Abstract: A completion system including a packer disposed in a wellbore and a tubular string having a bore therethrough configured to land into the packer. The tubular string includes an alignment sub, a seal assembly disposed below the alignment sub and having at least two longitudinal bores disposed through the seal assembly and offset from the bore of the tubular string. The tubular string also includes a sleeve sub disposed below the seal assembly, wherein the sleeve sub allows fluid communication between a bore of the tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore. The tubular string also includes at least two control lines operatively connected to the sleeve sub, wherein the at least two control lines are run through he at least two longitudinal bores of the seal assembly.

Abstract: A method and system are described for identifying a geologic object through cross sections of a geologic data volume. The method includes obtaining a geologic data volume having a set of cross sections. Then, two or more cross sections are selected and a transformation vector is estimated between the cross sections. Based on the transformation vector, a geologic object is identified within the geologic data volume.

Abstract: Surfactants of the general formula R1—X where R1 is an aliphatic C17H35-alkyl radical and X is a hydrophilic group, and the mean degree of branching of the R1 radical is from 2.8 to 3.7. Mixtures which comprise such surfactants and the use of such surfactants and of mixtures thereof for tertiary mineral oil extraction.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid, particularly an oil/water mixture, in an oil well pipe, wherein a radio frequency propagating electrical field is established in the liquid in the pipe cause the formation of seed crystals or scale-forming material in the liquid, on which seed crystals asphaltenes and/or paraffin waxes in the liquid are deposited so that they are carried through the pipe with the liquid in preference to being deposited on the pipe wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method of use extracts, cools, and transports effluents from subterranean, sub-sea oil formations to distant shore based processing facilities. The effluents, mostly crude oil, are conveyed rapidly to a cold flow generator near the oil wellhead on the sea bottom using the cold seawater to chill the effluents to a dispersed mixture including generated solids. The mixture is transported close to sea bottom temperatures, slowly, with small pressure drops, in low-cost submerged bare pipes over long distances to on or near shore processing facilities that can produce useful hydrocarbon products more cost effectively than at sea processing facilities. The apparatus eliminates or minimizes the need for heated or insulated pipe, the need for large floating processing structures, the need for sub-sea processing equipment, and/or the need for chemical additions to production flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for foam extinguishants which do not comprise any organofluorine compounds and nevertheless meet the highest demands on the extinguishing properties. The inventive compositions comprise at least one fatty alcohol, at least one thickener and at least one acrylic polymer, but the composition does not comprise any organohalogen compounds, more particularly any organofluorine compounds. The present invention also relates to the use of such a composition for production of a foam extinguishant and to the use of the composition for fighting fires, especially for fighting fires of organic liquids, known as liquid fires.

Abstract: A method of generating a model of a turbidity current in a fluid is disclosed. A first flow layer in the turbidity current is defined. The method successively defines at least one more flow layer in the turbidity current. Each successive flow layer includes the previously defined flow layer. A set of depth-averaged flow variables for each flow layer is defined. A model is developed that describes the turbidity current. The model uses fluid flow equations and the set of depth-averaged flow variables for each flow layer to predict fluid flow in each flow layer. The model is then output.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump that regulates pump flow rate based on sensor measurements of the fluid is disclosed. The sensor measures a property of the fluid being processed. The sensor may be located at the intake, discharge or other area of the pump. The sensor measures the relative proportion of gas in the pumped liquid. The pump flow rate is adjusted to maintain a desired level for the gas in a production environment. The pump may be used to operate and control a seabed gas-liquid separation and centrifugal pump system.

Abstract: The invention is a method of modeling a hydrocarbon reservoir. A parameter value in a set of equations is adjusted so that the output of the equations accurately matches observed sediment erosion and deposition behavior for sediment sizes throughout a range of about 10 microns to about 10 centimeters. An initial condition of a sediment bed in the hydrocarbon reservoir is defined. The equations are applied to the initial condition, wherein outputs of the equations express how a fluid flow affects erosion and deposition of sediments at the initial condition. The initial condition is adjusted based on the equation outputs to create a subsequent sediment bed condition. The equations are re-applied to the subsequent sediment bed condition a pre-determined number of times. The subsequent sediment bed condition is re-adjusted after each re-application of the equations. The model of the hydrocarbon reservoir is created and outputted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for mineral oil production by means of Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation comprising at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R1N+(R2)m(R3)n(R4)X? is injected through injection boreholes into a mineral oil deposit, and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production boreholes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for mineral oil extraction by means of Winsor Type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation comprising at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R1—O-(D)n-(B)m-(A)l-XY?M+ is injected through injection boreholes into a mineral oil deposit, and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production boreholes. The invention further relates to ionic surfactants of the general formula.

Abstract: A water injection system that includes a primary water injection line; an injection fluid supply tank; a high pressure injection pump in fluid communication with the injection fluid supply and primary water injection line for pumping injection fluid in injection fluid supply tank through the primary water injection line; a polymer gel supply tank; and a high pressure chemical injection pump in fluid communication with the polymer gel supply tank and the water injection line configured to pump polymer gel having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cP (at 20° C. measured using a Bohlin Rheometer CSR 50, cone and plate measuring system CP 4°/40 mm, single shear rate 1/s) in the polymer gel supply tank into the water injection line for mixture with injection fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for mineral oil production by means of Winsor Type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation comprising at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R1—O—(CH2C(CH3)HO)m(CH2CH2O)n—XY?M+ is injected through injection boreholes into a mineral oil deposit, and crude oil is withdrawn from the deposit through production boreholes. The invention further relates to ionic surfactants of the general formula.

Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method, which relates to modeling and operation of drilling equipment, includes constructing one or more surrogates for at least a portion of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and calculating performance results from each of the one or more surrogates. The calculated results of the modeling may include one or more vibration performance indices that characterize the BHA vibration performance of the surrogates for operating parameters and boundary conditions, which may be substantially the same as conditions to be used, being used, or previously used in drilling operations. The selected BHA surrogate may then be utilized in a well construction operation and thus associated with the production of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

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: The invention includes systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, a first fluid removal means within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and a second fluid removal means within the proximal section of the inner tubing string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a speed of a pump operating in a well. A first step involves monitoring a production flow rate of fluids produced from the well. A second step involves controlling the speed of the pump with reference to the production flow rate by increasing the speed of the pump when the production flow rate is rising and decreasing the speed of the pump when the production flow rate is declining.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well to remove liquid from the well. An isolation device having a valve body and a valve spool is positioned downhole of the pump. The valve spool is rotatably received by the valve body and is capable of rotating between an open position and a closed position. During removal of the liquid from the well, the valve spool is in the closed position to substantially reduce fluid flow past the valve spool and thus gas interference at the pump.

Abstract: A method to remove hydrate plugs in a production system by passing a non-hydrate-forming or a hydrate-forming gas, which forms hydrates at a higher pressure than the existing hydrate, through the flow-restricting hydrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body, a transducer within the body, and an opening formed through a sidewall of the body. The opening provides a port through which the transducer can communicate from within the body. An elastomeric boot in the body covers the opening and is a barrier that prevents fluid ingress into the downhole tool. An expandable sleeve envelopes the elastomeric boot and provides support that limits bulging of the elastomeric boot from within the body through adjacent openings in the body. An example sleeve is made from elongated members woven into a tubular.

Abstract: A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. An extraction tube has an upper end above the shroud within the upper portion of the caisson and a lower end connected to a jet pump. The extraction tube causes gas that separates from the liquid and collects in the upper portion of the caisson to be drawn into the jet pump and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is being pumped.

Abstract: A method is described for recovering viscous oil such as bitumen from a subsurface formation. The method involves creating an artificial barrier in a subterranean zone above or proximate a top of the subsurface formation. The barrier is largely impermeable to fluid flow. The method also includes reducing the viscosity of the viscous oil and mobilizing hydrocarbons into a readily flowable heavy oil by addition of heat and/or solvent. Heating preferably uses a plurality of heat injection wells. The method further includes producing the heavy oil using a production method that preserves the integrity of the artificial barrier.

Abstract: A process for retorting and extracting sub-surface hydrocarbons. The process comprises drilling an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are heated from the bottom to form a retort, the retort extending along a portion of the energy delivery well. A vapor tube is extended to a location proximate the retort, the vapor tube having an entrance corresponding to the region of the retort along the energy delivery well that is nearest the surface exit.

Abstract: A system for monitoring subsidence and/or rising of a waterbottom has pressure sensors along the interior of a sealed tube that rests on the waterbottom and is filled with a low pressure liquid so that subsidence or rising of the waterbottom can be deduced from subsidence and/or rising of a section of the tube and associated pressure variations measured by the sensors due to variation of the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the tube. The tube interior is divided into segments by valves during descent to protect the sensors against hydrostatic pressure of the liquid within the tube during installation. The use of a low pressure liquid in the tube allows the use of sensitive pressure sensors which are able to monitor pressure variations of ˜0.001 Bar associated with a waterbottom subsidence of ˜1 cm, at a waterdepth of >km where the ambient water pressure may be >100 Bar.

Abstract: Steam-Over-Solvent Injection in Fractured Reservoirs (SOS-FR) is carried out by treating a fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation penetrated by a well with a first phase of injecting a formation compatible aqueous fluid into the fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation through the well, a second phase of injecting a hydrocarbon solvent into the fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation through the well and at least a third phase of repeating the first phase after the second phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a multi-zone reservoir while reservoir fluids are flowing from within the wellbore. The method and apparatus enables isolation and testing of individual zones without the need to pull production tubing. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An inlet apparatus for a well pump.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant wells. The present invention is also embodied in a method for constructing a slant well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply. A system of angled wells (slant wells) is constructed. In one embodiment, the slant wells obtain a desalination feedwater supply from permeable aquifer systems near and/or beneath a saline water source (i.e., an ocean, sea, or salty inland lake). The slant wells induce recharge of the aquifer system through the floor of the ocean, sea, or inland lake due to the hydraulic head difference between the slant well pumping level and the level of the ocean, sea, or lake. As the supply source is relatively constant, the water supply to such a slant well system generally provides a long-term, sustainable water source for a desalination plant.

Abstract: An apparatus, and a method which uses the apparatus, for raising a fluid from a lower region to a higher region of an at least partially cased well. The apparatus includes: a tubing string; a contacting structure at the upper end of the tubing string for engaging a stop structure in the well casing such that the tubing string is held in suspension; an exterior sealing element for sealing against the casing wall; and an internal check valve.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well uphole of a producing formation to remove liquid from the well. An isolation device is positioned uphole of the pump such that the pump is between the isolation device and the producing formation, the isolation device capable of being selectively engaged to substantially reduce gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a wellbore to remove liquid from the wellbore. An isolation device is positioned in communication with the wellbore to substantially prevent gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for creating a physical property model representative of a physical property of a region. An exemplary method comprises transforming information from a model domain that represents the physical property model into simulated data in a data domain, the data domain comprising simulated data and measured data representative of a plurality of observations of the region. The exemplary method also comprises determining an areal misfit between the simulated data and the measured data representative of the plurality of observations of the region. The exemplary method additionally comprises performing an evaluation of the areal misfit based on known criteria. The exemplary method comprises adjusting data in the data domain or information in the model domain corresponding to a region in the model domain based on the evaluation of the areal misfit.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for pumping a fluid mixture from a wellbore location to a selected location is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a container configured to be placed in the wellbore, wherein the container is configured to mix therein a fluid received from a first source and an additive received from a second source, and a pump unit coupled to the container and configured to pump the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location. The method in one embodiment includes: supplying a fluid from a first source to a container placed in a wellbore; supplying an additive from a second source to the container; allowing the fluid and the additive to mix in the container to form a mixed fluid; and pumping the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location.

Abstract: A method of running a down hole rotary pump using a top drive, sucker rod or any drive shaft from surface. A first step involves providing a gear box having an input end and an output end. The gear box is being capable of receiving an input of a first speed at the input end and producing an output of a second speed which is one of either faster or slower than of the first speed at the output end. A second step involves positioning the gear box down hole with the input end coupled to a remote lower end of a sucker rod and the output end coupled to a rotary activated pump. A third step involves applying a driving force to the sucker rod to rotate the sucker rod at the first speed, with the rotational force being transmitted to the rotary activated pump through the gear box which rotates the rotary activated pump at the second speed.

Abstract: Method for adapting a template to a target data set. The template may be used to remove noise from, or interpret noise in, the target data set. The target data set is transformed (550) using a selected complex-valued, directional, multi-resolution transform (‘CDMT’) satisfying the Hubert transform property at least approximately. An initial template is selected, and it is transformed (551) using the same CDMT. Then the transformed template is adapted (560) to the transformed target data by adjusting the template's expansion coefficients within allowed ranges of adjustment so as to better match the expansion coefficients of the target data set. Multiple templates may be simultaneously adapted to better fit the noise or other component of the data that it may be desired to represent by template.

Abstract: A system including a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of a sulfur containing compound into a formation; and a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur containing compound into a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation, the mechanism within the formation.

Abstract: A method of investigating an underground formation underneath the earth's surface, comprising obtaining a first data set representing change in a predetermined seismic parameter over a period of time for a plurality of points in the underground formation, which first data set is derived from a time-lapse seismic survey of the earth formation spanning the period of time; obtaining a second data set representing geodetic deformation over substantially the same period of time at a plurality of locations on the earth's surface, which second data set is derived from a geodetic survey spanning the period of time; jointly processing the first and second data sets to obtain a map of a parameter related to volume change in the underground formation; wherein a geomechanical model of the underground formation is postulated; also a method of producing hydrocarbons and a computer program.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a process for providing a pumpable hydrate slurry in a hydrocarbon pipeline fluid mixture having a water-cut greater than about 50 volume percent. In one or more embodiments the process comprises treating the fluid mixture with an anti-agglomerant and adding water to the fluid mixture in an amount sufficient to lower the gas-water ratio sufficiently to achieve a pumpable hydrate slurry. Also disclosed are methods for producing hydrocarbons utilizing a process for providing a pumpable hydrate slurry in a hydrocarbon pipeline fluid mixture having a water -cut greater than about 50 volume percent.

Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a formation comprising a mixture of oil and/or gas and an enhanced oil recovery mixture comprising an additive to increase an auto-ignition temperature of the mixture and a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation; and a mechanism for recovering at least a portion of the oil and/or gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing fluid flow characteristics within a hydrocarbon production tubing string within a wellbore. An expansion member is passed through the interior flowbore of one or more production tubing string members. The expansion member smoothes the interior surface of the flowbore and may radially expand the interior surface of the flowbore.

Abstract: A method of producing oil which begins by drilling, casing and inserting a tubing string in a wellbore. The method then perforates both an upper portion and a lower portion of the casing to establish communication between the wellbore with a upper horizontal fracture and a lower horizontal fracture. A retrievable packer or a seal assembly is inserted horizontally between the tubing string and the casing and vertically between the upper horizontal fracture and the lower horizontal fracture for heat isolation. Steam is then injected into the wellbore both into the upper horizontal fracture and the lower horizontal fracture.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimal lift gas allocation, comprising: optimally allocating lift gas under a total lift gas constraint or a total produced gas constraint, the allocating step including distributing lift gas among all gas lifted wells in a network so as to maximize a liquid or oil rate at a sink.

Abstract: A system of de-watering boreholes by alternating cycles of aspiration and expulsion based on pneumatic displacement, includes a double hose to be introduced into a borehole. The double hose includes a flexible outer hose and a flexible inner hose separated by an annular space therebetween, the double hose adapted to reach a full depth of the borehole. The outer hose has an outer diameter less than a diameter of the borehole to provide an annular clearance between the borehole and the outer hose. An upper closing element is connected to an upper end of the double hose outside of the borehole, and has two outlets which permit entry and exit of air and water. A lower closing element is attached to the double hose at a lower end thereof, and includes a foot valve, a filter, and a protective element to serve as a battering ram.

Abstract: A method for transforming seismic surface waves into depth profiles of dynamic properties of the soil such as the soil shear modulus or wave velocity or wave attenuation. The invention uses seismic data recorded preferably with a plurality of sources and receivers with a two-stage inversion approach. First, variations in surface-wave waveforms are decomposed (303) into surface-consistent transfer functions preferably for each source, each receiver, and each small region (301) of the surface. Then the transfer functions for each region are inverted (308) to determine soil properties or near-surface properties (such as the shear modulus) as a function of depth. The method can solve for the complex multi-mode nature of the surface waves for a media with both vertical and lateral changes in properties. Errors and limits in resolution for traditional methods from misidentification of ground roll modes or from assuming laterally uniform soil properties are avoided.

Abstract: The present application describes a steel composition that provides enhanced corrosion resistance. This steel composition includes one of vanadium in an amount of 1 wt % to 9 wt %, titanium in an amount of about 1 wt % to 9 wt %, and a combination of vanadium and titanium in an amount of 1 wt % to about 9 wt %. In addition, the steel composition includes carbon in an amount of 0.03 wt % to about 0.45 wt %, manganese in an amount up to 2 wt % and silicon in an amount up to 0.45 wt %. In one embodiment, the steel composition includes a microstructure of one of the following: ferrite, martensite, tempered martensite, dual phase ferrite and martensite, and dual phase ferrite and tempered martensite. Further, the present application describes a method for processing the steel composition and use of equipment such as oil country tubular goods, fabricated with the steel composition.

Abstract: A method for oil recovery whereby an exothermic water reactant (EWR) encapsulated in a water soluble coating is placed in water and pumped into one or more oil wells in contact with an oil bearing formation. After the water carries the EWR to the bottom of the injection well, the water soluble coating dissolves and the EWR reacts with the water to produce heat, an alkali solution, and hydrogen. The heat from the EWR reaction generates steam, which is forced into the oil bearing formation where it condenses and transfers heat to the oil, elevating its temperature and decreasing the viscosity of the oil. The aqueous alkali solution mixes with the oil in the oil bearing formation and forms a surfactant that reduces the interfacial tension between the oil and water. The hydrogen may be used to react with the oil at these elevated temperatures to form lighter molecules, thus upgrading to a certain extent the oil in situ.

Abstract: A system including a mechanism for recovering oil and/or gas from an underground formation, the oil and/or gas comprising one or more sulfur compounds; a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur compounds from the recovered oil and/or gas into a carbon oxysulfide formulation; and a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of the carbon oxysulfide formulation into a formation.