Abstract: The present invention relates to a managed pressure and/or temperature drilling system (300) and method. In one embodiment, a method for drilling a wellbore into a gas hydrates formation is disclosed. The method includes drilling the wellbore into the gas hydrates formation; returning gas hydrates cuttings to a surface of the wellbore and/or a drilling rig while controlling a temperature and/or a pressure of the cuttings to prevent or control disassociation of the hydrates cuttings.

Abstract: An in situ method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation may include heating an organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in situ to pyrolyze formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to form a production fluid containing hydrocarbon fluids. The method may include separating the production fluid into at least a gas stream and a liquid stream, where the gas stream is a low BTU gas stream. The low BTU gas stream is then fed to a gas turbine where it is combusted and is used to generate electricity.

Abstract: Electrical current flow is induced in a ferromagnetic conductor providing time-varying electrical current at a first frequency to an electrical conductor located in a formation. The ferromagnetic conductor at least partially surrounds and at least partially extends lengthwise around the electrical conductor. The ferromagnetic conductor resistively heats up to a first temperature of at most about 300° C. Water in the formation is vaporized with heat at the first temperature. Subsequently, time-varying electrical current at a second frequency is provided to the elongated electrical conductor to induce electrical current flow at the second frequency such that the ferromagnetic conductor resistively heats up to a second temperature above about 300° C. Heat transfers from the ferromagnetic conductor at the second temperature to at least a part of the formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the part of the formation.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods comprise structures and methods for using a plurality of chemicals which are mixed subsea, resulting in a heated fluid which can be delivered by various means to an area about a subsea structure such as a pipe or other structure which has been compromised by a plug such as a solid gas hydrate or paraffinic plug. Various embodiments allow for selective use of insulated chambers and baffled conduits and the like, or combinations thereof, to aid in the mixing of the various chemicals and achieving a desired temperature.

Abstract: A system for subsea extraction of gaseous materials from and preventing the formation of hydrates.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal recovery of shallow bitumen using increased permeability inclusions. A method of producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation includes the steps of: propagating at least one generally planar inclusion outward from a wellbore into the formation; injecting a fluid into the inclusion, thereby heating the hydrocarbons; and during the injecting step, producing the hydrocarbons from the wellbore. A well system includes at least one generally planar inclusion extending outward from a wellbore into a formation; a fluid injected into the inclusion, hydrocarbons being heated as a result of the injected fluid; and a tubular string through which the hydrocarbons are produced, the tubular string extending to a location in the wellbore below the inclusion, and the hydrocarbons being received into the tubular string at that location.

Abstract: Method for producing hydrocarbon fluids from an organic-rich rock formation include providing a plurality of in situ heat sources configured to generate heat within the formation so as to pyrolyze solid hydrocarbons into hydrocarbon fluids. Preferably, the organic-rich rock formation is heated to a temperature of at least 270° C. Heating of the organic-rich rock formation continues so that heat moves away from the respective heat sources and through the formation at a first value of effective thermal diffusivity, ?1. Heating of the formation further continues in situ so that thermal fractures are caused to be formed in the formation or so that the permeability of the formation is otherwise increased. The method also includes injecting a fluid into the organic-rich rock formation. The purpose for injecting the fluid is to increase the value of thermal diffusivity within the subsurface formation to a second value, ?2.

Abstract: Methods and systems of treating an oil shale formation using an in situ thermal process are described herein. A method of treating an oil shale formation in situ includes providing heat from one or more heat sources to at least a portion of the formation; allowing the heat to transfer from at least the portion to a selected section of the formation substantially by conduction of heat; pyrolyzing at least some hydrocarbons within the selected section of the formation; and producing a mixture from the formation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to allocate electrical power among tools in a bottomhole assembly disposed in a wellbore. A bottomhole assembly having an electric generator, an electrical bus, a bus master, and two or more tools is provided. One or more of the two or more tools has selectable power modes. Electrical power, up to a maximum output value, is provided through the electrical bus to the two or more tools using the electric generator. Electronic components of the two or more tools are synchronized, using the bus master to select a normal power mode or a low power mode for each tool having selectable power modes. The combined power requirements of the two or more tools at any given time do not exceed the maximum output value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recovery of hydrocarbons being released subsea in an uncontrolled manner. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus, process and system for the recovery of well stream products being released subsea in an uncontrolled manner, optionally under conditions that are conducive to the formation of gas hydrate crystals.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore that may include pumping a process fluid through a flameless heating unit, controlling the flameless heating unit to heat the process fluid to a temperature in a range sufficient to chemically alter or induce phase change(s) to one or more deposits disposed in the wellbore, and transferring the process fluid from the flameless heating unit into the wellbore. Other steps may include using the heated process fluid to operate a tool, optionally by wireline operations, operatively disposed in the wellbore, whereby the heated process fluid and the tool work collectively to affect the removability of deposits. The flameless heating unit may include an internal combustion engine, a dynamic heat generator operatively connected to the internal combustion engine, and one or more pumps configured to provide a discharged fluid to the dynamic heat generator.

Abstract: A method of geothermal energy production can include injecting water into a formation, and then automatically decreasing resistance to flow through at least one valve in response to the water changing phase in the formation. A geothermal well system can include a tubular string disposed in a production wellbore, the tubular string including at least one valve, water which flows from an injection wellbore into a formation surrounding the wellbore, and then flows from the formation into the production wellbore as steam, and resistance to flow through the valve decreasing automatically in response to presence of the steam in the production wellbore. Another method of geothermal energy production can include injecting water into a formation from an injection wellbore, the water changing phase in the formation, and then automatically decreasing resistance to fluid flow through at least one valve in response to presence of steam in a production wellbore.

Abstract: A nanocomposite fluid includes a fluid medium; and a nanoparticle composition comprising nanoparticles which are electrically insulating and thermally conductive. A method of making the nanocomposite fluid includes forming boron nitride nanoparticles; dispersing the boron nitride nanoparticles in a solvent; combining the boron nitride nanoparticles and a fluid medium; and removing the solvent.

Abstract: A method for mobilizing viscous hydrocarbons in a reservoir includes (a) injecting an aqueous solution into the reservoir with the reservoir at the reservoir ambient temperature. The aqueous solution includes water and a water-soluble chemical agent that is substantially non-decomposable and substantially non-reactive in the reservoir at the reservoir ambient temperature. In addition, the method includes (b) adding thermal energy to the reservoir at any time after (a) to increase the temperature of at least a portion of the reservoir to an elevated temperature greater than the ambient temperature of the reservoir. Further, the method includes (c) in response to the elevated temperature in (b), mobilizing at least a portion of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir by reducing the viscosity of the hydrocarbons and allowing the chemical agent to enhance mobilization of the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A volatile extraction well and method to utilize heat, which could be from the sun or from some other energy source, to directly vaporize subsurface water-ice, or other frozen volatile substance, in-situ. The pressure of the vaporized water (or other volatile gas) released in the heated soil causes the vapor to flow into a sealed drill-hole, or well, and on through an extraction tube to a surface collection vessel where it is condensed and stored.

Abstract: A method for recovering viscous hydrocarbons from a reservoir in a subterranean formation includes (a) injecting steam into the reservoir. In addition, the method includes (b) injecting a thermally activated chemical species into the reservoir with the steam during (a). The thermally activated chemical species decomposes at a temperature between 40° and 200° C. Further, the method includes (c) decreasing the viscosity of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir during (a) and (b). Still further, the method includes (d) mobilizing at least some of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for recovering viscous hydrocarbons from a reservoir in a subterranean formation includes (a) injecting steam into the reservoir. In addition, the method includes (b) injecting a surfactant into the reservoir with the steam during (a). Further, the method includes (c) decreasing the viscosity of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir with thermal energy from the steam. Still further, the method includes (d) emulsifying the hydrocarbons with the surfactant during (b) and (c). Moreover, the method includes (e) mobilizing at least some of the hydrocarbons in the reservoir.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing an underground reservoir having a first temperature. The reservoir is located below a caprock and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The injection well includes an injection well reservoir opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. The system also includes a production well having a production well reservoir opening in fluid communication with the reservoir. A working-fluid supply system provides a non-water based working fluid to the injection well at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Exposure of the non-water based working fluid to the first temperature produces heated non-water based working fluid capable of entering the production well reservoir opening. An energy converting apparatus connected to the productions well converts thermal energy contained in the heated non-water based working fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A first conductor is positioned in the substantially horizontal or inclined portion of a first wellbore. The first conductor includes electrically conductive material. A portion of the first conductor positioned in the first wellbore includes copper coupled to the electrically conductive material. The copper tapers from a larger thickness at a first end of the portion to a smaller thickness at a second end of the portion. A power supply coupled to the first conductor electrically excites the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to a second conductor located in the hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation, and the current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two conductors.

Abstract: Devices and related methods for reducing a thermal loading of one or more components may include a housing having an interior for receiving the component(s), and a thermally conductive flowable material in thermal communication to the component(s).

Abstract: A first wellbore includes a substantially horizontal or inclined portion in a hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. A first conductor having electrically conductive material is at least partially positioned in the first wellbore. At least one conducting material substantially surrounds the first conductor in the first wellbore. A second conductor having a substantially horizontal or inclined portion is located in the hydrocarbon containing layer in the formation. The second conductor includes electrically conductive material. At least one conducting material substantially surrounds the second conductor. A power supply is coupled to the first conductor to electrically excite the electrically conductive materials of the first conductor such that current flows between the electrically conductive materials in the first conductor, through at least a portion of the formation, to the second conductor, and the current resistively heats at least a portion of the formation between the two conductors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods for increasing the recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir. In one embodiment, a method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir is provided. The method includes positioning a first device into a first horizontal well, injecting a first fluid into the first horizontal well through the first device, producing hydrocarbons from a second horizontal well disposed below the first well, injecting a second fluid into a third well laterally offset from each of the first and second wells to drive fluids in the reservoir toward the second well while continuing to produce hydrocarbons from the second well, and selectively ceasing injection into the first well when the second well is in fluid communication with the third well.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a thermally sensitive component. The temperature of the thermally sensitive component is at least partially controlled by a temperature management system thermally coupled to the thermally sensitive component.

Abstract: A downhole steam generation system may include a burner head assembly, a liner assembly, a vaporization sleeve, and a support sleeve. The burner head assembly may include a sudden expansion region with one or more injectors. The liner assembly may include a water-cooled body having one or more water injection arrangements. The system may be optimized to assist in the recovery of hydrocarbons from different types of reservoirs. A method of recovering hydrocarbons may include supplying one or more fluids to the system, combusting a fuel and an oxidant to generate a combustion product, injecting a fluid into the combustion product to generate an exhaust gas, injecting the exhaust gas into a reservoir, and recovering hydrocarbons from the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for the “in situ” extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil is provided. An electric/electromagnetic heater to reduce the viscosity of bitumen or very heavy oil with at least two linearly expanded conductors are configured in a horizontal alignment at a predetermined depth of the reservoir. The conductors are connected to each other in an electrically conducting manner inside or outside of the reservoir, and together form a conductor loop, and are connected to an external alternating current generator outside of the reservoir for electric power. The heating of the reservoir is predetermined in a chronologically and/or locally variable manner in accordance with the electric parameters, and may be changed outside of the reservoir for optimizing the feed volume during the conveying of the bitumen. At least one generator is present in the related device, wherein the parameters thereof are variable for the electric power.

Abstract: A plurality of solid particles including a thermoplastic composition having a softening temperature in a range from 50° C. to 180° C. and a blocked isocyanate resin; optionally at least some of the particles in the plurality of solid particles comprise both the thermoplastic composition and the blocked isocyanate resin. A composition comprising the plurality of particles dispersed in a fluid is also disclosed. A method of modifying a wellbore within a geological formation is also disclosed. The method includes introducing the fluid composition into the wellbore. A method of making a plurality of particles, for example, to use in the fluid composition, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for mixing fluid flowing through a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A static mixer assembly is positioned in a tubing string, the mixer having a plurality of vanes extending radially into an interior fluid flow passageway. Downhole tools are movable through a tool passageway defined in the static mixer assembly. The tools can pass unobstructed by the fixed vanes. Alternately, the tool can flex the elastic vanes as it passes through, the vanes returning to position after passage of the tool. The vanes are preferably circumferentially spaced and longitudinally spaced. The vanes can extend from an interior wall surface of the assembly or from a sleeve inserted into the mixer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing upgraded hydrocarbons in-situ from a production well. The method begins by operating a subsurface recovery of hydrocarbons with a production well. An RF absorbent material is heated by at least one RF emitter and used as a heated RF absorbent material, which in turn heats the hydrocarbons to be produced. Hydrocarbons are upgraded in-situ and then produced from the production well.

Abstract: A wellhead system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation that includes concentric tubulars that form an annulus. The annulus is vented by flowing fluid from the annulus through a bleed line having a valve that is selectively opened and closed. Upstream of the bleed line valve, the bleed line is routed adjacent a production flow line. The temperature of the fluid in the production flow line is greater than annulus temperature and warms the bleed line. Hydrate formation in the bleed line is thereby inhibited by the thermal energy it receives from the production flow line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus to release energy into wells using combustion of monopropellants. More specifically, this invention is directed to industrial methods to enhance the extraction of well fluids from wells by using the in-situ energy released from this inventions apparatus, methods, catalyst, and fluids blends for subterranean catalytic combustion of monopropellants.

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat input into the formation may be controlled to raise the temperature of portion at a selected rate during pyrolysis of hydrocarbons within the formation. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation.

Abstract: A radio frequency applicator includes a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential mode signal. The RF source is connected to a coaxial conductor that includes an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through at least one metal jumper. At least one current choke is around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation.

Abstract: A method for separating hydrocarbon content from a hydrocarbon contaminated matrix. The method includes controlling water content of a feed material having the hydrocarbon contaminated matrix; continuously conveying the feed material into a treatment cavity; exposing the feed material in a treatment area of the treatment cavity to microwave radiation arranged to cause rapid heating of at least a portion of the water content to form steam, wherein the rapid steam formation results in thermal desorption of at least a portion of the hydrocarbon content from the matrix; and continuously removing the treated matrix from the treatment cavity.

Abstract: A technique includes inducing a distributed temperature change along a portion of a wellbore and measuring a time varying temperature along the portion of the wellbore due to the induced change. The technique includes determining a distributed flow rate in the portion based at least in part on the measured time varying temperature before the temperature reaches equilibrium.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lifting hydrocarbons from reservoirs. A method includes injecting a heat carrier fluid comprising steam, hot water, or both into a first well and injecting an organic compound into a second well. The organic compound is selected to vaporize to a gas from the heat provided by the heat carrier fluid, forcing produced fluids to the surface. The produced fluids are collected at the surface.

Abstract: A parallel fed well antenna array and method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. An aspect of at least one embodiment is a parallel fed well antenna array. It includes an electrically conductive pipe having radiating segments and insulator segments. It also includes a two conductor shielded electrical cable where the shield has discontinuities such that the first conductor and the second conductor are exposed. The first conductor is electrically connected to the conductive pipe and the second conductor is electrically connected to the shield of the electrical cable just beyond an insulator segment of the conductive well pipe A radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the electrical cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon deposit that is susceptible to RF heating by coupling a linear conductive element that extends into the material to a source of RF power. The apparatus includes a source of RF power connected to driving winding that extends around a magnetic core loop and the magnetic core loop extends around the RF conductive linear element. One or more apparatus may be used to couple RF energy to conductive elements that extend into a hydrocarbon deposit to achieve a desired RF current within the element. RF energy may be coupled to conductive elements that are adjacent to each other within a hydrocarbon deposit to create a desired region of heating within the hydrocarbon deposit. The magnetic core loop may start and stop the RF energy to position heating.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen in a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir, is provided. The process may comprise the steps of introducing a metal-based catalyst into a hydrocarbon-containing zone in said reservoir, raising the temperature in said zone to a temperature at which catalyzed conversion of hydrocarbon to hydrogen occurs, and, optionally but preferably, recovering hydrogen from an extraction section of a production well located above said zone.

Abstract: A device for dissipating heat away from a heat sensitive component includes a heat dissipation member thermally coupled to a heat sensitive component. The heat dissipation member may be formed of a composite material. In aspects, the device may be include an enclosure coupled to a conveyance device; a heat sensitive component disposed in the enclosure; and a composite heat dissipation member thermally coupled to the heat sensitive component. The composite heat dissipation member may include a metal and a non-metal. The apparatus may also include an encapsulation substantially encapsulating the heat dissipation member and the heat sensitive component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow hydrogel capsules. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation with a hollow hydrogel capsule including a hydrogel shell including a hydrolyzed and crosslinked polymerized composition. The hollow hydrogel capsule also includes a hollow interior including at least one component of a downhole composition for subterranean petroleum or water well drilling, stimulation, clean-up, production, completion, abandonment, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions comprising the hollow hydrogel capsules and methods of making the hollow hydrogel capsules.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Some embodiments generally relate to systems, methods, and/or processes for treating fluid produced from the subsurface formation. Some methods include providing heat to a first section of the hydrocarbon containing formation from a plurality of heaters located in the formation; allowing the heat to transfer from the heaters to heat a portion of the first section to mobilize formation fluid; and producing formation fluid from the formation.

Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool or cold water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed.

Abstract: A method for extracting bitumen and/or extra-heavy oil from an underground deposit is provided. The energy for producing the steam and for the electric heating is generated in situ, for which purpose part of the extracted bitumen and/or extra-heavy oil is burned in an industrial turbine with a downstream generator coupled to the turbine. The industrial turbine may be a gas turbine or a steam turbine. In particular the industrial turbine with downstream generator is assigned a waste heat recovery steam generator which serves for generating the steam and accordingly takes the form of a boiler. Through intermediate storage of the bitumen and/or ultra-heavy oil produced it is possible to implement a self-contained closed circuit which operates autonomously, independently of any external energy supply, using approx. 20% of the extracted bitumen and/or extra-heavy oil for the purposes of extraction.

Abstract: There is herein described the prevention of hydrates and the provision of a Relief Well in an oil and gas Well. More particularly, there is described the prevention of hydrates in an oil and gas Well by utilizing the latent heat in the sub-soil and providing Subterranean Channels to facilitate the provision of Relief Well access.

Abstract: A subsea hydrocarbon cooling and heat transfer system is provided. The system includes one or more subsea hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers arranged in heat exchange communication between a hydrocarbon process fluid and a cooling medium fluid, a cooling medium fluid distribution pipe system connected to the hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers, and a subsea cooling unit for cooling the cooling medium fluid. After passing through one of said heat exchangers, a heated cooling medium can act as a heat transfer fluid to re-heat another hydrocarbon process fluid.

Abstract: A Drill-To-The-Limit (DTTL) drilling method variant to Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) applies constant surface backpressure, whether the mud is circulating (choke valve open) or not (choke valve closed). Because of the constant application of surface backpressure, the DTTL method can use lighter mud weight that still has the cutting carrying ability to keep the borehole clean. The DTTL method identifies the weakest component of the pressure containment system, such as the fracture pressure of the formation or the casing shoe leak off test (LOT). With a higher pressure rated RCD, such as 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) dynamic or working pressure and 10,000 psi (68,948 kPa) static pressure, the limitation will generally be the fracture pressure of the formation or the LOT. In the DTTL method, since surface backpressure is constantly applied, the pore pressure limitation of the conventional drilling window can be disregarded in developing the fluid and drilling programs.

Abstract: A method of cooling a downhole tool. A first step involves providing a cooling chamber in the downhole tool. The cooling chamber is positioned in proximity to components to be cooled. A second step involves ports through defining walls of the downhole tool. The ports must be adapted to allow liquids from a well bore, in which the downhole tool is positioned, to communicate with the cooling chamber. A third step involves providing means to circulate liquids from the well bore in through the ports into the cooling chamber and out through the ports back into the well bore, such that the liquids in the cooling chamber are continually being replaced. A heat exchange takes place between the liquids in the cooling chamber and the components to be cooled. The liquids are continually being replaced dissipating heat into the well bore.

Abstract: A BOP heating method includes operating a coiled tubing unit (CTU) using hydraulic fluid. The fluid is supplied from the CTU to an exchange tube and returned from the exchange tube to the CTU. The method includes transmitting heat from the fluid to an inner plate. Heat is transmitted from the inner plate to a BOP on which the inner plate is temporarily mounted. A BOP heating system includes a CTU configured to use hydraulic fluid, a supply tube configured to supply fluid from the CTU to an exchange tube, and a return tube configured to return fluid from the exchange tube to the CTU. A BOP heat exchange unit includes an outer plate and an inner plate, an exchange tube between the outer plate and the inner plate, and a heat spreading material between the exchange tube and the inner plate. The exchange unit lacks any electrical component.