellhead; d) first and second pressure transducers on either side of the motor valve, conductively coupled to the micro controller; and e) a micro controller for keeping the motor valve closed during the motor valve off time, and extending the motor valve off time following a determination of the existence of a pressure spike in the common sales line.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for remotely controlling and/or monitoring at least one parameter of well bore equipment. In one aspect, a method for remotely controlling and/or monitoring at least one parameter of well bore equipment is provided, including: collecting data corresponding to the at least one parameter by a sensor module monitoring the at least one parameter of the well bore equipment; transmitting the collected data to a remote control/monitoring unit via a communication link; analyzing the collected data to determine if the parameter is within predefined limits; if the parameter is not within predefined limits, then transmitting control data from the control/monitoring unit to the well bore equipment for modifying the operation of the well operation equipment so that the parameter will conform to the predefined limits or stopping operation of the wellbore equipment.

Abstract: A method of managing multiple wells connected to a reservoir comprises the steps of: setting production and performance goals for each individual well; monitoring the performance of each individual well; enabling each individual well to assess its own situational state; and enabling socially interactive corrective actions, comprising enabling collaboration and cooperation among the wells, such that the wells share with each other their situational states, goals, and plan data; developing and refining remediation strategies for problems detected within the wells; allowing execution of the remediation strategies either independently, or by operator intervention; applying the remediation strategies to each individual well; revising and resetting the goals, and integrating pattern recognition and machine learning within all preceding steps.

Abstract: A system for controlling flow in a wellbore uses a downhole flow control device positioned at a downhole location in the wellbore. The flow control device has a movable element for controlling a downhole fluid flow. In response to an applied pressure pulse, the movable element moves in finite increments from one position to another. In one embodiment, a hydraulic source generates a transmitted pressure pulse to the flow control device wherein the maximum pressure of a received pressure pulse downhole is sufficient to overcome a static friction force associated with the movable element, and wherein a minimum pressure of the received pressure pulse downhole is insufficient to overcome a dynamic friction force associated with the movable element.

Abstract: A device for determining a location of an interface between a first fluid and second fluid includes a non-mechanical sensor that measures a selected parameter of interest relating to the fluid surrounding the sensor (“the surrounding fluid”) and a processor for processing the sensor measurements. The non-mechanical sensor measures a parameter relating to the surround fluid without physically co-acting with the surrounding fluid. Exemplary parameters such as thermal properties, electrical properties, fluid properties, and magnetic properties can be measured. The processor is programmed to process the sensor measurements to identify one or more characteristics in the measurements that can indicate the nature of the fluid being measured and thereby determine the location of the interface. The determined location can be used to operate a downhole device such as a pump, to provide real-time monitoring of well conditions, to record data for long-term reservoir characterization, or to actuate an alarm.

Abstract: A method for optimizing oil production rate from an oil well with high gas-to-oil ratio is disclosed to include modeling an Inflow Performance Relationship curve and calculating an optimal level of bottomhole pressure to be higher than zero. Maintaining the bottomhole pressure at that calculated optimum level by using a bottomhole tool of the invention or other known means such as gas injection provides for maximum oil recovery from a given well. The bottomhole tool includes a multi-stage flow resistor and a needle moved in and out of the resistor by a spring-biased piston responsive to a difference in pressure between a bottomhole pressure and a pipe pressure. Automatic adjustment of the bottomhole pressure is maintained over a wide range of operating parameters throughout the life of the well.

Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.

Abstract: A sensor for installation in an underground well having a casing or tubing installed therein, the sensor comprising: a sensor body that can be installed in a hole formed in the casing or tubing so as to extend between the inside and outside of the casing or tubing; sensor elements located within the body and capable of sensing properties of an underground formation surrounding the well; and communication elements located within the body and capable of communicating information between the sensor elements and a communication device in the well; wherein the sensor body also includes a portion that can be sealed to the casing or tubing to prevent fluid communication between the inside and the outside of the casing or tubing through the hole when the sensor body is installed therein. The invention also provides systems incorporating such sensors, methods for installing sensors and applications of such systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of electrically controlling downhole well interval inflow and/or injection. The downhole controllable well section having a communications and control module, a sensor, an electrically controllable valve and an induction choke. The electrically controllable valve is adapted to regulate flow between an exterior of the tubing and an interior of the tubing. Power and signal transmission between surface and downhole is carried out via the tubing and/or the casing. When there are multiple downhole controllable well sections, flow inhibitors separate the well sections.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure of a dual well system includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone and drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone using a drill string. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore. The method includes drilling a drainage bore into the subterranean zone. The method includes pumping a drilling fluid through the drill string when drilling the drainage bore. The method includes pumping a pressure fluid down the substantially vertical well bore when drilling the drainage bore. The pressure fluid mixes with the drilling fluid to form a fluid mixture returning up the articulated well bore which forms a frictional pressure that resists fluid flow from the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A method for transmitting signals through a metal tubular includes the steps of transmitting modulated electromagnetic signals through a non magnetic metal section of the metal tubular, detecting the signals or a field associated with the signals, and controlling or monitoring devices or operations associated with the metal tubular responsive to the signals. A material, geometry, treatment, and alloying of the non magnetic metal section are selected to optimize signal transmission therethrough. A system for performing the method includes the metal tubular and the non magnetic metal section. The system can also include a transmitter device configured to move through the metal tubular emitting the electromagnetic signals, an antenna on the outside of the non magnetic metal section configured to detect the electromagnetic signals, and a receiver-control circuit configured to generate control signals responsive to the electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system may be used to heat a hydrocarbon containing formation. The system may include a conduit placed within an opening in the formation. A conductor may be placed within the conduit. The conductor may provide heat to a portion of the formation. In some embodiments, an electrically conductive material may be coupled to a portion of the conductor in the overburden. The electrically conductive material may lower the electrical resistance of the portion of the conductor in the overburden. Lowering the electrical resistance of the portion of the conductor in the overburden may reduce the heat output of the portion in the overburden. The system may allow heat to transfer from the conductor to a section of the formation.

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. The normal mud passages or watercourses present in the rotary drill bit are used for the second independent purpose of passing cement into the annulus between the casing and the well while cementing the drill string into place during one single pass into the earth. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambiently hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: A method for treating a relatively permeable formation containing heavy hydrocarbons in situ may include providing heat from one or more heat sources to a portion of the formation. The heat may be allowed to transfer from the heat sources to a selected section of the formation. The transferred heat may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section. A mixture of hydrocarbons may be produced from the selected section. In some embodiments, a reducing environment may be maintained in a portion of the formation.

Abstract: An automated plunger catcher and releaser and chemical launcher for a well tubing method and apparatus. In one configuration, arrival of a plunger is sensed as the plunger ascends from the wellbore through the production tubing and a signal is sent to a controller. A signal is sent from the controller to actuate a stem in order to hold the plunger in a surface catcher chamber. A flowline is thereafter closed by signal from the controller in order to stop fluid flow through the production tubing. A signal is sent from the controller to an actuated valve on a chemical launcher, thereby opening the valve and releasing chemical. Thereafter, the valve is closed to stop release of chemical. The plunger is held in position for a predetermined time and then the stem is retracted in order to permit the plunger to fall by gravity. Finally, the flowline is opened in order to permit fluid flow therethrough and the process is sequentially repeated as desired.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for generating one or more than one physically detectable physical influence changes to control or manipulate a down hole device. The present invention intercepts existing control signals to various controllers on the rig and superimposes an encoded command on these existing control signals. The controllers comprise of motor drives, choke controllers, acoustic pulse generators, tracer injectors and other controllers that are used to generate a physically detectable changes in the rig environment. The encoded command acting on existing or new controllers generates a perceptible change in a physical parameter such as a variation in drilling mud pressure, a variation in drill string rotation speed, a variation is weight on bit, generation of acoustic pulse, or a variation in tracer injection properties.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (60) comprises a base pipe (62) having at least one opening (64) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (66) positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (62) that allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow therethrough. An inflatable seal member (72) is disposed within the at least one opening (64) of the base pipe (62) and controls fluid flow through the at least one opening (64). An inflation fluid source (74) is in fluid communication with the inflatable seal member (72) and provides an inflation fluid to the inflatable seal member (72) to selectively urge the inflatable seal member (72) into sealing engagement with the at least one opening (64).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting an operation of a downhole tool using an optical sensing system are disclosed. In an embodiment, a flow control device has an inner tubular member moveable relative to an outer tubular member and a thermally responsive chamber capable of a change in temperature during a movement between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. Detecting the change in temperature in the thermally responsive chamber with an optical sensing system provides real time knowledge of the position of the flow control device. In another embodiment, a flow control device comprises an inner tubular member moveable relative to an outer tubular member that produces an acoustic signal during a movement between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. Detecting the acoustic signal with an optical sensor provides real time knowledge of the position of the flow control device.

Abstract: A natural gas production system prevents liquid accumulation in the wellbore and minimizes friction loading in the wellbore by maintaining production gas velocity above a critical minimum velocity. A pressurized gas is injected into the well to supplement the flow of production gas such that the velocity of the total gas flow up the well exceeds the critical velocity. A choke is fitted to the gas injection line, and total gas flows are measured by a flow meter. A flow controller compares the measured total gas flow rate against the critical flow rate, and determines a minimum gas injection rate required to maintain the total gas flow rate at or above the critical flow rate. The flow controller then adjusts the choke to achieve the desired gas injection rate. The injection gas may be recirculated production gas from the well, or a gas from a separate source.

Abstract: A control system for a hydrocarbon well is also disclosed. A control valve system is used to control the flow of fluid being produced by the well. A real time sensor is provided downhole and is used to make real time measurements of phase characteristics of the fluid. A controller is used to control the valve system so as to reduce the risk of undesirable phase transitions in the fluid based on the real time measurements made by the sensor. The sensor includes an acoustic transducer configured to emit acoustic energy into the fluid at a level which causes a phase transition in the fluid. The controller determines the level of acoustic energy emitted into the fluid, and also determines the pressure associated with a phase transition using the level of emitted acoustic energy.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a gas/oil well is provided with a monitoring unit, a relay unit and a host interface. A monitoring unit collects data regarding the status of the gas/oil well and wirelessly transmits that data to a relay unit. The relay unit, in turn, connects to a host interface using cellular communications and transmits the data. The monitoring unit can transmit information on demand or after an alarm condition is sensed. In either case, the monitoring unit is normally in a sleep mode. The relay unit can request information from the monitoring unit or respond to a wake up transmission sent to it from either the host interface or monitoring unit. The host interface receives data from the relay unit and then informs an end user of that data.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. The mixture produced from the formation may have a relatively high hydrogen partial pressure, and a large portion of the pressure within the formation may be attributable to hydrogen partial pressure.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A reducing environment may be maintained within a portion of the formation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to a relatively impermeable formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Vaporized hydrocarbons and pyrolysis fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a method for remotely controlling and/or monitoring at least one parameter of well bore equipment. In one aspect, the invention includes a method comprising the steps collecting data corresponding to the parameter with a sensor module; transmitting the collected data to an on-site universal data acquisition and control system; transmitting the data from the universal data acquisition and control system to a remote control/monitoring unit via a communication link; and transmitting control data from the control/monitoring unit back to at least the universal data acquisition and control system for modifying the operation of the well operation equipment.

Abstract: An automated method and system for determining the state of a drilling or other suitable well operations includes storing a plurality of states for the well operation. Mechanical and hydraulic data is received for the well operation. Based on the mechanical and hydraulic data, one of the states is automatically selected as the state of the well operation. Process evaluation may be performed based on the state of the well operation.

Abstract: In a production system for producing oil or gas from a well, the production system including a plunger in well tubing, and a motor valve in a sales line connected to a plunger lubricator which connects to the well tubing, a differential pressure controller system includes: a) a plunger arrival sensor; b) a plunger cycle controller receptive to signals from the plunger arrival sensor and receptive to signals from pressure transducers, for controlling the cycle of the plunger; c) a differential pressure controller; d) a first pressure transducer conductively coupled to the differential pressure controller, for measuring pressure in the well tubing, e) a second pressure transducer conductively coupled to the differential pressure controller for measuring pressure in the sales line; and f) a solenoid valve conductively coupled to the differential pressure controller and connected to the motor valve.

Abstract: A coal formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling hydrocarbon production wells and/or injection wells from a remote location. The apparatus for monitoring and controlling one or more hydrocarbon production wells or injection wells from a remote location comprises one or more surface control and data acquisition systems; one or more sensors disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; one or more downhole flow control devices disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; and one or more remote controllers disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems. Preferably, the remote controller comprises a computer having an internet access disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems through a communication device comprising an internet web site server.

Abstract: A closed-loop system is used to perform a variety of well services. The well services include well completion services, production and maintenance services, and enhanced recovery services. A closed-loop system to complete an oil and gas well is an automated system under computer control that executes a sequence of programmed steps, but those steps depend in part upon information obtained from at least one downhole sensor that is communicated to the surface to optimize and/or change the steps executed by the computer to complete the well. A tractor conveyor with a Retrieval Sub is a tractor deployer that may be used to deploy completion devices and other devices within the wellbore to perform well services. The tractor deployer may be operated from a wireline, or from an umbilical. The umbilical may be made from composite materials and it may be a neutrally buoyant in any well fluids present. The umbilical provides power and data communications downhole.

Abstract: System and methods for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic pulses through a geological formation. A preferably programmable transmitter having an all-digital portion in a preferred embodiment may be operated at frequencies below 1 MHz without loss of target resolution by transmitting and over sampling received long PN codes. A gated and stored portion of the received signal may be correlated with the PN code to determine distances of interfaces within the geological formation, such as the distance of a water interfaces from a wellbore. The received signal is oversampled preferably at rates such as five to fifty times as high as a carrier frequency. In one method of the invention, an oil well with multiple production zones may be kept in production by detecting an approaching water front in one of the production zones and shutting down that particular production zone thereby permitting the remaining production zones to continue operating.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and products for monitoring/controlling a reciprocating well producing hydrocarbons from a wellbore, which determine the surface card from a well operating characteristics, determine the downhole card, and display both at the same scale for position.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the production of a petroleum well is provided. The petroleum well includes a borehole, a piping structure positioned within the borehole, and a tubing string positioned within the borehole for conveying a production fluid. Production of the well is optimized by determining a flow rate of the production fluid within the tubing string and determining a lift-gas injection rate for the gas being injected into the tubing string. The flow rate and injection rate data is communicated along the piping structure of the well to a selected location, where the data is collected and analyzed. After analysis of the data, an optimum operating point for the well can be determined.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for predicting the formation pressure ahead of a bit in a well, which includes using measurements taken in shales and permeable formations at or near the bit together with centriod calculations to improve models predicting what the pressures ahead of the bit will be.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the pressure in a wellbore characterized by a drilling system utilizing real-time bottom hole pressure measurements and a control system adapted to control parameters such as well shut-in, drilling fluid weight, pumping rate, and choke actuation. In the preferred embodiments, the control system receives input from the bottom hole pressure sensor as well as pressure sensors, mud volume sensors, and flowmeters located at the surface. The control system then adjusts one or more of drilling fluid density, pumping rate, or choke actuation to detect, shut-in, and circulate out wellbore influxes. The preferred system operates automatically without any manual intervention in well control processes.

Abstract: A natural gas production system prevents liquid accumulation in the wellbore and minimizes friction loading in the wellbore by maintaining production gas velocity above a critical minimum velocity. A pressurized gas is injected into the well to supplement the flow of production gas such that the velocity of the total gas flow up the well exceeds the critical velocity. A choke is fitted to the gas injection line, and total gas flows are measured by a flow meter. A flow controller compares the measured total gas flow rate against the critical flow rate, and determines a minimum gas injection rate required to maintain the total gas flow rate at or above the critical flow rate. The flow controller then adjusts the choke to achieve the desired gas injection rate. The injection gas may be recirculated production gas from the well, or a gas from a separate source.

Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.

Abstract: A technique for controlling fluid production in a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The technique utilizes a flow pipe the interior of which is in hydraulic communication with the earth's surface. A plurality of flow control valves are disposed at spaced apart positions along the length of the flow pipe. The flow control valves are used to regulate flow along intervals of the flow pipe.

Abstract: A system for use in controlling a hydrocarbon production well has a: computer at a control location remote from a well tree of the well. A processor at the well tree applies control signals to and receives signals from devices of the well tree. The processor also receives further signals associated with the operation of the well. A bi-directional communication link extends between the remote computer and the well tree processor. The well tree further has a communications router coupled with the processor and receiver, for multiplexing the signals from devices at the well head and the further signals on to the bi-directional link.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and systems for automating or metering fluid recovered at a well. According to one example, a system is described for automating the fluid recovery of oil wells using a pump jack or oil extractor. A communications device is installed with each system to allow remote bi-directional communications to monitor, control, and diagnose problems with the device or system.

Abstract: A well screen assembly (70) with a controllable variable flow area. The well screen assembly (70) comprises an outer tubular section (80), the outer tubular section (80) containing a first plurality of openings (90) disposed in a pattern (100) throughout a length “L” of the outer tubular section (80); an inner tubular section (110) that is disposed within the outer tubular section (80), the inner tubular section (110) containing a second plurality of openings (120) disposed in the same pattern (100) throughout a length L of the inner tubular section (110), and when the first plurality of openings (90) and second plurality of openings (120) align, the openings form a plurality of passageways (130) through the outer tubular section (80) and inner tubular section (110). The well screen assembly (70) may therefore, vary the flow of production fluid through it and upwards through the interior of a production tubing (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to jet device used for extracting oil from wells. The inventive method consists in the following: a pump, a connecting and disconnecting unit, a valve unit, a packer and a shank are mounted on a tubing string before actuating the inventive device. A perforator is run into the well on a mounting seat in the pass channel of the pump, the packer being released. Differential pressure being produced, the perforator is blasted against the productive stratum which is then drained. The perforator being replaced by the transmitter and receiver-transducer of physical fields, the stratum is studied while the pump operates. Said transmitter and receiver-transducer being pulled from the well, a valve chamber and a blocking insert separating the cavity of the tubing string from environment are thrown into the well. The well starts to work in a natural flow regime.

Abstract: A controllable gas-lift well having controllable gas-lift valves and sensors for detecting flow regime is provided. The well uses production tubing and casing to communicate with and power the controllable valve from the surface. A signal impedance apparatus in the form of induction chokes at the surface and downhole electrically isolate the tubing from the casing. A high band-width, adaptable spread spectrum communication system is used to communicate between the controllable valve and the surface. Sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensors, may be provided downhole to more accurately assess downhole conditions and in particular, the flow regime of the fluid within the tubing. Operating conditions, such as gas injection rate, back pressure on the tubing, and position of downhole controllable valves are varied depending on flow regime, downhole conditions, oil production, gas usage and availability, to optimize production.

Abstract: The disclosed invention comprises an apparatus and method for producing hydrocarbons from an oil well where no production lines are in place, or where the backpressure of existing production lines is higher than the surface pressure of the oil well, preventing flow of the hydrocarbons into the production lines. The apparatus comprises a production assembly which may be mounted on either a flatbed trailer or on a liftable skid unit. The production assembly comprises a two-phase separator for separating liquid and gas phases. The production assembly further comprises a flexible flowline which is wrapped around a spooling drum. A first end of the flexible flowline receives the fluids from the two-phase separator. The second end of the flexible flowline is attached to a production facility or production line. The production assembly may further comprise pumping and compression means, liquid measurement means and gas measurement means.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the production rate of fluid from a subterranean zone includes monitoring a production stream from the subsurface zone for an amount of particulate matter. The rate of the production stream from the subterranean zone is automatically controlled based on the amount of particulate matter in the production stream.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus continuously optimizes reservoir, well and surface network systems by using monitoring data and downhole control devices to continuously change the position of a downhole intelligent control valve (ICV) (12) until a set of characteristics associated with the “actual” monitored data is approximately equal to, or is not significantly different than, a set of characteristics associated with “target” data that is provided by a reservoir simulator (32). A control pulse (18) having a predetermined signature is transmitted downhole thereby changing a position of the ICV. In response, a sensor (14) generates signals representing, “actual” monitoring data. A simulator (32) which models a reservoir layer provides “target” data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of determining the extent of recovery of materials injected into oil wells or subsurface formations. The method includes injection of one or more tracers into an oil well or into a formation. Included in the method are the steps of introducing a material of interest into the oil well or into the subsurface formation associated with the bore of the oil well; introducing a tracer into the oil well or into the subsurface formation associated with the bore of the oil well; recovering from the oil well a production fluid, analyzing the production fluid for a concentration of the chemical tracer present in the production fluid; and calculating the amount of material of interest recovered from the oil well using the concentration of the chemical tracer present in the production fluid as a basis for the calculation.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon containing formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. A portion of a formation may be heated from a plurality of heat sources to a temperature sufficient to allow generation of a first synthesis gas having a low H2 to CO ratio. A second portion of a formation may generate synthesis gas having a H2 to CO ratio greater than the first synthesis gas. A portion of the first synthesis gas may be blended with a portion of the second synthesis gas to produce a blend synthesis gas having a desired H2 to CO ratio.

Abstract: A multi-valve well testing system adapted to be disposed downhole in a borehole, includes a plurality of valves and a plurality of well tool control systems connected, respectively, to the plurality of valves and further includes an automatic control mode feature. The well testing system includes a controller board which comprises a microprocessor and a read only memory (ROM). The ROM has encoded therein a set of microcode which, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the various plurality of valves in the well testing system to be opened and closed automatically, without intervention from the operator at the well surface. A kickoff stimulus is required in order to begin execution of the microcode by the microprocessor. This kickoff stimulus could include a sensing, by a pressure transducer, of a predetermined bottom hole pressure, or a sensing, by a strain gauge, of a predetermined set down weight of the well testing system.