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: Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

Abstract: A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through said aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component.

Abstract: An apparatus including a coiled tubing unit coupled to a drilling rig, and an enclosure surrounding the coiled tubing unit. The coiled tubing unit may include a coiled tubing reel and a coiled tubing injector, wherein the injector may move relative to the coiled tubing reel. The coiled tubing unit is configured to move relative to the drilling rig in both longitudinal and lateral directions.

Abstract: A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through the aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component.

Abstract: A method of supporting a double hull platform section above the surface of the earth for the exploration of oil, gas, or hydrate reserves comprising lowering a platform to a distance above the surface of the earth, engaging a first set of supports with the surface of the earth, drilling holes in the earth, inserting a second set of supports in the drilled holes, adding a slurry in to the drilled holes, allowing the slurry to freeze to support the platform, and disengaging said first set of supports from the earth.

Abstract: A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through the aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component.

Abstract: An enclosed coiled tubing apparatus which includes a mobile trailer and a coiled tubing unit releasable coupled thereto, and a enclosure to maintain an adequate temperature, where the coiled tubing unit includes a coiled tubing injector postionally fixed relative to a coiled tubing reel so as to move together relative to the trailer as an integral unit. The coiled tubing reel and injector may travel laterally on the trailer on a track. Also included are methods of extending a wellbore in a subterranean formation by: translating a coiled tubing unit within an enclosure to a first position and then inserting a bottom hole assembly (BHA) into the wellbore using a lifting system, and wherein the coiled tubing unit includes coiled tubing; and translating the coiled tubing unit to a second position and then coupling the coiled tubing to the BHA and operating the BHA to extend the wellbore.

Abstract: A subterranean electro-thermal heating system including one or more heater cable sections extending through one or more heat target regions of a subterranean environment and one or more cold lead sections coupled to the heater cable section(s) and extending through one or more non-target regions of the subterranean environment. A cold lead section delivers electrical power to a heater cable section but generates less heat than the heater cable section. The heater cable section(s) are arranged to deliver thermal input to one or more localized areas in the subterranean environment to vaporize a liquid, e.g. water.

Abstract: A subterranean electro-thermal heating system including one or more heater cable sections extending through one or more heat target regions of a subterranean environment and one or more cold lead sections coupled to the heater cable section(s) and extending through one or more non-target regions of the subterranean environment. A cold lead section delivers electrical power to a heater cable section but generates less heat than the heater cable section. The heater cable section(s) and the cold lead section(s) are arranged to deliver thermal input to one or more localized areas in the subterranean environment.

Abstract: A well treating composition containing a polysaccharide-based water-superabsorbent material has particularly applicability as a thermal insulating, fracturing or acid stimulation fluid. The water-superabsorbent material is capable of absorbing, at a minimum, its own weight. Particularly effective are biodegradable materials containing guar gum and carrageenan. The composition may further contain a crosslinking agent, brine and/or a viscosifying polymer or a gelling agent. As an oil-based fluid, the crosslinking agent is absorbed onto the water-superabsorbent material and serves to effectively delay crosslinking.

Abstract: A thermal insulating packer fluid contains water and/or brine, a crosslinkable viscosifying polymer, a crosslinking agent and an optional set retarder. The composition is capable of inhibiting unwanted heat loss from production tubing or uncontrolled heat transfer to outer annuli. The viscosity of the composition is such as to reduce the convection flow velocity within the annulus.

Abstract: Zeolite compositions having a low maximum setting temperature for use in permafrost and waterwell applications are provided.

Abstract: A packer fluid is provided for use with a wellbore fluid in an annulus or casing bore, having an aqueous portion which contains additives for preventing corrosion, microbiological activity, salt and scale deposition, and an environmentally-acceptable capping fluid which resides at a top of the wellbore to act as freeze protection and as thermal insulation in a the frost penetration layer. The additives in the packer fluid are particularly selected to exist in the aqueous additive fluid and in the wellbore fluid and to be substantially immiscible with the capping fluid and thereby prevent significant migration of the additives into the capping fluid which would compromise its environmental acceptability.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved well cementing methods for use in cold environment, where the circulating temperature of the cement is typically within the range of 5 to 20° C. The improved well cementing methods include forming compositions that are essentially comprised of an aqueous fluid, a hydraulic cement binder and a set-accelerating admixture comprising an alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrate and an alkali or alkaline earth metal nitrite.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cementing composition for cold zones cementing operations in an oil well or analogous, said composition comprising a aqueous fluid base, solid particles including cement particles, and a dispersing agent in solution in the aqueous fluid base, said dispersing agent having a comb-like structure composed of a graft copolymer, said graft copolymer being constituted by a backbone carrying grafted chains.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heating and preventing freeze-off of wellhead equipment utilize radiant heat from a flameless heater to heat fluid in a heat exchanger, such as a tank or finned radiator. A pump is used to circulate the heated fluid through a conduit loop deployed in thermal contact with the equipment to be heated, such that the heat from the fluid is transferred to the equipment, maintaining it at sufficient temperature to prevent freeze-off. The apparatus and method may also be used for other purposes, such as for circulating heated fluid through a liquid-cooled engine to facilitate cold weather starting.

Abstract: Process for destroying a rigid thermal insulator obtained in particular by a process of the sol-gel type and positioned in a confined space, the process comprising the stage of introducing a dissolving liquid into the confined space in order to convert the insulator into a liquid phase. The process applies in particular to destroying an insulating jacket positioned in the annular space of an oil well.

Abstract: A process for insulating a tubing string placed in a pipe and through which a fluid circulates, the insulant being a non-rigid foam produced from a liquid solution and placed in the annular space defined by the outside of the tubing string and the walls of the pipe in which these tubings are placed. A production well (1) opens, in the lower part thereof, onto a producing rock containing a fluid to be extracted. Tubing (2) is placed in production well (1). A zone (3) represents the annulus defined between the outside (5) of the tubing string and the walls of well (1) in which the tubing string is placed. A tube for injecting a liquid and/or gaseous fluid (4) is placed in annulus (3) and a liquid and/or gaseous fluid injection nozzle (6) opens into zone (3).

Abstract: A power cable for an ESP is used also for heating well bores in cold climates. An electrical switch is located within a wellbore at a selected location in the power cable. The electrical switch is provided to selectively short out the conductors within the power cable, thereby allowing the power cable above the switch to be used as a resistive heating element to thaw the wellbore. While the switch is open, power supplied to power cable drives ESP in a normal manner.

Abstract: A soil and groundwater decontamination system (10) and associated process are provided for soil and groundwater remediation. The system (10) and process utilizes both a physical or chemical reaction with the contaminants in a contaminated subsurface zone and extraction of the reaction end products and any remaining contaminants from the contaminated subsurface zone (100). In architecture, the soil and groundwater decontamination system (10) comprises an chemical product (12) that is introduced into an injection well (18). The injection well (18) is disposed into a passage provided in or adjacent to the contaminated subsurface zone (100) and allows the introduction of the chemical product (12) (and catalyst (24) if necessary) into the contaminated subsurface zone (100). The chemical product (12) reacts (physically or chemically) with contamination in the soil and groundwater and creates a reaction end product.

Abstract: A dual string well tree isolation apparatus includes two assemblies each having a high pressure valve and a high pressure tubing which are respectively inserted into the vertical passage of a dual string well tree, and a swedge for connection to the dual string well tree for supporting one of the assemblies. The swedge vertically offsets one assembly from the other. The apparatus further includes a hydraulic cylinder for inserting the high pressure tubings and cylinder support rods for removable attachment of the hydraulic cylinder to the dual string well tree. The hydraulic cylinder and the support rods are removed after each insertion of a high pressure tubing into a respective vertical passage to provide easy access to the high pressure valve of each assembly. The advantage is a safe, economical apparatus for simultaneous stimulation of a dual string well completion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a well which has a wellbore which passes into both an oil and gas production zone and a gas injection zone. An oil and gas stream is produced from the production zone through the wellbore to the surface where gas is separated from the oil. After production is shut-in, gas is mixed with a carrier fluid at the surface to form a dense mixture which, in turn, is flowed down the same wellbore and through a downhole auger separator wherein a portion of the gas is separated from the mixture. The separated gas is injected into the injection zone with the remainder of the mixture being returned to the surface. At the conclusion of the injection cycle, the well is returned to production and, if desired, the process is repeated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for heating the well head assembly of a conventional oil well pumper. The system functions by routing a portion of the engine coolant from the pumper engine to a heat tracing loop. This loop enables a portion of the coolant to heat a well head assembly. Such heating reduces well head freeze ups and consequent well shut downs. The present invention also employs a temperature regulator which functions in optimizing the amount of engine coolant routed into the heat tracing loop. An amount of vaporizable fluid is in thermal contact with the heat tracing loop. Increased tempertures within the loop serve to vaporize the fluid. This vaporized fluid is then employed within an expansible bellows. Expansion of the bellows serves to open a poppet valve and decrease the amount of coolant routed through the loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing (e.g. heavy oil) through a wellbore which passes through a permafrost layer. To maintain an acceptable flow temperature inside the production tubing, a heating element (e.g. electrical power cable having its leads short-circuited) is lowered down the production tubing to generate heat inside the tubing when electricity is supplied thereto. A sensor is provided to sense the temperature inside the tubing and activate a source to supply electricity to the cable whenever the temperature inside the production tubing drops below the desired temperature.

Abstract: In a well drilling system a fire suppression apparatus includes a pressure rated bell nipple or enclosure member mounted on the blowout preventer and including an elongated central passage opening at one end to an enlarged bore portion adjacent a restabbing flange. Diametrically opposed convergent nozzles open into the enlarged bore portion and are connected to a source of pressure water and/or a source of pressure fire extinguishing fluid by way of a manifold and respective remotely controllable shut off valves and check valves. The enclosure replaces a conventional bell nipple and provides an added measure of fire suppression protection in the event of uncontrolled flow of well fluids from the well. Branch conduit sections are connected to the main conduit section of the enclosure to provide a cuttings evacuation fluid flow line and a fill up or well fluid diversion line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the viscosity of clogging hydrocarbons in an oil well. The apparatus is preferably trailer mounted for portability. It includes a tube type heat exchanger enabling heated gases to pass within feed water coils to heat the water to a predetermined temperature and at a pressure which prevents any flashing or phase change of the feed water within the heat exchanger. From the heat exchanger the heated feed water passes through a conduit which empties into the oil well. The well is open to atmosphere so that the feed water undergoes a phase change or flashing when it is introduced into the oil well. The resulting combined steam and hot water reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbons sufficiently to facilitate their flow out of the oil well. One embodiment of the heat exchanger includes special coil arrangements to promote heating efficiency.

Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool is mounted to a wellhead to isolate the bore of the wellhead from a treating fluid being injected. The isolation tool has a housing which has an upper section and a lower section. A valve is connected between the upper and lower sections. A mandrel is slidably carried in the housing and moves from an upper position spaced entirely in the housing to a lower position extending through the bore of the wellhead. In the lower position, the upper end of the mandrel is below the valve. This allows the valve to be closed and the upper section removed. The treating line is attached to the upper end of the valve. The nozzle has annular recesses formed in it to enhance turbulence to reduce erosion.

Abstract: The "Tank Test" method for determining well tests in low pressured reservoirs or aquifers utilizes gravity drainage from a water storage tank to inject water into the reservoir. The Tank Test eliminates the need for expensive pumping equipment and the required manual pump rate adjustments. The low costs associated with the Tank Test allows the test to run for a longer duration so that a greater portion of the reservoir can be investigated. The duration of the test and thus the radius investigation can be extended by repeatedly refilling the tank as necessary. The Tank Test also reduces the possibility of fracturing the reservoir during injection tests in low permeability reservoirs. The primary criteria for performing a tank test is that the hydrostatic head from the tank to the formation be significantly different than the reservoir pressure. In addition, the Tank Test minimizes stress effects on stress sensitive formations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing recovery of oil from producing and dormant wells. The invention is embodied in an apparatus in which brine is mixed with a small amount of oil, and then passed through an alternating current flowing between a pair of spaced apart electrodes. The invention is also embodied in a method which shutting in the second well, injecting hydrogen and hot water into the formation via the first well, monitoring formation pressure at the second well until a pressure increase is detected, and recovering fluids including petroleum from said formation via the second well.

Abstract: A casing annulus remediation system for overcoming problems associated with lowering a flexible hose into an annulus between strings of casing in a petroleum well by pressurizing the hose so that the hose is rigid and may be forced down the annulus. It is necessary to insert the hose through an outlet into the annulus region for brine displacement when pressure builds up in the annulus between casing strings due to leaks in the casing. Pressure build-up in the annulus is reduced by pumping a heavy liquid through the hose into the annular space experiencing the pressure build-up. A nozzle is affixed to the lower end of the hose. The hose may be inserted several hundred feet into the well. Therefore, the hose is pressurized to maintain rigidity to keep the hose from winding about the well during deployment. To keep the hose rigid, internal pressure is maintained in the hose. The nozzle is provided with a burst disk that holds the pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the transfer rate of production stimulation fluids through a wellhead of a hydrocarbon well is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mandrel for a wellhead isolation tool and a tubing hanger for use in conjunction with the mandrel. The mandrel includes a bottom end to which an annular seal is bonded. The annular seal cooperates with a sealing surface in a top end of the tubing hanger to isolate the wellhead equipment from the high pressures and corrosive and/or abrasive materials pumped into the well during a production stimulation treatment. The novel construction for the mandrel and the tubing hanger eliminates the requirement for a packoff assembly attached to a bottom of the mandrel and thereby permits the mandrel to have a larger internal diameter for increasing the transfer rate of production stimulation fluids through the wellhead.

Abstract: An automatic pipe wiping system using a circular air manifold with jets which is automatically triggered to flow air at the pipe. The pipe is wiped, even when moving laterally with crooked pipe. The pipe is air blown to wipe the mud down. The air jets have a pneumatic logic circuit connected to sense upward pipe movement and start air flow to a manifold around the pipe.

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for controlling the injection of a cellulose powder/water mixture input into a formation through an injection well for recovery of hydrocarbons. The initial dosing rate of powder added to the water is increased as a function of both the monitored pressure of the mixture in the wellbore in the vicinity of the formation, and the monitored flow rate of the injected mixture. The water flow rates and the flow dosing rates are optimised, and the mixture is controlled to obtain setting within the formation to enhance the recovery of hydrocarbons. A mixing tank is designed to prevent premature setting of the mixture. Portable equipment is provided for injecting the powder/water mixture into the formation, thereby increasing the versatility of the equipment reducing the overall costs of the recovery operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting blowout preventers during well fracturing and/or stimulation treatments is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow spool with spaced-apart inner and outer sidewalls that define an annular cavity. A mandrel is forcibly reciprocatable in the cavity. The mandrel includes an annular seal at a bottom end for sealingly engaging a bit guide attached to a top end of the casing. The apparatus is mounted above a BOP attached to a casing spool of the well before well stimulation procedures are begun. The mandrel is stroked down through the BOP to protect it from exposure to fluid pressure as well as abrasive and/or corrosive well stimulation fluids, especially extreme pressures and abrasive proppants. The advantage is a simple, easy to operate apparatus for protecting BOPs which provides full access to the well casing with well servicing tools to facilitate well stimulation at pressures approaching the burst pressure rating of the well casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting blowout preventers during well fracturing and/or stimulation procedures is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow spool with spaced-apart inner and outer sidewalls that define an annular cavity. A mandrel is forcibly reciprocatable in the cavity. The apparatus is mounted above a BOP attached to a casing of the well before well stimulation procedures are begun. The mandrel is stroked down through the BOP to protect it from direct contact with the well stimulation fluids, especially abrasive proppants. The advantage is a simple, easy to operate apparatus for protecting BOPs which provides full access to the well casing with well servicing tools to facilitate well stimulation at moderate pressures.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the control of deposition of contaminants in pumping systems. The method includes the steps of periodically stopping the pump and back feeding chlorinated water and/or surfactants and other organic or inorganic acids at a reduced flow rate through the outlet pipe of the pump and through the pump itself to control the deposition of materials by bacterial action and/or to control biofouling and/or abiotic encrustation. The apparatus includes a bypass and valving to provide a back flow of the chlorinated water and/or surfactants and other organic or inorganic acids through the pumping installation at a relatively slow flow rate and equipment for the feeding desired decontaminants into the back flow.

Abstract: A removable injection valve insert assembly is disclosed for deploying in production tubing of a well casing. The production tubing includes a landing nipple with an inlet and a sliding side-door which covers and seals the inlet when in a closed position and uncovers the inlet when in an open position. The insert assembly controls the flow of flushing fluid that is injected into the inlet from an annular source between the casing and the production tubing. The valve directs the controlled flushing fluid to an injection line, which in turn injects the flushing fluid into the production stream of the well. Preferably, the injected flushing fluid is injected below the casing perforations. The insert assembly comprises a body having upper and lower ends, a first passage formed in the body for receiving the fluid from the inlet and a second passage in communication with the first passage for housing a flow control valve. The body also includes a by-pass passageway which allows production flow across the insert.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating transporting and heating a liquid for treating oil and gas wells and pipeline systems is provided. The apparatus includes a vehicle having an engine and a tank for transporting a liquid that can be used for treating oil wells or pipeline systems is connected to move with the vehicle. A heat exchanger system is operatively connected to the engine. A selectively operable circulating pump and a circulating line are operatively connected between said tank and said heat exchanger system for circulating the liquid from the tank through the heat exchanger system to heat the liquid. The apparatus includes at least one selectively operable valve for controlling the flow of liquid through the circulating pump, the circulating line, and the heat exchanger system. Liquid is pumped through the heat exchanger system to use heat energy from the engine to heat the liquid to a predetermined temperature prior to use for treating an oil well or pipeline system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing a Christmas tree on a completed well as set forth. It incorporates a tub or bucket which fits around the casing below the Christmas tree. With the use of chilled liquid in the tub, a cold temperature region is created. A chilled water supply is connected through a flexible injection line, injection orifice, and is sprayed into the Christmas tree to flow downwardly through the chilled region. And ice plug is formed on the interior of the pipes defining the casing and production tubing strings. Ice is formed from the exterior to the interior, thereby plugging the well and enabling servicing.

Abstract: The basic method is to raise the temperatures of the tube, rod and liquid in the well into a range in which paraffin and asphaltene are removable by fluid flow in and from the well. The temperatures are raised by circulating the liquid through the well and a heat exchanger which heats the fluid which subsequently heats the well components. The well pump provides the circulation flow. In a preferred practice of the method, operation is such that the annulus of the well is essentially empty and the liquid recirculated until the difference between the temperatures of fluid flowing into the well and on the outer surfaces of the tube and fluid flowing out is within a desired range and then some of the fluid is diverted to storage while the remaining fluid is recirculated and heated to maintain the higher temperatures throughout the well as long as needed.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a string of an oil well that includes a washing unit having a first section and a second section that are placed atop an oil well head. The washing unit includes a center opening larger than the outside diameter of the string and includes a plurality of hoses for directing a fluid that is supplied under pressure to a plurality of nozzles, the plurality of nozzles being disposed on the center opening. The system relies upon either a rod table or a tubing slip to support the weight of the string as it is being extracted and to transfer the weight of the string to the washing unit which in turn transfers the weight of the string to the well head. The washing unit is constructed of heavy gauge materials that are strong enough to bear the weight of the string. The fluid under pressure is directed through the nozzles onto the string to flush pollutants off of the string and back through the well head and into the well.

Abstract: There is provided a portable drilling module that is preferably mounted onto a self-propelled carrier. Winterizing panels enclose equipment mounted aboard the module and provide an environmentally sheltered space for workmen. In particular, the panels fully surround a rear portion of the module that is adapted to be positioned over a well, and allow a full load of pipe to be temporarily stored within this portion of the module. Moreover, a number of the panels may be removed to reduce the weight of the module so that it can be transported and used for workover operations in warmer months.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is presented for facilitating the installation of electrical cables in sub-zero temperatures by heating the cables to make them more flexible and easier to work with. The cables and the workers thereon are sheltered from the elements to enhance the safety of the workers and improve the useful operating life of the equipment.

Abstract: Viscous oil is recovered by a process that increases sweep efficiency and heat and fuel utilization and that reduces well and compression requirements and costs. Initially, fluid pressure communication is created between two horizontal drainhole wells in a manner such that oil is produced during at least a part of the step of creating fluid pressure communication between the wells. Fluid pressure communication may be created by practicing hot aqueous fluid (preferably, steam) huff and puff techniques in one or both of the wells. After fluid pressure communication is created, a combustion supporting gas (probably, air), a fuel (preferably, natural gas) and an aqueous fluid are injected into one of the drainhole wells. The fuel is burned downhole in a manner such that hot aqueous fluid (preferably, steam) is formed. The hot aqueous fluid and hot products of combustion are passed directly into the formation in horizontal line drive fashion.