Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sealing a well are disclosed. The method includes introducing a plug axially into the well, with a mouth of the plug turned up and a bottom wall part turned down, the plug being positioned in the well at a desired depth. The plug is inflated by injecting a high-pressure liquid into it via its mouth so that a tubular wall part of the plug expands radially beyond its elastic limit and presses firmly and tightly against the wall of the well by a crimping effect, while its bottom wall part serves as a sealing partition, forming a tight barrier between lower and upper parts of the well that it separates. The plug has an internal axial mandrel that connects its mouth to its bottom wall, the mandrel being pierced with channels that allow injection of high-pressure liquid inside the plug via the mouth and channels.

Abstract: A tool assembly including an equalization valve allowing for continuous equalization of pressure above and below a sealing element includes a housing having a fluid passageway that is fluidically continuous across a sealing element disposed on a mandrel. The mandrel is part of a sealing assembly that contains the sealing element. The equalization valve includes a valve plug moveable from an open to a seated position wherein the valve plug is seated against the sealing mandrel. The valve plug defines a conduit that provides minimal fluid flow across the sealing element when the valve plug is seated against the sealing mandrel. The equalization valve further includes an outer port for permitting lateral flow of fluid from the tubing string to the annulus defined between the tubing string and the wellbore. The equalization valve may be part of a downhole tool assembly which includes the equalization valve and a sealing assembly.

Abstract: A well may be serviced with a fluid formulated with components comprising a friction reducer having at least one polymer unit chosen from acrylamide groups, acrylate groups, sulfo groups, and maleic acid groups; and an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant and an aqueous base capable of forming a viscoelastic gel.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a carbonylation catalyst with carbon monoxide recovered from a gaseous stream derived from a carbonylation reaction. The carbon monoxide enriched stream is fed downstream of the carbonylation reactor, preferably to a flasher or light ends column, to enhance catalyst stability throughout the process.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system comprising a casing string disposed within a wellbore, a work string at least partially disposed within the casing string and having a wellbore servicing tool incorporated therein, wherein the wellbore servicing tool is selectively transitionable between a jetting configuration and a mixing configuration, wherein the wellbore servicing tool is configured to transition between the jetting configuration and the mixing configuration via contact between the wellbore servicing tool and the casing upon movement of the work string upwardly within the casing string, upon movement of the work string downwardly within the casing string, or by combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation comprises forming a flooding suspension comprising degradable particles and a carrier fluid. The flooding suspension is introduced into a subterranean formation containing a hydrocarbon material to form an emulsion stabilized by the degradable particles and remove the emulsion from the subterranean formation. At least a portion of the degradable particles are degraded to destabilize the emulsion. An additional method of obtaining a hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation, and a stabilized emulsion are also described.

Abstract: A method of predictive modeling of a treatment fluid comprises: determining the value of properties of a base fluid and insoluble particulates; providing a proposed suspending agent; performing a first calculation of the suspendability of the proposed suspending agent as determined by a yield gravity function equation; evaluating if the result from the first calculation indicates a stable treatment fluid comprising the base fluid, the insoluble particulates, and the proposed suspending agent, or if the result does not indicate a stable treatment fluid, then: modifying the value of at least one of the properties of the proposed suspending agent, base fluid, and/or insoluble particulate; and performing a second calculation, wherein the same or different property values are continued to be modified and the calculation is continued to be performed until the result indicates a stable treatment fluid; and introducing the stable treatment fluid into a wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gel comprising, polyacrylamide crosslinked with a non-metallic crosslinker, the non-metallic crosslinker comprising a polyamine. A method of making the gel and a method of using the gel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore that includes, transporting a fluid treatment system to a wellsite, accessing a water source proximate to the wellsite, introducing a water stream from the water source into the fluid treatment system, irradiating at least a portion of the water stream within the fluid treatment system, forming a wellbore servicing fluid from the irradiated water stream, and placing the wellbore servicing fluid into the wellbore. The portion of the water stream is irradiating by exposing the portion of water stream to ultraviolet light emitted from at least one pulsed ultraviolet lamp.

Abstract: A fluid separator separates a fluid flow into a plurality of fluid portions, and delivers at least a first fluid portion of the plurality of fluids to a flow conduit. An imaging-based measurement device includes a light source and an image sensor. The imaging-based measurement device measures the first fluid portion in the flow conduit. An imaging processor in the imaging-based measurement device processes the measurement data to determine a characteristic of the first fluid portion.

Abstract: Methods for treating oil-based drilling fluids with a fluid loss additive that includes one or more hydrocarbon resins. An oil-based drilling fluid and a hydrocarbon resin can be combined to produce a treated oil-based drilling fluid. The hydrocarbon resin can include a polymerized product of a reaction mixture that can include a dicyclopentadiene; at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a dimer of an aliphatic cyclic diene having five carbon atoms, a dimer of an aliphatic non-cyclic diene having five carbon atoms, a monoolefin, a diolefin, or a polyene, each having more than five carbon atoms and no aromatic rings, a C5-olefin, a debutanized aromatic concentrate, and any mixture thereof; and at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a fatty acid-containing material, a rosin acid-containing material, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Fluid treatment systems and compositions are provided including (a) at least one material including (1) at least one carboxylic acid functional group and (2) at least one sulfur-containing group selected from the group consisting of sulfonyl functional groups, sulfonate functional groups and mixtures thereof; and (b) at least one friction reducing agent selected from the group consisting of guar gums, polyacrylamides, hydratable cellulosic materials, viscoelastic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. The fluid treatment systems and compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems, for example as fracturing fluids for use in fracturing subterranean formations. Methods for inhibiting formation and/or precipitation of metal oxides in an aqueous composition using the fluid treatment systems or compositions also are provided.

Abstract: A method for determining wettability of a solid, such as a reservoir rock material includes disaggregating the material, for example by grinding and placing the disaggregated material on the surface of the fluid. The wettability is analyzed based on whether a portion of the material floats on or sinks into the fluid. The method is well suited for heterogeneous solid materials that have mixed wetting characteristics and/or have varying surface types. The fluid can be evaluated as a potential treatment fluid or a component thereof that can be used for treating the rock formation. For example, the potential treatment fluid can include a surfactant or an oxidizing agent. A simple observation can be made whether substantially all of the material placed on the surface of the fluid sinks into the fluid, or the portions of floating and sinking material can be weighed.

Abstract: Produced or flowback water from an underground reservoir having been treated with a fluid containing a viscosifying polymer and a vitamin B1 and/or ylide breaker may be recycled by deactivating the vitamin B1 and/or ylide breaker with a sulfur or phosphorus containing nucleophilic agent.

Abstract: A method of plugging an opening in a subterranean formation such as a fracture system is provided. A gel composition can be provided which includes an aqueous fluid, a cross-linkable polymer soluble in the aqueous fluid and a cross-linking agent. Inorganic fibers can be added to the gel composition. The gel composition can be injected into the opening in the subterranean formation. The gel composition can be cross-linked, and the opening can be plugged with the gel composition. In certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibers can be mineral wool fibers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surfactant formulation for use in treating and recovering fossil fluid from a subterranean formation. The surfactant formulation includes a primary surfactant, a formulation stability agent and injection water.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid, possibly a wellbore fracturing fluid, comprises an aqueous solution or dispersion of a first polymer, which may be polysaccharide, as a thickener and a cross linking agent to enhance the viscosity of the fluid by crosslinking the first polymer, wherein the crosslinking agent is a second polymer comprising at least one polymer chain with phenyl boronate groups distributed along the polymer chain and the phenyl boronic acid groups have nitrogen attached to the phenyl group at a position which is meta relative to the boronate group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating a hydrocarbon containing formation, comprising the following steps: a) preparing an internal olefin sulfonate, comprising sulfonating an internal olefin into sulfonated internal olefin followed by contacting sulfonated internal olefin with a base containing solution resulting in the internal olefin sulfonate, wherein sulfonated internal olefin is contacted with the base containing solution in the presence of a non-ionic surfactant, and/or after step a) but before step b), the internal olefin sulfonate and said non-ionic surfactant are combined; b) transporting an aqueous solution comprising the internal olefin sulfonate and the non-ionic surfactant to the location of the hydrocarbon containing formation; c) providing the internal olefin sulfonate and the non-ionic surfactant to at least a portion of the hydrocarbon containing formation; and d) allowing the internal olefin sulfonate and the non-ionic surfactant to interact with the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon c

Abstract: Crosslinked gelling agents employed during subterranean operations use electronically-modified boronic acids to enable higher operating temperatures while allowing reduced gelling agent loadings; the boronic acids having Formula I: X1 and X2 are independently selected from O, CH2, CH2O, OCH2, bond, and null, Y1 and Y2 are independently N or C, Ar is a 5- or 6-membered ring aryl or heteroaryl group with a link L to monomer unit M1, m is 1 or 2, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and each Z is independently an electron withdrawing group selected from nitro, ester, carboxylic acids, carboxylates, halogen, cyano, amide, acyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, CF3, a quaternary ammonium salt, polyhaloalkyl, and carbamate, with the proviso that when n is 0, the link L between M1 and Ar includes an electron withdrawing group attached to Ar, and introducing the treatment fluids into subterranean formations.

Abstract: Methods of processing a fluid recovered from an oil or gas extraction operation for reuse in a hydraulic fracturing fluid are described. The methods include providing an amount of a produced fluid composition containing iron and suspended solids and controlling at least one of the conductivity, iron content, oxidative strength, and pH of the composition, such that Fenton's reagent is formed in situ. Also described are hydraulic fracturing fluids produced using fluid recovered from an oil or gas production process and treated in accordance with the methods described herein as well as systems for preparing a hydraulic fracturing fluid having, as a fluid source, fluid recovered from an oil or gas production process that has been treated in accordance with the methods described herein.

Abstract: A wastewater concentrator a liquid evaporator assembly, a gas-liquid separator, an exhaust assembly, and a flowback water concentrating system. The flowback water concentrating system includes a settling tank fluidly connected to the gas-liquid separator and a supernatant liquid concentration sensor for measuring a concentration of dissolved solids in the supernatant liquid in the settling tank.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include methods comprising providing a consolidation composition comprising the reaction product of a liquid curable resin and a liquid curing agent, wherein the liquid curable resin is an epoxy-functionalized alkoxysilane and wherein the liquid curing agent is selected from the group consisting of: a polyamine; a hydrophobically modified polyamine; a polyimine; a hydrophobically modified polyimine; a polyalcohol; hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide; a hydrophobically modified polyacrylate; and any combination thereof; coating proppant particulates with the consolidation composition, thereby creating coated proppant particulates; introducing the coated proppant particulates into a subterranean formation and placing the coated proppant particulates into a fracture therein; and curing the consolidation composition so as to consolidate the coated proppant particulates in the fracture and form a proppant pack therein.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for preparing a polymer concentrate for treating a formation with slick water systems viscous fluid or a gelled viscous fluid are disclosed. The method includes directing a powdered gel into a vortex mixing chamber, while directing a first portion of a base fluid into the vortex mixing chamber to form partially hydrated fluid concentrate. The partially hydrated fluid concentrate is then sucked or sweep into a main portion of base fluid for form the slick water systems viscous fluid or gelled viscous fluid.

Abstract: A method for treating a subterranean formation, including estimating the solubility parameter of a monomer; selecting a solvent based on the parameter; forming a fluid comprising the monomer and solvent; and introducing the fluid to the formation, wherein the formation is about 350° F. or warmer. A method for treating a subterranean formation, including forming a fluid comprising the monomer and solvent, wherein the monomer comprises poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and/or poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, and wherein the solvent comprises zinc bromide or calcium bromide or both; and introducing the fluid to the formation, wherein the formation is about 350° F. or warmer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced and improved viscous oil recovery are disclosed. A horizontal well is drilled through the viscous oil formation. A specially designed tubing string includes outlets that deliver steam more uniformly into the entire horizontal extent of the well borehole. Heat from the steam mobilizes and lowers the viscosity of the heavy crude wherein the crude is then produced to the surface via conventional lift arrangements.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions contain hydrochloric acid at a concentration between 8 wt % and 28 wt % inclusive. The amino acid; hydrochloric acid mole ratio may be between 0.2 and 1.5. Sufficient water is present to dissolve the hydrochloric acid and the amino acid. Such compositions have utility as retarders for acid compositions employed in the stimulation of subterranean formations. Slowing the reaction between the acid and formation helps maximize formation permeability and productivity.

Abstract: A method includes introducing a treatment fluid including a first polymer gel into a subterranean formation to generate a production fluid having an aqueous portion and a hydrocarbon portion, treating the aqueous portion of the production fluid with chlorine dioxide to separate additional hydrocarbons from the aqueous portion, and adjusting the viscosity of the treated aqueous portion prior to introducing the treated aqueous portion back into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Methods comprising providing a sealant composition comprising an aqueous base fluid and a crosslinkable polymer composition, wherein the crosslinkable polymer composition comprises a crosslinkable organic polymer and a crosslinker; introducing an elastic gellable composition into the sealant composition, wherein the elastic gellable composition is an aqueous emulsion comprising an aqueous continuous phase and a dispersed phase comprising elastomeric polymers; introducing the sealant composition into a subterranean formation; and crosslinking the sealant composition into a gel to form a seal in the subterranean formation, thereby forming an elastic gelled sealant composition, wherein the elastic gellable composition reduces the brittleness of the elastic gelled sealant composition as compared to the sealant composition without the elastic gellable composition.

Abstract: Fluids including a parylene-coated chemical entity and methods of treating a subterranean formation with such fluids are disclosed. The methods may include introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid containing a parylene-coated particle having a chemical entity encapsulated therein.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for removing fluids from a well comprising a rotary pump for positioning within the well, the rotary pump including an inlet end and a discharge end, the rotary pump comprising at least one pump impeller intermediate the inlet end and discharge end, the at least one pump impeller rotating at a rate greater than 3600 rpm; a driver for driving the at least one pump impeller to a rate greater than 3600 rpm, the driver positioned within the wellbore and operatively connected to the rotary pump; a magnetic bearing system, the magnetic bearing system operatively connected to the rotary pump and/or driver; and a digital controller positioned within the wellbore to control the magnetic bearing system. A method for removing liquids from a well and an apparatus and method for producing gas from a wellbore or injecting a fluid into a wellbore are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing water-sensitive clays in subterranean formations may include introducing a drill-in treatment fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation comprising water-sensitive minerals, where providing the drill-in treatment fluid comprises an aqueous-based fluid and a hydrophobically-modified cationic polymer; and allowing the hydrophobically-modified cationic polymer to at least partially coat the water-sensitive mineral.

Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising placing a wellbore servicing system within a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, wherein the wellbore servicing system comprises a first activatable stimulation assembly and a second activatable stimulation assembly incorporated within a tubular string, configuring the wellbore servicing system to provide a route of fluid communication from the first activatable stimulation assembly to a first zone of the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the first zone of the subterranean formation via the first activatable stimulation assembly, and embedding a first portion of the wellbore servicing system within the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods of treating a gas field fluid or oil field fluid is provided, the method comprising: a) adding glutaraldehyde to the gas field fluid or oil field fluid in an amount effective to reduce or inhibit microbial activity; and b) after a delay, adding 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione to the gas field fluid or oil field fluid.

Abstract: A method of treating a portion of a well of a well. The method includes the step of forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) a continuous aqueous phase; (ii) a viscosity increasing agent selected from the group consisting of diutan, clarified diutan, water-soluble derivative of diutan, and any combination thereof, wherein the viscosity-increasing agent is dissolved in the aqueous phase; and (iii) a breaker comprising oxalic acid, wherein the oxalic acid is dissolved in the aqueous phase. The viscosity of the treatment fluid breaks to less than 3.0 cP in less than 72 hours when in a temperature range of 180° F. (82.2° C.) to 220° F. (104.4° C.). The method also includes the steps of introducing the treatment fluid into the portion of the well and flowing back from the portion of the well.

Abstract: A chopper mechanism for providing a fiber to a fluid at an oilfield. The chopper mechanism may be employed to process the fiber from an uncut form to a cut form in order to provide a mixture of the fluid and the fiber with flowback inhibiting character. Techniques of employing the chopper mechanism may be utilized at the site of an oilfield for applications such as fracturing, cementing, and drilling. Additionally, the chopper mechanism itself may be made available as a large high capacity chopper assembly, or a smaller handheld chopper gun for slower rate fiber supply operations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a fluid containing oil and water from an oil-bearing formation and separating an oil phase and an aqueous phase from the produced fluid. An aqueous polymer mixture is formed by mixing polymer in water having a total dissolved solids content of from 200 ppm to 15,000 ppm. The aqueous polymer mixture is injected into an oil-bearing formation, and, after injecting the aqueous polymer mixture into the formation, a fluid is produced from the oil-bearing formation containing an oil phase and an aqueous polymer-containing phase. Brine is mixed with the produced fluid to enhance separation of the oil phase from the aqueous polymer phase.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing oil. The mass action ratio (MAR) of divalent cations to monovalent cations of water from an oil-bearing formation is determined, and an aqueous displacement fluid having a total dissolved solids content of from 200 ppm to 5,000 ppm and a MAR of divalent cations to monovalent cations of from 70% to 130% of the MAR of divalent cations to monovalent cations of the formation water is introduced into the formation. Oil is produced from the formation after introducing the aqueous displacement fluid into the formation.

Abstract: An embodiment of an integrated well access assembly comprises a prime mover, a positioning pump coupled to the prime mover for positioning a well access line relative to the well, and a hydraulic treating pump coupled to the prime mover for pumping a fluid into the well access line.

Abstract: Apparatus and compositions for reducing the viscosity of a gelled fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a viscosity reducing microbe is disposed in a capsule and added to the gelled fluid. The gelled fluid may include a thickening agent adapted to increase its viscosity. Upon release from the capsule, the microbe begins to digest the thickening agent in the gelled fluid and/or releases enzymes that that breakdown the thickening agent.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid that includes an aqueous based fluid; an amphoteric, viscoelastic surfactant; and a modified starch is disclosed. Methods of drilling subterranean wells, methods of reducing the loss of fluid out of subterranean wells, and methods of completing wellbores using aqueous-based fluids having an ampoteric, viscoelastic surfactant and a modified starch are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides formulations for facilitating the removal of oil from a surface using a chisel composition, wherein the chisel composition includes a polymer having one or more binding points with a high affinity for the surface, and one or more hydrophilic segments that form a hydrophilic coating on the surface, rendering the surface water-wet and thereby facilitating the removal of oil from the surface. The invention also provides for methods of use of such formulations.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content are described. The methods may include accessing a consortium of microorganisms in a geologic formation that includes a carbonaceous material. They may also include providing hydrogen and one or more phosphorous compounds to the microorganisms. The combination of the hydrogen and phosphorous compounds stimulates the consortium to metabolize the carbonaceous material into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content. Also, methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content by providing a carboxylate compound, such as acetate, to a consortium of microorganisms is described. The carboxylate compound stimulates the consortium to metabolize carbonaceous material in the formation into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are given for delayed breaking of viscoelastic surfactant gels inside formation pores, particularly for use in hydraulic fracturing. Breaking inside formation pores is accomplished without mechanical intervention or use of a second fluid. Bromate oxidizing agents are used along with selected breaking activators for the bromate breaking compounds. Useful bromate breaking activators include acid-generating breaking activators, oxidizing sulfur containing breaking activators, and reducing agent breaking activators.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition comprising carbon dioxide, an aqueous phase, and reverse micelles, wherein the reverse micelles comprise a metal cation-chelating agent, and a metal cation; and methods of using said composition for sequestering carbon dioxide and/or recovering hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon reservoir.

Abstract: A borehole is drilled from the surface to an underground shale matrix. A pipe is inserted into the borehole. Openings are created in the pipe in fluid communication with fractures in the shale matrix. The interior surface of at least one section of pipe is coated with a contaminant-capturing substance. Fracturing fluid including water, proppants and chemicals is pumped through the pipe and into the fractures in the shale matrix. The fluid re-enters the pipe from the shale matrix and moves toward the surface through the coated pipe section where contaminants are sequestered by the coating. Natural gas or oil from the fractured shale then enters the pipe and moves to the surface to be collected. The coated pipe section remains in the ground permanently such that the necessity of disposing of the captured contaminants is eliminated.

Abstract: Methods of drilling wellbores, placing proppant packs in subterranean formations, and placing gravel packs in wellbores may involve fluids, optionally foamed fluids, comprising nanoparticle suspension aids. Methods may be advantageously employed in deviated wellbores. Some methods may involve introducing a treatment fluid into an injection wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, a foaming agent, a gas, and a nanoparticle suspension aid; and producing hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation via a production wellbore proximal to the injection wellbore.

Abstract: A method includes introducing a treatment fluid including a first polymer gel into a subterranean formation to generate a production fluid having an aqueous portion and a hydrocarbon portion, treating the aqueous portion of the production fluid with chlorine dioxide to separate additional hydrocarbons from the aqueous portion, and adjusting the viscosity of the treated aqueous portion prior to introducing the treated aqueous portion back into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for selective removal of silica and silicon containing compounds from solutions that include silica and silicon containing compounds, including geothermal brines.

Abstract: Enhanced oil recovery becomes increasingly important in satisfying the growing demand for fossil fuel. The efficiency of secondary recovery processes like water flooding is however largely influenced by the rock characteristics, fluid characteristics, chemistry and physics. For development of the full potential of secondary oil recovery, it remains a challenge to obtain sufficient knowledge about the reservoir conditions. The present invention provides a novel water-dispersed, nano-sensor composition based on. InP/ZnS quantum dots (“QDs”) and atomic silver clusters, which exhibit a bright visible fluorescence combined with dedicated sensor functionalities. The QD and silver nano-sensors were tested in simulated reservoir conditions to determine their selected functionality to these reservoir conditions. The developed nano-sensors showed improved sensor functionalities towards pH, temperature, and subterranean reservoir rock, such, as clay or limestone.