Abstract: A shear tester for in-situ determination of rock formation geomechanical properties is provided. The tester has a radially expandable cylindrical membrane, a metal sheath covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane, at least one stud fixed on the sheath, at least one cone fixed on each of the at least one stud, and a piston operable to apply an upward axial force on the metal sheath. A device for the same use comprises the shear tester and a pressuremeter. A method of using the shear tester comprises applying a normal force to the formation by expanding the membrane until at least one of the at least one cone penetrates the rock formation and applying an upward axial force to the at least one of the at least one cone by operating the piston until at least a portion of the rock formation shears.

Abstract: A method for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation may include positioning a tubular conductor within a wellbore in the subterranean formation and slidably positioning a radio frequency (RF) transmission line within the tubular conductor so that a distal end of the transmission line is electrically coupled to the tubular conductor. The method may also include supplying RF power, via the RF transmission line, to the tubular conductor so that the tubular conductor serves as an RF antenna to heat the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation.

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

Abstract: A system, method and computer readable medium for determining a feature in a wellbore is disclosed. A distributed temperature sensing system is disposed along the wellbore. A thermal perturbation is induced along the wellbore. A profile is determined of temperature change in response to the applied thermal perturbation using the distributed temperature sensing system. The feature of the wellbore is determined using the measured temperature profile.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) antenna assembly to be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery may include a series of tubular conductors coupled together in end-to-end relation. Each tubular conductor may include a dual-wall conductor defining an RF antenna. The dual-wall conductor may include an outer wall and an inner wall spaced inwardly therefrom to define an outer fluid passageway. The RF antenna assembly may further include an RF transmission line extending within at least some of the tubular conductors.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon-containing rocks comprising type IIs kerogen are introduced into an excavated enclosure (e.g. a pit or an impoundment) to form a bed of rocks therein. One or more heaters (e.g. molten salt heaters) are operated to pyrolyze type IIs kerogen of the rocks. In some embodiments, a hydrocarbon reflux loop is maintained within the enclosure to convectively heat the type IIs-kerogen-containing rocks by boiling hydrocarbon liquids from a reservoir at the bottom of the enclosure so that vapor passes to the top of the enclosure, condenses, and falls back through the bed. Alternatively or additionally, the rocks may be heated by heaters embedded within wall(s) and/or a floor of the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods relate to vaporizing water into steam, which may be utilized in applications such as bitumen production. Initial indirect vaporization of the water at a first pressure for treatment precedes a steam generator boiling the water at a second pressure higher than the first pressure. The indirect vaporization of the water occurs in a vessel upon contact of the water with a substance such as solid particulate heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the water. Impurities in the water deposit on the solid particulate and/or combust limiting pass through of the impurities to the steam generator given that a vapor output of the vessel from the initial indirect vaporization condenses and is pressurized before being supplied to the steam generator.

Abstract: A method of generating steam using a combination of fuel and solar energy includes delivering liquid to a fuel-fired steam generator operating at least at partial load during a first time period, delivering liquid to a solar steam generator operating at least at partial load during a second time period, delivering saturated steam to a steam separator from at least one of the operating fuel-fired or solar steam generator, and delivering saturated vapor from the steam separator to a steam distribution system.

Abstract: Generally, a system for hydraulic fracturing of a geologic formation. Specifically, a transportable heating apparatus and method for the production of heated water for use in hydraulic fracturing of a geologic formation.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a natural gas hydrate reservoir. The heating system includes a fully enclosed wellbore extending through a portion of the natural gas hydrate reservoir. A heating fluid is passed through the wellbore to heat the portion of the natural gas hydrate reservoir. Additionally, a production system includes a perforated wellbore that is used to extract the natural gas hydrate water after heating.

Abstract: A steam-impulse pressure generator includes a burnable membrane separating (1) a heat-generating device, which is an hermetic enclosure, the cavity of which is filled with heat-generating blocks, from (2) a steam-kinetic chamber, which is a non-hermetic, open enclosure, with windows (nozzles), evenly distributed over the entire surface, with the minimum dynamic resistance for an exit of the steam-water mixture, while offering as much interference as possible against the melted material exiting into the well. High temperature melt coming from the main body makes direct contact with the borehole fluid causing a hydrodynamic disturbance of high-intensity in the form of series of steam-pressure pulses, which penetrates into the bottom-hole formation zone (“BFZ”) and improves the filtration properties of the rock formation not only and not so much by the removal of the wax, paraffin and resin depositions, but rather because of layer microruptures in the BFZ.

Abstract: An RF antenna assembly is positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors to be positioned within the wellbore, and having adjacent joined together ends, and first and second RF transmission line segments extending within the first and second tubular conductors and having adjacent joined together ends aligned with the joined together adjacent ends of the first and second tubular conductors. The RF antenna assembly includes a tubular sheath surrounding the first RF transmission line segment and having an outer surface, and a spacer received on the outer surface of the tubular sheath and extending between the tubular sheath and adjacent portions of the first tubular conductor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovering heavy oil from subterranean reservoirs. A steam-utilizing heavy oil recovery process may be used to recover the heavy oil while employing a steam-solvent mixture. The solvent may be a tailored hydrocarbon solvent obtained from a precursor mixture of hydrocarbon compounds from which light end hydrocarbon compounds have been removed.

Abstract: A method of recovering heat from hot produced fluids at SAGD facilities is described that utilizes wellpad steam generation such as Direct Steam Generators (DSG). Heated fluids produced by SAGD are used to preheat the water that is used to make steam for SAGD. Feedwater is conveniently preheated at the wellpads by the produced fluids, emulsions, and/or gases before feeding to the DSGs.

Abstract: A concentrated solar power (CSP) deliquification system for discouraging the accumulation of liquids in a wellbore includes a CSP heating subsystem, and an injection and recirculation subsystem. A working fluid is heated by the CSP heating subsystem and conveyed down-hole into the wellbore by the injection and recirculation subsystem. Heat is transferred from the working fluid to a production fluid within the wellbore, which facilitates maintenance of the production fluid in a gaseous or phase while in the wellbore.

Abstract: A heater includes a heater housing extending along a heater axis. A fuel cell stack assembly is disposed within the heater housing and includes a plurality of fuel cells which convert chemical energy from a fuel into heat and electricity through a chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent. An electric resistive heating element is disposed within the heater housing. A positive conductor is disposed within the heater housing and is connected to the fuel cell stack assembly and to the electric resistive heating element and a negative conductor is connected to the fuel cell stack assembly and to the electric resistive heating element. The electric resistive heating element is arranged to elevate the fuel cell stack assembly from a first inactive temperature to a second active temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing production of viscous hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. The methods may include heating a hydrocarbon solvent mixture to generate a vapor stream, injecting the vapor stream into the subterranean formation to generate reduced-viscosity hydrocarbons, and producing the reduced-viscosity hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation. The methods also may include selecting a composition of the hydrocarbon solvent mixture by determining a threshold maximum pressure of the subterranean formation, determining a stream temperature at which the vapor stream is to be injected into the subterranean formation, and selecting the composition of the hydrocarbon solvent mixture based upon the stream temperature and the threshold maximum pressure. The systems may include a hydrocarbon production system that may be configured to perform the methods and/or that may include an injection well, an injectant supply assembly, and a production well.

Abstract: A method for pre-tensing sections of concentric tubulars in a wellbore. The method can include mechanically coupling an inside tubing pipe to an inside tubing string disposed in the wellbore. The method can also include mechanically coupling a second tubing to a second tubing string disposed in the wellbore. The method can further include suspending, by the first tubing, the first tubing, the first tubing string, the second tubing string, and the second tubing. The method can also include inserting, while suspending the first tubing, the first tubing string, the second tubing string, and the second tubing by the first tubing, a first slip into the first space between the first tubing and the second tubing. The method can further include inserting the first tubing, the first tubing string, the second tubing string, the second tubing, and the first slip further into the wellbore.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of stimulating flow of a fluid present in a subsurface reservoir to a wellbore is provided, which method, in one non-limiting embodiment, may include providing a working fluid that includes a heated base fluid and heated nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticle have a core and a shell; supplying the working fluid into a selected section of the subsurface reservoir; allowing the heated nanoparticles to transfer heat to the fluid in the subsurface reservoir to stimulate flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the wellbore.

Abstract: A system and method of recovering hydrocarbons located at or above a sea floor of a sea are disclosed. The method includes heating a working fluid at a heater and delivering the working fluid downward into the sea through a first string of a riser to a heat exchanger. The riser has a plurality of strings in a concentric arrangement. The heat exchanger transfers thermal energy from the working fluid to at least hydrocarbons to enable recovery of the hydrocarbons through a second string of the riser. The working fluid returns from the heat exchanger to the heater through a third string of the riser.

Abstract: A completion for steam injection and production includes a production tubing connected to the stinger, a downhole steam generator (DSG) having a discharge connected to the production tubing through an inverted Y-tool, a fuel supply tubing extending between the DSG and a surface fuel supply and an air supply tubing extending between the DSG and a surface fuel supply. The completion can have an artificial lift device incorporated in the production tubing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced delivery of thermal energy to vertical wellbores are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises heating a heat transfer fluid; continuously circulating the heat transfer fluid into a vertical wellbore to a downhole heat exchanger; advancing hot feedwater into the vertical wellbore to the downhole heat exchanger, wherein the downhole heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to the hot feedwater to generate high-quality steam; transmitting the steam from the downhole heat exchanger into a subterranean formation, whereby thermal energy from the steam causes a reduction in viscosity of hydrocarbons in the subterranean formation; injecting an acid scale wash to counter scale buildup from the hot feedwater on the downhole heat exchanger; and returning the heat transfer fluid from the downhole heat exchanger to the surface thermal fluid heater for reheating and recirculation into the vertical wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and method for construction of an underground coal gasification (UCG) well liner assembly. In particular, a well liner segment for use in the construction of a UCG well liner assembly for conveying product gas to a production well is disclosed. Also disclosed are a system and method for UCG product gas production.

Abstract: A completion for steam injection and production includes a production tubing connected to a stinger, the production tubing having a continuous conduit extending from a Y-tool to an inverted Y-tool, a downhole steam generator (DSG) having a discharge conduit extending from the DSG to the inverted Y-tool, a bypass conduit extending from the Y-tool to the DSG, and a fuel supply tubing connected to the DSG. An artificial lift device may be incorporated into the completion.

Abstract: A method for generating gasses in a borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The method utilizes a multiple chamber gas generator system that includes a plurality of gas generators each having an elongate combustion chamber. The multiple chamber gas generator system is positioned in the borehole, and the operation of each of the plurality of gas generators is controlled to selectively turn each of the gas generators on or off, to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in conditions within the borehole.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cooling internal components of a down-hole well drilling apparatus. Components of the well drilling apparatus are encased in an inner canister that is further encased in an outer canister creating a void between the inner canister and the outer canister. Further, a plurality of moveable barriers is disposed between the inner canister and the outer canister and contains a heat transfer fluid. A plurality of agitators add mechanical energy to the plurality of moveable barriers compressing and expanding, while repositioning, the heat transfer fluid and creating a heat pump based on a reverse Stirling cycle to remove heat from the cooler inner canister and transfer the heat to the hotter environment outside the outer canister.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to heater patterns and related methods of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface hydrocarbon-containing formation (for example, an oil shale formation) where a heater cell may be divided into nested inner and outer zones. Production wells may be located within one or both zones. In the smaller inner zone, heaters may be arranged at a relatively high spatial density while in the larger surrounding outer zone, a heater spatial density may be significantly lower. Due to the higher heater density, a rate of temperature increase in the smaller inner zone of the subsurface exceeds that of the larger outer zone, and a rate of hydrocarbon fluid production ramps up faster in the inner zone than in the outer zone. In some embodiments, a ratio between a half-maximum sustained production time and a half-maximum rise time of a hydrocarbon fluid production function is relatively large.

Abstract: Geothermal energy is recovered from magma via a vent of volcano by a longitudinally displaceable, closed system of one tube for injecting working condensed water and the other production tube for return of heated water, and a number of heating tube members connected to front portions of the tubes. The water may be assisted in its return by a pump. The tubes are capable to be advanced relative to a stationary shelter building by a drive means disposed securely at the vent. The front portions are articulated and/or flexible, and provided with a chassis. The tubes may be in co-axial relation and the outer injection tube is used as the heat economizer and insulator tube, and provided with sank and movable scraper members to remove a scale. A heat exchange means is operable to recover thermal energy from the water.

Abstract: A system for disrupting convective heat flow within a body of hydrocarbonaceous material includes a body of hydrocarbonaceous material which is sufficiently porous that convective currents can form in void spaces of the material. A bulk fluid occupies these void spaces and the bulk fluid is heated by a heat source, causing the bulk fluid to flow through the void spaces in convective currents. A convective barrier is placed in an upper portion of the body of hydrocarbonaceous material. This convective barrier is configured to disrupt convective flow of the bulk fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to steam assisted oil recovery utilizing a fired boiler and an electric boiler, which may be disposed closer to an injection well than the fired boiler. A gas turbine produces electricity supplied to the electric boiler and flue gas exhaust that may input into the fired boiler. The electric boiler may vaporize condensate that forms from the steam generated in the fired boiler prior to being introduced into the injection well.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a downhole tool, and method of using the downhole tool, for enhancing recovery of heavy oil from a formation. The downhole tool includes an outer core having at least one ceramic portion. At least one electromagnetic antenna is disposed within the outer core. The at least one electromagnetic antenna is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation to heat the at least one ceramic portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing CO2 with an advanced function of adjusting the pressure and temperature of CO2 for geologic injection includes a manifold including a plurality of branching pipes to receive carbon dioxide for geologic injection from a plurality of storage tanks, a distribution chamber having an inlet communicating with the manifold and an outlet connected to an injection pipe extending to an underground tubular well, so that the carbon dioxide, which has been received through the manifold, is supplied through the injection pipe, a temperature adjusting part to adjust the temperature of the carbon dioxide introduced into the distribution chamber, and a flow rate and hydraulic pressure adjusting part to adjust a flow rate and a hydraulic pressure of the carbon dioxide injected into an underground through the distribution chamber. The temperature and pressure conditions of CO2 on geologic injection are controlled through a user interface.

Abstract: A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include an RF antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore to heat the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. The device may further include a radio frequency (RF) source, and an RF transmission line coupling the RF antenna and the RF source. The RF transmission line may include ferromagnetic material. A magnetic source may be magnetically coupled to the RF transmission line and configured to magnetically saturate the ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved drill rig for drilling vertical loop field for geothermal heating/air conditioning units, methods of designing and installing novel vertical loop fields under existing buildings, and novel vertical loop field structures and geothermal heating systems including such loop fields.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and products for taking a downhole measurement are presented. The method may include cooling a sensor in a borehole intersecting an earth formation using an electrocaloric material associated with the sensor, wherein the sensor is responsive to a downhole parameter. The method may further include applying an electric field to the electrocaloric material to generate a giant electrocaloric effect. The method may include selecting dimensions, composition, and Curie temperature of the electrocaloric material and characteristics of the electric field sufficient to reduce the nominal temperature of the sensor by at least 20 degrees Celsius, which may result in the sensor being proximate to a target temperature within the nominal operational temperature range of the sensor.

Abstract: A downhole assembly may include a housing containing a heat-producing component in thermal communication with a thermal buffering component. The thermal buffering component includes a container (232) having a phase change material disposed therein that is selected to have a phase change at or below a selected temperature.

Abstract: A system and process are provided for recovering oil from an oil-bearing formation. An oil recovery formulation that is first contact miscible with a liquid petroleum composition that is comprised of at least 15 mol % dimethyl sulfide is introduced together with steam or hot water into a subterranean oil-bearing formation comprising heavy oil, extra heavy oil, or bitumen, and oil is produced from the formation.

Abstract: A method for stimulating fluid flow in an upwardly oriented oilfield tubular (1, 12) comprises heating the tubular along at least part of its length to such a temperature that at least some liquid hydrocarbons, such as crude oil and/or condensates, evaporate and provide a gas lift effect.

Abstract: An oil recovery process entails recovering an oil-water mixture from an oil bearing formation and separating the oil-water mixture to produce an oil product and produced water. The produced water includes suspended and dissolved solids and is subjected to treatment which removes suspended and dissolved solids therefrom. The treated water is then directed to a forced circulation steam generator that includes a furnace having a burner, water cooled walls and an evaporator unit. The treated water is pumped through the water cooled walls and the evaporator unit. The water passing through the water cooled walls and evaporator unit are heated to produce approximately 10% to approximately 30% quality steam in both the water cooled walls and the evaporator unit. The steam is collected and separated from a water-steam mixture to produce high quality steam, on the order of 95% or greater quality steam.

Abstract: Hydrocarbonaceous and additional products are recovered from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. A hole is formed in a body of oil shale or oil sand. A heater is positioned into the hole generating a temperature sufficient to convert kerogen in oil shale or bitumen in oil sand to hydrocarbonaceous products, these products are extracted from the hole as effluent gas. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. The subsequent condensation steps may be carried out in at least one cooled chamber having a sequence of critical orifices maintained at a negative pressure. Carbon sequestration steps may be performed wherein recovered carbon dioxide is delivered down the hole following the recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products.

Abstract: A cutting device, safety valve and method are for severing an object in the safety valve for a well, wherein the cutting device is structured for incorporation in the safety valve. The cutting device and the safety valve comprise a housing having a through bore structured for passing the object therethrough. The cutting device/safety valve comprises at least one induction coil device disposed in the housing, and around at least a portion of the bore of the housing. The induction coil device is directed inwards in the direction of the bore and is structured for optional, cutting-promoting heating, hence thermal structural weakening, of the object when located vis-à-vis the induction coil device. The induction coil device is structured in a manner allowing it to be connected to at least one electric power source for supply of electric power for heating. The housing comprises a heat-insulating portion disposed between the induction coil device and the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to methods and apparatus for recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs. In one embodiment, a completion string for an enhanced oil recovery system is provided. The completion string includes an umbilical device having a plurality of conduits disposed therein, a downhole steam generator coupled to the umbilical device by a connect/disconnect device, and a conduit extending from the downhole steam generator through a packer.

Abstract: A multiple chamber gas generator system has a plurality of gas generators shaped to fit within the borehole. Each of the gas generators having an elongate combustion chamber. A gas flow control system is operably installed for supplying gas to the elongate combustion chambers of each of the gas generators. The system further includes a control computer having a control program operatively installed thereupon, the control program functioning to control the operation of the gas flow control system and to selectively turn on or off each of the gas generators to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in pressure within the borehole.

Abstract: An oil recovery system and method is disclosed. The system includes a solar power tower for receiving a first portion of water from a water treatment device. The solar power tower heats the first portion of water directly using solar radiation and generates a first steam. Further, the system includes a boiler for receiving a second portion of water from the water treatment device. The boiler heats the second portion of water and generates a second steam. Further, the system includes a flow control device coupled to the solar power tower and the boiler to receive at least one of the first steam and the second steam. The flow control device injects at least one of the first steam and the second steam to an oil field.

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

Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing of an oil producing formation includes the provision of a heating apparatus which is transportable and that has a vessel for containing water. The method contemplates heating the water up to a temperature of about 200° F. (93.3 ° C.). A water stream of cool or cold water is transmitted from a source to a mixer, the cool water stream being at ambient temperature. The mixer has an inlet that receives cool or cold water from the source and an outlet that enables a discharge of a mix of cool or cold water and the hot water. After mixing in the mixer, the water assumes a temperature that is suitable for mixing with chemicals that are used in the fracturing process, such as a temperature of about 40°-120° F.+ (4.4-48.9° C.+). An outlet discharges a mix of the cool and hot water to surge tanks or to mixing tanks. In the mixing tanks, a proppant and an optional selected chemical or chemicals are added to the water which has been warmed.

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

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

Abstract: Oil extraction from an oil-bearing formation includes: heating a first portion of the formation containing oil with radio frequency energy; extracting the oil from the first portion of the formation; injecting steam into the first portion of the formation to heat a second portion of the formation containing oil adjacent the first portion; and extracting the oil from the second portion of the formation.

Abstract: Modular systems for extracting hydrocarbons from subterranean volumes and associated methods are generally described.