Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.

Abstract: A drill pipe mountable wellbore cleaning tool apparatus is of an improved configuration that enables attachment to a drill pipe joint having first and second connector end portions and a cylindrically shaped portion in between the connector end portions. The drill pipe joint with attached debris cleaning tool or tools is made part of a drill string. The apparatus includes a support sleeve that is mounted to the drill pipe joint in between the connector end portions. The support sleeve abuts but does not invade the integrity of the cylindrical portion. Centralizers are attached to the opposing ends of the support sleeve, with each centralizer overlapping a portion of the support sleeve. The support sleeve carries one or more debris cleaning tools in between the centralizers. These tools enable debris to be removed from a wellbore. At least one locking clamp is attached to the cylindrical portion next to a said centralizer.

Abstract: A downhole jetting tool is provided for cleaning the interior of one or more hydraulic rams (14, 18) and one or more annular blowout preventers (26, 28). A unitary jetting tool body (40) has a central throughbore (42) and a plurality of radially outward jets (42, 46). A tapered landing shoulder (50) on the tool body engages a frustoconical surface of a landing ring (22) to position the tool in the well.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake is disclosed. The method may include circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes a non-oleaginous internal phase and an oleaginous external phase, where the non-oleaginous phase includes a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting agent, and the oleaginous external phase includes an oleaginous fluid and an emulsifier, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks.

Abstract: Methods include the injection of a gelled, gelling or gellable composition into a horizontal section of a well at a location, where produced well gases or a combination of well gases and injected gases are sufficient to move the pill through the horizontal section into heal section, sweeping the horizontal section of accumulated liquids. Once in the heal section, the pill and the accumulated liquids are uplifted to the surface resulting in a cleaned well.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wellbore prior to the production of oil or gas is disclosed, wherein the wellbore has been drilled with an invert emulsion drilling mud that forms an invert emulsion filter cake. The method may include the steps of circulating a breaker fluid into the wellbore, where the breaker fluid includes an aqueous fluid, a water soluble polar organic solvent, a hydrolysable ester of a carboxylic acid, and a weighting age, and where the hydrolysable ester is selected so that upon hydrolysis an organic acid is released and the invert emulsion of the filter cake breaks.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for removing scale deposits, especially on subsea equipment and a method of using the same is described. The aqueous composition comprises (a) a potassium phosphate compound; and (b) acetic acid. The composition is capable of dissolving away into seawater and poses little or no risk to the environment.

Abstract: A subterranean debris catcher swirls the incoming debris laden stream by putting grooves or spiral projections on the inside of the inlet pipe. The solids come out of openings in the side of the inlet pipe or the solids can exit near the top either directly into the enclosed solids holding volume as the liquid exits straight out or the solids can be discharged out the end of the inlet pipe into the bigger open space defined by the housing. In the latter case the inside housing wall can have a screen or vanes that slow down the solid particles as the fluid continues to a housing exit and eventually to an exit screen before being discharged to either go to the surface or recirculate back along the outside of the tool to the inlet pipe while picking up additional debris.

Abstract: A vacuum sub (8) for use in a well bore (12), the vacuum sub (8) having a cylindrical casing (28) with an upstream end (14) and a downstream end (16). The upstream and downstream ends (14, 16) are designed to attach to components of a downhole assembly (6) in a well bore (12). The vacuum sub (8) includes a port (18) in the cylindrical casing (28) that provides access between the inside (20) of the cylindrical casing (28) to the outside (22) of the cylindrical casing (28). The port (18) is angled so that when air passes through the port (18) from the inside (20) of the casing (28) to the outside (22) of the casing (28), the air is directed upwardly through the well bore (12) in an upstream direction, thereby creating a vacuum in the well bore (12) below the port (18).

Abstract: A jar comprises a housing including an anvil. In addition, the jar comprises a mandrel telescopically disposed within the housing and including a hammer. Further, the jar comprises an annular chamber radially positioned between the mandrel and the housing. Still further, the jar comprises an actuation assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The actuation assembly includes a first collet disposed about the mandrel, a first trigger sleeve disposed about the first collet and adapted to releasably engage the first collet, and a first biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel. Moreover, the jar comprises a lock assembly disposed in the annular chamber. The lock assembly includes a second collet disposed about the mandrel, a second trigger sleeve disposed about the second collet and adapted to releasably engage the second collet, and a second biasing member adapted to exert an axial force on the mandrel.

Abstract: A containment cellar collects petroleum products leaked in a vicinity of a conductor pipe at an oil drilling site. The containment cellar has a body, a pipe, and a pumping orifice. The body has bottom and side surfaces to define an interior chamber to surround a length of the conductor pipe. The bottom surface includes an aperture to receive the conductor pipe. The surfaces are composed of materials substantially impermeable to the petroleum products. The side surface has sufficient strength to maintain integrity of the interior chamber when the containment cellar is disposed at least partially beneath a surface of the earth. The pipe extends through the interior chamber. The pumping orifice is coupled with the pipe and adapted for coupling with a pump to extract the leaked petroleum products from the interior chamber.

Abstract: A flow control device for use in a wellbore which has a nozzle with an output to provide a jet of fluid and a structure proximate the nozzle. The structure is positioned a set distance away from the output of the nozzle, where the set distance is greater than a length of a potential core of the jet of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.

Abstract: Improved darts and methods of using these darts in subterranean wells are disclosed. The improved dart comprises a foam portion and a rubber portion coupled to the foam portion. A dart nose is coupled to at least one of the foam portion and the rubber portion. The foam portion and the rubber portion are configured to interface with an inner surface of at least one of a well bore wall, a pipe, and a casing string.

Abstract: The components of surfactant-laden fluids, such as those used in hydrocarbon recovery operations such as for stimulation, e.g. hydraulic fracturing, may be re-used and re-cycled into components for subsequent use in a wide range of similar or different operational fluids. In particular, aqueous fluids gelled with viscoelastic surfactants and having components therein to pseudo-crosslink the elongated VES micelles and for internal breaking may be separated into its component parts by relatively inexpensive methods such as filtration. One filtration method includes contacting the surfactant-containing fluid with a particle pack having particulate additives therein which filter out or extract fine solids from the fluid. In an alternate embodiment the surfactant-laden fluid is a nano- and/or micro-emulsion wellbore cleanup fluid.

Abstract: An object for wiping a subterranean casing is described herein. The object may include an inner core with a first width. The ball may also include a deformable layer surrounding the inner core. The deformable layer may have a second width. The first width may be smaller than a diameter of at least one baffle within the subterranean casing. The second width may be larger than or equal to the largest inner diameter of the subterranean casing.

Abstract: A method for injecting a fluid into an oil and or gas reservoir or formation, in which the fluid flows into the reservoir or formation through a plurality of autonomous valves or flow control devices (2) provided along an injector (24), the valves (2) having a substantially constant flow-through volume above a given differential pressure for autonomously adjusting the flow of the fluid in order to ensure a substantially constant volume rate from the injector (24) to the reservoir or formation along an injector length.

Abstract: A carrier assembly having at least one sealing cup, a fluid bypass and adjustable wash nozzles, as well as a spear assembly having a central through bore, are attached to the distal end of a length of continuous tubing and inserted in to the flow bore of a pipeline. Fluid is pumped through the annular space between the carrier assembly and the pipeline, providing motive force for advancing the carrier assembly within the pipeline. Fluid can bypass the carrier assembly, enter the central bore of the spear assembly, and return to the surface through the central bore of the continuous tubing. A stuck pig or other obstruction is speared, and thereafter retrieved from the pipeline on the continuous tubing.

Abstract: An integrated fluid filtration and recirculation system and method are provided for re-circulating and filtering fluid that is used in well cleaning operations. The system is incorporated within an enclosure, which is transportable, such as on a vehicle trailer. The system has power generation capability, thereby making the system capable of operating as a stand-alone unit. Chemicals may be infused into the filtered fluid from an integral chemical supply allowing the system to also function as a treatment facility for the fluid. The components of the system are arranged in a linear fashion that enables the system to maintain a minimum profile for transport upon a conventional trailer, yet the system provides enough room within the enclosure to allow operators to repair/inspect each of the system components. The enclosure may be climate controlled, and the enclosure may include removable panels for operation of the system in temperate conditions when climate control is unnecessary.

Abstract: Systems and methods to inhibit packoff events during downhole assembly motion within a wellbore comprise a downhole assembly that includes an energy-storing structure that defines a charged state and a discharged state and is configured to generate a motive force upon transitioning from the charged state to the discharged state. A fluidizing stream is generated with the motive force from the energy-storing structure which emits the fluidizing stream from the downhole assembly to fluidize a portion of a cuttings bed that may be within the wellbore and proximal to the downhole assembly.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of estimating fluid flow contribution from each producing zone of multi-zone production well is provided, which method may include: defining a wellhead pressure; determining a first inflow performance relation (IPR1) between pressure and fluid inflow rate at a first producing zone and a second inflow performance relation (IPR2) between pressure and fluid inflow rate at a second producing zone; determining a combined performance relation (IPRc) between pressure and fluid inflow rate at a commingle point; defining an initial fluid flow rate into the well from the first zone and an initial fluid flow rate from the second zone; generating a first fluid lift performance relation (TPR1) between pressure and total fluid flow corresponding to the commingle point using the initial fluid flow rates from the first and second production zones and at least one fluid property; and determining contribution of the fluid from the first zone and the second zone at the commingle point using IPRc and TPR1

Abstract: A debris collecting tool for use within a wellbore is provided. The tool comprises a filter body having an upstream end and a downstream end. A first fluid passage extends longitudinally between the upstream and downstream ends of the filter body, and at least one second fluid passage connects the first fluid passage with the exterior of the filter body. A filter is located between the first fluid passage and the at least one second fluid passage. The tool further comprises a flow controller movable between a first position in which fluid is prevented from entering the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body, and a second position in which fluid is permitted to enter the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body. An agitator body is attached to the upstream end of the filter body, and includes at least one radially projecting agitation member. Methods of using the tool to collect debris and clean a wellbore are also provided.

Abstract: The rod guide and solids control assembly can be mounted on a rod string. The assembly can allow well fluid that contains high solids to pass through the pump under normal operation while eliminating the solids from being swept back into the pump barrel. The assembly can include a body portion coupled to a bristle that extends helically around the body portion. The body portion can be placed on a pump valve rod or hollow valve rod. On an upstroke, the bristles can be locked into place for trapping and lifting the solids. On a downstroke, the bristles can be rotated for leaving the solids higher and away from a pump intake. This can allow the solids to be lifted out of the pump and thereby prevent solids from collecting on a bottom portion of the pump. Multiple assemblies can be incorporated into the sucker rod string.

Abstract: A technique improves the operational characteristics of a well device while the device is used in a wellbore environment. The well device benefits from a unique material, in the form of a negative stiffness material or a negative Poisson's ratio material, positioned to improve the operational characteristics of the well device. The material can be located to reduce vibration and/or other detrimental effects that can interfere with operation of the well device.

Abstract: A debris removal system includes a tubular. A closure mechanism arranged to at least partially close an interior of the tubular. An injector mechanism having an exit arranged downhole of the closure mechanism; wherein debris removing material ejected from the injector mechanism is directable towards the closure mechanism. Also included is a method of removing debris in a downhole tubular.

Abstract: A method of treating a hydrocarbon-containing formation including injecting a scale inhibiting well treating fluid into a well, wherein the well treating fluid includes a self-diverting acid that includes about 1% to 20% by volume of at least one viscoelastic surfactant selected from a family of compounds described by where R3 contains at least 10 carbon atoms, p=1-6, R2 contains 1-6 carbon atoms and R1 contains 1-6 carbon atoms; and up to about 20% by weight scale inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of opening productive formations by slot-perforating includes providing a working fluid including water, an abrasive component, and an additive, supplying the working fluid at a high pressure towards a formation so as to cut slots and to provide an inflow of oil, gas and hydrogeological liquid from the formation into a borehole, and using the additive, so as to reduce density of the working fluid and therefore to increase a speed of jet of the working fluid due to increase of kinetic energy of particles of the abrasive component.

Abstract: A well tool can comprise a fluid input, a fluid output and a fluidic oscillator which produces oscillations in a fluid which flows from the input to the output. The fluidic oscillator can include a vortex chamber with inlets, whereby fluid enters the vortex chamber alternately via the inlets, the inlets being configured so that the fluid enters the vortex chamber in different directions via the respective inlets, and a fluid switch which directs the fluid alternately toward different flow paths in response to pressure differentials between feedback fluid paths. The feedback fluid paths may be connected to the vortex chamber. The flow paths may cross each other between the fluid switch and the outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus, assembly and process for allowing gas lift operations to be conducted along a relatively long perforated interval below a packer in a generally vertical or a deviated subterranean well. An elongated segregation member may be lowered into locking engagement with a bypass mandrel secured to a tubing string above the packer. This segregation member may be configured and dimensioned to define two fluid flow paths. A first flow path extends from the surface of the earth through the annulus formed between the tubing string above the packer and casing secured in the well, the bypass mandrel, a bore through a portion of the segregation member and the interior of the tubing string below the packer. A second flow path extends from the subterranean region penetrated by the well through the annulus formed between the tubing string below the packer and casing secured in the well, the annulus between the segregation member and the packer, and the interior of the tubing string above the packer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of composite material in downhole applications, and more particularly, relates to methods of making composite material comprising reinforced amorphous polylactic acid and methods of use related thereto. Some methods comprise providing an amorphous polylactic acid and a solid reinforcing material; forming a composite material by melting the amorphous polylactic acid and mixing it with the solid reinforcing material; and, using the composite material in a downhole application.

Abstract: A method for use in a wellbore includes the steps of providing an elongated, closed tubular body defining an internal chamber wherein the tubular body has an external surface formed with treated areas and an elongated recess extending longitudinally of the tubular body and running through the treated areas; retaining a detonating device in the recess adjacent the external surface of the tubular body; positioning the tubular body with the detonating device in a wellbore adjacent perforation tunnels previously formed in a surrounding well formation and filled with debris; and activating the detonating device to rupture the tubular body inwardly along the external surface forming the recess at the treated areas to expose the chamber within the tubular body to a dynamic underbalanced pressure condition such that fluid from the wellbore and debris from the perforation tunnels is drawn through the wellbore and into the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to well cleaning methods and apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore (12) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a drill string (10) having a drill bit (28) and a cleaning tool (24) with selectively activatable cleaning members (34); drilling a wellbore using the drill bit while maintaining the cleaning members in a deactivated position; and pulling the drill string from the wellbore with the cleaning members in an activated position, to thereby clean the wellbore. A corresponding cleaning tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is used to relieve pressure in a void within a wellhead housing. In one embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a plunger having a stepped plug, wherein the plug can be fully open to allow flow from the void, restricted to allow a predetermined flow to relieve pressure, or closed to prevent flow from the void. In another embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a vacuum puller that creates negative pressure in a vessel. As fluid in the void expands, it is able to enter the space formerly occupied by the plunger. In yet another embodiment, a rupture disc is used to prevent fluid from flowing from the void, through a passage, to the wellbore. If pressure in the void exceeds a predetermined value, the rupture disc yields and allows the trapped fluid to flow to the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus having a body including a plurality of packers and a plurality of ports between the packers. The packers and ports are spaced along a longitudinal axis of the body. The apparatus also includes a control module to obtain a density of a formation fluid and, based on the density, determine a direction to pump fluid from an interval defined by the packers.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing sediment or other undesired material (28) from a cavity (24) in a petroleum well (2) in which a tool (30) is moved down into the petroleum well (2). The method including placing a detonable charge (34) in the tool (30) and detonating the charge (34) after the tool (30) has been positioned in the petroleum well (2).

Abstract: A debris reducer for reducing debris within a fluid flow line having a lower screen that is secured within the flow line, the lower screen having a lower screen cage with a lower cutting portion. A debris reducer element is retained within the flow line and is moveably disposed with respect to the lower screen. The debris reducer element has an upper screen cage with an upper cutting portion. The upper and lower screen cages overlap and move the upper and lower cutting portions with respect to each other to reduce debris within fluid flowing through the flow line.

Abstract: A cleanout assembly for removal of debris from a debris chamber in a wellbore cleaning tool. The cleanout assembly includes a mandrel, a boot radially surrounding the mandrel and a debris chamber defined radially between the mandrel and the boot. The boot has one or more windows therein to permit debris to be cleaned out of the debris chamber.

Abstract: A flow pattern enhancer system mainly for gas-producing oil wells with liquid load problems, comprising mechanical elements that atomize the liquids accumulated at the bottom of the well facilitating their transport to the surface, by decreasing frictional pressure drops and weight of the hydrostatic column.

Abstract: Lipophilic fibers are effective media for cleaning non-aqueous fluids out of a subterranean wellbore. The fibers are preferably added to a drilling fluid, a spacer fluid, a chemical wash, a cement slurry or combinations thereof. Non-aqueous fluids, such as an oil-base mud or a water-in-oil emulsion mud, are attracted to the fibers as they circulate in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of flushing a wellbore fluid from a downhole tool containing a bearing package includes pumping hydraulic oil through at least one of a hydraulic inlet line and at least one of a pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and into an annulus formed between the bearing package and a main housing of the downhole tool, wherein the hydraulic oil replaces the wellbore fluid in the annulus, removing the wellbore fluid from the annulus through at least one hydraulic outlet line and at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing, pumping air through the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and removing the hydraulic oil from the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing, and removing the hydraulic oil through at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing.

Abstract: An improved and enhanced spring loaded downhole tool for cleaning well casing bores comprising a mandrel, at least a first insert having a passageway therethrough, and at least a second insert, wherein both the first insert and the second insert are selected from at least one of a spring loaded scraper insert and at least one wire brush insert, and further wherein the first insert and the second insert are slidingly received within a slot on a first mounting portion on the mandrel and a slot on a second mounting portion on the mandrel, from the outermost respective ends, and wherein the first insert is secured by a first retaining sleeve and the second insert is secured by a second retaining sleeve. Also disclosed is a unique method for cleaning a section of casing with a downhole tool, as herein disclosed.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is formed from an aqueous medium, a diutan heteropolysaccharide having a tetrasaccharide repeating unit in the polymer backbone and a peroxide breaker. A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore may be carried out by introducing the treatment fluid into the formation through the wellbore. Breaking aids or catalysts may also be used with the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A debris-catching attachment device and method therefor is disclosed. When positioned in wellbore tubing, the device collects solid impurities found in well environments, thereby preventing the solids from settling onto the pump and its components when pumping operations are halted. The device comprises a ring having one of a plurality of brushes and a plurality of wiper segments coupled to a surface of the ring. As fluid is being forced naturally upward or is pumped, it flows past the components of the ring and is caused to rotate or spin in a cyclonic motion. During the first phase of well production, this directs the fluid and solids toward the tubing wall, allowing gas to escape upward. During the second phase of production, solids are caused to move toward the wall of the tubing, allowing any water and oil to move upward to the surface, with the surface tension dragging the solids along the wall of the tubing. The solids may accumulate on the brushes or wiper segments when pumping operations are halted.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting particles in a fluid within a medium, such the analyzing device includes: a source adapted to transmit signals into the medium; at least one detector adapted to detect signals transmitted from the source such that the at least one detector and the source are structured and arranged on opposite sides of the medium; at least one processing unit in communication with the at least one detector and adapted to produce a plurality of output signals representative of one of at least one particle characteristic or one or more particle property.

Abstract: A reinforced cup for use on downhole devices is disclosed. The reinforced cup is comprised of a cylindrical metal sleeve. Surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the metal sleeve is a flexible mesh cage comprised of a plurality of woven wire strands. A resilient cover is formed around the metal sleeve and flexible mesh cage so that the metal sleeve and flexible mesh fabric are encased by the resilient cover. The flexible mesh cage serves to reinforce the resilient cover.

Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel. A removable insert resides upon the tool mandrel. The insert retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel.

Abstract: Pressure within a subsea well is managed as temperature within the well fluctuate. The management of the pressure mitigates stress to the structure of the well caused by the pressure. To manage the pressure, fluid is received from and/or provided to the well to reduce and/or increase pressure within the well.

Abstract: A magnetic retrieval tool used for collecting metallic debris and material from within a wellbore or other surrounding downhole tubular. The tool includes a tool mandrel with one or more pockets formed in its outer radial surface. A removable insert resides within each pocket. Each of the inserts retains a plurality of individual magnets in a fixed array or matrix surrounding the mandrel.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is used to relieve pressure in a void within a wellhead housing. In one embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a plunger having a stepped plug, wherein the plug can be fully open to allow flow from the void, restricted to allow a predetermined flow to relieve pressure, or closed to prevent flow from the void. In another embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a vacuum puller that creates negative pressure in a vessel. As fluid in the void expands, it is able to enter the space formerly occupied by the plunger. In yet another embodiment, a rupture disc is used to prevent fluid from flowing from the void, through a passage, to the wellbore. If pressure in the void exceeds a predetermined value, the rupture disc yields and allows the trapped fluid to flow to the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of unloading a well using a modular adapter having a pump, a pump suction line, and a pump discharge line. The adapter is connected to a subsea wellhead assembly so that the pump suction line communicates with a main bore in the wellhead assembly and the pump discharge line communicates with a production line attached to the wellhead assembly. The production line is isolated from the main bore and the pump draws fluid from within the well and discharges it into the production line. After unloading the well, the adapter can be removed and moved to another location for well unloading.