Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of a explosive pipe cutter may be improved by mixing the explosive material with powdered metal to increase the explosive gas density or directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material

Abstract: The subject matter relates to an apparatus for insertion of a conduit into a well system bore to introduce a reactant fluid over a subterranean catalyst to initiate decomposition of the reactant fluid which resultant energy release may be utilized to perform work or perform heating of the subterranean environment. The energy released from the catalytic reaction and subsequent combustion of fuels may also be used for cutting, welding, powering pumps, compressors, turbines, generators, or to heat well system fluids, pipes, subterranean reservoir fluids, subterranean solids, and completion devices in the well system.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing electrically initiated and/or controlled combustion of electrically ignitable propellants is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a volume of electrically ignitable propellant (liquid and/or gas) capable of self sustaining combustion, and electrodes operable to ignite the propellant. The apparatus may further include a power supply and controller in electrical communication with the electrodes for supplying a potential across the electrodes to initiate combustion of the propellant and/or control the rate of combustion of the propellant. Various configurations and geometries of the propellant, electrodes, and apparatus are possible. In one example, the electrodes are supplied a direct current, which causes combustion of the propellant at the positive electrode. In another example, the electrodes are supplied an alternating current, which initiates combustion of the propellant at both electrodes.

Abstract: A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.

Abstract: An electronic blasting capsule which includes a housing which contains a propellant, a fuse, a sensor for detecting the position of the housing in a capsule delivery path, an energy arrangement for obtaining energy from an external energy source, and a controller, responsive to the sensor and the energy arrangement, for firing the fuse to initiate the propellant.

Abstract: A backoff sub includes a housing and a backoff facilitator at least partially within the housing. The backoff sub is a part of the string that is stuck and is capable of adding energy to the string within which the sub is disposed to facilitate backing off of a portion of that sting close to a stuck point of that string. A method is included.

Abstract: A technique controls the actuation of a downhole tool in a wellbore. The technique utilizes a rupture pressure membrane in a flow path of actuating fluid used to actuate the downhole tool. An energetic material is mounted proximate the rupture disc, and this energetic material may be selectively exploded. The resultant energy is sufficient to initiate rupture of the rupture pressure membrane which enables flow of actuating fluid to the downhole tool.

Abstract: Tubewaves are used to transmit an indication of the depth at which a condition is detected in a well. In particular, the depth is calculated based on the difference in arrival time at the surface of a first tubewave which propagates directly upward in the borehole and a second tubewave which initially travels downward and is then reflected upward. The tubewaves may be generated by a canister designed to implode at a certain pressure. The canister is carried downhole by gravity and the fluid being pumped. At a depth at which its pressure tolerance is exceeded, it implodes and generates the tubewaves. An analyzer at the surface detects the tubewaves and generates a pressure versus depth profile of the well. Canisters may be acoustically tagged in order to generate tubewaves having particular frequency and amplitude characteristics. Canisters may also be configured to produce multiple implosions.

Abstract: A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus that are suitable for use in production of hydrocarbons from subterranean heavy oil deposits employ a subterranean cavity in communication with a borehole. The cavity is preferably formed along a U-tube borehole by coiled tubing reaming operations and/or radial drilling and explosive blasting.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a high-energy gas fracture apparatus for through-tubing operation. The apparatus includes a blast head, a fracturing body connected-with the blast head and an electric detonator provided in the blast head, the fracturing body having a central pipe sleeved by a fracture charge column outside and containing an explosive fuse sleeved by tubular igniting charge column inside. In an embodiment, charge amount per unit is effectively enhanced due to bared fracture charge column without sheath combustion gas peak pressure is reached quickly and therefore energy utilization rate during fracturing is effectively enhanced because of igniting by explosion energy of explosive fuse and combustion energy of igniting charge. Various embodiments are usable for fracturing or plug removal in a well without tubing.

Abstract: A subterranean formation stimulation system, comprising a gas generator, a high pressure seal, and a fluid injection system. The high pressure seal may be a packer and or plug having an outer sealing surface on its outer periphery. The outer sealing surface is configured for metal to metal contact with the inner circumference of wellbore casing. The gas generator can be compressed gas or a propellant. A shaped charge can be included to activate the generator. The system is disposable in a wellbore on wireline, slick line, or tubing.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling detonation of explosives in a well bore for perforation or a well bore casing, which avoid or reduce unintentional or undesirable detonations while ensuring or increasing desirable detonations. An explosive trigger system or tool may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and one or more sensors disposed for measuring one or more downhole conditions. Downhole conditions may be measured with the sensor and then used to program detonation parameters (such as temperature or pressure) or preconditions (such as time or distance traveled) to the trigger system. Detonation can only occur when the programmed parameters or preconditions are satisfied. In this way, undesirable detonations are avoided by requiring certain preconditions to arming the trigger system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for preparing a wellbore for production or injection. The methods may include the steps of positioning a completion longer than 300m comprising an inflow control device (ICD) having radial flow paths in the wellbore adjacent to a filtercake and determining the pressure required to lift the filtercake off of the wellbore. The radial flow paths of the ICD are designed such that when the filtercake adjacent to a downstream portion of the ICD completion is removed, the pressure drop across the first downstream part of the ICD completion is sufficient to maintain a drawdown pressure high enough such that the second upstream filtercake is also removed.

Abstract: A process for in situ production of shale oil comprises fracturing the target zone 10 of an shale oil formation using a two step approach. First, an initial set of fractures 18 is developed in the formation by using high pressure gas pulses. Second, a secondary set of fractures 28 extending and further fracturing the initial set of fractures 18 is created using a modified ANFO mix 22 wherein rubber particles acting as solid fuel are blended in with ammonium nitrate and fuel oil. The solid fuel enhances the fracturing characteristics of ANFO while minimizing its crushing and compacting tendencies. Hot high pour point oil is then injected into the formation and forced into the receptor well 16 where it is pumped to the surface. By circulating oil in the formation at carefully controlled temperatures, kerogen can be decomposed at the optimum rate to maximize the amount of oil recovered and yield high quality shale oil.

Abstract: By using reactive shaped charges to perforate failure prone formations, the present invention is able to keep formation sand in place and increase productivity. An efficient flow distribution is surprisingly produced without requiring surge flow or post-perforation stimulation. Further, using the secondary reactive effects of reactive shaped charges allows for the reduction of the risk of erosion and minimization of sand production.

Abstract: An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator capable of providing an exothermic reaction after detonation is provided, comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a reactive liner where the high explosive is positioned between the reactive liner and the housing. The reactive liner is produced from a composition which is capable of sustaining an exothermic reaction during the formation of the cutting jet. The composition may be selected from any known formulation which is suitable for use in an oil and gas well perforator, typically the composition will comprise at least two metals such as to form a inter-metallic as classified by Hume-Rothery electron compounds and at least one further metal, which is not capable of an exothermic reaction with the reactive composition which is present in an amount greater than 10% w/w of the liner. Typically at least one of the metals which undergoes an exothermic reaction may be selected from Al, Ce, Li, Mg, Mo, Ni, Fe, Co, Nb, Pb, Pd, Ta, Ti, Zn or Zr.

Abstract: A downhole device having an explosive component includes a high temperature stable explosive having thermal stability greater than 200° C.

Abstract: A pressure communication assembly external to casing with various forms of connectivity to a pressure source. A well system includes a casing string positioned in the well, with a bore extending longitudinally through the casing string; a chamber attached to the casing string and positioned external to the casing string bore; and a device which provides fluid communication between an interior of the chamber and a pressure source external to the casing. A method of monitoring pressure in a well includes the steps of: installing a casing string in the well with a chamber positioned external to a through bore of the casing string, and the chamber being isolated from the well external to the casing string; and then actuating a device to thereby provide fluid communication between the chamber and the well external to the casing string.

Abstract: This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and to exploration and production of water resources, in particularly, for stimulation of fluid flow to the well, e.g., for higher oil production, productivity index, and recovery factor. The disclosed device and method can be used for higher permeability of the pay zone due to creation of a network of microcracks in the bottomhole formation zone and facilitates to increase the flow of oil, or other fluids, from the reservoir to the well. Generation of cyclic pressure pulses with varied amplitude and time parameters and proper localization of pulses in space through mechanism of convective combustion provides a “soft” impact upon the wellbore without risk of damage or formation consolidation; the said impact is achieved by using a device which is a downhole cyclic pressure generator operating by a consecutive combustion of layers of compositions having different combustion rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods to stimulate subterranean production and injection wells, such as oil and gas wells, utilizing rocket propellants. Rapid production of high-pressure gas from controlled combustion of a propellant, during initial ignition and subsequent combustion, together with proper positioning of the energy source in relation to geologic formations, can be used to establish and maintain increased formation porosity and flow conditions with respect to the pay zone.

Abstract: A method for removing a sealing plug from a casing or a wellbore according to which a sealing plug is adapted to expand into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. A wireless signal is sent to the plug to cause the plug to lose its structural integrity and fall to the bottom of the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole propellant gas generator includes a propellant assembly that comprises a plurality of individual lengths of an energetic material packed in a selected configuration and at least one initiator. A method for creating a pressure pulse includes igniting an initiator, wherein the one or more initiators are packed with a plurality of individual lengths of an energetic material in a propellant assembly; igniting the plurality of individual lengths of the energetic material subsequent to the igniting of the one or more initiators. A method for stimulating a well includes disposing in the well a propellant gas generator having a propellant assembly that comprises a plurality of individual lengths of an energetic material, and at least one initiator packed among the plurality of individual lengths of the energetic material; igniting the at least one initiator, which in turn ignites the plurality of individual lengths of the energetic material.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a rock formation is provided including placing through a wellbore penetrating the rock formation propellants in a cavity located at a radial distance from the wellbore and igniting the propellants to cause a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation.

Abstract: A surge chamber assembly (70) for use in a wellbore includes a housing (80) having one or more openings (112), a surge chamber (100) and a combustion chamber (98). The openings (112) provide fluid communication between the exterior (82) of the housing (80) and the surge chamber (100). A sleeve (114) is slidably positioned within the housing (80) and has a first position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is prevented and a second position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is allowed. A combustible element (124) is positioned in the combustion chamber (98) such that combusting the combustible element (124) generates pressure in the combustion chamber (98) that actuates the sleeve (114) from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface (oil) shale formations, wherein such methods rely on fracturing and/or rubblizing portions of said formations so as to enhance their fluid permeability, and wherein such methods further rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen so as to render it mobile. The present invention is also directed at systems for implementing at least some of the foregoing methods. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of fracturing and/or rubblizing subsurface shale formations and to methods of chemically modifying kerogen in situ so as to render it mobile.

Abstract: A junk removal tool (10) for use in a well bore. The tool includes a multi-faceted face (42) of tungsten carbide to break up large pieces of junk. The junk is then captured in the tool via large area inlet ports (40) and collected in a trap (31). In one embodiment, valves (41) are placed at the inlet ports to prevent the out-flow of captured junk. A further embodiment includes a throat portion (52) to jet junk laden fluid into the tool.

Abstract: A packer includes a seal element and a piston. The piston compresses the seal element to form an annular seal in the well. A pressure wave, such as a pressure wave that is caused by a chemical reaction or the detonation of an explosive, is generated in the packer to at least partially assist an operation (the setting of a slip, setting of the seal element, etc.) of the packer. In some implementations, the chemical reaction or explosive detonation occurs in response to a predetermined movement of the piston.

Abstract: An underbalanced perforating system is disclosed for use in openhole completions to maximize the wellbore and matrix cleanup efficiency, to connect natural fracture patterns, and/or to enable application of new drilling fluid technology in difficult subsurface environments. The perforating system can be used for any hydrocarbon bearing formations with any lithology.

Abstract: An underbalanced perforating system is disclosed for use in openhole completions to maximize the wellbore and matrix cleanup efficiency, to connect natural fracture patterns, and/or to enable application of new drilling fluid technology in difficult subsurface environments. The perforating system can be used for any hydrocarbon bearing formations with any lithology.

Abstract: A process for in situ production of shale oil comprises fracturing the target zone 10 of an shale oil formation using a two step approach. First, an initial set of fractures 18 is developed in the formation by using high pressure gas pulses. Second, a secondary set of fractures 28 extending and further fracturing the initial set of fractures 18 is created using a modified ANFO mix 22 wherein rubber particles acting as solid fuel are blended in with ammonium nitrate and fuel oil. The solid fuel enhances the fracturing characteristics of ANFO while minimizing its crushing and compacting tendencies. Hot high pour point oil is then injected into the formation and forced into the receptor well 16 where it is pumped to the surface. By circulating oil in the formation at carefully controlled temperatures, kerogen can be decomposed at the optimum rate to maximize the amount of oil recovered and yield high quality shale oil.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for assembling a loading tube for a perforating gun for use in a perforating system. At a first location, e.g., a shop, which is not the location at which perforating operations will be conducted, the loading tube is completely assembled. The completely assembled loading tubing is then transported to a second location where perforating operations are to be conducted. In one embodiment, an RF-safe initiator, wiring, a detonating cord and a plurality of shaped charges are installed into the loading tube at a first location. The RF-safe initiators may comprise an exploding foil initiator or an exploding bridge wire. A process for assembling a loading tube for a single-shot perforating gun is also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes providing one or more explosives into portions of one or more wellbores selected for the explosion in the formation. The wellbores are formed in one or more zones in the formation. The explosives are controllably exploded in one or more of the wellbores such that at least some of the formation surrounding the selected wellbores has an increased permeability. One or more heaters are provided in the one or more wellbores.

Abstract: A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.

Abstract: The Invention is a Well Cleaning Method and Apparatus using detonating cord having Additional Reliability and a Longer Shelf Life. The method and apparatus employs one or more subassemblies, each subassembly having a combustible material, means for igniting the combustible material, and one or more high-strength sleeves attached around portions of the combustible material to attenuate the outwardly-directed pressure wave created by ignition of the combustible material. The assemblies further exhibit staggered detonation with the simultaneous application of electrical current to all assemblies. The combustible material is further modified to add an additional outer impervious layer such that the combustible material exhibits prolonged shelf life and durability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for externally perforating a well-bore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing itself and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the well bore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges which are contained in protective pressure chambers which are arranged radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs which conveniently serve to center the casing within the well bore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: An anchoring tool to position an attached tool, such as a chemical cutter or other tools, in a predetermined position within the bore of a tubular. After the desired location for cutting the tubular or performing other functions is determined, the anchoring tool, along with the chemical cutter or other tools, is lowered into the bore of the tubular until the predetermined position is reached. Thereafter, an ignitor expands pressure propellants, positioned within the body of the anchoring tool, and produces pressure which causes anchoring slips to anchor the tool and any associated equipment within the interior of the tubular.

Abstract: A surge chamber assembly (70) for use in a wellbore includes a housing (80) having one or more openings (112), a surge chamber (100) and a combustion chamber (98). The openings (112) provide fluid communication between the exterior (82) of the housing (80) and the surge chamber (100). A sleeve (114) is slidably positioned within the housing (80) and has a first position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is prevented and a second position wherein fluid communication through the openings (112) is allowed. A combustible element (124) is positioned in the combustion chamber (98) such that combusting the combustible element (124) generates pressure in the combustion chamber (98) that actuates the sleeve (114) from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for stimulating a subterranean formation that is penetrated by a well bore in fluid communication with the formation. At least one length of propellant is assembled with at least one shaped explosive charge that is aimed axially along the well bore toward the propellant. Detonation of the explosive charge ignites the propellant and any successive explosive charge positioned in the well bore. Detonation of the successive explosive charge ignites the next successive length of propellant and next successive explosive charge.

Abstract: A tubular patch expansion apparatus includes an elongated tubular bladder adapted to expand radially outwardly to expand an overlying tubular patch. A bladder setting assembly is secured to a first end of the bladder. The bladder setting assembly has a piston which divides an interior bore into a gas generator chamber and a liquid chamber. Once ignited, gas generating medium generates gas, which causes the piston to move along the interior bore injecting liquid from the liquid chamber into the bladder to inflate the bladder. A liquid pressure relief assembly is provided to relieve pressure within the bladder by releasing liquid from the bladder to allow the bladder to collapse, when the pressure in the bladder reaches predetermined levels.

Abstract: The loading tube comprises cups forming cup cavities for enclosing an explosive charge within each of the cups. The loading tube has ridges and valleys providing longitudinal and lateral strength to the loading tube. The loading tube is constructed of a formed material such as paper pulp, high-density polystyrene, plastic or sheet metal.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracture dimensions and, optionally, fracture closure pressure and time are determined by adding particulate matter that discharges to create an acoustic signal to the proppant, allowing the particulate matter to discharge, and detecting the acoustic signal with geophones or accelerometers. The particulate matter may be spheres or fibers. The discharge may be explosion, implosion, detonation, or rapid combustion or ignition. The discharge may be triggered by fracture closure or by chemical reaction.

Abstract: A method for positioning sleeve down hole in a hydrocarbon producing well. A running assembly with associated sleeve is run down a hydrocarbon producing well until the sleeve is in a desired positioned in a conduit. The sleeve is expanded until it sealingly engages the conduit. Pressure is maintained within the sleeve until the seals of holding the pressure sequentially fail to expand the ends of the sleeve. When a preset pressure threshold is reached, the pressure is relieved. The running assembly is then pulled back through the expanded sleeve to surface. A major advantage of this method is that the expanded sleeve provides sufficient internal clearance that a further sleeve of the same size as the original may, in future, be passed through the expanded sleeve and positioned lower down in the well.

Abstract: A system for fracturing wells uses a primary propellant charge to initially produce pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure of the surrounding formation, but below that which would cause damage to the well. A supplemental propellant charge burns for a substantially longer period of time than the primary propellant charge, and thereby maintains pressures within the well in excess of the maximum fracture extension pressure for a significant period of time following completion of the primary propellant burn.

Abstract: A damaged formation is stimulated by igniting a propellant adjacent openings in the wellbore in communication with the damaged formation. Substantially immediately thereafter, low density foam is injected adjacent the openings and circulated to the surface for the removal of debris released from the formation. A tubing string has a foam discharge port at a distal end and a foam injection port at surface. The tubing string extends sufficiently above the wellbore at surface to enable lowering of the tubing string and foam discharge port to below the openings for enhanced removal of debris.

Abstract: A shaped charge is formed having a pressed polymer pellet positioned between the explosive charge and the metal liner. The shock wave resulting from detonation of the explosive passes through the polymer to the liner. The collapse of the liner results in the formations of a jet—piercing the casing. The high-pressure gaseous by-products of the explosive force (inject) the polymer in the perforation “tunnel”. This shockwave will also start the decomposition of the polymer. The polymer will continue to decompose during its injection into the tunnel. As it is being injected into the perforation tunnel, the residue heat generated by the explosive combined with the shear and induced plastic flow, the polymer will ignite and burn. The burn time will be an order of magnitude greater than the explosive; the pressure generated by the polymer will be an order of magnitude less than the explosive.

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: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating apparatus and method for externally perforating a wellbore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers. Each pressure chamber is positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.