Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method includes preparing a sealant composition containing two phases. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase.

Abstract: A method of selectively blocking fractures in a subterranean formation by injecting a diversion agent into the well is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises injecting a diversion agent into a subterranean formation to form an alkaline-earth carbonate precipitate from decomposition of a carbonyl compound, wherein the diversion agent includes the carbonyl compound and an alkaline-earth halide salt.

Abstract: Systems and methods used in treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Some embodiments also generally relate to barriers and/or methods to seal barriers. A method used to treat a subsurface formation may include heating a portion of a formation adjacent to a plurality of wellbores to raise a temperature of the formation adjacent to the wellbores above a mobilization temperature of bitumen and below a pyrolysis temperature of hydrocarbons in the formation; and allowing the bitumen to move outwards from the wellbores towards a portion of the formation comprising water cooler than the mobilization temperature of the bitumen so that the bitumen solidifies in the formation to form a barrier.

Abstract: A product suitable for use in an oilfield environment is described, the product comprising: a first component; a first layer surrounding the first component, wherein the first layer is made of a protective material able to protect the first component from surrounding oilfield environment; a first susceptor, wherein the first susceptor is able to interacts with a magnetic field to generate heat.

Abstract: A product is described, the product is in liquid state and comprises: a first electrically non-conductive susceptor; a second electrically conductive susceptor; monomer molecules; and an initiator, suitable to trigger polymerization chain reaction of the monomer molecules, when activated by the first and/or the second susceptor. Further, a method is described to treat a wellbore including a zone, the method comprising the steps of: pumping the product above into the wellbore; placing the product in the vicinity of the zone; and applying an alternating magnetic field on the product.

Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a method for cementing in a lining tube in a bore hole, said method comprising placing said lining tube at a distal end of said bore hole, introducing a liquid hydraulic cement containing a setting retarder into said distal end of said bore hole, and applying a fluctuating electromagnetic or magnetic field from within said lining tube whereby to heat cement outside said lining tube directly or via a electromagnetic radiation transmitter positioned on the outside of said lining tube.

Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.

Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.

Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. A material including wax may be introduced into one or more wellbores. The material introduced into two or more wells may mix in the formation and congeal to form a barrier to fluid flow.

Abstract: A method for improving bonding and sealing in a well, comprising providing a wellbore, providing a pipe, coating an outside surface of the pipe with an adhesive thermoplastic resin, running the coated pipe into the wellbore, and causing the temperature of said wellbore to increase to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of said adhesive thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A cement slurry composition comprising a plugging agent polymer with a low Tg point.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a composition comprising cement, water, and a heat sink material into a wellbore, and allowing the composition to set, wherein at least a portion of the heat sink material undergoes a phase transition by absorbing at least a portion of the heat released upon hydration of the cement. A method of completing a wellbore, comprising forming a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising permafrost, gas hydrates, or both, preparing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a heat sink material, placing the cement composition into an annulus formed between a casing and the wellbore, and allowing the composition to set, wherein at least a portion of the heat sink material undergoes a phase transition by absorbing at least a portion of the heat released upon hydration of the cement, thereby reducing an amount of heat transferred from the annular cement to the surrounding permafrost and/or gas hydrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing high molecular weight polymer. A method of forming polycarbonate includes the step of combining in a reaction mixture a diaryl carbonate, a transesterification catalyst, an aliphatic dihydroxy compound, and a diacid compound in a reactor system. The temperature and pressure of the reactor system are adjusted to a first reactor setpoints and the reaction mixture is monitored to detect initiation of the exothermic oligomerization reaction. The reactor setpoint are adjusted to second reactor setpoints after detection of initiation of the exothermic oligomerization reaction. The reactor system is maintained at the second reactor setpoints to allow the reaction mixture to react to form an oligomer mixture.

Abstract: A method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole and pumping molten wax into the formation, wherein the molten wax flows into and fills voids the formation without disrupting the formation is described. Also, a method of permeating and infusing a formation around the borehole with wax by heating a formation surrounding a borehole, pumping molten wax into the borehole, heating and circulating the molten wax vertically within the borehole for an extended period using a heater and pump attached to a circulation pipe extended to the bottom of a zone of the borehole to be heated, and recovering molten wax from the borehole by displacing it back to the surface with another material of different density is described.

Abstract: A method is provided of in-situ casting well equipment wherein a metal is used which expands upon solidification. A body of such metal is placed in a cavity in a well. Before or after placing the metal in the cavity in the well, the body is brought at a temperature above the melting point of the metal. The metal of the body in the cavity is solidified by cooling it down to below the melting point of the metal.

Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. Sulfur may be introduced into one or more wellbores located inside a perimeter of a treatment area in the formation having a permeability of at least 0.1 darcy. At least some of the sulfur is allowed to move towards portions of the formation cooler than the melting point of sulfur to solidify the sulfur in the formation to form the barrier.

Abstract: A waxy oil-external emulsion is provided for injection into a selected zone of a subsurface formation. The selected zone is typically a high permeability zone. The emulsion generally comprises oil, added wax, and water. The emulsion may also include an emulsifying agent and a solvent. The emulsion is formulated to be a liquid at a temperature greater than a targeted temperature in the subsurface formation, but a solid at the targeted temperature. The targeted temperature is typically the maximum operating temperature for the formation. A method of formulating the emulsion is also provided. Further, a method of plugging a high permeability zone using the emulsion is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free flowing coated particles and low temperature methods of making same. Each particle has a curable coating disposed upon a substrate. The substrate is a particulate substrate including an inorganic material, a particulate substrate including an organic material, a composite substantially homogeneous formed particle including a first portion of an at least partly cured binder and filler particles, or a hybrid particle having an inorganic particle as a core and a composite coating including at least partially cured resin and filler. The curable coating includes a continuous phase including resole resin and reactive powder particles embedded or adhered to the continuous phase. The reactive powder particles typically include resole resin, novolak resin, polyester, acrylic and/or urethane. A method including applying a coating including the continuous phase including resole resin and reactive or non-reactive powder particles embedded or adhered to the continuous phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a tool for wellbore strengthening during drilling. Selected chemicals are mixed with the drilling fluid but do not react with it. The chemicals concentrate in the filtercake. A tool, which comprises a microwave source, is used to trigger polymerisation or crosslinking reactions within the filtercake downhole. The polymerisation or crosslinking reactions results in a film or a gel that strengthens the wellbore.

Abstract: A computationally efficient general method of modeling or simulating matrix acidizing treatment when flow is not axisymmetric involves determining streamlines in the general flow field using complex potential theory to solve for the flow along the streamlines. The flow over a time step is used to model the propagation of the acid front and the creation and extension of wormholes.

Abstract: The methods described herein generally relate to preparing and delivering a fluid mixture to a confined volume, specifically an annular volume located between two concentrically oriented casing strings within a hydrocarbon fluid producing well. The fluid mixtures disclosed herein are useful in controlling pressure in localized volumes. The fluid mixtures comprise at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one inhibitor. The processes and methods disclosed herein allow the fluid mixture to be stored, shipped and/or injected into localized volumes, for example, an annular volume defined by concentric well casing strings.

Abstract: A method and a device for in situ formation of a seal (17) in a region (2) of an annulus (18) located around a pipe structure (4) in a well (18), in which the method comprises the following steps: (A) to convey a perforation device into the pipe structure (4) to a location vis-a-vis said region (2) of the annulus (16); (B) by means of the perforation device, to make at least one hole (13) through the pipe wall of the pipe structure (4) at said annulus region (2); (C) to force a liquid sealing material, which is capable of entering into solid state, through said hole (13) and further into the annulus region (2) for the filling thereof, where-upon the sealing material enters into solid state and forms said seal (17).

Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid comprising at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one antistatic agent to control build up of static charge. The second fluid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.

Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.

Abstract: A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid comprising at least one polymerizable monomer and at least one antistatic agent to control build up of static charge. The second fluid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.

Abstract: A method and a device for in situ formation of a seal (17) in a region (2) of an annulus (18) located around a pipe structure (4) in a well (18), in which the method comprises the following steps: (A) to convey a perforation device into the pipe structure (4) to a location vis-a-vis said region (2) of the annulus (16); (B) by means of the perforation device, to make at least one hole (13) through the pipe wall of the pipe structure (4) at said annulus region (2); (C) to force a liquid sealing material, which is capable of entering into solid state, through said hole (13) and further into the annulus region (2) for the filling thereof, where-upon the sealing material enters into solid state and forms said seal (17).

Abstract: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. A material including wax may be introduced into one or more wellbores. The material introduced into two or more wells may mix in the formation and congeal to form a barrier to fluid flow.

Abstract: Loss circulation fluids contain aqueous based compositions having at least one alkali metal formate and at least one thermally activated self-crosslinkable gel forming material, wherein the composition is easily transported to a loss circulation zone and yet has ability to close off the loss circulation zone once thermally activated to reduce the loss of circulation fluids into flow passages of a subterranean formation. In addition, packer fluids contain aqueous based compositions which contain at least one alkali metal formate and at least one thermally activated self-crosslinkable gel forming material, wherein the packer fluid forms a thermal insulating fully hydrated gel once thermally activated.

Abstract: A well tool including swellable material and integrated fluid for initiating swelling. A well tool includes a swellable material and a reservoir for containing a fluid of a type which causes the swellable material to swell. A method of swelling a swellable material included in a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well; and then activating a fluid to cause swelling of the swellable material. A method of swelling a swellable material includes the steps of: providing the swellable material which is capable of swelling when contacted by a fluid; positioning the swellable material in an environment in which the swellable material is contacted by another fluid which does not cause the material to swell; and swelling the swellable material by contacting the swellable material with the first fluid while the swellable material remains in contact with the other fluid.

Abstract: A junction selective contaminant exclusion tool includes a tubular positionable within the junction and having an opening through a wall thereof, a material disposed on an outside surface of the tubular, the material being capable of increasing a radial dimension between a surface of the material in contact with the tubular and an opposite surface of the material upon exposure to a selected species. A method for excluding selected contaminants from a wellbore junction is also disclosed. The method includes: disposing a junction at a wellbore casing window; disposing a tubular member having at least one opening through a wall thereof at the junction, the tubular member including an exclusion material thereon capable of existing in a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration obtainable upon exposure to a selected species; and exposing the material to the selected species.

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

Abstract: A method comprises heating a formation adjacent a selected depth level within a wellbore extending into the formation, forming a temporary liner in the wellbore, measuring a first temperature of the formation at the selected depth level at a first time after heating the formation, measuring a second temperature of the formation at the selected depth level at a second time after heating the formation, and combining the temperature measurements to derive an indication of thermal properties of the formation. An apparatus comprises a coiled tubing drillstring extending into a wellbore, an assembly supported by the drillstring, the assembly comprising an extruder that extrudes a liner material onto a wall of the wellbore, a heat source that heats the liner material and a formation, and at least one temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the formation.

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

Abstract: Methods and compositions for sealing subterranean zones having temperatures in the range of about 80° F. to about 300° F. are provided. In a method of the invention, a sealing composition of the invention of water, a substantially fully hydrated depolymerized polymer and poly lactic acid, with a pH above about 8.5, is introduced into the subterranean zone wherein it becomes substantially rigid and seals the zone when exposed to subterrnean zone temperatures above about 80° F.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for consolidating proppant in subterranean fractures are provided. In certain embodiments, the hardenable resin compositions may be especially suited for consolidating proppant in subterranean fractures having temperatures above about 200° F. Improved methods include providing proppant particles coated with a hardenable resin composition mixed with a gelled liquid fracturing fluid, and introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean zone. The fracturing fluid may form one or more fractures in the subterranean zone and deposit the proppant particles coated with the resin composition therein. Thereafter, the hardenable resin composition on the proppant particles is allowed to harden by heat and to consolidate the proppant particles into degradation resistant permeable packs. The hardenable resin composition may include a liquid bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin, a 4,4?-diaminodiphenyl sulfone hardening agent, a solvent, a silane coupling agent, and a surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compressible foamed sealing compositions for sealing expandable pipe in well bores. The compressible sealant compositions for sealing expandable pipe are basically comprised of a hydraulic cement, a rubber latex, a rubber latex stabilizer, a gas and a mixture of foaming and foam stabilizing surfactants.

Abstract: Methods are described for providing localized heating in an oil well at precise depths to accomplish or expedite specific objectives. The methods involve the use of a heating tool which can be lowered into an oil well to apply heat at a precise depth to achieve a desired result. The specific objectives may include localized heating of a fresh cement slurry to accelerate curing, or localized heating of recently emplaced chemicals which are formulated to be thermally activated. One purpose of such chemicals is to viscosify or increase in gel strength after being pumped into an oil well production zone, in order to restrict the production of unwanted formation fluids such as water.

Abstract: A method is provided of in-situ casting well equipment wherein a metal is used which expands upon solidification. A body of such metal is placed in a cavity in a well. Before or after placing the metal in the cavity in the well, the body is brought at a temperature above the melting point of the metal. The metal of the body in the cavity is solidified by cooling it down to below the melting point of the metal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and treatment fluid for blocking the permeability of an elevated-temperature zone in a reservoir of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: a) selecting the zone to be treated, wherein the upper limit of the temperature range of the zone is equal to or greater than 190° F. (88° C.); b) forming a well treatment fluid comprising: water; a water-soluble polymer comprising polymerized vinyl amine units; and an organic compound capable of crosslinking with the vinyl amine units of the water-soluble polymer; c) selecting the water-soluble polymer and the organic compound of the well treatment fluid such that the gel time of the well treatment fluid is at least 2 hours when measured at the upper limit of the temperature range of the zone; and d) injecting the well treatment fluid through the wellbore and into the zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for setting cement in the annulus of an oil or gas well during well completion or other similar well operations. An induction heating tool is lowered to a desired position within the well casing and power is supplied to the tool to heat the casing and the cement which has been injected in the annulus adjacent the heated well casing and the wellbore.

Abstract: A heating tool used for heating cement and/or a ground formation zone and melting billets in a down hole application for sealing oil and gas wells from gas migration. The heating tool has a billet loader which allows a plurality of billets to be loaded into the top of the tool and which billets then pass downward into a magazine and the lowermost heating area of the tool to rest on a billet retainer.

Abstract: A method and a system for minimizing circulating fluid return losses during drilling of a well bore are disclosed. Circulating fluid, or mud, is heated above conventional temperatures for circulating fluids. The heated circulating fluid then contacts a region of a formation, in which a well bore is to be drilled, maintaining the formation at a relative higher temperature than if no special sources of heat were used to add heat to the circulating fluid. The region, at the relatively higher temperature, has a tendency to expand and to be placed in a relatively higher compressive state as compared to a formation at a lower temperature. Consequently, the use of the heated circulating fluid minimizes fracture initiation and growth and circulation fluid losses into the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a plug in a casing includes a body of plug material and a carrier for insertion into a casing. The carrier supports the body of plug material. The carrier includes a mandrel and at least two circular flanges spaced apart along the mandrel. The carrier also includes a heater for heating the mandrel. The mandrel is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the material and the plug material slumps into the casing between the at least two circular flanges. The at least two circular flanges force the expanded solidifying plug material against the casing which aids the transfer of heat between the mandrel and the plug material, and resists creep of the solidified material along the casing.

Abstract: Compressed bentonite-containing nodules are disclosed as are methods for their production and methods for using them to plug wells.

Abstract: Improved methods and compositions for consolidating proppant in subterranean fractures are provided. In accordance with the methods of the invention, proppant particles coated with a hardenable bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin composition are mixed with a gelled liquid fracturing fluid and the fracturing fluid is pumped into a subterranean zone. The fracturing fluid forms one or more fractures in the subterranean zone and deposits the proppant particles coated with the resin composition therein. Thereafter, the hardenable resin composition on the proppant particles is allowed to harden by heat and consolidate the proppant particles into degradation resistant permeable packs. The hardenable bisphenol A-epichlorohydrin resin compositions of the invention are storable for long periods of time before use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of either plugging or lining a wellbore or casing using a polymer member into which stored energy or shape memory has been introduced. The shape memory is introduced into the member by reducing its diameter, such as by compressing the member using a rolling mill machine or stretching the member axially. Next, the member is lowered into a desired location in the wellbore or casing and subjected to conditions causing at least partial recovery of the anelastic strain. The conditions causing recovery of the anelastic strain can include heat from the reservoir surrounding the wellbore, heat introduced into the wellbore, solvents, and combinations thereof. Recovery of the anelastic strain causes the member to expand in diameter, thus plugging or lining the wellbore or casing at the desired location.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for setting cement in the annulus of an oil or gas well during well completion or other similar well operations. An induction heating tool is lowered to a desired position within the well casing and power is supplied to the tool to heat the casing and the cement which has been injected in the annulus adjacent the heated well casing and the wellbore.