Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling heating of a hydrocarbon medium using a signal generator and a load having frequency and time dependent impedance. A desired heating life cycle is determined. A current state is determined using a model of the medium and the load. A desired operational state is determined from the current operational state and the desired heating life cycle. The desired operational state is selected to maximize a fit between the desired operational state and the desired heating life cycle. Desired signal generator control settings are determined for the signal generator in order to achieve the desired operational state. An output signal is generated using the signal generator by applying the at least one desired signal generator control setting to the signal generator. The output signal is defined to excite the load and thereby heat the hydrocarbon medium.

Abstract: A method of reducing condensate accumulation in a natural gas well may include a first step of determining a pressure and a temperature of the natural gas well. The method may further include a second step of determining a dew point temperature based on the pressure of the natural gas well. The method may also include a third step of determining a cricondentherm temperature of the natural gas well. The method may also include a fourth step of heating the natural gas well to a temperature above the dew point temperature; and a fifth step of limiting the temperature of the natural gas well to the cricondentherm temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation. The method involves providing electrical power to at least one electromagnetic wave generator for generating high frequency alternating current; using the electromagnetic wave generator to generate high frequency alternating current; using at least one pipe to define at least one of at least two transmission line conductors; coupling the transmission line conductors to the electromagnetic wave generator; and applying the high frequency alternating current to excite the transmission line conductors. The excitation of the transmission line conductors can propagate an electromagnetic wave within the hydrocarbon formation. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining that a hydrocarbon formation between the transmission line conductors is at least substantially desiccated; and applying a radiofrequency electromagnetic current to excite the transmission line conductors.

Abstract: A method for creating access to annular spacing during P&A operations is described. Specifically, helical coils are cut into one or more casings before the plugging material is set. The plugging material is able to exit the helical coils, forming multiple, small rock-to-rock seals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electromagnetic heating of a hydrocarbon formation. The method involves providing electrical power to at least one electromagnetic wave generator for generating high frequency alternating current; using the electromagnetic wave generator to generate high frequency alternating current; using at least one pipe to define at least one of at least two transmission line conductors; coupling the transmission line conductors to the electromagnetic wave generator; and applying the high frequency alternating current to excite the transmission line conductors. The excitation of the transmission line conductors can propagate an electromagnetic wave within the hydrocarbon formation. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining that a hydrocarbon formation between the transmission line conductors is at least substantially desiccated; and applying a radiofrequency electromagnetic current to excite the transmission line conductors.

Abstract: Downhole tools, systems, and methods for electric-based fracturing are disclosed. A downhole tool for electric-based fracturing may include an outer enclosure, an insulator chamber disposed at least partially within the enclosure, and an electrode disposed at least partially within the insulator chamber. The electrode may extend out from the insulator chamber and the enclosure, and may be configured to transfer electric energy to an exterior environment surrounding the downhole tool. The insulator chamber may be configured to thermally and electrically insulate at least a portion of the electrode from the exterior environment.

Abstract: Apparatus, in the form of a eutectic alloy plug (1) and a deployment heater (10) are provided. The plug (1) and the deployment heated (10) are provided with means (5, 13) for releasably retaining the deployment heater (10) within a cavity (4) in the plug (1). The nature of the retaining means is such that once the plug (1) is secured in a well the heater (10) can be recovered without the plug (1). An extraction heater (20), which is also receivable within the cavity (4) of the plug (1), is provided to re-melt the eutectic alloy and thus enable the extraction of the plug from a well. Various method of plugging abandoned wells are made possible by the control that the provided apparatus gives.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of sealing a region of a sand screen of an Open Hole Gravel Pack without the need to perforate the sand screen and a tool for use in such. The tool being a eutectic/bismuth based alloy well plugging/sealing tool (1) having a tubular heater body (2) with an internal cavity (4) capable of receiving a chemical heat source (105). The tool is provided with a quantity of eutectic/bismuth based alloy (3) around an outer surface of the heater body (2) such that it can be heated by the chemical heat source (105). In addition the tool (1) has an insulating sleeve (7) provided around an outer surface of the alloy (3), wherein the sleeve (7) is configured to provide a focused egress for the alloy (3) as it is melted by the chemical heat source (105).

Abstract: A method and system enable injection of gas into an underground formation, enhanced by the simultaneous injection of liquid. Mixing of the gas and the liquid that have been separately injected into a well comprising two coaxial cylinders can occur at different levels in the well in order to facilitate the flow and to limit the gas pressure necessary for reinjection at the wellhead. Thus, the system and the method require less energy and the associated gas compression equipment is less expensive. The method and system can be applied to geothermal energy applications, underground gas storage, notably CO2, or to enhanced recovery in petroleum reservoirs.

Abstract: A method of improving natural gas recovery from a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir includes at least one renewable energy source that is electrically coupled with a heat conducting element. The heat conducting element is positioned in a perforated section of a wellbore that traverses into the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir. A temperature of the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir is maintained above a cricondentherm temperature so that liquid condensation may be prevented at a final production time. In order to maintain the temperature within a required temperature range, an internal temperature, an internal pressure, and a set of reservoir properties are monitored and then utilized to plot a phase diagram that can be used to detect liquid condensation. If liquid condensation is detected, an electrical output of the renewable energy source is adjusted in order to control the temperature of the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir at a producing end of a production tubing.

Abstract: A centralizer apparatus for deployment in a subterranean wellbore, including a tubular adapted to be deployed in the subterranean wellbore such that a long axis of the tubular is parallel to a portion wellbore and a stack of fin modules stacked parallel to the long axis of the tubular. Each one of the fin modules includes a hub having an opening adapted to fit around the outer surface of the tubular, the hub including a stop structure configured to restrict the rotation of adjacent ones of the fin modules in the stack of fin module, and, one or more fin blades projecting from an outer surface of the hub. Rotating the tubular in one rotational direction aligns the fin modules into a screw-shaped state such that the one or more fin blades of adjacently stacked fin modules are progressively offset in a rotational direction perpendicular to the long axis of the tubular.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for facilitating the extraction of hydrocarbons. Tubular protection for an extraction system is provided using the RF heating of highly viscous hydrocarbons in situ by means of an antenna having a coaxial array of mode converters.

Abstract: Methods to accurately plan and optimize clamped source excitation in ranging or telemetry operations approximate a well having a complex pipe structure as a simple solid pipe (“effective model”) with an effective pipe cross-section and resistance. The simple solid pipe is then treated as a thin wire and analyzed using a FAST Code.

Abstract: A releasable tool using an electronic motor to drive a collet and associated collet arms to engage or release a quick change sub that may be coupled to additional downhole tools, such as a perforating gun string.

Abstract: A system for preventing hydrate formation in a pipeline includes a heater housing. The heater housing has an outer diameter sized to travel within the pipeline. A turbine assembly is located within the heater housing. The turbine assembly has a blade that is rotatable by a flow of fluid within the pipeline. An electric heater is located within the heater housing and is electrically connected to the turbine assembly. The electric heater is selectively contacted by the flow of fluid within the pipeline.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for an encapsulated heating cable within a wellbore. Embodiments may have the durability required for the hazardous and harsh environment of a wellbore, and to provide sufficient heat within the production string to reduce and/or eliminate deposits.

Abstract: Embodiments include drilling a wellbore in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation, and the wellbore includes a radio frequency antenna destination portion that is configured to receive a radio frequency antenna; forming a low dielectric zone in the hydrocarbon-bearing formation proximate to the radio frequency antenna destination portion with a cavity based process or a squeezing based process; positioning the radio frequency antenna into the radio frequency antenna destination portion such that the radio frequency antenna is proximate to the low dielectric zone; dielectric heating the hydrocarbon-bearing formation with the radio frequency antenna such that the low dielectric zone increases dissipation of energy from the radio frequency antenna into the hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and extracting hydrocarbons from the heated hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The material has a dielectric constant of less than or equal to 20, a loss tangent of less than or equal to 0.4, and a porosity of less than or equal to 5%.

Abstract: A method of connecting cables of a unitary pipe section that is to be assembled vertically to an undersea fluid transport pipe, by positioning around a low end of the unitary pipe section (40) a female annular connector (2) having connected thereto cables (14) extending along the unitary pipe section; positioning around a high end of the pipe (42) a male annular connector (24) having connected thereto cables (32) extending along the pipe; and connecting together the male and female connectors by sliding them vertically towards each other while assembling the unitary pipe section on the pipe.

Abstract: An RF antenna assembly may include first and second tubular conductors, a dielectric isolator, and first and second electrical contact sleeves respectively coupled between the first and second tubular conductors and the dielectric isolator. The RF antenna assembly may include an RF transmission line having an inner conductor and an outer conductor extending within the first tubular conductor, and a feed structure coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line. The feed structure may include a first radially compressible connector coupled to the outer conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the first electrical contact sleeve, a second radially compressible connector coupled to the inner conductor of the RF transmission line to slidably engage adjacent portions of the second electrical contact sleeve, and a dielectric tube coupled between the first and second radially compressible connectors.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system, control process, and method for improving the reliability of mineral insulated electrical cables for use in oil and gas industry applications. The embodiments may include a PWM variable speed drive having an optimized operating frequency, a sine wave filter connected to an output of the drive and designed to mitigate reflective voltage wave spikes from the drive's PWM voltage pulses, a mineral insulated electrical heater cable connected to the filter, and an external controller for receiving voltage, current, and temperature feedback to create a voltage set point at which the drive operates. The embodiments may (i) mitigate common failure mechanisms of mineral insulated cables operating at a medium voltage level and in a temperature range of from 200° C. to 700° C.; (ii) extend the range of application of mineral insulated cables; and (iii) prevent high voltage spikes from causing damage to the insulant material of heater cables.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for characterizing a fluid provide for flowing a sample fluid through a microfluidic flow line and subsequently flushing the flowline with flushing fluid alone or together with heating and/or exposure to a pulsating electromagnetic field. A tracer fluid is injected and tracked in a microfluidic line based on known properties of the tracer fluid.

Abstract: A method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool through which a well fluid flows can include heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage through which the well fluid flows. A system for of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include an interior flow passage having a surrounding wall, and a heater which heats the wall of the flow passage. Another method of mitigating formation of an undesired accumulation of a substance in a well tool can include monitoring the accumulation of the substance in the well tool, and heating a surrounding wall of an interior flow passage in response to detecting the accumulation.

Abstract: A method of cooling an offshore reel with multiple layers of umbilical with heat generating electrical current flowing through internal wires by supplying a coolant through a wrap between the layers of the umbilical.

Abstract: A system for preventing hydrate formation in a pipeline includes a heater housing. The heater housing has an outer diameter sized to travel within the pipeline. A turbine assembly is located within the heater housing. The turbine assembly has a blade that is rotatable by a flow of fluid within the pipeline. An electric heater is located within the heater housing and is electrically connected to the turbine assembly. The electric heater is selectively contacted by the flow of fluid within the pipeline.

Abstract: A number of toroidal ferromagnetic cores for an inductor may be arranged to form a ferromagnetic multi-core array, through which a calculated sequence of wire turns is wound. The array may be structured within certain permitting geometries, to a preferred geometrical shape for use within a downhole tool. The array of cores can take any practical form, include square, rectangular, hexagonal, circular, or the like, as long as the magnetic fluxes of all coils wound about a given core create a magnetic flux within the core that flows in the same direction within the core.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and system that use electromagnetic heating to heat wellbores and the fluids therein. The heating is achieved by placing one or more permanent magnets in the wellbore and moving a metallic component and/or the one or more permanent magnets relative to each other. This generates eddy currents in the metallic component, which heat the metallic component. This heat is transferred to the fluids in the wellbore from the metallic component by convection.

Abstract: An inductor is provided for induction heating of deposits of oil sand, oil shale, or extra-heavy oil using current-carrying conductors, in which a partial discharge at interruptions in the conductors is avoided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and system that use electromagnetic heating to heat wellbores and the fluids therein. The heating is achieved by placing one or more permanent magnets in the wellbore and moving a metallic component and/or the one or more permanent magnets relative to each other. This generates eddy currents in the metallic component, which heat the metallic component. This heat is transferred to the fluids in the wellbore from the metallic component by convection. In some embodiments, permanent magnets are installed in the tubing to induce eddy current heating in a well by converting the linear motion of a sucker rod to rotary motion of a conducting tube using a lead or ball screw. The heater may directly integrate with existing pump jack equipment with little or no additional infrastructure required.

Abstract: A system and method to safely isolate mobile radioactive material during an emergency includes a borehole located in close proximity and at a depth sufficient to safely isolate the material. An already- or pre-prepared vertical-oriented gravity fracture is located at the bottom end of the borehole, with the mobile radioactive material entering the gravity fracture during the emergency. A dense slurry or fluid could be mixed with the mobile radioactive material to create and propagate the gravity fracture as the radioactive material is being disposed of.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for facilitating the extraction of hydrocarbons, in particular extraction by RF heating of high-viscosity hydrocarbons in situ by means of an antenna comprising a coaxial array of mode converters.

Abstract: A method of downhole steam generation comprising determining a desired level of electrical conductivity for water to be converted to steam in a downhole location, acquiring a main feedwater supply, wherein water of the main feedwater supply has an electrical conductivity lower or higher than the desired level, mixing water of the main feedwater supply with water from one or more sidestreams to generate a resultant stream with an electrical conductivity of about the desired level, pumping the resultant stream to the downhole location, and passing an electrical current through the resultant stream in the downhole location to generate steam.

Abstract: 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: A centralizer for centralizing a pipe downhole in a well is provided. The centralizer includes a plurality of arcuate cuffs having first and second ends. The cuffs are affixed adjacent to the pipe's exterior wall, and positioned circumferentially adjacent around the pipe. The cuffs are flexible so as to be positioned in a first condition wherein the cuffs are retracted radially inward so as to be substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall. The centralizer includes a lock for maintaining the cuffs substantially flat against the pipe's exterior wall until the centralizer has been transported downhole. Further, the centralizer includes an actuator for unlocking the lock so as to allow the cuffs to expand radially outward to form a loop wherein the loop has a central axis parallel to pipe's longitudinal axis. Preferably, the centralizer includes a collar causing the cuffs to all expand or retract together.

Abstract: A wellbore system is disclosed. The wellbore system includes a coil in the wellbore, a magnetic element conveyed from a surface location that is configured to oscillate or rotate in an opening in the coil to generate electrical energy, and a device in the wellbore that utilizes the generated electrical energy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for heating a wellbore environment. One or more electric heating cables are attached to an elongated support member, such as a wire rope, so that the support member receives and relieves the heating cables of a mechanical load. The attachment may be with two-piece clamps spaced at regular intervals along the support member. The heating cables and support member may be disposed in coiled tubing within the wellbore. The coiled tubing can be pressure-sealed and filled with a dielectric fluid. The heating cables and support member can be attached to a cable hang-off having a plurality of wedge-shaped slips that cooperate with a bowl to form a pinching member that grips the support member and suspends the support member and heating cables in the wellbore. The methods include methods for manufacturing and installing the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein includes a coaxial transmission line, a balun, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna coupled together in series and configured to be positioned in the wellbore so that the RF antenna heats the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. The coaxial transmission line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The balun includes an outer conductive sleeve having a proximal end coupled to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and a medial portion coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line. An inner tubular conductor extends longitudinally within the outer conductive sleeve between the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and the RF antenna. The balun also includes a ferrite body surrounding the inner tubular conductor at the proximal end.

Abstract: A system for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein includes a coaxial transmission line, a balun, and a radio frequency (RF) antenna coupled together in series and configured to be positioned in the wellbore so that the RF antenna heats the hydrocarbon resources in the subterranean formation. The coaxial transmission line includes an inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor. The balun includes an outer conductive sleeve having a proximal end coupled to the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and a medial portion coupled to the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line. The balun also includes an inner tubular conductor extending longitudinally within the outer conductive sleeve between the outer conductor of the coaxial transmission line and the RF antenna.

Abstract: An RF antenna assembly may be positioned within a wellbore in a subterranean formation for hydrocarbon resource recovery. The RF antenna assembly includes first and second tubular conductors and a feed structure therebetween defining a dipole antenna to be positioned within the wellbore, and an RF transmission line extending within one of the tubular conductors. The feed structure includes a dielectric tube, a first connector coupling the RF transmission line to the first tubular conductor, and a second connector coupling the RF transmission line to the second tubular conductor.

Abstract: A steam-assisted gravity drainage or cyclic steam injection method for recovering oil from a development region of an underground reservoir, further employing water injection along one or more peripheral side edges of the development region via a horizontal well or wells to thereby bound the development region on at least one side edge thereof, and preferably along two or more side edges, with water to thereby reduce steam loss from the development region and thus reduce steam-to-recovered oil ratio (SOR). The water may be combined with diluents. The water which is injected into the horizontal well or wells may comprise produced water recovered from said reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) source, an RE antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, and an RF transmission line configured to be positioned within the wellbore and couple the RE source to the RE antenna. The RE transmission line defines a liquid coolant circuit therethrough. The apparatus further includes a liquid coolant source configured to be coupled to the transmission line and to provide a liquid coolant through the liquid coolant circuit having an electrical parameter that is adjustable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission system for transmitting signals between an inner and an outer unit separated by an annular pipe section wall, wherein said inner unit is provided with a first antenna and the second unit is provided with a second antenna, the antennas preferably constituted by coils, being adapted to be brought into essentially the same positions along the pipe section, wherein said pipe section is made from a material having low magnetic permeability and wherein at least one of the antennas is provided magnetic shield having high magnetic permeability, the corresponding antenna being positioned between the pipe wall and the magnetic shield and the magnetic shield extending along the length of the antenna.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Some methods include providing heat from a plurality of heaters to a section of the hydrocarbon containing formation; controlling the heat from the plurality of heaters such that an average temperature in at least a majority of a first portion of the section is above a pyrolyzation temperature; providing heat from the plurality of heaters to a second portion substantially above the first portion of the section after heating the first portion for a selected time; controlling the heat from the plurality of heaters such that an average temperature in the second portion is sufficient to allow the second portion to expand into the first portion; and producing hydrocarbons from the formation.

Abstract: A method is for producing hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having therein an injector well and a producer well adjacent the injector well. The method may include conductively heating the subterranean formation by causing a current flow between the injector and producer wells, RF heating the subterranean formation after conductive heating by supplying RF power from at least the injector well, and producing the hydrocarbon resources from the producer well.

Abstract: A system and a method of controlling a fluid temperature for improving injectivity of a supercritical carbon dioxide into a stratum includes a casing part installed in a well, which is formed from a ground surface to a target stratum for injection, a grouting part formed between the casing part and a counterforted wall of the well, a cover covering an upper portion of the casing part, an injection tube inserted into the casing part through the cover and receiving the carbon dioxide injected into the injection tube, a perforation part serving as a passage allowing the carbon dioxide to flow from the injection tube to the target stratum, a packing part formed between the injection tube and an inner portion of the casing part, a heat coil part surrounding the injection tube, and a temperature adjusting unit controlling a temperature of the heat coil part.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a wellbore extending therein is provided. The apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the wellbore, a transmission line configured to be positioned in the wellbore and coupled to the RF antenna, and an RF source configured to be coupled with the transmission line. The transmission line includes at least one transmission line tuning section including an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a liquid-blocking plug between the inner and outer conductors to define a tuning chamber configured to receive a dielectric liquid with a gas headspace thereabove.

Abstract: A system and method for producing bitumen or heavy oil from a clastic or carbonate reservoir. The mobility of the bitumen or heavy oil is increased by conductive heating to reduce the viscosity. The bitumen or heavy oil is heated to temperatures below the thermal cracking temperature of the bitumen or heavy oil. As the bitumen or heavy oil is produced, evolved gases or evaporated connate water or both form a gas chamber which acts to replace the volume of the produced fluid required for the gravity drainage process.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of method of performing a wellbore operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: providing a device that includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy; placing the device at a selected location in the wellbore to perform a selected function; and subjecting the device to the selected energy to disintegrate the device in the wellbore after the device has performed the selected function. In another aspect an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a device placed in the wellbore at a selected location, wherein the device includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy, and a source of the selected energy configured to subject the device to the selected energy in the wellbore to disintegrate the device.

Abstract: A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a tubular radio frequency (RF) antenna within the wellbore, and a tool slidably positioned within the tubular RF antenna. The tool may include an RF transmission line and at least one RF contact coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line and biased in contact with the tubular RF antenna. The tool may also include an anchoring device configured to selectively anchor the RF transmission line and the at least one RF contact within the tubular RF antenna.

Abstract: A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a tubular radio frequency (RF) antenna within the wellbore and a tool slidably positioned within said tubular RF antenna. The tool may include an RF transmission line and at least one RF contact coupled to a distal end of said RF transmission line and biased in contact with said tubular RF antenna. The tool may also include a guide member extending longitudinally outwardly from the distal end of said RF transmission line.

Abstract: A device for heating hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a wellbore therein may include a tubular radio frequency (RF) antenna within the wellbore and a tool slidably positioned within the tubular RF antenna. The tool may include an RF transmission line and at least one RF contact coupled to a distal end of the RF transmission line and biased in contact with the tubular RF antenna. The tool may also include a dielectric grease injector configured to inject dielectric grease around the at least one RF contact.