Abstract: A system for preventing the migration of unconsolidated and/or loosely consolidated material into a wellbore. Such prevention is accomplished by introducing a well treatment medium comprising an expandable fluid and a bonding agent into an unconsolidated zone proximate the wellbore. The expandable fluid is allowed to expand and flow through the unconsolidated zone while the bonding agent cures, thereby forming a consolidated zone having sufficient porosity to allow fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: Flow control systems and methods for use in injection wells and in the production of hydrocarbons utilize a particulate material disposed in an external flow area of a flow control chamber having an internal flow channel and an external flow area separated at least by a permeable region. The particulate material transitions from a first accumulated condition to a free or released condition when a triggering condition is satisfied without requiring user or operator intervention. The released particles accumulate without user or operator intervention, to control the flow of production fluids through a flow control chamber by at least substantially blocking the permeable region between the external flow area and the internal flow channel.

Abstract: Production of liquids into a production string is regulated at inlets to the production string. An annular space is defined between a base pipe and a surrounding screen. The base pipe has inlets near one end of the screen and an overlaying shroud that spans over the screen and the inlet to the base pipe so as to define a restricted annular path to the base pipe opening and within the screen. A porous material is placed in the annular space and extends over the base pipe opening. If gas with liquid is produced, the gas having a lower density and viscosity preferentially gets through the porous media while the denser and more viscous water or other liquid is kept out due to greater resistance to flow offered by the porous media.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus for location in a bore which intersects a fluid-producing formation comprises a bore wall-supporting member configurable to provide and maintain a bore wall supporting force for a fluid-producing formation of at least 2 MPa, whereby fluid may flow from the formation into the bore. The bore wall supporting force may be utilised to modify or maintain the permeability of the rock adjacent the bore wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved low-quality particulates and methods of making such improved particulates. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a slurry comprising a treatment fluid and low-quality particulates at least partially coated with an aqueous tackifying composition, wherein the aqueous tackifying composition comprises an aqueous tackifier compound and an aqueous liquid; introducing the slurry into a subterranean formation; and, depositing the coated, low-quality particulates into the portion of this subterranean formation. A method of improving particulates, comprising at least partially coating low-quality particulates with an aqueous tackifying composition, wherein the aqueous tackifying composition comprises an aqueous tackifier compound and an aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A method includes providing a treatment fluid that is a viscous fluid. The viscous fluid may be greater than 0.01 Pa-s, greater than 0.1 Pa-s, and/or a cross-linked polymer based fluid. The method further includes determining a fines migration composition soluble in an aqueous phase of the treatment fluid that is compatible with the treatment fluid, and that interacts to secure fines in an earth formation intersecting a wellbore within a fines reaction time. The method further includes adding an amount of the fines migration composition to the treatment fluid, and treating the earth formation with the treatment fluid. The method includes leaking off a portion of the treatment fluid into the earth formation, and providing a residence time of the leaked off portion of the treatment fluid in the earth formation, where the residence time meets or exceeds the fines reaction time.

Abstract: Sand in unconsolidated subterranean formations causes problems in oil recovery, which can be overcome by a method of consolidating sand in a subterranean formation, which method comprises: (i) contacting said sand in a first location in the presence of water with a slurry in a liquid medium of cement of average particle size less than 10 microns to produce in said medium a mixture comprising sand, water and some of the cement, and a remainder comprising the rest of the cement, (ii) preferably separating from said location said remainder from said mixture, (iii) which mixture is allowed to set to give permeable consolidated sand.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a silicone-tackifier matrix composition that comprises at least one silicone polymer component, at least one tackifying agent, and at least one curing agent and/or at least one cross linking agent.

Abstract: A fracturing fluid, gravel pack fluid and/or frac pack fluid containing particles such as proppants, gravel and/or sand, may contain an effective amount of a nano-sized particulate additive to fixate or reduce fines migration, where the particulate additive is an alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides piezoelectric crystals and pyroelectric crystals. The nano-sized particulate additive is bound to the particles with a coating agent such as an oil. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help fixate the formation fines. The carrier fluid used in the treating fluid may be aqueous, brine, alcoholic or hydrocarbon-based.

Abstract: A permeable cement composition including an aqueous slurry of a hydraulic cement which is based upon a water-immiscible dispersed fluid phase and a hollow particulate material. The hollow particulate material breaks down in the presence of the cement so as to leave voids which together with the dispersed phase create a permeable structure in the cement.

Abstract: An expandable tubular to be used within geologic structures and a method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The expandable tubular has a substantially tubular shaped member with an axis extending therethrough. The tubular member has one or more helical members formed within a wall of the tubular member, and the helical member may be defined about the axis of the tubular shaped member. Further, a plurality of elongated perforations are formed within the wall of tubular member, and the tubular member is compressible from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter. When compressed, the tubular member stores expansive energy within the wall, in which the tubular member may then expand back to a larger diameter when the expansive energy is released.

Abstract: The invention is directed to controlling sand production in an oil and/or gas well. A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to repairing a downhole screen by pumping neutrally buoyant resin coated material into a damaged portion of a gravel pack screen and also into any void behind the damaged portion of the screen. The neutrally buoyant resin provides for the repair of a portion of the screen even if the damaged portion is located on the uphole side of a deviated well. Any excess resin coated material may subsequently be removed from the central passageway of the screen and then circulated to the surface because the resin coated material is neutrally buoyant. Neutrally buoyant resin may be pumped into a well that does not have a sand control system. The porous neutrally buoyant resin allows production of hydrocarbons, but prevents production of sand into the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to filtering device which is especially designed for use as a well screen filter. The filtering device comprises a tubular supporting element (12) and two or more tubular segments (14) of a porous filter medium arranged in axial alignment to one another and concentrically and essentially coextensive with the tubular supporting element (12), said tubular supporting element (12) having a tubular wall provided with a plurality of perforations (26, 28, 30) and having a plurality of projections projecting from said tubular wall, said projections supporting the two or more tubular segments in axial alignment with the tubular wall, said tubular segments each having two end portions which are in sealing contact with the tubular supporting element or an end portion of another tubular segment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shrouded tubular device that includes but is not limited to a tubular member, such as a screen joint; a shroud surrounding at least a portion of the tubular, the shroud is at least a two-piece shroud; and a shim in the annulus between the tubular member and the shroud. By way of example only, the shroud may be located directly radially inward from the joint of two of the shroud pieces. Also disclosed herein is a method for making a shrouded tubular device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: (a) introducing a composition through the wellbore into the subterranean formation, wherein the composition comprises: (i) a solvent consisting essentially of an aqueous dissolvable solvent comprising any solvent that is at least 25% by weight soluble in water, wherein the solvent is from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight of the composition; and (ii) a curable resin, wherein the curable resin is from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition; wherein the curable resin and the solvent are mutually selected such that, for the ratio of the curable resin to the solvent, the curable resin is soluble in the solvent; and (b) installing a mechanical sand control device into the wellbore either before or after introducing the composition into the wellbore.

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

Abstract: A method of installing a sand control screen assembly in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation is carried out in a wellbore having a cased section and an uncased section. The wellbore contains synthetic or oil-based drilling fluids containing drilled solids. A first water-based displacement fluid that contains a shale inhibitor is introduced into the wellbore to displace the synthetic or oil-based drilling fluids from the uncased section of the wellbore. A second water-based displacement fluid is introduced into the wellbore to displace fluids within the cased section of the wellbore. The sand control screen assembly is then run to a selected depth within the uncased section of the wellbore to facilitate a gravel packing operation.

Abstract: In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture.

Abstract: A technique provides a multi-stage well treatment system having a plurality of packers and a plurality of flow valves. The multi-stage well treatment system can be moved downhole in a wellbore and actuated to isolate a plurality of sections along the wellbore for treatment. The system and methodology enable treatment, e.g. fracturing, of select sections via the flow valves, while also enabling use of the flow valves to establish a permeable, stabilized pack surrounding each flow valve.

Abstract: Provided are methods of modifying the surface stress-activated reactivity of proppant particulates used in subterranean operations. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a plurality of particulates, at least one of which comprises a mineral surface; providing a surface-treating reagent capable of modifying the stress-activated reactivity of a mineral surface of a particulate; and allowing the surface-treating reagent modify the stress-activated reactivity of at least a portion of the mineral surface of at least one particulate. In other embodiments, the methods comprise the use of particulates comprising a modified mineral surface in fluids introduced into subterranean formations.

Abstract: Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. In addition, the non-spherical particulates exhibit higher conductivity at higher stresses than spherical shaped particulates. Non-spherical particulates which are hollow and non-porous may further be at least partially filled with a chemical treatment agent including water-soluble or oil-soluble chemical treatment agents.

Abstract: Methods are provided including a method comprising: placing a sand control screen in the wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, wherein the sand control screen comprises: a base pipe having at least one opening in a sidewall portion thereof; a swellable material layer disposed exteriorly of the base pipe and having at least one opening corresponding to the at least one opening of the base pipe; a telescoping perforation operably associated with the at least one opening of the base pipe and at least partially disposed within the at least one opening of the swellable material layer; and a filter medium disposed within the telescoping perforation; and introducing a consolidating agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.

Abstract: An in-flow control device controls fluid flow into a wellbore tubular using a permeable medium positioned in a flow space. The permeable medium induces a predetermined pressure differential in the flow space. The permeable medium may include separate elements having interstitial spaces and/or solid porous members. In arrangements, a filtration element may be positioned upstream of the flow space. In arrangements, the flow space may be formed in a plug member associated with the housing. In certain embodiments, a flow restriction element, such as a check valve, in the housing may provide parallel fluid communication with the bore of the wellbore tubular. Additionally, an occlusion body may be positioned in the flow space and configured to disintegrate upon exposure to a preset condition. The occlusion body temporarily seals the flow space so that a bore of the tubular may be pressurized.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular including: an inner tubular wall; an opening through the inner tubular wall; an outer tubular wall positioned about the inner tubular, the outer tubular wall including an opening therethrough; a chamber between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall; and a chemical treatment material in the chamber and positioned between the opening of the inner tubular wall and the opening of the outer tubular wall. The wellbore tubular may be used in downhole fluid treatment process.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to delayed tackifying compositions that comprise an aqueous tackifying agent and a delayed acid-releasing activator that may be used to stabilize particulates and reduce particulate migration within a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A composition and method are given for self-destructive fluid loss additives and filter cakes in wellbores and subterranean formations. The fluid loss additives and filter cakes are formed from a mixture of particulate solid acid-precursors, such as a polylactic acid or a polyglycolic acid, and particulate solid acid-reactive materials, such as magnesium oxide or calcium carbonate. In the presence of water, the solid acid-precursors hydrolyze and dissolve, generating acids that then dissolve the solid acid-reactive materials. The composition is used in oilfield treatments such as drilling, completion and stimulation where it disappears when it is no longer needed without the use of mechanical means or injection of additional fluids.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid comprising a base fluid and a particulate bridging agent comprised of a sparingly water-soluble material selected from the group consisting of melamine(2,4,5-triamino-1,3,5-triazine), lithium carbonate, lithium phosphate (Li3PO4), and magnesium sulfite.

Abstract: A composite proppant having a proppant substrate such as a porous ceramic or silica sand coated with magnetic particles and a method of propping a subterranean formation using a composition consisting essentially of the composite proppant.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.

Abstract: Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems.

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: A system for preventing the migration of unconsolidated and/or loosely consolidated material into a wellbore. Such prevention is accomplished by introducing a well treatment medium comprising an expandable fluid and a bonding agent into an unconsolidated zone proximate the wellbore. The expandable fluid is allowed to expand and flow through the unconsolidated zone while the bonding agent cures, thereby forming a consolidated zone having sufficient porosity to allow fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods of preparing coated particulates and using such coated particulates in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and sand control. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of preparing coated particulates comprising the steps of coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates; and, covering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coated particulates.

Abstract: A permeable mass is constructed downhole in a well by placing thermoplastic particulates downhole and fusing them together by heating or solvating.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing at least partially the structural integrity of a longitudinal portion of a deviated well bore are provided. The methods include providing a gravel matrix composition; providing a longitudinal portion of a deviated well bore; and placing a sufficient amount of the gravel matrix composition in the longitudinal portion to enhance the structural support of the longitudinal portion. Optional additives may include curable resins, tackifiers, and/or the incorporation of a degradable material in the gravel matrix composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to controlling sand production in an oil and/or gas well. A preferred embodiment of the invention is directed to repairing a downhole screen by pumping neutrally buoyant resin coated material into a damaged portion of a gravel pack screen and also into any void behind the damaged portion of the screen. The neutrally buoyant resin provides for the repair of a portion of the screen even if the damaged portion is located on the uphole side of a deviated well. Any excess resin coated material may subsequently be removed from the central passageway of the screen and then circulated to the surface because the resin coated material is neutrally buoyant. Neutrally buoyant resin may be pumped into a well that does not have a sand control system. The porous neutrally buoyant resin allows production of hydrocarbons, but prevents production of sand into the well.

Abstract: Methods of steam flooding for stimulating hydrocarbon production are provided. In general, the methods comprise the steps of: (A) injecting a mutual solvent preflush fluid capable of dissolving oil into the near-wellbore region of at least a portion of a wellbore; (B) injecting an aqueous preflush fluid further comprising a surfactant capable of oil-wetting silica; (C) injecting a treatment fluid into the near-wellbore region, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a curable resin, and wherein: (i) when injected, the curable resin is in an uncured state; and (ii) after being cured, the curable resin is stable up to at least 350° F. (177° C.); and (D) driving steam to break through the near-wellbore region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to carbon foam particulates and their use in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and completion. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation using a servicing fluid comprising providing a slurry comprising a carrier fluid and open-cell carbon foam particulates; and, placing the slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a particulate suitable for use as proppant or gravel in a subterranean application comprising a foamed, cellular structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to subterranean treatment operations. More particularly, this invention provides methods that may be useful in providing void-free barriers between a subterranean formation and a portion of a well bore. A nonlimiting example of a method is a method of degrading a filter cake in a subterranean formation. Another nonlimiting example of a method is a method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing partitioned, coated particulates that comprise particulates, an adhesive substance, and a partitioning agent, and wherein the adhesive substance comprises an aqueous tackifying agent or a silyl modified polyamide; substantially slurrying the partitioned, coated particulates in a treatment fluid to create a particulate slurry; and, placing the particulate slurry into the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising: providing partitioned, coated particulates that comprise particulates, an adhesive substance, and a partitioning agent, and wherein the partitioning agent comprises a subterranean treatment chemical; substantially slurrying the partitioned, coated particulates in a treatment fluid to create a particulate slurry; and, placing the particulate slurry into the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Lightweight composite particulates and their use in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and completion are provided. In one embodiment a method of forming a lightweight particulate suitable for use as proppant or gravel in a subterranean operation comprising the steps of forming a substantially homogeneous mixture of PET and a filler material; forming the homogeneous mixture into particulates suitable for use in a subterranean environment is provided. Other embodiments provide methods of treating, fracturing, and gravel packing a chosen zone in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a design and method of manufacture for a mesh-type screen to be used in subsurface well completions to prevent the production of sand.

Abstract: Among the methods provided are methods of treating a subterranean formation comprising placing a solid treatment chemical and a tacky polymer onto a solid substrate to create a coated solid substrate; placing the coated solid substrate into a portion of a subterranean formation; and, allowing the tacky polymer to degrade and allowing the solid treatment chemical to be released into the portion of the subterranean formation. Also provided are methods of creating a particulate pack comprising a treatment chemical in a subterranean formation comprising placing a solid treatment chemical and a tacky polymer onto a particulate to create a coated particulate; creating a slurry comprising the coated particulates slurried into a treatment fluid; placing the slurry into a portion of a subterranean formation so as to create a particulate pack; and, allowing the tacky polymer to degrade and allowing the solid treatment chemical to be released into the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curable, permeable resin compositions and methods of using such compositions. One embodiment of provides a method of creating a resin mass comprising the steps of combining a resin, a hardening agent, a hydrocarbon diluent, a silane coupling agent, a foaming agent, a compressible gas, and a degradable material to form a resin composition; placing the resin composition in a subterranean formation; and, allowing the resin to substantially cure and the degradable material to substantially degrade so as to form a permeable, hardened resin mass. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a resin composition useful in subterranean applications comprising a resin, a hardening agent, a hydrocarbon diluent, a silane coupling agent, a foaming agent, a compressible gas, and a degradable material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous based tackifier fluids and their use in stabilizing particulates in propped fractures. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of creating a proppant pack in a subterranean formation, comprising introducing an aqueous servicing fluid comprising proppant particulates, wherein at least some of the proppant particulates are at least partially coated with an aqueous tackifier compound, into a subterranean fracture; and, activating the aqueous tackifier compound so as to form a proppant pack. Other embodiments provide methods of stabilizing a proppant pack comprising introducing an aqueous tackifier compound to at least a portion of an existing proppant pack; and, activating the aqueous tackifier compound so as to stabilize the proppant pack. Other embodiments provide servicing fluids comprising proppant particulates and an aqueous fluid wherein at least some of the proppant particulates are at least partially coated with an aqueous tackifier compound.

Abstract: A gravel packing method and apparatus allows setting the packer by dropping a ball to a seat that it isolated from the effects of formation pressures when trying to set the packer. This is accomplished by isolation of the gravel pack outlet port when setting the packer and locating the ball seat in a position where the effects of formation pressure are irrelevant. Additionally, by positioning the evacuation ports above a seal bore in the screen extension during circulation or squeeze to deposit gravel and further putting check valves in the evacuation ports, the evacuation step after circulation or squeeze can be accomplished without having to reposition the crossover. The crossover is supported from the packer and movement of the crossover away and back to the support from the packer operates a valve to allow squeezing when the valve is closed and circulating and reversing out when the valve is open.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (200) positionable within a production interval of a wellbore that traverses a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation comprises a base pipe (202) having openings (204) in a sidewall section thereof that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (210) is positioned about the exterior of at least a portion of the base pipe (202). The filter medium (210) selectively allows fluid flow therethrough but prevents the flow of particulate of a predetermined size therethrough. A seal member (218, 220, 222) is operably associated with the base pipe (202). The seal member (218, 220, 222) has a one-way valve configuration and a valve open configuration such that the seal member (218, 220, 222) controls fluid flow through the openings (204) of the base pipe (202).

Abstract: The present invention provides reduced-density coated particulates and methods for enhancing the transport of such particulates into well bores and fractures, and for enhancing the conductivity and permeability of subterranean formations using such particulates, and for sand control treatments using such particulates. The reduced-density, coated particulates of the present invention generally comprise particulate having a surface and a coating wherein the surface comprises a porous or partially hollow geometry and coating is capable of trapping a fluid between the particulate's surface and the coating.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods of preparing coated particulates and using such coated particulates in subterranean applications such as production enhancement and sand control. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of preparing coated particulates comprising the steps of coating particulates with a resin or a tackifying agent to create pre-coated particulates; and, covering the pre-coated particulates with a partitioning agent to create coated particulates.