Abstract: A system for monitoring and establishing physical properties of a subsurface formation at a testing site having a source well and one or more receiver wells may include a pump, a data collection system, and a controller. The controller may cause the pump to extract fluid from and inject fluid into the source well based on one or more measures indicative of an amount of liquid in the source well. The controller may receive measures related to pressures in the receiver wells and physical properties of the subsurface formation may be determined based on the measures related to pressures in the receiver well. In some cases, noise may be removed from the measures related to pressures in the receiver wells to facilitate determining the physical properties of the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of fracturing processes in oil production fields may rely on polymer coated particles carried in the fracturing fluid. The particles may include heavy substrates, such as sand, ceramic sand, or the like coated with polymers selected to absorb water, increasing the area and volume to travel more readily with the flow of fluid without settling out, or allowing the substrate to settle out. Ultimately, the substrate may become lodged in the fissures formed by the pressure or hydraulic fracturing, resulting in propping open of the fissures for improved productivity.

Abstract: A fluid signal generator configured to produce fluid pulses in a fluid column of a wellbore are described. The fluid pulses represent data and/or other information to be transmitted from a downhole device, such as a fluid plug apparatus located within the borehole of the wellbore, to one or more other devices located away from the downhole device, including devices located above a surface of the wellbore. The fluid plug may be configured to provide a fluid seal between a first portion of the wellbore and a second portion of the wellbore prior to and during a fluid treatment procedure being performed on the wellbore.

Abstract: One illustrative diverter valve disclosed herein includes a body with a primary flow path therethrough, first and second fluid flow galleries, first and second fluid outlets, a first sliding sleeve element and a second sliding sleeve element. The first and second sliding sleeve elements, respectively, include first and second internal flow bores, respectively, wherein each of the first and second sliding sleeve elements are adapted to be moved from a first closed position to a second open position, and vice-versa. In the first and second positions, respectively, the first sliding sleeve element blocks or does not block, respectively, fluid flow between the first internal flow bore and the first fluid flow gallery. In the first and second positions, respectively, the second sliding sleeve element blocks or does not block, respectively, fluid flow between the second internal flow bore and the second fluid flow gallery.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing fluids from a subterranean well include forming the subterranean well having at least one lateral wellbore. The lateral wellbore is completed with a lateral production tubular. The lateral wellbore is subdivided into subsequent lateral segments. Each lateral segment is defined by a downhole lateral packer and an uphole lateral packer that seal an annular lateral space defined by an outer diameter surface of the lateral production tubular and an inner diameter surface of the lateral wellbore. A main production tubular extends into the subterranean well, the main production tubular including a lateral access system that provides selective access to the lateral wellbore. A flow of a fluid within the lateral segment is controlled with an inflow control device of the lateral segment. The inflow control device is mechanically adjusted by a tool that is delivered to the inflow control device through the lateral access system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of sequential copolymers (P), comprising at least one chain (C) capable of being obtained by micellar polymerization, for keeping solid particles (p) in suspension in a fluid (F) where said chain (C) is soluble.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating subterranean formations with treatment fluids comprising alkyl polyglycoside surfactants are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid; and a surfactant comprising an alkyl polyglycoside or derivative thereof; introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation; and producing fluids from the wellbore during or subsequent to introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of fracturing including a hydrophobic rendered proppant or a proppant slurry and a fracturing fluid including an aqueous base fluid, a viscosifying agent or mixture of viscosifying agents, and an enhancing proppant suspending composition including an aldehyde, a mixture of aldehydes, a ketone, a mixture of ketones, or mixtures thereof, and optionally a crosslinking agent or a mixture of crosslinking agents.

Abstract: Metal material coated with a layer that is controllably activated can be positioned downhole in a wellbore prior to performing a wellbore operation. After the wellbore operation is performed, the layer can be activated to release the metal material.

Abstract: A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed, including, a method that may comprise providing a fracturing fluid comprising: a carrier fluid; a micro-proppant; and a degradable micro-fiber. The method further may comprise pumping the fracturing fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The method further may comprise creating or extending at least one fracture in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Treatment material for a wellbore operation can be mixed with a metal material coated with a layer that is controllably activated to release the metal material downhole in a wellbore. The wellbore treatment material can be mixed with the metal material prior to being positioned downhole in the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions that provide an energized natural gas (ENG) fracturing fluid including a complexing agent. A fracturing fluid may include: methane; water; a complexing agent; a surfactant; and wherein the fracturing fluid is an emulsion, the water is in a continuous phase of the emulsion, and methane is in a discrete phase of the emulsion.

Abstract: A method of enhanced oil recovery may comprise placing into a subterranean formation a production enhancement fluid comprising a short chain hydrocarbon phase and a silane based wettability modifier, wherein the short chain hydrocarbon phase comprises hydrocarbons having 5 or less carbon atoms; allowing the production enhancement fluid to remain in the subterranean formation for a shut-in period; and producing hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present application describes compositions and methods for the controlled delivery of acid to a desired location, for example to a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method is performed for defining optimal landing location(s) of horizontal wells for hydraulic fracturing stimulation, for improved well performance of unconventional reservoirs. The method includes evaluating one or more planes of weakness, pinch-out points, or thin rock layering in the reservoir that may impede hydraulic fracture growth or may close fractured sections during production. The method can include conducting detailed analysis on core and open hole logs, and defining the presence, density, orientation, spacing, and mechanical properties of various thin interfaces and barriers in the rock mass. The method can include classifying the barriers or thin interfaces based on their effect on hydraulic fracture growth or fracture connectivity, and on uncertainty of their effect.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a well casing includes forming plural perforation clusters into a stage N associated with the well casing; fracturing the plural perforation clusters; forming a current stage N+1 by placing a plug within the stage N, to isolate a first subset of the plural perforation clusters from a second subset of the plural perforation clusters; and fracturing a second time the second subset, but not the first subset.

Abstract: A method of sealing a lost circulation zone (LCZ) during a drilling operation by: positioning a bottom hole assembly (BHA) at an initial position proximate a LCZ in a wellbore, wherein the BHA includes a drill bit fluidly connected with a surface of the wellbore via a drill string; and pumping first and second reactant pills and a spacer into the LCZ via the drill string and the drill bit, wherein the first reactant pill includes one or more first reactants, wherein the second reactant pill includes one or more second reactants, wherein the first reactant pill is pumped into the LCZ prior to the second reactant pill due to introducing of the spacer into the drill string between the first and second reactant pills, and wherein, after a reaction time, reactants comprising the one or more first and second reactants react within and provide a seal of the LCZ.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of fracturing processes in oil production fields may rely on polymer coated particles carried in the fracturing fluid. The particles may include heavy substrates, such as sand, ceramic sand, or the like coated with polymers selected to absorb water, increasing the area and volume to travel more readily with the flow of fluid without settling out, or allowing the substrate to settle out. Ultimately, the substrate may become lodged in the fissures formed by the pressure or hydraulic fracturing, resulting in propping open of the fissures for improved productivity.

Abstract: A water-free slurry may include a non-aqueous carrier fluid; a suspension agent including a mineral clay mixture; a crosslinking agent; and a hydratable polymer. A method of treating a subterranean formation may include injecting a water-free slurry into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, the water-free slurry including: a non-aqueous carrier fluid; a suspension agent comprising a mineral clay mixture; a crosslinking agent; and a hydratable polymer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for restimulating a previously fractured subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are described. The methods include plugging existing perforations in an outer casing and existing fractures in the formation with a diverting agent, placing an inner casing in the wellbore while the existing perforations and existing fractures are plugged with the diverting agent, perforating the inner casing and the outer casing to form new perforations, and pumping a fluid through the new perforations to create new fractures in the formation.

Abstract: System, methods, and devices for simultaneously fracturing a target formation and an adjacent secondary formation are disclosed. The simultaneous fracturing operations interfere with each other to form in-situ dynamic barriers. The in-situ barriers prevent acid from the fracturing treatment in the target formation from invading the secondary formation and, in some instances, sealing formation rock at the location of the in-situ barrier to prevent or reduce water movement from the secondary formation into the primary formation.

Abstract: Method is provided for preventing fluid from entering a well, such as a producing well, during a hydraulic fracturing treatment in another well completed in the same reservoir. Degradable ball sealers or degradable particulate material is injected into the well and pressure is maintained in the well during the fracturing treatment to prevent influx of fluid.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating a fracturing fluid comprising produced water with high levels of dissolved solids using a polymer crosslinked with a boron compound and a high pH alkylamine buffer. The composition improves the viscosity stability of the fracturing fluid at elevated bottom-hole temperatures, particularly when the fluid has high levels of calcium and magnesium. The composition is particularly useful with polysaccharides, including galactomannan gums, such as guar gum, locust bean gum, and karaya gum, and allows for the use of the preferred boron compound crosslinkers in high total dissolved solids fracturing fluids without the pH destabilization problems encountered with the prior art.

Abstract: A well treatment fluid is provided having an acidic nanosilica dispersion and an alkanolamine. The nanosilica dispersion and the alkanolamine may form a gelled solid after interaction over a period. Methods of reducing water production using the well treatment fluids are also provided.

Abstract: A method of determining gelation time is disclosed that includes placing a composite core plug into a core holder of a commercially-available vessel. The composite core plug includes a first core plug with second and third core plugs disposed on opposite sides of the first core plug. The second and third core plugs are saturated with polymer solution, and the first core plug is saturated with gel solution comprising polymer and crosslinker. The method further includes alternating polymer solution injections between a first injection area located on the second core plug and a second injection area located on the third core plug, while ensuring that the polymer solution is being continuously fed to the composite core plug. The pressure drop across the composite core plug is monitored during the alternating injection of polymer solution to determine the gelation time of the gel solution in the first core plug.

Abstract: Missile flow lines are incorporated into frac manifolds, especially trailered or skidded frac manifolds. The missiles manifold the discharge from a plurality of pumps and comprise at least two junction fittings joined by spooled pipe. The junction fittings comprise a body having a primary bore and at least two feed bores. The intersections of the feed bores with the primary bore are offset axially from each other along the primary bore. The junction fittings are joined by flange unions to at least one spooled pipe such a that the junction fittings and spooled pipe form a conduit including the primary bores. A discharge line from a pump may be joined to each feed union face of the junction fittings by a flange union. Thus, the discharge from the pumps may be manifolded into the conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

Abstract: An erosion control slurry is disclosed. The slurry includes water and a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises: mulch at a weight of x; bentonite clay at a weight of about 0.25x to about 0.495x; and cellulosic water dispersible polymer or starch at a weight of about 0.0025x to about 0.125x. Also disclosed are a substrate that can be mixed with liquid to provide an erosion control slurry, and methods of controlling or reducing erosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole stimulation system for stimulating production. The system has first and second inflatable packers (6) for isolating a production zone (10), the packers being inflated through aperture (15), a sliding sleeve valve (17) arranged between the two packers, the sleeve having an opening (19) to provide fluid communication between the inside of the well tubular and the production zone. In operation the inflatable device is set downstream of the inflation aperture of the lower packer, the well is pressurized to move the tool downstream to open the sliding sleeve valve, whereafter fracturing fluid with proppants having a size which is smaller than that of the sliding sleeve opening (19) and larger than the packer inflation aperture (15), is pumped downhole using a displacement means such as a piston element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of profile control and flooding in oil fields, particularly to a colloidal nano-graphite-strengthened bulk gel system for dispersed particle gel, and composition thereof. The composition for bulk gel system, containing a polymeric matrix, a resin cross-linking agent, a coagulant, and colloidal nano-graphite, wherein, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the polymeric matrix, a content of the resin cross-linking agent is 30-150 parts by weight, a content of the coagulant is 5-100 parts by weight, and a content of the colloidal nano-graphite is 3-30 parts by weight; wherein, the polymeric matrix is partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide with weight-average molecular weight within a range of 5,000,000-8,000,000 g/mol; the coagulant is one or more of chloride salt coagulant and alcohol amine coagulant.

Abstract: Techniques for hydraulically fracturing a geologic formation include circulating a proppant-free hydraulic fracturing liquid into a wellbore that is formed from a terranean surface into a geologic formation within a subterranean zone that is adjacent the wellbore; fluidly contacting the geologic formation with the proppant-free hydraulic fracturing liquid for a specified duration of time; and subsequent to the specified duration of time, circulating a hydraulic fracturing liquid that includes proppant into the wellbore to fracture the geologic formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation may include preparing a mortar slurry, injecting the mortar slurry into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create a fracture in the subterranean formation, and allowing the mortar slurry to set, forming a mortar in the fracture. The mortar slurry may be designed to form a pervious mortar, to crack under fracture closure pressure, or both.

Abstract: The flow of a stimulation fluid may be diverted from a high permeability zone to a low permeability portion of a subterranean formation by use of an acid soluble or acid degradable solid particulate and a composite of an acid or an acid generating compound adsorbed onto a water-insoluble adsorbent. Conductive flow of hydrocarbons from an occluded fracture may be resumed by release of the acid from the adsorbent or the acid generating compound.

Abstract: Portland cement clinker LCMs that include Portland cement clinker to mitigate or prevent lost circulation in a well are provided. A Portland cement clinker LCM may include Portland cement clinker, Portland cement, a carrier fluid, and an inorganic consolidation activator. Another Portland cement clinker LCM may include Portland cement clinker and a crosslinked fluid, such as a polyuronide crosslinked via calcium ions or a polysaccharide crosslinked via divinyl sulfone. Yet another Portland cement clinker LCM may include Portland cement clinker and polymer fibers or particulate glass. Methods of lost circulation control using a Portland cement clinker LCM are also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation including introducing a preflush solution comprising a first aqueous base fluid and a surfactant onto the face of a fracture in a subterranean formation with particulates in the fracture; introducing a stabilizing composition onto the fracture face of the formation and onto the particulates proximate the fracture face, the composition including a second aqueous-based fluid; a silane-based resin; and a silane-based curing agent; allowing the stabilizing composition to consolidate the particulates proximate the fracture face, thereby stabilizing the fracture face and proximate particulates in the fracture. A method includes introducing a conformance treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation, said treatment fluid including: an aqueous-based fluid; a silane-based resin; and a silane-based curing agent; and allowing the conformance treatment fluid to at least partially seal the pores of the formation.

Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a downhole tool including a degradable-on-demand material, the degradable-on-demand material including a matrix material, and a unit in contact with the matrix material, the unit including a core comprising an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate degradation of the downhole tool and, an activator disposed in contact with the core, the activator having a triggering system including an electrical circuit, an igniter in the electrical circuit arranged to ignite the energetic material, a sensor configured to sense a target event or parameter within the borehole, and a control unit arranged to receive sensed signals from the sensor and to deliver a start signal to the electrical circuit in response to the sensed signals indicating an occurrence of the target event or parameter wherein, after the start signal is delivered from the control unit, the electrical circuit is closed and the igniter is initiated.

Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a matrix material and a unit in contact with the matrix material. The unit includes a core having an energetic material, an activator disposed in direct contact with the core, and at least one layer disposed on the core. The activator includes a triggering system having an igniter and a pre-set timer connected in an electrical circuit. The igniter is inactive in an open condition of the electrical circuit, and, after a pre-set time period, the pre-set timer closes the electrical circuit and the igniter is activated.

Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a downhole tool including a degradable-on-demand material including: a matrix material; and, a unit in contact with the matrix material. The unit includes a core including an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate degradation of the downhole tool; and, an activator disposed in contact with the core, the activator including a triggering system having an electrical circuit and an igniter within the electrical circuit, the electrical circuit having an open condition and a closed condition, the electrical circuit configured to be in the closed condition after movement of an object downhole that engages directly or indirectly with the triggering system, and the igniter arranged to ignite the energetic material in the closed condition of the electrical circuit. In the open condition of the electrical circuit the igniter is inactive, and in the closed condition of the electrical circuit the igniter is activated.

Abstract: A wellbore (1) surrounded by a formation has a horizontal section provided with a non-cemented perforated liner (3), thereby forming an annular space (4) between the liner and the formation. The annular space is divided into zones (zone 1, zone 2, zone 3) isolated from each other by means of respective external packers (6, 7, 8) arranged externally on the liner. Selective access to the zones is provided by means of an internal pipe (9) arranged inside the liner and provided with internal packers (10, 11, 12) corresponding to the respective external packers. For each of the zones, the internal pipe is provided with a valve (14, 15, 16) providing access between the inside of the internal pipe and the corresponding zone. Stimulation of the near-wellbore is performed by pumping acid or the like reactive fluid through the internal pipe into the wellbore and is performed simultaneously in adjacent zones of the annular space.

Abstract: A proppant composition includes: a volume of water; a self-suspending proppant, including a plurality of proppant granules each with a hydrophilic polymer coating, the hydrophilic polymer coatings of the self-suspending proppant together defining a total polymer volume; and an untreated proppant, where a concentration of the self-suspending proppant in the water is sufficient (i) to reduce the water to an unabsorbed volume of less than 25% of the volume of water and (ii) to hydrate at least 75% of the total polymer volume.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprises: a first composition, wherein the first composition comprises: (A) a first substance; and (B) a second substance, wherein the first composition has a solid-liquid phase transformation temperature less than the solid-liquid phase transformation temperatures of at least the first substance or the second substance at a specific pressure. A method of removing a wellbore isolation device comprises: increasing the temperature surrounding the wellbore isolation device; and allowing at least a portion of the first composition to undergo a phase transformation from a solid to a liquid. A method of inhibiting or preventing fluid flow in a wellbore comprises: decreasing the temperature of at least a portion of the wellbore; positioning the wellbore isolation device in the at least a portion of the wellbore; and increasing the temperature of the at least a portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A burst plug assembly for use in the fluid port of tubular fracturing tools to provide erosion resistance. The assembly has a body with an annular side wall and a closing wall closing the central bore of the annular side wall. A choke insert is retained in the central bore of the body to line the inner surface of the central bore. A groove in a face of the closing wall circumscribes a core in the bottom wall, and is sized and located so that a largest dimension of the core is no greater than a diameter of the inner bore of the choke insert, such that when a prescribed threshold hydraulic pressure level of the treatment fluid is applied to the closing wall the core disengages from the closing wall along the groove in a bursting action and passes through the inner bore of the choke insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmentally preferable microemulsion composition that is suitable for formation stimulation, remediation, and drilling operations, and a method to make and use the same. Specifically, the environmentally preferable microemulsion composition of the present invention can comprise glycol ether, terpene, ethoxylated alcohol, polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: A smart dart has a central bore and a collapsible annular protrusion extending radially outward from the dart body. The dart is deployed in a run-in configuration and actuated to a landing configuration to stop on a target seat identified by a control mechanism based on a seat count. The dart also includes a latch tool at a nose section and the central bore and the inner bore of the latch tool are aligned axially. A valve is installed in the central bore and a valve actuator closes the valve to seal the central bore for pressure isolating the wellbore downhole from the wellbore uphole the valve when the dart lands on the target seat.

Abstract: Methods of well treatment include modeling approaches that account for the effect of pore structure during well stimulation treatments. In one aspect, methods may include preparing a computer model of a porous medium; simulating an injection of a fluid into the computer model of the porous medium; measuring a pore-scale heterogeneity of the computer model of the porous medium, and designing a stimulating fluid treatment for the porous medium. Other aspects may include the development of a wellbore stimulation methodology that allows stimulation fluid breakthrough curves of differing formation samples to be plotted as a single curve that accounts for the varied pore structure of the respective samples.

Abstract: A tubing string can include a plug blocking fluid flow through a port. The plug can be a frangible component or include a frangible component. When the frangible component is broken, fluid is allowed to flow through the port. An object is releasable from downwell and breaks the frangible component as the object travels towards the surface of the well, propelled by the production fluid. Fluid flow through the port can cause a sleeve to open or close additional ports. Fluid flow through the port can allow for optimized production from the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods of creating variably tacky proppants and providing such proppants into a subterranean formation are provided. The variably tacky proppants can be non-tacky at a first set of conditions and tacky at a second set of conditions. As such, the variably tacky proppants can be pumped into a subterranean formation and caused to enter fractures in the formation while the proppants are non-tacky. Subsequently, natural or induced conditions in the well bore can cause the proppants to become tacky. The tacky proppants inhibit the movement of proppants in the fractures when pressure is reduced in the formation and inhibit the migration of fines towards the wellbore.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body configured for offshore use or a flexible pipe precursor, and a method of preparing a flexible pipe are disclosed. The pipe body or precursor includes a sacrificial layer which is, at least partially, removable on contact with a solvent medium such as an aqueous solvent, in particular water.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method comprising a) introducing a delayed-release acid and a gelling agent into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in a first treatment interval; b) contacting the delayed-release acid with a face of the fracture in the first treatment interval so as to etch one or more channels thereon; c) introducing a combination of non-degradable and degradable micro-proppant particulates into the subterranean formation so as to place them into the fracture in the first treatment interval, wherein they at least partially inhibit fluid flow therethrough; d) introducing a combination of non-degradable and degradable proppant particulates into the subterranean formation so as to place them into the fracture in the first treatment interval, wherein they at least partially inhibit fluid flow therethrough; e) repeating (a) through (d) at a second treatment interval.

Abstract: A fracturing system is provided. In one embodiment, the fracturing system includes a fracturing manifold for routing fracturing fluid to multiple wells. The fracturing manifold can be coupled via fluid conduits to fracturing trees installed at the wells. In some cases, each fracturing tree that is coupled to the fracturing manifold is coupled by at least one rigid fluid conduit. The fracturing manifold can include a trunk line that provides fracturing fluid to multiple outlet branches, which can include valves for controlling flow of fracturing fluid to wells downstream of the valves. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.