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.

Abstract: Methods of creating a stable slurry of coated particulates wherein the slurry is capable of being stored for at least 2 hours before use comprising the steps of: providing resin coated particulates wherein the resin comprises a resin that does not completely cure unless it is at least one of exposed to a temperature above about 175° F. or exposed to an external catalyst; and, substantially suspending the resin coated particulates in a servicing fluid to create a stable resin coated particulate slurry. Methods of creating a stable slurry of coated particulates wherein the slurry is capable of being stored for at least 2 hours before use comprising the steps of: providing tackifier coated particulates; and, substantially suspending the tackifier coated particulates in a servicing fluid to create a tackifier coated particulate slurry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to particulate composites comprising at least one resin and at least one nanoparticle material. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation comprising providing a nanocomposite particulate comprising at least one resin and at least one nanoparticle material; substantially slurrying the nanocomposite particulate into a servicing fluid to create a slurry; and, placing the slurry a well bore penetrating the portion of the subterranean formation. Other embodiments of the present invention provide nanocomposite particulates suitable for use in a subterranean application comprising at least one resin and at least one nanoparticle material wherein the nanocomposite particulate comprises from about 0.1% to about 30% nanoparticle material by weight of the nanocomposite particulate.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for completing wells in unconsolidated subterranean zones. More specifically, the present invention relates to cement compositions useful in subterranean applications, and more particularly, to permeable cement compositions and methods for forming consolidated permeable cement masses in well bores to prevent sand influx into the well bores with produced fluids. In one embodiment, the permeable cement compositions of the present invention comprise a hydraulic cement, water, and a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for plugging of natural or artificially-created fractures in subterranean formations to reduce the flow of fluids. The compositions are mixtures of primarily inert particles of different sizes that leave a minimal flow path for fluids when the particles are packed in the fracture. If the fracture can close on the particles, the particles need not fill the width of the fracture before closure to cause plugging.

Abstract: For conformance treatment to plug an opening in subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, a conformance additive including water soluble crosslinkable polymer, a crosslinking agent, a filter aid that is preferably diatomaceous earth, and optionally a reinforcing material. The method of forming a conformance fluid includes contacting the additive with water or an aqueous solution, with a method of conforming the formation further including the step of injecting the fluid into the formation to plug the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing the permeability of a subterranean formation by forming a resinous mass having conductive channels through which fluids can be produced in the formation. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of creating a permeable resinous mass comprising the steps of selecting an interval along a well bore; providing a resin slurry comprising an acid curable resin, filler, and degradable material; placing the resin slurry into the selected interval; and, activating the acid curable resin using an activator wherein the activation causes the acid curable resin to substantially cure, the degradable material to substantially degrade, and forms the permeable resinous mass.

Abstract: A solids-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion and a method for preparing the solids-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion. The oil-in-water emulsion is formed by combining oil, water, solid particles and a pH enhancing agent and mixing until the solid-stabilized oil-in-water emulsion is formed. The low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion can be used to enhance production of oil from subterranean reservoirs. The low viscosity oil-in-water emulsion can also be used to enhance the transportation of oil through a pipeline.

Abstract: It has been discovered that sticking caused by proppants used in a frac pack or gravel pack operation during hydrocarbon recovery efforts can be mitigated by placing a proppant anti-sticking fluid in a downhole space, such as an annulus adjacent a tool system or service tool. An operation is conducted that involves passing a carrier fluid including a proppant through the tool system. The carrier fluid is gelled and optionally crosslinked. The proppant anti-sticking fluid is flushed through the tool system to break the gel, contact the proppant and substantially clear the proppant from the tool system. Finally, the tool system is removed from downhole. The proppant anti-sticking fluid includes a diluent, such as an aqueous fluid, a brine, or a non-aqueous fluid, and an effective amount of a gel-breaking component to break the gel, and may, but does not necessarily include a surface tension-reducing compound, such as a surfactant.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) and method for treating formations traversed by a wellbore (34) in a single trip are disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (56) with a plurality of openings (58) that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (62) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (56) to filter particulate matter out of the production fluids. One-way valves (70) are operably associated within the openings (58) of the base pipe (56) to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the base pipe (56) to the exterior of the base pipe (56) during a treatment process. The one-way valves (70), however, are actuatable to allow fluid flow from the exterior of the base pipe (56) to the interior of the base pipe (56) to allow production of fluids from the formation (14).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preventing fracture proppant particle flowback from subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods basically comprise the following steps. One or more fractures are formed in a subterranean zone and proppant particles coated with a curable liquid composition for consolidating the proppant particles into resilient permeable masses are deposited in the fractures. The curable liquid composition is a mixture of a tackifying compound liquid and a curable resin. After the coated proppant particles have been deposited, the curable liquid composition is allowed to cure.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cement slurry with high permeability and good compressive strength, comprising a solid fraction constituted by: 35% to 80% (by volume) of particles with a mean size in the range 100 microns (?) to 800?; 0% to 15% (by volume) of particles with a mean particle diameter in the range 0.1 microns to 10 microns; and 10% to 40% (by volume) of particles with a mean particle diameter in the range 20? to 50?; a fraction of said-solid particles being constituted by a cement, and preferably a further fraction by self-destructive particles; a liquid fraction in a water/solid ratio in the range 38% to 50% by volume; and a percentage of cells, provided by a gas or a liquid which is not miscible with water, in the range 30% to 60% of the final volume of the slurry.

Abstract: Improved methods of preventing the flow-back of particulates deposited in subterranean formations with produced formation fluids are provided. The methods include extruding or injecting a solution or mixture of a particulate solid polymer through a plurality of small diameter ports into an aqueous carrier fluid containing suspended particulate material whereby polymer fibers and strands are formed in the carrier fluid. The polymer fibers and strands mix with the particulate material suspended in the carrier fluid as the carrier fluid is pumped into the subterranean formation. The mixture of the particulate material and the polymer fibers and strands is deposited in the subterranean formation so that the mixture forms at least one permeable pack that prevents the production of formation fines with fluids produced from the formation and prevents the flow-back of the deposited particulate solids, fibers or strands.

Abstract: Methods of forming through-tubing vent-screen tool completions in a well bore containing a producing zone are provided. The methods basically comprise placing the through-tubing vent-screen tool in the well bore adjacent to the producing zone, coating gravel to be placed in the well bore with a hardenable resin composition, combining the hardenable resin composition coated gravel with an aqueous carrier liquid, pumping the aqueous carrier liquid containing the coated gravel into the well bore between the producing zone and the tool to place hardenable resin composition gravel therein and allowing the hardenable resin composition to harden.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods for completing wells in unconsolidated subterranean zones. More specifically, the present invention relates to cement compositions useful in subterranean applications, and more particularly, to permeable cement compositions and methods for forming consolidated permeable cement masses in well bores to prevent sand influx into the well bores with produced fluids. In one embodiment, the permeable cement compositions of the present invention comprise a hydraulic cement, water, and a degradable material capable of undergoing an irreversible degradation downhole.

Abstract: A method for reducing or completely eliminating water influx in an oil or natural gas borehole includes introducing in the borehole an aqueous solution of a copolymer comprising: A) 40-98 wt. % of structural units of formula (I), wherein: R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2 represents C2-C10 alkylene; and Me+ represents an ammonium metal ion and an alkali metal ion; B) 0.1 to 58 wt. % of structural units of formula (II); C) 0.1 to 10 wt. % of structural units of formula (III), wherein: R3 and R4 independently of each other represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, or R3 and R4 represent together a propylene group, which, with inclusion of a radical (A), form a pyrrolidon radical or, with inclusion of a pentamethylene group, forms a caprolactam radical; D) 0.10 to 10 wt % of structural units of formula (IV). The method also includes introducing in the ground or deposit, simultaneously with the copolymer or subsequently, an agent for crosslinking the copolymer.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing unconsolidated subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted pipe having openings formed therein which vary in size or in the number of openings along the length of the slotted pipe or both in the subterranean zone, isolating the annulus between the slotted pipe and the well bore and injecting particulate material into the annulus whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed therein.

Abstract: Improved methods of treating subterranean formations using solid particles and other larger solid materials are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of introducing a carrier fluid containing suspended solid particles which have been coated with a non-hardening tackifying agent into a subterranean formation, mixing a solid material of larger size with the tackifying compound coated solid particles whereby the solid particles stick to the larger solid material and the solid particles and larger solid material are uniformly suspended in the carrier fluid and depositing the larger solid material and the tackifying compound coated smaller solid particles in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention may be a well completion including a production tubing, an upper packer connected to a lower end of the production tubing, an intelligent device disposed below the upper packer, a continuous control cable running from the intelligent device to a connection point, and a sand screen disposed below the packer. The completion may be installed in a well in a single trip, instead of multiple. Sand-control operations may be performed by a service tool that is deployed through the production tubing. The completion may include the ability to washdown the well as the completion is being run into place. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (90) that is positionable within a wellbore comprises a base pipe (92) having a blank pipe section (94) and a perforated section (96) having at least one opening (98) that allows fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (100) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (92) that selectively allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate of a predetermined size from flowing therethrough. An internal seal element (104) is positioned at least partially within the perforated section (96) of the base pipe (92). The internal seal element (104) controls the flow of fluid through the opening (98) of the base pipe (92) such that fluid flow is prevented from the interior to the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (90) but is allowed from the exterior to the interior of the sand control screen assembly (90).

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (80) that is positionable within a wellbore comprises a base pipe (82) having at least one opening (84) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (86) positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (82) that selectively allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow of a predetermined size therethrough. An internal isolation member (88) that has at least one opening (90) is positioned within the base pipe (82). A one-way valve (92) is operably associated with the opening (90) of the internal isolation member (88). The one-way valve (92) controls the flow of fluid through the opening (90) of the internal isolation member (88) such that fluid flow is prevented from the interior to the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (80) but is allowed from the exterior to the interior of the sand control screen assembly (80).

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved permeable cement composition for formation of downhole sand screens. The improved composition includes an effective amount of a surfactant. Addition of the surfactant to the permeable cement composition yields at least a pumpable slurry with a minimal amount of water or brine solution.

Abstract: Improved methods of treating subterranean formations using solid particles and other larger solid materials are provided. The methods are basically comprised of the steps of introducing a carrier fluid containing suspended solid particles which have been coated with a non-hardening tackifying agent into a subterranean formation, mixing a solid material of larger size with the tackifying compound coated solid particles whereby the solid particles stick to the larger solid material and the solid particles and larger solid material are uniformly suspended in the carrier fluid and depositing the larger solid material and the tackifying compound coated smaller solid particles in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) and method for treating multiple formations traversed by a wellbore (34) in a single trip are disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (56) with multiple openings (58) that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (62) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (56) to filter particulate matter out of the production fluids. One-way valves (70) are positioned within the openings (58) of the base pipe (56) to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the base pipe (56) to the exterior of the base pipe (56) during and following a treatment process. The one-way valves (70), however, are actuatable to allow fluid flow from the exterior of the base pipe (56) to the interior of the base pipe (56) to allow production of fluids from the formation (14).

Abstract: A method and materials for stabilizing a wellbore against excess fluid pressure is described. It comprises forming or placing a flexible and essentially impermeable lining on or in the wellbore wall. The flexibility of the lining ensures that it remains in compression as the pressure in the wellbore is increased above the fluid pressure in the surrounding rock and it therefore does not need high tensile strength. The lining may be a preformed elastomer sleeve or formed in situ by the use of a reactive drilling fluid. Appropriate reactive formulations are described for the situation where the rock contains significant quantities of clay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for well completion, control and monitoring of processes in a reservoir. A combined prefabricated liner and matrix system (4) with defined properties for fast and simple well and/or reservoir completion, monitoring and control is provided. An embodiment of the combined prefabricated liner and matrix system 4 includes an outer perforated tubular pipe system 6, an inner tubular screen 7, and a matrix 8. A method for control and monitoring of processes in a well or reservoir using the combined liner and matrix system is also described. The combined liner/matrix system may be used in any process equipment, such as reactors, separators and storage tanks. The system may also be used in a gas/oil/water producing or injection well for well completion, control and monitoring.

Abstract: Methods of forming a permeable cement composition in a well bore adjacent to a fluid producing zone therein and cement compositions for forming permeable cement sand screens in well bores are provided. A cement composition of the invention is comprised of a hydraulic cement, a particulate cross-linked aqueous gel having a size in the range of from about 100 microns to about 3000 microns containing an internal temperature activated breaker, a particulate dehydrated cross-linked aqueous gel having a size in the range,of from about 40 microns to about 500 microns containing an internal temperature activated breaker and water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a cement slurry with high permeability and good compressive strength, comprising a solid fraction constituted by: 35% to 80% (by volume) of particles with a mean size in the range 100 microns (&mgr;) to 800 &mgr;; 0% to 15% (by volume) of particles with a mean particle diameter in the range 0.1 microns to 10 microns; and 10% to 40% (by volume) of particles with a mean particle diameter in the range 20 &mgr; to 50 &mgr;; a fraction of said-solid particles being constituted by a cement, and preferably a further fraction by self-destructive particles; a liquid fraction in a water/solid ratio in the range 38% to 50% by volume; and a percentage of cells, provided by a gas or a liquid which is not miscible with water, in the range 30% to 60% of the final volume of the slurry.

Abstract: An improved method of completing unconsolidated subterranean formations is provided whereby the necessity of expensive high density brine completion fluids is eliminated. Also, the drilling rig time is eliminated or reduced. In one embodiment, the method involves placing a bridge plug below the zone, and displacing drilling mud with a lighter weight completion fluid such as potassium chloride fluid whereby the lighter weight completion fluid does not in itself create a sufficient bottom hole hydrostatic well pressure to control the well. Except for monobore/tubingless completions, a production packer and production tubing string may be placed in the well, if not already in place from a prior completion. The wellhead tree is placed on the well, two subsurface safety valves may be installed in the tubing, and the rig may be released from the wellsite. Sufficient pressure may be applied at the surface to thereby increase the bottom hole hydrostatic pressure to amount sufficient to control the well.

Abstract: A well screen and method for gravel packing a wellbore interval wherein a low-viscosity slurry can be used to distribute the gravel. A well screen having a plurality of spaced intermediate manifolds is lowered into the interval and slurry is pumped down the well and into the first manifold. Each intermediate manifold has an upper and a lower perforated shunt tube in fluid communication therewith which, in turn, distribute slurry in both an upward and downward direction substantially simultaneously. The slurry exits the respective tubes into spaced zones within the completion interval. By overlapping the exit openings of respective lower and upper shunt tubes of adjacent manifolds, slurry will be delivered to across the entire completion interval.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a parent wellbore enables formation of a sealed wellbore junction. In a described embodiment, a gravel packing assembly is positioned in a well, so that an upper packer is in the parent wellbore and a well screen and slurry discharge device are positioned in the branch wellbore. After depositing gravel in the branch wellbore, cement is flowed into the branch wellbore above the gravel.

Abstract: A method for consolidating sand around a well, involving injecting hot water or steam through well casing perforations in to create a cement-like area around the perforation of sufficient rigidity to prevent sand from flowing into and obstructing the well. The cement area has several wormholes that provide fluid passageways between the well and the formation, while still inhibiting sand inflow.

Abstract: In general, a method is provided for completing a subterranean wellbore, and an apparatus for using the method. The method comprises positioning an expandable sand-control device in the wellbore thereby forming an annulus between the sand-control device and the wellbore; depositing a filter media in the annulus; and after the depositing step, radially expanding the sand-control device to decrease the volume of the annulus. The sand control device can be a sand screen or slotted or perforated liner having radially extending passageways in the walls thereof, the passageways designed to substantially prevent movement of the particulate material through the passageways and into the sand-control device. Where a slotted liner is desired, the passageways can be plugged during positioning and later unplugged for production. The filter media is typically a particulate material and can be deposited as a slurry comprising liquid material and particulate material, or as a cement slurry.

Abstract: A method for completing a well in a single trip, including: inserting a completion tool assembly into the well, the completion tool assembly having a gravel packing assembly and a service tool assembly slidably positioned substantially within an interior cavity in the gravel packing assembly; removably coupling the service tool assembly and the gravel packing assembly; plugging at a first location, whereby fluid is blocked from flowing through the interior channel; diverting fluid blocked by the plugging at the first location through a first fluid flow path to an exterior of the completion tool assembly; circulating a gravel pack slurry through the completion tool assembly; plugging at a second location, whereby fluid is blocked from flowing through the interior channel; diverting fluid blocked by the plugging at the second location through a second flow path that reenters the interior channel at a location distal of the first and second plugging locations; and circulating a filter cake stimulating fluid thro

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention apparatus and methods are provided for completing a wellbore using expandable sand screen. An apparatus including a section of expandable sand screen, and an expanding member is disposed in the wellbore on a tubular run-in string. Thereafter, the expandable sand screen is expanded in a producing area of the wellbore.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) in the wellbore adjacent the zone to be completed, positioning an alternate flowpath comprised of a plurality of blank (non-perforated) tube segments which are open at both ends in the annulus between the sand screen and the wellbore, isolating the annulus between the screen and the wellbore in the zone, and injecting particulate material into the annulus between the sand screen and the wellbore and into the zone, whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed into the annulus between the sand screen and the zone. The multiple flow paths are provided via a series of blank tubes (without intermediate openings) with each tube extending only a portion of the length of the zone to be completed.

Abstract: A ported sub treatment system in which well treatment materials are pumped into an uncased portion of a well through a pipe having a number of holes at specific locations along its length such that these materials are able to be distributed as desired by the operator, through these holes, along the length of the well. The treatment system is also able to provide sufficient pressure such that treatment materials are able to penetrate or fracture the rock surrounding the well, if necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus and operating method allows the completion of multiple production zones in a single wellbore with a single downhole trip. The work string descends with a coaxially combined completion string and service string. The completion string is set into a previously set basement packer. The completion string includes a series of production screens, transverse flow orifices, isolation packers and collet indicating couplings, all prepositioned along the completion string length relative to the basement packer set location. The production sleeves and transverse flow orifices are selectively closed by axially sliding sleeves. The service string includes a crossover flow tool, a SMART collet tool, sleeve shifting tools and sleeve closing tools. With all orifice and screen closure sleeves closed, the procedure proceeds from the lowermost production zone to open the closure sleeves respective to the flow orifice and screens dedicated to a respective production zone.

Abstract: Silyl-modified polyamides, and subterranean formation treatments employing silyl-modified polyamides to minimize migration or movement of naturally occurring or introducable solid particulates within a subterranean formation and/or within a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for forming permeable cement sand screens in well bores are provided. The compositions are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, a particulate cross-linked gel containing an internal breaker which after time causes the gel to break into a liquid and water present in an amount sufficient to form a slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions and methods of using the compositions for sealing subterranean zones. One composition of the invention is comprised of water, an aqueous rubber latex, an organophilic clay, sodium carbonate, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent for said epoxy resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved compositions and methods of using the compositions for sealing subterranean zones. One composition of the invention is comprised of water, an aqueous rubber latex, an organophilic clay, sodium carbonate, an epoxy resin and a hardening agent for said epoxy resin.

Abstract: A method for sealing a well casing, including any perforations that are intentionally provided through the well casing or which may have occurred through the deterioration of the casing, includes the steps of disposing a seal injection assembly that is adapted for ejecting a grout therefrom at a depth that is proximate the perforations in the casing and of ejecting a quantity of a poly-urethane grout through the perforations sufficient to seal the space intermediate the exterior of the casing and the surrounding materials and to also seal the perforations in the casing. If perforations occur at different depths in the casing the process is repeated at the different depths. The perforations are created, if need be, by the use of a well casing perforator that is positioned where a vertical fluid flow is occurring outside the casing. The step of determining where the fluid flow is occurring is accomplished prior to the step of using the well casing perforator.

Abstract: A gravel pack is formed using a mixture of a solid deformable material and conventional gravel pack gravel. In the event of reservoir compaction, such a gravel pack will reduce the transmission of forces from the subterranean formation to the wellbore completion hardware, thereby significantly extending the life of a well. Deformable materials selected for mixing with conventional gravel may be elastically flexible, plastically deformable, or crushable solid materials or particles.