Abstract: A first aspect of the invention provides a gas or oil well tubing having an annular packer mounted thereon, wherein the annular packer is formed from an eutectic alloy. By prefabricating the annular packer on the tubing it can be placed in situ from the outset and thus can be active by melting at any time to form a eutectic seal quickly and easily. An annular packer with by-pass conduits is also provided to enable cement to be pumped past the annular packer when it is in situ. The annular packer is further provided with conduit clearance means to clear cement from within the conduits.

Abstract: A method of heating an inner pipe of a set of coaxial pipes, wherein the inner pipe is heated by induction using an electromagnetic induction coil (5) surrounding the outer pipe coaxially, the coil passing electrical power at a frequency lower than 100 Hz optimized for maximum energy efficiency of Joule effect heating of the inner pipe. A device (8) is also provided for induction heating an inner pipe of coaxial pipes, the device has a) an induction heater having at least one electromagnetic induction coil (5) coaxially surrounding the outer pipe of the coaxial pipes, and b) a raising device (9) for raising a portion (1-2) of coaxial pipes (1) above the sea bed (13) together with the induction coil(s) (5) surrounding it.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system and method of producing hydrocarbons from brine. The brine is obtained from a subterranean source and contains carbon substances that may otherwise be difficult or inefficient to conventionally utilize. A mechanical energy is delivered to the brine to energize and rearrange the intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the brine's water molecules. A first and second borehole are selected, each connected to the same subterranean reservoir that permits flow between the boreholes. Brine is introduced into the first borehole, and into the subterranean reservoir. A hydrocarbon-enriched, and more alkane enriched liquid is extracted from, and transported away from the second borehole, and to the surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating wellbores. An example method includes introducing an acidic treatment fluid into the well; wherein the acidic treatment fluid comprises an acid and a first aqueous base fluid. The method further includes introducing an enzymatic treatment fluid into the well; wherein the enzymatic treatment fluid comprises an enzyme and a second aqueous base fluid. The method additionally includes contacting the filter cake with the acidic treatment fluid and contacting the filter cake with the enzymatic treatment fluid after the filter cake was contacted with the acidic treatment fluid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for removing scales within a subterranean environment are provided. The method includes placing a treatment fluid into the subterranean environment containing oil-laden scales and dissolving the oil-laden scales by contacting the treatment fluid to the oil-laden scales. The treatment fluid contains a solvent mixture containing a pyrrolidone and a terpene, an emulsifier, and a chelate mixture containing hydrochloric acid and a chelating agent that contains methylglycine diacetate.

Abstract: A methods and compositions for inhibiting iron sulfide scale in an oil production system having a well in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The method includes the steps of: supplying an aqueous scale-inhibiting solution comprising a water-soluble metal compound and a scale inhibitor, the water-soluble metal compound comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, zinc, and combinations of the same; and wherein the scale inhibitor comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of phosphino polymers, inorganic polyphosphinates, organic phosphate esters, organic phosphonates, organic aminophosphates, polyphosphonates, polycarboxylates, and combinations of the same; and injecting the aqueous scale-inhibiting solution through the well such that iron sulfide scale is inhibited in the oil production system.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preventing or reducing polymer formation and polymer deposition in equipment used in petrochemical processes. An antifoulant composition includes a combination of one or more antioxidants; one or more antipolymerants; one or more dispersants; and one or more solvents. A method of preventing or reducing fouling of process equipment used in an industrial process is also described. The method includes introducing into the process equipment an antifoulant composition, the antifoulant composition comprising a combination of one or more antioxidants; one or more antipolymerants; one or more dispersants; and one or more solvents.

Abstract: Included are compositions, methods, and systems for producing and using winterized paraffin inhibitor solutions. An example composition comprises a paraffin inhibitor solution; and an additive comprising a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first portion is selected from the functional groups consisting of sulfo, phosphate, phosphonate, ester, carboxyl, hydroxyl, and any combination thereof; wherein the second portion is selected from the functional groups consisting of linear alkyl, branched alkyl, alkyl phenyl, ethoxylated branched alkyl, propoxylated branched alkyl, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A system for injecting chemicals into a subsea structure has a housing with an interior, a plurality of chemical injection metering valves positioned in the housing in which each of the plurality of chemical injection metering valves has an inlet and an outlet, a subsea connection plate connected to the inlet and the outlet of the plurality of chemical injection metering valves, an electrical system position in the housing so as to individually control the plurality of chemical injection metering valves, and a communication module positioned in the housing and cooperative with the electrical system so as to control an electrical signal passing through the electrical lines to the plurality of chemical injection metering valves.

Abstract: A downhole tool for conveyance within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation. The downhole tool includes a sealing material and a laser apparatus, and is operable to create and fill a void with the sealing material to form a plug during a plug and abandonment operation.

Abstract: Compositions comprising non-halogenated solvents for use in various aspects of a life cycle of an oil and/or gas well, and related methods, are provided. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a solvent blend and one or more surfactants. In some embodiments, the solvent blend comprises a first type of solvent (e.g., a terpene) and a second type of solvent (e.g., a non-halogenated solvent). The composition may comprise about 90 wt % to 99.9 wt % of the solvent blend, and about 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of one or more surfactants, versus the total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, compositions can be used in methods for treating an oil and/or gas well, having a wellbore that comprises one or more fluids. A composition may be delivered into the wellbore, passing through the one or more fluids to reduce residues comprising asphaltenes, paraffins or combinations thereof on or near the wellbore.

Abstract: Degradable particulates may allow for temporary redirection or occlusion of a fluid within a subterranean formation. However, many types of degradable particulates can be problematic for large-scale use, such as during subterranean treatment operations. Methods for treating a subterranean formation using degradable particulates may comprise: providing pre-coated particulates comprising a latently dissolvable core and a transient coating surrounding the latently dissolvable core, the latently dissolvable core and the transient coating comprising different materials; and introducing a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a plurality of the pre-coated particulates into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation in conjunction with a stimulation operation, a material comprising the latently dissolvable core being soluble in the carrier fluid or a formation fluid present within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method for improving the gas recovery of a natural gas hydrate reservoir by using artificial impermeable layers is described. Artificial impermeable layers are formed by injecting cement slurry into the permeable overburden and underburden layers. When depressurization exploitation is performed, a large amount of seawater can be effectively blocked from entering a hydrate layer, and a production pressure difference between the hydrate layer and the production well is effectively increased, so that a hydrate decomposition rate and the gas recovery are improved.

Abstract: A nanocomposite including a metal oxide and two-dimensional nanosheets. The metal oxid includes at least one of zirconia and titania, and the two-dimensional nanosheets include at least one of reduced graphene oxide and boron nitride. A weight ratio of the metal oxide to the two-dimensional nanosheets is in a range of 2:1 to 19:1, or in a range or 2:1 to 9:1. Making the nanocomposite includes forming a first aqueous dispersion including zirconia nanoparticles and graphene oxide powder, combining a reducing agent with the first aqueous dispersion, irradiating the first aqueous dispersion with microwave radiation, thereby yielding a second aqueous dispersion including zirconia and graphene, and separating the nanocomposite from the second aqueous dispersion, wherein the nanocomposite comprises zirconia and graphene.

Abstract: A method and system in which foams are used (instead of, or in addition to, NCG) to maintain pressure in a mature chamber during blowdown operations of a SAGD process or other enhanced oil recovery process. The foam occupies the depleted void space within the mature chamber after injection ceases, maintaining pressure, and improving blowdown performance. This use of the foam in the method and system also improves the performance of less mature chambers that are being operated at higher pressure adjacent to the mature chamber in blowdown. Foaming agents, such as metal carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides, surfactants or any other colloidal foams, aerosols, hydrosols, emulsions or dispersions can be utilized. The method and system can be utilized in conjunction with other known art, such as heat scavenging in the chamber, or enhanced oil recovery utilizing foams, to displace oil in the chamber.

Abstract: Compounds are provided that can be used in methods for reducing paraffin or wax deposition in crude oil during processing, storage, or transportation. More specifically, the method comprises contacting the crude oil with a composition in an amount effective to reduce paraffin or was deposition.

Abstract: A downhole system for oil production wells includes a tubular cover having a specific length to diameter configuration, the tubular cover including: a first section including 3 groups of 4 perforations equally spaced around the tubular cover; a second section including 3 groups of 4 perforations equally spaced around the tubular cover, wherein the second section is located below the first section, and a third section including 4 groups of 4 perforations equally spaced around the tubular cover, wherein the third section is located below the second section. The system further includes a suction rod having a specific length to diameter configuration based on the tubular cover length to diameter configuration, the suction rod located within the tubular cover, wherein the tubular cover and suction rod are configured for coupling to a suction of a positive displacement pumping device located within production tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are graphene quantum dot tagged paraffin suppressants such as graphene tagged paraffin inhibitors and paraffin dispersants and methods of making and using thereof. The graphene quantum dots are covalently bound to residues of paraffin inhibitors or dispersed with paraffin dispersants to form tagged paraffin suppressants active in inhibiting paraffin crystallization or dispersing crystalized paraffin wax in crude oils and compositions comprising crude oils. The dots can be tailored to fluoresce at wavelengths with minimized correspondence to the natural fluorescence of crude oils, enabling the measurement of the concentration of the paraffin suppressants in crude oils or compositions comprising crude oils.

Abstract: A method of removing a water-based filter cake from a wellbore, the method comprising: contacting the filter cake with a mixture comprising: a non-aqueous, polar solvent; an agent selected to breakdown the filter cake; said mixture comprising <5 wt % water and preferably being essentially anhydrous. The low water content of the mixture actually slows the degradation of the filter cake which has surprisingly been found to be more effective as it allows a more even removal of the filter cake and a more efficient use of the mixture; without the tendency to create local holes in the filter cake where the mixture could escape. Embodiments of the present invention use a polar solvent with a dielectric constant of more than (15), preferably more than (30) such as (15) monoethylene glycol (MEG). In preferred embodiments the agent comprises a salt based on potassium EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).

Abstract: There is described a chemical injection system for a natural gas well. An instrument monitors the production of gas from the well and the flow of chemicals injected into the well. The instrument controls the on and off time of a chemical injection pump that is attached to a chemical injection tank. The control is based for certain chemicals such as a surfactant on the gas flow rate in the production piping. The user of the system inserts in the instrument the setpoints associated with the well's flow rate. These setpoints determine for a given flow rate the on time for the chemical injection pump. Other chemicals can also be injected into the well using the system and the injection for those chemicals may be based on other criteria such as temperature, water rate, oil rate or pipeline flow rate.

Abstract: Oil recovery processes from carbonate or sandstone reservoirs. With a carbonate reservoir, the reservoir is initially flooded with a fluid such as sea water. Then the same fluid containing a plurality of citric acid-filled microcapsules is injected into the reservoir. These microcapsules are left to incubate in the reservoir, which will then infiltrate the rock formations, degrade by heat and release the encapsulated citric acid. The released citric acid reacts with the carbonate rocks to produce CO2 in situ, which causes oil trapped in the rock formations to swell, reduce in viscosity and move towards to a nearby production well. For a sandstone reservoir, calcium carbonate can be also encapsulated with the citric acid for CO2 generation at the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for forming and using proppant particles having desirable attributes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for forming and using proppant particles having desirable attributes.

Abstract: A spacer fluid comprising: (a) water; and (b) an alkyl polyglycoside derivative, wherein the alkyl polyglycoside derivative is selected from the group consisting of sorbitan fatty acids; functionalized sulfonates, functionalized betaines, an inorganic salt of any of the foregoing, and any combination of any of the foregoing. Preferably, the spacer fluid additionally comprises a solid particulate, such as a weighting agent. A method of displacing an oil-based drilling mud from a portion of a well comprising the steps of: (A) forming the spacer fluid; and (B) introducing the spacer fluid into the well.

Abstract: In one aspect, a degradable apparatus is disclosed, including: an inner core with a first degradation rate in a downhole environment; an outer sheath disposed around an outer extent of the inner core with a second degradation rate less than the first degradation rate in the downhole environment. In another aspect, a method of temporarily sealing a downhole zone is disclosed, including: providing an inner core with a first degradation rate in a downhole environment; providing an outer sheath disposed around an outer extent of the inner core with a second degradation rate less than the first degradation rate in the downhole environment; sealing the downhole zone with the outer sheath; exposing the outer sheath to the downhole environment; and exposing the inner core to the downhole environment.

Abstract: An interventionless downhole screen that is resistant to plugging during run-in-hole operations and a method for remotely actuating the screen. The screen includes a perforated sleeve that is slideably disposed coaxially with a perforated tubular member. When running, the sleeve is in a closed positioned with its openings offset from the apertures in the tubular member, thereby blocking flow through the screened openings, while a check valve through the tubular member allows fluid ingress. To actuate for production, the tubular member is pressurized, which moves a piston into ratcheting engagement with the sleeve. A subsequent depressurization allows the piston to return to its original position, carrying with it the sleeve to an open position where the sleeve and tubing perforations are aligned for allowing fluid flow into the tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a novel method for the characterization and quantification of involatile macromolecules in hydrocarbon samples of crude oil. More particularly, the method utilizes pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PY/GC/MS, PY/GC/MS/MS or PY/GC/triple quad MS) to detect and quantify polymeric asphaltene inhibitors in crude oil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling process equipment are provided. The system includes a process fluid source, and a heat exchanger fluidly coupled with the process equipment and the process fluid source. The heat exchanger is configured to receive a process fluid from the process fluid source and transfer heat from the process equipment to the process fluid. The system also includes a control system fluidly coupled with the heat exchanger. The control system is configured to vary a temperature of the process fluid heated in the heat exchanger. Further, at least a portion of the process fluid heated in the heat exchanger is delivered into a wellbore at a temperature below a boiling point of the process fluid.

Abstract: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, terpene hydrocarbon material, demulsifier, detergent, and optionally an acid. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltene and/or paraffin and scale at a wide range of temperatures. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly, or a hydro self-rotating nozzle wash tool.

Abstract: A method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprising: providing an asphaltene solvent, wherein the asphaltene solvent comprises at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide and introducing the asphaltene solvent into the wellbore.

Abstract: A cartridge-type wellbore screen includes a fluid tracing material carried by the wellbore tubular and mounted at a mounting site spaced from an opening through the screen wall to the screen's inner diameter and outwardly of the inner diameter, the mounting site being positioned such that a fluid flow path is restricted to be from the mounting site, along the outer surface of the screen and through the opening before entering the inner diameter. The screen can be used for treating wellbore fluids.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided wherein microorganisms are used to alter the interface of hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-coated surfaces to increase oil recovery, for improved bioremediation and/or pipeline maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pressure relief valve assembly. The valve assembly may be coupled to one or more casings and/or tubular members to control fluid communication therebetween. The valve assembly is a one-way valve assembly that relieves pressure within an annulus formed between adjacent casings and/or tubular members to prevent burst or collapse of the casings and/or tubular members. The valve assembly is resettable downhole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inhibiting scale in a geological formation such as a hydrocarbon reservoir and a kit of parts for performing the method.

Abstract: Removing an asphaltene particle from a substrate includes contacting a silicate nanoparticle with a chemical group to form a functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the chemical group includes a first portion; and a second portion comprising an aromatic moiety, the first portion being bonded to the silicate nanoparticle; contacting the asphaltene particle with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle, the asphaltene particle being disposed on the substrate; interposing the functionalized silicate nanoparticle between the asphaltene particle and the substrate; and separating the asphaltene particle from the substrate with the functionalized silicate nanoparticle to remove the asphaltene particle. A composition includes a functionalized silicate nanoparticle comprising a reaction product of a silicate nanoparticle and an aromatic compound; and a fluid.

Abstract: Disintegrative particles are designed to be blended with and pumped with typical proppant materials, e.g. sand, ceramics, bauxite, etc, into the fractures of a subterranean formation. With time and/or change in wellbore or environmental condition, these particles will either disintegrate partially or completely, in non-limiting examples, by contact with downhole fracturing fluid, formation water, or a stimulation fluid such as an acid or brine. Once disintegrated, the proppant pack within the fractures will lead to greater open space enabling higher conductivity and flow rates. The disintegrative particles may be made by compacting and/or sintering metal powder particles, for instance magnesium or other reactive metal or their alloys. Alternatively, particles coated with compacted and/or sintered nanometer-sized or micrometer sized coatings could also be designed where the coatings disintegrate faster or slower than the core in a changed downhole environment.

Abstract: Methods of drilling with a wellbore fluid may include pumping the wellbore fluid with an oxidative degradable polymer into a wellbore with and an inactivated oxidant; forming a filtercake in a downhole environment, allowing some of the fluid to filter into a subterranean rock formation to produce a filtercake containing the oxidative degradable polymer and inactivated oxidant; and removing the filtercake formed by the wellbore fluid from the wellbore walls by exposing the filtercake with a breaker fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, and at least one iminodiacetic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A method for degrading a downhole article includes exposing the downhole article comprising a controlled electrolytic material to a composition that comprises a reducing agent. The method also includes contacting the downhole article with the reducing agent to degrade the downhole article. Additionally, a composition for degrading a downhole article includes water, chelant, metal ions, and a reducing agent that includes ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, a derivative thereof, a salt thereof, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of well treatment that includes providing a well treatment composition containing a non-functionalized cellulose material and a halide salt composition containing at least zinc halide, calcium halide or a mixture thereof, and placing the well treatment composition within a wellbore or a subterranean formation, and wherein the halide salt composition dissolves at least a portion of the non-functionalized cellulose material.

Abstract: A downhole assembly for delivering chemical treatment to a wellbore at the level of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is provided. The chemical treatment is in solid phase, and slowly dissolves when exposed to wellbore fluids. A method of treating a wellbore using a solid chemical is also provided.

Abstract: A system for sampling production well production fluids from a manifold interface panel on a subsea production manifold. In some embodiments, the system includes a remotely operated vehicle, a skid coupled to the remotely operated vehicle, a sample tank supported on the skid, and a fluid transfer pump operable to convey production fluid from at least one of the production wells through the manifold interface panel into the sample tank.

Abstract: A method of treating a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation comprising: providing an asphaltene solvent, wherein the asphaltene solvent comprises at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide and introducing the asphaltene solvent into the wellbore

Abstract: Method of managing hydrates in a subsea production system that includes a host production facility, one or more producers, one or more water injectors, a water injection line, and a single production line for directing production fluids from the producers to the host production facility. The method comprises placing a pig in the subsea production system, shutting in production from the producers, and injecting a displacement fluid into the subsea production system in order to displace production fluids in the production line. The method also includes applying electrically resistive heat along a selected portion of the single production line to maintain production fluids within the production line at a temperature above a hydrate formation temperature after production has been shut in.

Abstract: A method of extracting hydrocarbon from oil containing rocks is herein disclosed. According to one embodiment a method includes mixing oil sandstone and a phosphonium based ionic liquid and subjecting the resulting mixture to microwave radiation of 2.54 Gigahertz. Within 1 minute the trapped hydrocarbon is extracted into the ionic liquid which can be subsequently processed to remove the hydrocarbons from the ionic liquid.

Abstract: A system and method for remediation of asphaltene-induced fouling of an oil-bearing formation is provided wherein an asphaltene solvent comprising at least 75 mol % dimethyl sulfide is introduced into an oil-bearing formation containing asphaltene deposits and the dimethyl sulfide is contacted with the asphaltene deposits.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a method comprising: (a) providing a filter cake on a surface in a subterranean formation, the filter cake comprising a polymer and a bridging agent; (b) providing a filter cake clean-up fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and L-glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid; and (c) contacting the filter cake with the filter cake clean-up fluid so that a portion of the subterranean formation neighboring the filter cake has a regain permeability of at least about 86%.

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 method involving exposing a substance to a promoter, the promoter being made from a liquid carrier and a metal salt component, the metal salt component, having at least (i) a magnetic susceptibility above 1000 or (ii) an ionization potential below about 500 volts, or (iii) both (i) and (ii), and applying electromagnetic wave energy to the substance while the substance is in the presence of the promoter, for a period of time and at a frequency and amplification sufficient to promote the modification of at least one physical property of the substance. A related method of treating a well in a subterranean formation, a tank or a pipeline, and the well treatment promoter composition, are also described.