Abstract: Disclosed is an alkaline earth metal peroxide concentrate, or fluidized suspension, for addition to aqueous hydraulic fracturing fluids to efficiently decrease the viscosity of the hydrated, hydrophilic polysaccharide polymer in the system. The concentrate comprises a hydrophobic, water insoluble liquid, an organophilic clay suspension agent, a polar activator, a sparingly-soluble alkaline earth metal peroxide, and an anionic surfactant. Advantageously, these concentrations, or suspensions, exhibit high flash points, making them easier to transport using commercial transportation means.

Abstract: There is provided aqueous fluids comprising a mixture of at least two polysaccharides, water, and glass microspheres having pacified surfaces. There is also provided a method for making a fluid the method comprising (a) selecting a plurality of glass microspheres having alkaline surfaces; (b) coating the surfaces of the plurality of glass microspheres with an acid; and (c) combining the coated glass microspheres with (i) a mixture comprising at least two cross-linkable polysaccharides, and (ii) water. The fluids are useful, for example, as a drilling fluid.

Abstract: Nano-sized clay minerals enhance the viscosity of aqueous fluids that have increased viscosity due to the presence of viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). In one non-limiting theory, the nano-sized phyllosilicate mineral viscosity enhancers associate, link, connect, or relate the VES elongated micelles into associations thereby increasing the viscosity of the fluid, possibly by mechanisms involving chemisorption or surface charge attractions. The nano-sized phyllosilicate mineral particles, also called clay mineral nanoparticles, may have irregular surface charges. The higher fluid viscosity is beneficial to crack the formation rock during a fracturing operation, to reduce fluid leakoff, and to carry high loading proppants to maintain the high conductivity of fractures.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: A technique facilitates formation of a gravel pack. Gravel slurry is delivered downhole at least in part along a transport conduit from one screen joint to the next. Downstream of a joint connection between two adjacent screen joints, gravel slurry from the transport conduit flows into a gravel slurry chamber. From the gravel slurry chamber, the gravel slurry flows into at least one packing conduit or into at least one packing conduit and at least one transport conduit. The packing conduits are used to discharge the gravel slurry for formation of a gravel pack in a wellbore annulus surrounding the gravel packing system, and the transport conduits are used to deliver the gravel slurry to downstream screen joints for discharge at a more distant location along the wellbore.

Abstract: A lower completion has a perforated region for the extraction of gas and a humidifying fin including a plurality of nozzles for injecting water droplets into the annulus surrounding the lower completion. Water droplets are mixed with the gas in the annulus surrounding the lower completion to reduce halite deposition by preventing dehydration of water within the wellbore and nearby gas reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifier-scale inhibitor agent, and a breaker, wherein the viscosifier-scale inhibitor agent comprises a polysaccharide gelling agent grafted with a chelating moiety; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the polysaccharide gelling agent increases the viscosity of the treatment fluid and the chelating moiety remains inert; breaking treatment fluid with the breaker so as to reduce the viscosity of the treatment fluid and chemically release the chelating moiety from the polysaccharide gelling agent; and inhibiting scale within the subterranean formation using the chelating moiety.

Abstract: Bromine containing compounds, such as calcium bromide, sodium bromide and the like, are prepared in high purity and more quickly with less waste by using a process with two bromination stages and often a third step wherein the crude product mixture can be adjusted to meet specific product requirements. In the first bromination stage, the majority, but not all, of a substrate is brominated using a reductive bromination reaction, the remaining unreacted substrate is converted to product in the second stage through another a reductive bromination reaction, although the specific reagents may be different, wherein the addition of bromine and a reducing agent are carefully monitored.

Abstract: Suppressing passage of an aqueous fluid in a subterranean formation in preference to passage of an oleaginous fluid can often be desirable. Methods for suppressing the passage of an aqueous fluid in a subterranean formation, particularly a carbonate formation, can comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a relative permeability modifier comprising a reaction product of 1) an acrylamide polymer, any copolymer thereof, any derivative thereof, any salt thereof, or any combination thereof, and 2) a plurality of amine-containing compounds or any salt thereof, each amine-containing compound containing a primary amine, a secondary amine, or any combination thereof, and the amine-containing compounds being randomly reacted with at least a portion of the amide groups of the acrylamide polymer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of reducing the presence of particles in a downhole environment, comprising contacting sediment particles contained in a downhole environment, with a composition comprising: a metallic composition, an inorganic oxide-based polymer, and a solvent; the contacting occurring in the presence of a fluid capable of decomposing the metallic composition.

Abstract: An isolation method is described for gravel packed zones separated by at least one packer and having an auxiliary conduit passing through the packer into adjacent zones. The conduit includes at least one each of a shunt tube, flow housing, annular space, and isolation valve housing. The flow housing, the annular space, and the isolation valve housing are all annular and formed between two concentric pipes. The method includes running in an assembly of screens isolated by at least one packer with at least one auxiliary conduit extending into adjacent zones defined by the packer when the packer is subsequently set. The method also includes closing flow in said conduit to prevent flow into shunt tubes during production based on creating a flow barrier in the annular space, the flow housing, or the isolation valve housing, the shunt tubes supplying slurry through the auxiliary conduit prior to the production.

Abstract: System and method for a closed water circulation, comprising: a waterproof, outwardly delimited reservoir for collecting water, whereby a material is included and/or is placed in the reservoir, which is to be treated with water; a collection container, which is basically positioned on or near the bottom of the reservoir, whereby the collection container has at least one opening, through which the water can flow; a water extraction device to extract the water collected in the collection container from the reservoir; a conditioning device, designed to condition for reuse in the system the water extracted from the reservoir, and a recirculation device, designed to drive back into the reservoir the conditioned water.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a wellbore annulus may include an inflow control device configured to generate a predetermined pressure drop in the flowing fluid; a plurality of particulate control devices conveying the fluid to the inflow control device; and at least one fluid coupling conveying the fluid from at least one of the particulate control devices to the inflow control device.

Abstract: A top down cementing tool operates with either mechanical manipulation or hydraulically. Rotation of the liner during cementing is enabled. A first bore is open for circulation during running in of the liner. In the hydraulic version, pressuring up on a dropped ball in the first bore opens cement packer setting ports and aligns crossover ports from the first bore to the annulus below the cementing packer and displaced fluid return ports to the annulus above the cementing packer. Pressuring up on a trailing wiper plug in the first bore opens the second bore so that pressuring on a seated ball in the second bore opens access to unsetting the cementing packer and launching the ball in the second bore for liner hanger setting and release of the running tool. The alternative embodiment gets the same result but with string manipulation for some of the realignments.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an invert emulsion drilling fluid comprises: an external phase, wherein the external phase of the drilling fluid comprises a hydrocarbon liquid; an internal phase, wherein the internal phase of the drilling fluid comprises water; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant: (A) comprises a hydrophobic tail group having a carbon chain length greater than or equal to 16; (B) has a boiling point greater than or equal to 400° F. (204.4° C.); and (C) is in at least a sufficient concentration such that the surfactant spontaneously forms reverse-micelles. According to another embodiment, a method of using the invert emulsion drilling fluid comprises: introducing the drilling fluid into a well.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an invert emulsion drilling fluid comprises: an external phase, wherein the external phase of the drilling fluid comprises a hydrocarbon liquid; an internal phase, wherein the internal phase of the drilling fluid comprises water; and a surfactant, wherein the surfactant: (A) comprises a hydrophobic tail group having a carbon chain length greater than or equal to 16; (B) has a boiling point greater than or equal to 400° F. (204.4° C.); and (C) is in at least a sufficient concentration such that the surfactant spontaneously forms reverse-micelles. According to another embodiment, a method of using the invert emulsion drilling fluid comprises: introducing the drilling fluid into a well.

Abstract: A technique includes providing a tool to be deployed in a well to perform a downhole function. The downhole function requires a minimum structural integrity for an element of the tool. The technique includes forming at least part of the element from a ferrous alloy and charging the alloy with hydrogen cause the element to be more prone to cracking than before the hydrogen charging.

Abstract: A treatment system including a first tubular having at least one port therein. A valve member is disposed with the first tubular and operatively arranged to control fluid flow through the at least one port. A second tubular is disposed radially within the first tubular and terminates at an end opening into an interior passage of the first tubular for enabling a treatment media to be supplied through the second tubular into the first tubular, and through the at least one port when the at least one port is open. A seal assembly is disposed between the first and second tubulars for fluidly sealing an annulus formed between the first and second tubulars from the end of the second tubular. A tool is disposed with the second tubular for controlling operation of the valve member.

Abstract: A cable duct device in a swellable packer, in which the swellable packer is provided with at least one opening therethrough which is adapted to constitute a duct for a cable.

Abstract: A cable duct device in a swellable packer, in which the swellable packer is provided with at least one opening therethrough which is adapted to constitute a duct for a cable.

Abstract: A technique includes completing a well, including installing a tubing string that includes a screen in the well and installing a fiber-based material outside of the screen. The technique further includes using the well as an injection well, including communicating a fluid into the tubing string to cause an injection flow to be communicated in a fluid flow path from an interior of the tubing string, through the screen and into a formation.

Abstract: A gravel pack assembly has a longitudinal body that disposes in a borehole. A wellscreen and other components can connect to the body to complete the assembly. One or more packoff seals or bushings disposed in the body's inner passage can engage a smooth external surface of a crossover tool when disposed therein to prevent passage of sand and fluids between the tool and the assembly's inner passage. The packoff seals or bushings can be fixed or activated by movement to engage the smooth external surface of the crossover tool.

Abstract: Methods of performing a cleanout treatment including providing a wellbore in a subterranean formation having unconsolidated particulates therein; providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and a hydrophobically modified flocculating water-soluble polymer; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore in the subterranean formation; flocculating at least a portion of the unconsolidated particulates by exposure to the hydrophobically modified flocculating water-soluble polymer; removing the treatment fluid comprising the flocculated unconsolidated particulates from the wellbore in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A microchannel cooling device includes a heat sink having a liquid refrigerant flow channel having a microscopic cross section and connected to a heat source thermally, and a thermoelectric element provided on the heat sink and extending parallel to a direction of extension of the liquid refrigerant flow channel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow gravel pack slurry to be placed in a borehole annulus from the toe towards the heel to reduce the pressure acting upon the heel of the borehole during the gravel placement operation. By reducing the pressure on the heel, the gravel pack slurry may be placed in longer sections of the borehole in a single operation. Additionally, excess slurry in the inner string can be disposed in the borehole annulus around the shoe track of the apparatus, and fluid returns can flow up the apparatus through a bypass.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for completing a wellbore in a formation is disclosed, that in one non-limiting embodiment includes placing a casing in the wellbore, cementing an annulus between the casing and the wellbore, and forming an annular cavity of a selected length in the cement between the casing and the wellbore. In one aspect, the forming the annular space includes placing a dissolvable material on an outside of the casing before placing the casing in the wellbore, and dissolving the dissolvable material after cementing to form the annular space.

Abstract: A flow direction controlling layer for use in controlling the flow of fluids in subterranean well tools. The control layer comprises micro check valve arrays formed in the tool.

Abstract: This invention relates to wellbore equipment utilized in conjunction with operations performed in subterranean wells and, in particular, sand control screen assemblies providing secondary flow capabilities. Once sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having an exterior surface and defining one or more perforations therein, a screen jacket disposed about the exterior surface of the base pipe and having a primary screen axially adjacent a secondary screen, and at least one relief valve configured to open upon experiencing a predetermined fluid pressure, wherein, once opened, the at least one relief valve diverts fluid flow from the primary screen and provides the fluid flow to the secondary screen.

Abstract: A screen device includes a foam body having a passageway that extends longitudinally through the foam body, the foam body has an open cell structure such that at least two surfaces of the foam body are in fluidic communication with one another through the foam body.

Abstract: A completion system, including a tubular string initially having an substantially constant first dimension and configured to include at least one unexpanded portion having the first dimension and at least one expanded portion having a second dimension larger than the first dimension. The tubular string has at least one opening therein formed at the at least one expanded portion. At least one screen assembly is included having a third dimension and positioned radially adjacent the at least one expanded portion. A radial clearance is formed between the outer dimension of the at least one screen assembly and the second internal dimension of the at least one second portion of the outer tubular string. A method of completing a borehole is also included.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method including the introduction of a well treatment fluid containing at least an encapsulated biocide. Once the encapsulated biocide is introduced and after a predetermined period of time, a biocide is released from an encapsulation material and treats the wellbore and the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A screening assembly with a swellable packer incorporated onto the exterior of the screen that swells in the presence of water or hydrocarbons. The swellable packer swells at a rate that allows the gravel pack operation to proceed without hindering the gravel pack operation but then swells to seal the annular region around the exterior of a blank tubular at the upper end of the screen. By running in a swellable packer with the screen assembly at least one additional trip into the wellbore may be eliminated.

Abstract: A thickened composition comprising a polymer, a divalent ions source, water and cement is disclosed. Such composition enables fluid loss reduction and higher gel strength. This may be useful for treating a well for example as a fluid spacer or a scavenger; this may also be used a hydraulic fracturing fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are annular flow control devices and their methods of use. One flow control device includes an annular inner shroud coupled to a work string that defines one or more flow ports therein, and an annular outer shroud also coupled to the work string and radially offset from the inner shroud such that a channel is defined between at least a portion of the inner and outer shrouds, the channel being in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more flow ports and configured to restrict a flow rate of a fluid.

Abstract: A combined perforating and fracking tool, and method for using same, for perforating a hydrocarbon well casing and for subsequently fracturing the formation while maintaining the tool in situ. The combined perforating and fracking tool comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a series of connected cylinders arranged to be disposed in a well casing, each of the cylinders comprising a cooperating piston whereby a magnification of hydraulic force is generated. The series of pistons operate to actuate a punch assembly disposed at a downhole end of the series of connected cylinders to perforate the casing. A fluid injection port, in operation with at least one sealing member disposed at each end of the series of connected cylinders, allows fluid to be diverted into the formation through the perforations created in the well casing to induce fracturing in the formation.

Abstract: Plugs are deployed along a wellbore to form fluid barriers for associated stages. The plugs include a first plug that includes a first material that reacts with a first agent and does not react with a second agent and a second plug that includes a second material that reacts with the second agent and does not react with the first agent. A first stimulation operation is performed in the stage that is associated with the first plug; and a first agent is communicated into the well to react with the first material to remove the first plug. A second stimulation operation is performed in the stage that is associated with the second plug. The second agent is communicated into the well to react with the second material to remove the second plug.

Abstract: A gravel packing assembly gravel packs a horizontal borehole. Operators wash down the borehole using an inner string in a first position by flowing fluid from the inner string through the apparatus' toe. Operators then gravel pack by moving the inner string to one or more flow ports between a screen and the toe. Slurry flows into the borehole from the flow ports, and returns from the borehole flow through the screen. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel. In another condition, operators can move the inner string to a second flow port so slurry can flow into the borehole through a shunt extending from the second flow port. When gravel packing is done, operators move the inner string to a port collar in a liner of the assembly to cement the liner in the borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus for activating or cleaning filter tube wells with a filter tube includes a first and second volume bodies, which are substantially adapted to the inside diameter of the filter tube and on the outer circumferential surfaces thereof are designed radially flexibly with respect to the well longitudinal axis such that a sealing effect is achieved between the outer circumferential surfaces of the respective volume bodies and the inside wall of the filter tube. A removal chamber, which can be hydraulically connected to a pump device, is formed between the first and second volume bodies and the inside wall of the filter tube. At least one equalizing tube completely penetrates the removal chamber in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus such that a hydraulic connection is established between the respective regions that adjoin the outer faces of the two volume bodies disposed opposite of the removal chamber.

Abstract: A composition and method are disclosed. The composition includes a carrier fluid and a solids mixture combined to form a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume-average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a packed volume fraction of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, and wherein the solids mixture comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid. The method includes circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a pack in a fracture and/or a screen-wellbore annulus; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; and producing a reservoir fluid through the permeable pack.

Abstract: A technique provides for stimulating or otherwise treating multiple intervals/zones of a well by controlling flow of treatment fluid via a plurality of flow control devices. The flow control devices are provided with internal profiles and flow through passages. Hydraulic darts are designed for selective engagement with the internal profiles of specific flow control devices, and each hydraulic dart may be moved downhole for engagement with and activation of a specific flow control device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for vibrating a downhole drill string operable to have a drilling fluid pumped therethrough. The apparatus comprises a tubular body securable to the drill string and having a central bore therethrough, a valve in the tubular body for venting the drilling fluid out of the drill string and a valve actuator for cyclically opening and closing the valve. The method comprises pumping a drilling fluid down the drill string and cyclically venting the drilling fluid through the valve so as to cyclically reduce the pressure of the drilling fluid in the drill string. The valve can comprise a tubular body port and a corresponding rotor port selectably alignable with the tubular body port as the rotor rotates within the central bore. The valve actuator can comprise at least one vane on the rotor for rotating the rotor as the drilling fluid flows therepast.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly including a nozzle. The nozzle has an elongated body. The elongated body has a nozzle end at one end and a connection portion at another end. A joint section is connected with the connection portion. The joint section allows the nozzle to move axially and radially when an axial force is applied to the nozzle end.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus includes: a screen assembly including at least one screen configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation, the screen configured to prevent particulate matter from passing therethrough; an axially extending conduit configured to transmit a gravel slurry from a remote location to a borehole region located between the screen and a portion of the borehole wall; and an exit port including an opening having a first end in fluid communication with the conduit and a second end in fluid communication with the borehole region, the exit port including at least one standoff member extending radially from the second end and configured to prevent blockage of the opening.

Abstract: A method of well casing permitting thermal oil recovery includes drilling a wellbore to the top of productive formation, casing the wellbore with a casing string, drilling through the productive with a smaller diameter bit, running in a sand screen to the productive formation and subsequent drainage or heat carrier injection into the formation. The sand screen contains longitudinally-corrugated pipes with slots, mutually connected by the end cylindrical portions with a limited longitudinal shift possibility. Besides, the sand screen slots are internally hermetically sealed with a thermoplastic material. Running-in of the screen down to the target depth, include creating an internal excess pressure to expand the sand screen along its entire length except for cylindrical sections, fixing and hermetical anchoring to the casing. Pumping-in of a heat-carrier, under influence of which the thermoplastic material melts up, unseals the slots.

Abstract: Gravel pack composition containing gravel and a water-in-oil emulsion including (a) an organic continuous phase comprising 0.1 to 5 vol % of the emulsion of non-ionic or cationic surfactant and 0.25 to 3 vol % of the emulsion of sorbitan ester; (b) a dispersed aqueous phase comprising 0.05 to 3 vol % of the emulsion of a partial ester of a polyol with at least one C6 to C22 fatty acid and at least one of an acid, acid precursor, and a chelating agent; and (c) a density control agent. The fluid can display a delayed break of up to about 72 hours to enable clean-up of mud cake.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of operating at least two pressure vessels to inject a particulate slurry into a high-pressure line, comprises a first operating cycle comprising: isolating a pressure vessel from the high-pressure line, introducing, under low-pressure conditions, particulate solids into the pressure vessel through a particulate solids inlet aperture, a second operating cycle comprising: providing high-pressure flow into the pressure vessel, and providing a high-pressure slurry flow from the pressure vessel into the high-pressure line. The method further comprises causing a pressure vessel to operate in the first operating cycle while operating a pressure vessel in the second operating cycle, and synchronizing switching a first vessel from the first operating to a second operating cycle and switching a second vessel from the second operating cycle to the first operating cycle such that at least one of the vessels is operating in the second operating cycle.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for a monobore application eliminates a full bore isolation valve or other component that has a limiting internal or external dimension and is designed to remain in position after firing. The assembly is run into the hole on a string with a running tool and left in position with the string and the running tool removed. Pressure pulses communicate with a detonation control system to open a poppet to pressurize a chamber with a firing head. It should be noted that other types firing heads can also be utilized to initiate detonation in the system. Detonation clears the gun internals for flow and opens a gun valve that has no reduction in drift dimension as compared to the gun internal path after detonation. Production takes place through and around the gun. The top of the gun can be entered for future intervention work.

Abstract: A completion system includes an outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout, one or more control lines extending externally along the outer completion string, a service tool arranged within the outer completion string and having an inner tubing that defines a valve conduit, and a valve arranged within the service tool. The control lines have one or more gauges operatively coupled thereto and arranged adjacent the at least one sand screen. The one or more gauges are configured for real-time monitoring and reporting of well environment parameters. The valve is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, fracturing fluid is allowed to circulate through the at least one sand screen and the valve and into the valve conduit. In the second position, the valve prevents the fracturing fluid from entering the valve conduit.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.