Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080210436 | Method for Delivering a Multi Phase Mixture and Pump Installation - The object of the invention is to improve delivery of the multi-phase mixture, in particular hydrocarbons from a well, and to limit the free gas volume. According to the invention, this object is attained in that a partial liquid flow ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080217023 | Continuous sucker rod and method of using same - A continuous sucker rod preferably comprising fiberglass or composite material for use in an well is described herein. The continuous sucker rod may be connected at one end to a pump drive, via a polished rod, and at a second end to a downhole pump, via sinker bars or other weights. The continuous sucker rod preferably has at least two end fittings, one at each end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings, each having two ends and each being attached, at one end, to a respective end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings are preferably configured to enable connection to the polished rod and sinker bars respectively. The end fittings are connected to the continuous sucker rod so as to form wedges which enhance the connectability of the end fitting to the rod, and further, the wedge or wedges approach the rod asymptotically so as to avoid any abrupt discontinuities in the wedge or wedges thus substantially eliminating stress concentration areas and potential failure areas in the rod. | 09-11-2008 |
20080245530 | Method for a Short-Term Well Operation by Means of an Electrically-Powered Downhole Pumping Unit (Kuzmichev Method) - Production of a liquid from wells by mechanical means can be used for operating producing wells by means of electrically-powered submersible centrifugal pumping units (EPSCPUs) with controllable electrical drives. | 10-09-2008 |
20080257555 | Linear Drive Assembly with Rotary Union for Well Head Applications and Method Implemented Thereby - A drive assembly for a progressive cavity pump includes a frame supported by the wel piping and a polish rod connected to the sucker rod. The polish rod is received by a rotary union formed by a sleeve portion rotatable with respect to a body portion with a seal structure that seals the sleeve and body portions during rotation. A mechanical drive, such as a hydraulic motor, electric motor or engine, has an output shaft that is linear with the polish rod and that has an axial passageway which receives the polish rod. A coupler mechanically couples an upper portion of the polish rod to the output shaft. The invention also includes a method of rotating a progressive cavity pump by this assembly. | 10-23-2008 |
20080283249 | APPARATUS, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR EXTRACTING PETROLEUM USING A PORTABLE COAL REFORMER - Apparatus, methods, and systems for extracting oil or natural gas from a well using a portable coal reformer. In one example, the method may include reforming coal by reaction with water to generate driver gas (comprising carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas), and injecting the driver gas into the well. The driver gas reduces the viscosity and pressurizes the oil to help extract the oil from the oil well. The coal reforming operation may include combusting coal or other combustible material with ambient oxygen to release energy, and heating coal and water with the energy released to a temperature above that required for the coal reforming reaction to proceed, thereby reforming coal and water into driver gas. The driver gas may be purified by filtering out particles and sulfur before injecting into the well. A portion of the hydrogen gas may be separated from the driver gas and used to generate electrical power. | 11-20-2008 |
20080283250 | LOW CLEARANCE DOWNHOLE PUMP - A pump has a housing having a top plate and a bottom plate and a shaft slidingly extending through an aperture in the top plate. A piston is connected to the shaft. The piston separates a volume within the housing into a first stage chamber defined in the housing below the piston and a second stage chamber defined in the housing above the piston. A fluid transfer port in the piston is in fluid communication with the second stage chamber and, through a check valve, with the first stage chamber. Another stage check valve allows one-way flow of fluid from a suction area below the bottom plate into the first stage chamber. A pressure control valve may be provided for selectively allowing fluid to flow out of the first stage chamber. | 11-20-2008 |
20090000789 | Device, Method And Program Product To Automatically Detect And Break Gas Locks In An ESP - A device, method, and program product detect and break an occurrence of gas lock in an electrical submersible pump assembly in a well bore based upon surface or downhole data without the need for operator intervention. The system provides the ability to flush the pump and return the system back to production without requiring system shutdown. In addition, the system provides an algorithm for controlling a pump operating speed of the electrical submersible pump assembly to maximize production from the well bore. | 01-01-2009 |
20090032262 | FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING AN ISOLATION DEVICE FOR PREVENTING GAS INTERFERENCE DURING DOWNHOLE LIQUID REMOVAL OPERATIONS - A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a wellbore to remove liquid from the wellbore. An isolation device is positioned downhole of the pump and is expandable within the wellbore between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The isolation device in the sealed position substantially reduces gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid. | 02-05-2009 |
20090032263 | FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM UTILIZING AN ISOLATION DEVICE POSITIONED UPHOLE OF A LIQUID REMOVAL DEVICE - A flow control system includes a pump positioned in a well uphole of a producing formation to remove liquid from the well. An isolation device is positioned uphole of the pump such that the pump is between the isolation device and the producing formation, the isolation device capable of being selectively engaged to substantially reduce gas flow at the pump during removal of the liquid. | 02-05-2009 |
20090044951 | Apparatus and Methods to Control Fluid Flow in a Downhole Tool - Apparatus and methods to control fluid flow in a downhole tool are disclosed. A disclosed example system includes a hydraulically actuatable device having a cavity for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid stored by a reservoir, a first and a second hydraulic pump, a motor and means for selectively flowing hydraulic fluid from the outlet of at least one of the first and second pumps to the at least one cavity. The first and second hydraulic pumps include an inlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir and an outlet fluidly coupled to the cavity, and the motor is operatively coupled to at least one of the pumps. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044952 | Stationary slick line pumping method - An alternative apparatus and pumping method for retrieving liquids from a wellbore without the use of a pumping unit as customarily used in oil field operations. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044953 | Viscometer For Downhole Pumping - A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes a pump, an inlet section for receiving fluid, a pump motor, and a viscometer. Pumping system operating parameters are adjusted based on wellbore fluid viscosity measured by the viscometer. | 02-19-2009 |
20090044954 | Method for Transporting Multiphase Fluids - A method of transporting multiphase fluids during extraction of said fluids from a well. The method includes first providing a well production apparatus. The well production apparatus includes tubing for carrying a flow of well production fluids. A centre line of the tubing follows a substantially helical path, and the amplitude of the helix is less than or equal to one half of the internal diameter of the tubing. Then, the method includes transporting multiphase fluids along the tubing whilst inducing swirl flow thereof. | 02-19-2009 |
20090078426 | Insertable Progressive Cavity Pump - A progressive cavity pump system. In an embodiment, the system comprises a tubing string disposed within a borehole. The tubing string including a seating nipple disposed at a predetermined depth in the tubing string. In addition, the system comprises a stator positioned within the tubing string. The stator includes a radially outer housing having an upper end and a lower end, a radially inner liner having a helical-shaped inner surface, a seating mandrel coupled to the upper end of the housing. Further, the system comprises a seal element disposed about the seating mandrel. The seal element forms a static seal with the inner surface of the seating nipple. | 03-26-2009 |
20090084557 | Fluid flow conduit, method and use - The invention concerns a section of tubing or other conduit having a flow passage. The flow passage extends through the tubing and incorporates a member extending through the passage and guides which constrain a fluid flowing through the flow passage to flow around the member along a path which is longer than an axial length of the flow passage in a fluid flow direction. The guides may define an annular path. The conduit may comprise an inside wall and the guides may comprise a combination of at least one spiral channel defined along the inside wall and the member may be a sucker rod extending along the flow passage. | 04-02-2009 |
20090090511 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SOLIDS IN A DOWN-HOLE FLUID PUMPING SYSTEM - A system for controlling solids within a wellbore of a well includes a pump positioned within a substantially horizontal portion of the wellbore. A first tubing string is operatively connected between the pump and a surface of the well for removing liquid from the wellbore that is pumped by the pump. A second tubing string may also be operatively connected to the pump and extends downhole of the pump. Either or both of the first and second tubing string includes a longitudinal axis that is offset from an axis of rotation about which the second tubing string is capable of being rotated. | 04-09-2009 |
20090126939 | Electromagnetic Data Processing System - Method and computer program for accepting controlled-source electromagnetic (“CSEM”) source and receiver data ( | 05-21-2009 |
20090139725 | Use of low impact expansion to reduce flow friction - Systems and methods for increasing fluid flow characteristics within a hydrocarbon production tubing string within a wellbore. An expansion member is passed through the interior flowbore of one or more production tubing string members. The expansion member smoothes the interior surface of the flowbore and may radially expand the interior surface of the flowbore. | 06-04-2009 |
20090145612 | High Velocity String for Well Pump and Method for Producing Well Fluid - A method of producing a well fluid includes securing a motor to a string of outer tubing and lowering the outer tubing and motor into the well. A rotary pump is secured to a string of inner tubing and lowered into the outer tubing. The pump stabs into cooperative engagement with the motor. Supplying power to the motor rotates the pump, causing well fluid to flow into the outer tubing to an intake of the pump, which pumps the well fluid through the inner tubing to an upper end of the well. Removing the well fluid allows gas to flow up an annulus surrounding the outer tubing to the upper end of the well. | 06-11-2009 |
20090188672 | Diverse Bubble Size Generation - Method and apparatus for producing a bubble curtain with a diversity of bubble diameters for purposes such as suppressing surface-related multiple reflections in marine seismic surveys. Bubble generating elements are used that combine porous wall material with discrete holes. | 07-30-2009 |
20090194291 | HYDRAULIC OIL WELL PUMPING APPARATUS - A hydraulic oil well pumping apparatus, preferably includes a hydraulic cylinder having a rod that is movable between a upper and lower rod positions; a pumping string that extends downwardly from the rod, the string being configured to extend into an oil well for pumping oil from the well; a prime mover; a hydraulic pump that is powered by the prime mover, said pump having a compensator that regulates pump flow and pump pressure; a directional control valve that moves between open flow and closed flow positions; an accumulator in fluid communication with the pump and directional control valve; a flow line connecting the pump and the accumulator, the directional control valve being positioned in the flow line so that it can control flow between the accumulator and hydraulic cylinder; a proportioning valve; a hydraulic fluid reservoir for containing hydraulic fluid to be supplied to the hydraulic pump; a flow line that transmits hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic cylinder to the reservoir via the proportioning valve; and an electronic control system that controls movement of the rod as it moves between the upper and lower positions by controlling the control valve and the proportioning valve, wherein the control system includes an electrical signal that opens or closes the proportioning valve so that a control of rod movement is enabled when the rod changes direction at the lower position of the rod, and wherein the proportioning valve is choked to lower flow through it as the rod is descending from the upper toward the lower position. | 08-06-2009 |
20090194292 | INVERTED DRAINHOLES - A method and apparatus for creating inverted laterals or drainholes having an inverted or upwardly inclining bore in a producing interval from a generally vertical wellbore and a method for drilling, completing, and producing from such a drainhole. | 08-06-2009 |
20090260833 | Method and Apparatus to Provide Electrical Connection in a Wellhead for a Downhole Electrical Device - Wellhead assembly and method for providing a power connection to a downhole electrical device, such as a heater. Pressure-containing wellhead body members enclose a vertical wellbore and support therein an isolated tubing hanger and a grounding tubing hanger. The isolated tubing hanger suspends a conducting tubing string, while the grounding tubing hanger suspends a grounding tubing string concentrically spaced from the conducting tubing string. The isolated tubing hanger has an outer housing, an inner electrically conducting portion supported by the outer housing operative to provide electrical connection with, and suspend, the conducting tubing string, and insulation between the housing and conducting portion to electrically isolate the housing portion. Hot electrical connection is made for electrical connection to the conducting portion of the isolated tubing hanger or the conducting tubing string. Electrical isolation seals and electrically isolates the hot electrical connection from the wellhead body members. Grounding connection is provided to a wellhead body member. A source of current provides a first connection to the hot electrical connection and a second connection to the grounding connection. | 10-22-2009 |
20090272538 | ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMP ASSEMBLY - In one embodiment, a pump assembly for pumping a wellbore fluid in a wellbore includes a pump, a fluid separator, a motor for driving the pump, and a shroud disposed around the fluid separator for guiding a gas stream leaving the fluid separator, wherein the gas stream is prevented from mixing with fluids in the wellbore. | 11-05-2009 |
20090288837 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RAISING A FLUID IN A WELL - Apparatus and method for raising a fluid from a lower region to a higher region of an at least partially cased well, the apparatus comprising: a tubing string; a contacting structure at the upper end of the tubing string for engaging a stop structure in the well casing such that the tubing string is held in suspension; an exterior sealing element for sealing against the casing wall; and an internal check valve. | 11-26-2009 |
20090301730 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INFLOW CONTROL - A first tubular member disposed within a second tubular member, and an annulus formed therebetween. The second tubular member can have a first and second packer disposed about an outer diameter thereof. The first packer can have a slip. The packers can be in fluid communication with the inner diameter of the first tubular member via one or more flow ports formed through the first tubular member. One or more inflow control devices can be disposed between the packers. | 12-10-2009 |
20100000740 | Flexible Well Completions - A method of completing a well is described. The well may be a producing well or an injection well. In one embodiment, the method includes identifying technical issues associated with a well; selecting a technology to address each technical issue; defining criteria for each selected technology to determine when to deploy the selected technology in the well, wherein each selected technology remains dormant until the criteria are met; and integrating the technologies into a well completion profile stored in. memory and utilized in the deployment of the technologies into the well. The method provides the ability to proactively address technical issues to reduce workovers and interventions for a well. | 01-07-2010 |
20100018718 | ITERATIVE INVERSION OF DATA FROM SIMULTANEOUS GEOPHYSICAL SOURCES - Method for reducing the time needed to perform geophysical inversion by using simultaneous encoded sources in the simulation steps of the inversion process. The geophysical survey data are prepared by encoding ( | 01-28-2010 |
20100018719 | Inversion of CSEM Data With Measurement System Signature Suppression - A method for suppressing measurement system signature, or artifacts, that arise when controlled source electromagnetic survey data are inverted to obtain a resistivity image of a subsurface region. The method involves identifying regions ( | 01-28-2010 |
20100032165 | Modeling And Designing of Well Drilling System That Accounts For Vibrations - A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method, which relates to modeling of drilling equipment, includes constructing one or more design configurations for at least a portion of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and calculating results from each of the one or more design configurations. The calculated results of the modeling may include one or more performance indices that characterize the BHA vibration performance of the design configurations for operating parameters and boundary conditions that are substantially the same or may be different. These results are then simultaneously displayed for a user to facilitate design selection. The selected BHA design configuration may then be utilized in a well construction operation and thus associated with the production of hydrocarbons. | 02-11-2010 |
20100044053 | METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR COLD START OF A SUBSEA PRODUCTION SYSTEM - A method and an apparatus for establishing a hydrate free regime in a subsea production flowline before discharging into the subsea production flowline a production flow of hydrate prone hydrocarbon product pursuant to a shutdown or at an initial start of production. The hydrate free regime is achieved by injecting into the flowline a heated water volume in advance of discharging the hydrocarbon product from the subsea production system. | 02-25-2010 |
20100065278 | Scaled Plots of Electromagnetic Data - Method for improving frequency-domain ( | 03-18-2010 |
20100078177 | Electrical Submersible Pump With Equally Loaded Thrust Bearings - A rotary pump having thrust bearings includes a system for equalizing the loading on the thrust bearings. The thrust bearings are each supported on pistons that are in fluid communication with a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit has substantially the same pressure throughout, thereby floating each piston at the same pressure to provide an equal support force to each thrust bearing via each piston. | 04-01-2010 |
20100096140 | Gas Restrictor For Pump - An inlet apparatus for a well pump. | 04-22-2010 |
20100096141 | Jet Pump With a Centrifugal Pump - A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. An extraction tube has an upper end above the shroud within the upper portion of the caisson and a lower end connected to a jet pump. The extraction tube causes gas that separates from the liquid and collects in the upper portion of the caisson to be drawn into the jet pump and mixed with the liquid as the liquid is being pumped. | 04-22-2010 |
20100101801 | DOWNHOLE WELL PUMP - An apparatus for use with production tubing to pump fluid from a well to the surface includes a tubular conduit having upper and lower portions. The lower portion has an inner or outer diameter greater than the diameter of the upper portion to form a first internal or external shoulder where the lower and upper portions are engaged. Seals are disposed on the conduit for sealing between the conduit and a well casing. One or more valve sections have a valve adapted to open during downwards motion through fluid and to close during upwards motion through fluid. | 04-29-2010 |
20100116508 | Hydraulic Pump-Drive Downhole Fluids Pump With Linear Driver - A downhole pump assembly for removing volumes of liquids, crude oils, gases, and produced waters, from oil or gas wells is described based on a downhole controllable electric drive, and a positive displacement pump, wherein the electric drive powers a hydraulic pump that powers the positive displacement pump. | 05-13-2010 |
20100122818 | Intake For Shrouded Electric Submersible Pump Assembly - An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a downhole monitoring gauge, a motor, a well fluid intake, a seal section, a mounting member, and an electrical conduit extending between the mounting member and the motor. The intake has a plurality of intake slots positioned a select distance from the mounting member in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the mounting member to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures. | 05-20-2010 |
20100132952 | METHOD FOR CASING USING MULTIPLE EXPANDED AREAS AND USING AT LEAST ONE INFLATABLE BLADDER - The method of the invention comprises inserting into the well or the piping to be cased, a tube ( | 06-03-2010 |
20100139927 | METHOD OF IMAGING OF SEISMIC DATA INVOLVING A VIRTUAL SOURCE, METHODS OF PRODUCING A HYDROCARBON FLUID, AND A COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM - Method of imaging seismic data recorded using a set of seismic receivers positioned to receive seismic responses from a subsurface formation upon activating a seismic source. The seismic responses are direction-sensitive responses. A virtual signal received by receiver k from the virtual source at the position of receiver m is determined by processing involving cross correlating at least part of the responses of a receiver m with at least part of the responses of a seismic receiver k. Part of direction-sensitive responses or part of the virtual signal that contains a component of the wave field at receiver m traveling in a first direction and part of the direction-sensitive responses or part of the virtual signal that contains a component of the wave field at the receiver k traveling in a second direction may be removed. | 06-10-2010 |
20100155077 | SELECTIVE COMPLETION SYSTEM FOR DOWNHOLE CONTROL AND DATA ACQUISITION - A completion system including a packer disposed in a wellbore and a tubular string having a bore therethrough configured to land into the packer. The tubular string includes an alignment sub, a seal assembly disposed below the alignment sub and having at least two longitudinal bores disposed through the seal assembly and offset from the bore of the tubular string. The tubular string also includes a sleeve sub disposed below the seal assembly, wherein the sleeve sub allows fluid communication between a bore of the tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore. The tubular string also includes at least two control lines operatively connected to the sleeve sub, wherein the at least two control lines are run through he at least two longitudinal bores of the seal assembly. | 06-24-2010 |
20100155078 | Method For Predicting Composition of Petroleum - A method for predicting petroleum expulsion is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the method comprises defining a chemical structure of a kerogen and identifying a plurality of reaction products of the kerogen under geologic heating rates. The exemplary method also comprises grouping the plurality of reaction products into a plurality of product lumps based on their chemical composition and predicting petroleum expulsion for each of the plurality of product lumps based on secondary cracking reactions. | 06-24-2010 |
20100163245 | ARTIFICIAL LIFT SYSTEM FOR STRIPPER AND MARGINAL WELLS - A fluid extraction system and method for the removal of fluid from subterranean wells. The system comprising: an upper extraction unit; an extraction container; a valve assembly engaged to the extraction container; a drainage tray engaged to the upper extraction unit; a curvilinear gear engaged to the upper extraction unit and the drainage tray; and, a linear gear engaged to the extraction container. | 07-01-2010 |
20100163246 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING HYDROCARBONS FROM A HYDRATE RESERVOIR USING A SWEEP GAS - A method and system for producing hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir is disclosed. The method includes providing at least one producer well in fluid communication with a producing facility and with a hydrocarbon containing hydrate reservoir. The hydrate reservoir is in fluid communication with a head space disposed above the hydrate formation. The head space contains disassociated hydrocarbons and water. A sweep gas is swept through the head space to remove the disassociated gas and water from the hydrate reservoir and to transport the disassociated gas and water to the at least one producer well. Preferably, the sweep gas is introduced into the head space utilizing one or more injector wells. The sweep gas may be naturally and/or artificially heated. The additional pressure and/or heat provided by the sweep gas may help inhibit the reformation of disassociated gas and water into hydrates allowing for enhanced production rates. The additional heat will also help increase the disassociation rate of the upper part of the hydrate formation adjacent the head space. Non-limiting examples of sweep gases may include natural gas, methane, nitrogen or a mixture of the gases. | 07-01-2010 |
20100175886 | Retrodicting Source-Rock Quality And Paleoenvironmental Conditions - A method for retrodicting source-rock quality and/or paleoenvironmental conditions are disclosed. A first set of system variables associated with source-rock quality is selected ( | 07-15-2010 |
20100181076 | MOTOR WINDING WIRE FOR A HYDROCARBON APPLICATION - A motor winding wire. The motor winding wire may be configured for use in, and direct exposure to, a hydrocarbon environment. The motor winding wire may be electrically insulated by one polymer layer, whereas another, outer, polymer layer is employed to provide moisture resistance as well as other contaminant and hydrocarbon environment shielding to the underlying layer. Additionally, this manner of polymer layering over the motor winding wire is achieved in a manner cognizant of the limited dimension of the motor winding wire. | 07-22-2010 |
20100200242 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATION - Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore. | 08-12-2010 |
20100206577 | IN-WELL RIGLESS ESP - An in-well ESP string that can be installed or retrieved with a wireline instead of a rig. The ESP is combined with a motor and a hydraulic valve to pump formation fluid from a well to the surface. A wet connector is used to facilitate electrical and hydraulic connections. The ESP system is disposed within a tubing string located within the casing of a well. The hydraulic valve controls the flow of formation fluid to the ESP, opening to allow formation fluid to flow to the ESP, and closing to shut off production. When the valve is closed, the ESP may be cleaned with brine introduced via a flow port in the valve. This cleaning operation allows the ESP string to be to retrieved in an environmentally friendly manner. In addition, the wireline installation and retrieval is significantly less costly and less complicated than currently possible with a rig. | 08-19-2010 |
20100212909 | Method For Analyzing Multiple Geophysical Data Sets - An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for interpolating seismic data. The method includes collecting seismic data of two or more types over a field ( | 08-26-2010 |
20100218954 | Application of Reservoir Conditioning In Petroleum Reservoirs - Methods for recovering heavy oil are provided. In at least one embodiment, the process includes conditioning a reservoir of interest, then initially producing fluids and particulate solids such as sand to increase reservoir access (“slurry production”). The initial production may generate high permeability channels or wormholes in the formation, which may be used for heavy oil production processes (“hydrocarbon production”) such as cold flow (CHOPS) or enhanced production processes such as SAGD, or VAPEX. | 09-02-2010 |
20100230111 | TOOL AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING LANDFILL GAS - An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside PVC, HDPE, or plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing methane gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. Apertures in methane well risers allow methane gas, LFG derived from the decomposition of waste, to enter the existing riser and extraction system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to retrieve methane gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing LFG and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere. | 09-16-2010 |
20100230112 | Multi-Channel, Combination Coiled Tubing Strings for Hydraulically Driven Downhole Pump - This invention relates to a downhole hydraulic pump for hydrocarbon wells that is installed and operated using coiled tubing. The downhole hydraulic pump is driven by a hydraulic power system positioned at the surface and connected through a closed loop system using multiple channels of the coiled tubing. The coiled tubing is formed of a combination of channels including strength component such as steel and having one channel that is at least lined with a non-metallic corrosion resistant surface where clean hydraulic fluid is carried from the hydraulic power system to the downhole hydraulic pump through the non-metallic corrosion resistant channel so to be less likely to pick up manufacturing and environmental particulates and corrosion by-products within the channel carrying the hydraulic fluid to the downhole hydraulic pump. The non-metallic corrosion resistant lined channel may comprise plastic pipe. | 09-16-2010 |
20100236787 | Well Release System and Method - An improvement to a prior art sand release apparatus and method uses a pair of telescoped tubular members. In the improved system and method, the telescoped members are prevented from completely telescoping by a J-hook latch. Also in the improved system and method, a wear resistant seal prevents leakage when the telescoped members are not extended. | 09-23-2010 |
20100236788 | Drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system - The invention disclosed provides a drive head assembly for a fluid conveyor system that propels a fluid entraining conveyor through a well bore to carry fluids to the surface. The invention is comprised of a pair of synchronized follower wheels connected to a set of counter rotating sheaves. A fluid entraining conveyor is wrapped in a “figure-8” conveyor path around the sheaves in a plurality of coaxial grooves and around a distal sheave located in the fluid in the well bore. The coaxial grooves incorporate a unique shape which in conjunction with the wrap pattern provide improved tractive qualities and thus reduce tension in the conveyor and increase the durability of the conveyor. The conveyor can run at increased speeds and with no tension on the downward portion of the conveyor resulting in higher efficiency and less down time due to breakage. | 09-23-2010 |
20100243263 | Multi-Phase Conductor Shoe For Use With Electrical Submersible Pump - A system for producing wellbore fluids. The system includes a pumping system deployable into tubing disposed in a wellbore, the pumping system includes a pump, a pump motor, a reservoir for containing purging fluid, and conductors in electrical communication with the pump motor. Electrical supply contacts in the tubing are connected to a downhole electrical power supply via a power cable extending along the tubing length from the surface. The conductors are engageable with the electrical supply contacts when the pumping system is landed within the tubing. Purging fluid in the reservoir can be flowed between the conductors and the supply contacts to remove conductive fluid prior to engaging the conductors and supply contacts. The conductors are selectively extended from a retracted position in the pumping system. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243264 | Multiphase Conductor Shoe For Use With Electrical Submersible Pump - A system for producing wellbore fluids. The system includes a pumping system deployable into tubing disposed in a wellbore, the pumping system includes a pump, a pump motor, a reservoir for containing purging fluid, and conductors in electrical communication with the pump motor. Electrical supply contacts are provided in the tubing and are connected to a downhole electrical power supply via a power cable extending along the tubing length from the surface. The conductors are engageable with the electrical supply contacts when the pumping system is landed within the tubing. Purging fluid in the reservoir can be flowed between the conductors and the supply contacts to remove conductive fluid prior to engaging the conductors and supply contacts. The conductors are selectively extended from a retracted position in the pumping system. In an alternative embodiment, the electrical supply contacts are provided at locations along the length of the tubing. | 09-30-2010 |
20100252270 | Determining Connectivity Architecture In 2-D and 3-D Heterogeneous Data - A method is disclosed for determining the connectivity architecture of a hydrocarbon reservoir in terms of locally optimal paths between selected source points, e.g. wells. In one embodiment of the invention, a fast-marching method ( | 10-07-2010 |
20100270026 | Spectral Shaping Inversion And Migration of Seismic Data - A geophysical model of a subsurface region is generated based on seismic data, e.g., seismic reflection data. Migration and seismic inversion are applied to the seismic data to generate estimates of one or more physical or seismic properties of the subsurface region. Seismic inversion, such as spectral shaping inversion, is applied before or after migrating the seismic data through a variety of techniques that each avoid the amplification of dipping energy while optimizing computational efficiency and/or accuracy. | 10-28-2010 |
20100270027 | Method For Determining Distinct Alternative Paths Between Two Object Sets In 2-D and 3-D Heterogeneous Data - Distinct paths ( | 10-28-2010 |
20100270028 | SUBMERSIBLE PUMPING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEEP WELL APPLICATIONS - Submersible pumping systems, devices and methods for extracting liquids in deep well applications are disclosed. In the various embodiments, a submersible pumping system includes a power supply and a power converter coupled to the power supply. A subsurface unit may be coupled to the power converter and positioned in the well. The subsurface unit may include a subsurface controller, a motor and a pump portion operably coupled to the subsurface controller. The pump portion may further include a front shroud having an inlet, and a back shroud sealably coupled to the front shroud to define a volume. An orifice fluidly communicates with the volume and an annular fluid discharge space disposed about the subsurface unit. An impeller operably coupled to the motor and positioned within the volume may transport a liquid from the inlet to the annular fluid discharge space. | 10-28-2010 |
20100270029 | Back pressured hydraulic pump for sucker rod - Disclosed is an apparatus comprising a hydraulic cylinder assembly, a load connected to the cylinder, a reversible hydraulic pump assembly, a pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid, first and second conduits for hydraulic fluid, and a control system. The hydraulic cylinder assembly comprises a cylinder sealed by an upper head and a lower head and carrying a piston which divides the hydraulic cylinder assembly into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The load is connected to the piston and urges it toward the lower head. The first conduit for hydraulic fluid connects the reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly. The second conduit for hydraulic fluid connects the reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with the pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid. The control system is operably associated with the reversible hydraulic pump assembly to cause hydraulic fluid to flow back and forth between the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly and the pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid. | 10-28-2010 |
20100288506 | Method for Controlling a Hydrocarbons Production Installation - The invention relates to a method for controlling a hydrocarbons production installation. The installation comprises at least one hydrocarbons production string activated by a gas injection using a gas injection choke, and a production choke on the string. The method comprises notably a production phase during which the position of at least one of the chokes is adjusted by cascaded control loops. The loops are driven according to continuously or sequentially developing setpoint parameters. The invention makes it possible to control the installation more accurately and quickly than in the prior art, as a cascade control loop architecture makes it possible to simplify each of the loops in order to increase the speed of implementation, while still taking account of a greater number of setpoint parameters. | 11-18-2010 |
20100314124 | OPEN-HOLE STIMULATION SYSTEM - A stimulation system configured for use in open-hole wells. The system may alternatively or additionally be configured for multi-zone stimulation applications. The system includes assemblies which employ techniques and configurations for isolating recovery screens downhole even without the presence of well casing. In this manner protection may be provided from dowhnole contaminants such as water which might otherwise leak in from adjacent formation layers. | 12-16-2010 |
20100314125 | STIMULATION TECHNIQUE FOR OPEN HOLE WELL - A stimulation technique is provided for use in an open hole well. The stimulation technique utilizes a system which comprises one or more isolation devices positioned to isolate desired regions of the open hole well. At least one release mechanism is used to provide controlled release of stimulation material to a desired wellbore region of the open hole well. Additionally, a protection mechanism cooperates with each release mechanism to prevent undesirable contact between stimulation material and the surrounding wellbore wall of the open hole well. In many applications, the entire system is deployed and operated during a single trip downhole into the well. | 12-16-2010 |
20100326668 | POSITION MONITORING FACILITY - A pumping apparatus including a pump housing, a plunger operatively coupled to a terminal end of a production string and configured to move upward and downward within the pump housing, a surface pumping unit operatively connected to an upper end of the production string, and at least one element of incremental resistance disposed on an inner surface of the pump housing or an outer surface of the plunger proximate an upper or lower limit of a pump stroke is disclosed. A method for pumping fluid from a wellbore using a pumping system having an element of incremental resistance disposed near at least one of an upper end of a pump stroke and a lower end of a pump stroke to increase the axial load is also disclosed. | 12-30-2010 |
20100326669 | METHOD FOR GENERATING ANISOTROPIC RESISTIVITY VOLUMES FROM SEISMIC AND LOG DATA USING A ROCK PHYSICS MODEL - A hydrocarbon exploration method is disclosed for generating anisotropic resistivity models of a subsurface reservoir from seismic and well data using a rock physics model. In one embodiment, the method comprises: selecting wells within a region of interest ( | 12-30-2010 |
20110000678 | Efficient Method For Inversion of Geophysical Data - A method for efficient inversion of measured geophysical data from a subsurface region to prospect for hydrocarbons. Gathers of measured data ( | 01-06-2011 |
20110005771 | PFPE OILS IN ESP MOTORS, PROTECTORS AND POTHEADS - An electrical submersible pump (ESP) for use in a wellbore includes a submersible pump; a motor; and a protector operatively coupled to the motor to protect the motor, wherein at least one of the motor and protector is filled with a PFPE oil. A method for manufacturing an ESP for use in a wellbore includes assembling the ESP from a pump, a motor, and a protector, wherein the protector is operatively coupled to the motor for the protection of the motor; and filling at least one of the motor and protector with a PFPE oil. A method for pumping a fluid from a wellbore using an ESP includes disposing the ESP in the wellbore; and operating the ESP, wherein the ESP comprises a pump, a motor, and a protector, and wherein at least one of the motor and protector is filled with a PFPE oil. | 01-13-2011 |
20110011595 | Modeling of Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Using Design of Experiments Methods - Methods for generating a surrogate model for subsurface analysis may include identifying input parameters for the subsurface analysis, and selecting a range of values for the identified parameters. The methods also include selecting a design of experiments method for filling sampling points within the ranges of values for the identified input parameters. The design of experiments method may be a classical method or a space-filling technique. The methods also include filling sampling points within the ranges of values for the identified input parameters. The sampling points are filled based on the design of experiments method selected. The methods further include acquiring output values for each of the selected sampling points, and constructing a surrogate model based upon the output values for at least some of the selected sampling points. The surrogate model is a mathematical equation that represents a simplified model for predicting solutions to complex reservoir engineering problems. | 01-20-2011 |
20110017468 | METHOD OF PRODUCING HYDROCARBONS THROUGH A SMART WELL - A method is disclosed for producing hydrocarbons through an instrumented smart well containing a well tubular ( | 01-27-2011 |
20110024123 | ESP FOR PERFORATED SUMPS IN HORIZONTAL WELL APPLICATIONS - The present invention relates to a process for cooling an electrical submersible pump. More specifically, the invention relates to blocking a portion of wellbore fluid from entering a sump, thereby causing the pump to draw fluid from below the pump motor past the exterior of the pump motor toward a pump inlet. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024124 | Caisson Two-Phase Emulsion Reducer - A seafloor pump assembly is installed within a caisson that has an upper end for receiving a flow of fluid containing gas and liquid. The pump assembly is enclosed within a shroud that has an upper end that seals around the pump assembly and a lower end that is below the motor and is open. A separating device is connected to an upper end portion of the discharge pipe within the caisson. The separating device causes separation of gas from the flow containing gas and liquid to be enhanced prior to the flow reaching the operating liquid level in the caisson. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024125 | Space-Time Surrogate Models of Subterranean Regions - Methods for creating and using space-time surrogate models of subsurface regions, such as subsurface regions containing at least one hydrocarbon formation. The created surrogate models are explicit models that may be created from implicit models, such as computationally intensive full-physics models. The space-time surrogate models are parametric with respect to preselected variables, such as space, state, and/or design variables, while also indicating responsiveness of the preselected variables with respect to time. In some embodiments, the space-time surrogate model may be parametric with respect to preselected variables as well as to time. Methods for updating and evolving models of subsurface regions are also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024126 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING HYDROCARBONS THROUGH A WELL OR WELL CLUSTER OF WHICH THE TRAJECTORY IS OPTIMIZED BY A TRAJECTORY OPTIMISATION ALGORITHM - A method is disclosed for producing hydrocarbon fluid, such as crude oil and/or natural gas, through a well or well cluster of which the trajectory is at least partly defined and iteratively optimized by an well trajectory optimization algorithm which is coupled to a finite difference reservoir simulation program that represents a hydrocarbon fluid containing reservoir as a set of grid cells with a specified permeability and fluid content and which algorithm: provides a virtual well ( | 02-03-2011 |
20110024127 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION OF GAS OR GAS AND CONDENSATE/OIL - An underwater placed assembly produces gas or gas and oil/condensate from a subsea gaseous reservoir, where at least one production well is provided from the seabed to a production zone and at least one water injection well is provided from the seabed to an injection zone. The assembly includes: a pressure increasing device connected to the outlet of the production well in order to increase the pressure in a production flow from the production well, and a water turbine that is connected to and driving the pressure increasing device. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024128 | Enhancing Emulsion Stability - The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for generating an emulsion with enhanced stability. The methods include forming a stressed emulsion fluid using a high-shear mixer and stressing the emulsion by microporous flow, aging, heating, or another process, and reshearing the stressed emulsion fluid. The process may be repeated for enhanced stability. In some embodiments the generated emulsion may be used in hydrocarbon recovery operations. Optionally, the emulsion may include surfactants or solid microparticles for additional stability enhancement. | 02-03-2011 |
20110024129 | POWDER COATED PROPPANT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A process for producing a proppant particulate substrate having a coating layer thereon including the step of blending a proppant particulate substrate with a powder coating composition at a temperature sufficient to cause the powder coating composition to coat the proppant particulate substrate with a powder coating; and a proppant particulate substrate coated by such a process. | 02-03-2011 |
20110030967 | METHOD FOR GENERATING SOFTENED INJECTION WATER - A method for generating a softened injection water comprising: (A) generating the softened injection water by (i) introducing a source water having a total dissolved solids content of up to 15,000 mg/litre and having a multivalent cation content of greater than 40 mg/litre to a vessel that contains a bed of a cation exchange resin in its monovalent cation form, (ii) passing the source water through the cation exchange resin bed so that at least a portion of the multivalent cations in the source water are replaced by monovalent cations from the cation exchange resin, and (iii) withdrawing from the vessel the softened injection water having a multivalent cation content of up to 40 mg/litre; (B) regenerating the cation exchange resin by (i) introducing a regenerating brine to the vessel, (ii) passing the regenerating brine through the resin bed and (iii) withdrawing from the vessel a brine containing displaced multivalent cations, wherein the regenerating brine is a naturally occurring high salinity water having a concentration of monovalent cations and of multivalent cations such that the Softening Limit for the source water is up to 40 mg/litre of multivalent cations wherein the Softening Limit for the source water is defined as the Softening Ratio multiplied by the concentration of multivalent cations in the source water (mg/litre) and wherein the Softening Ratio is defined as: (molar concentration of monovalent cations in the source water) | 02-10-2011 |
20110042096 | Downhole Apparatus with a Swellable Mantle - A downhole apparatus is described comprising a main body coupled with a well tubing and a swellable mantle disposed on the main body. The swellable mantle expands upon contact with at least one predetermined fluid, and the main body comprises at least one opening for fluid flow between an exterior of the main body and the bore. An insert permits the passage of fluid, through the swellable mantle, between the exterior of the apparatus and the opening. In one aspect of the invention a screen filters solids between the exterior of the apparatus and the bore, and a swellable mantle comprises a first region which allows the passage of fluid between the exterior of the apparatus and the main body and a second region, circumferentially adjacent the first region, which substantially prevents passage of fluid. Corresponding well completion and production methods are also described. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042097 | APPARATUS, ASSEMBLY AND PROCESS FOR INJECTING FLUID INTO A SUBTERRANEAN WELL - Apparatus, assembly and process for allowing gas lift operations to be conducted along a relatively long perforated interval below a packer in a generally vertical or a deviated subterranean well. An elongated segregation member may be lowered into locking engagement with a bypass mandrel secured to a tubing string above the packer. This segregation member may be configured and dimensioned to define two fluid flow paths. A first flow path extends from the surface of the earth through the annulus formed between the tubing string above the packer and casing secured in the well, the bypass mandrel, a bore through a portion of the segregation member and the interior of the tubing string below the packer. A second flow path extends from the subterranean region penetrated by the well through the annulus formed between the tubing string below the packer and casing secured in the well, the annulus between the segregation member and the packer, and the interior of the tubing string above the packer. Fluid produced into the well from the subterranean region may be conveyed to the surface via the second flow path and may be assisted by gas injected into the first flow path. Pressurized gas may be conveyed via the first flow paths. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042098 | Method For Geophysical And Stratigraphic Interpretation Using Waveform Anomalies - A new seismic attribute is disclosed along with its use to locate and classify seismic waveform anomalies and use them to construct objects and from them geologic surfaces ( | 02-24-2011 |
20110048730 | Method and apparatus to transport subterranean oil to the surface - A method to extract oil for a pool of oil in the ground utilizes an interconnected series of rotating helical blades extending from the surface of the ground through a canted bore to the pool of oil. The blades can be staggered and interconnected with a gear arrangement that moves oil from pool to pool and up to the surface of the ground. | 03-03-2011 |
20110048731 | Seismic Horizon Skeletonization - Method for analysis of hydrocarbon potential of subterranean regions by generating surfaces or geobodies and analyzing them for hydrocarbon indications. Reflection-based surfaces may be automatically created in a topologically consistent manner where individual surfaces do not overlap themselves and sets of multiple surfaces are consistent with stratigraphic superposition principles. Initial surfaces are picked from the seismic data ( | 03-03-2011 |
20110056698 | Fluid separation system for hydrocarbon wells - A surface-adjustable downhole exhaust valve for use with a relatively slowly producing oil well to exhaust heavier water below a production zone while producing essentially oil at the surface. | 03-10-2011 |
20110056699 | MULTIPLE ELECTRIC SUBMERSIBLE PUMP SYSTEM - An electric submersible pump (“ESP”) module is disclosed for producing fluids from subsea wells. The ESP module includes at least two ESPs positioned side by side and connected in parallel to discharge into a common manifold. The ESPs and manifold can be enclosed in a housing and deployed to a subsea location. At the subsea location, the ESP module can be operationally connected to an electric source, the production fluid, and to an export conduit. The production fluid from the well(s) is drawn from within the housing into one or more of the at least two ESPs which energize and discharge the production fluid into the manifold and through the export conduit to a collection point. Each of the ESPs may be selectively operated to provide the desired flow rate and/or lifting head. | 03-10-2011 |
20110056700 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOMPLETION OF OLD WELLS - A system for recompletion of an old well in order to achieve an increased oil recovery from a reservoir, said system comprising a pipe inserted into the old well, at least two constrictors or swell packers being arranged along the length of the recompleted well and defining a well section between two successive constrictors or swell packers, said system further comprising at least one autonomous valve arranged in said well section defined between said two successive swell packers or constrictors. Disclosed is also a method for recompletion of an old well in order to achieve an increased oil recovery from a reservoir. | 03-10-2011 |
20110061873 | Hydraulically Driven Downhole Pump Using Multi-Channel Coiled Tubing - This invention relates to a coiled tubing installed and operated hydraulically driven downhole pump for hydrocarbon wells and especially hydrocarbon gas wells that are prone to produce fluids that choke gas production. The hydraulically driven downhole pump is driven by a closed loop surface positioned hydraulic power system. Should the hydraulically driven downhole pump become inoperative, it may be quickly retrieved and immediately replaced using a coiled tubing unit as compared to a workover rig. A coiled tubing unit is able to pull the coiled tubing string and re-install the string quite rapidly because the coiled tubing does not have joints that need to be disassembled or reconnected. The manpower needs and costs for replacement are considerably less and lost production of the well is substantially reduced. | 03-17-2011 |
20110061874 | TOOL AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING THE EXTRACTION OF LANDFILL GAS - An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere. | 03-17-2011 |
20110067882 | System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling Wellbore Parameters - In one aspect, a method is provided for producing fluid from a well formed in a formation including the step of generating a visual display depicting a depth-based layout of a plurality of production devices, a first setting of each production device and values for at least one production parameter, wherein the visual display enables an operator to graphically input a desired value for the at least one production parameter at a selected depth of the well. The method also includes determining a second setting for at least one production device utilizing a model and the desired value, wherein the second setting is expected to provide the desired value for the at least one production parameter the second setting is implemented. | 03-24-2011 |
20110067883 | JET PUMP AND MULTI-STRING TUBING SYSTEM FOR A FLUID PRODUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method to produce formation fluid from an oil or gas well. The methods employs a jet pump and a spoolable multi-string tubing system. The jet pump is adapted to produce formation fluid, which may be produced in combination with power fluid. The multi-string tubing system consists of two or more tubing conduits, allowing surface pump equipment to deliver power fluid to the jet pump down a supply tubing string, while return fluid is returned up a return tubing string. Other downhole functions can be provided with the inclusion of additional features on the jet pump and additional conduits or conductors in the multi-string tubing system. Preferred embodiments provide additional functionality by inclusion of a jetting sub, sensing elements, or a back-pressure valve to the jet pump, and auxiliary tubing strings or communication members to the spoolable multi-string tubing system. | 03-24-2011 |
20110067884 | System and Method of Controlling Surge During Wellbore Completion - A downhole oilfield completion method comprises determining a surge profile for a wellbore and assembling a downhole completion tool having an interior surge volume and comprising a surge attenuation system operable to reduce a surge of the downhole completion tool based at least in part on the surge profile. The method also comprises running the downhole completion tool into the wellbore and surging the wellbore by admitting wellbore fluid into the interior surge volume, the surge reduced at least in part by the surge attenuation system. | 03-24-2011 |
20110067885 | SPLIT STREAM OILFIELD PUMPING SYSTEMS - A method of pumping an oilfield fluid from a well surface to a wellbore is provided that includes providing a clean stream; operating one or more clean pumps to pump the clean stream from the well surface to the wellbore; providing a dirty stream including a solid material disposed in a fluid carrier; and operating one or more dirty pumps to pump the dirty stream from the well surface to the wellbore, wherein the clean stream and the dirty stream together form said oilfield fluid. | 03-24-2011 |
20110073316 | SURFACE REFILLABLE PROTECTOR - An electric pumping system having an electric submersible pump located downhole in a well, the electric submersible pump comprising a motor part, a pump part, and a protector part; the motor part has an internal motor volume containing motor oil; the motor part connected to an electric power source at surface; a motor oil container located at surface outside of the well; a conduit fluidly connecting the motor oil container with the internal motor volume containing motor oil. | 03-31-2011 |
20110073317 | SLIM HOLE PRODUCTION SYSTEM - The invention relates to a slim hole production system for pumping liquids to the surface of a hydrocarbon well and especially a hydrocarbon well that is producing both natural gas and liquid liquids where the diameter of the hole in the production area is too small to get production tubing and a sucker rod into a productive arrangement. The slim hole pump includes a hollow tube that raises and lowers the plunger and carries the liquids to the surface and uses the annulus to produce the gas. | 03-31-2011 |
20110079396 | Method of Making a Flow Control Device That Reduces Flow of the Fluid When a Selected Property of the Fluid is in Selected Range - A method of making a flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and a wellbore is provided, which method in one aspect may include: providing a member suitable for placement in a wellbore for receiving formation fluid; selecting a geometry for a flow-through region configured to substantially increase value of a selected parameter relating to the flow-through region when a selected property of the formation fluid is in a first range changes and maintain a substantially constant pressure drop across the flow-through region when the selected property of the fluid is in a second range; and forming the flow-through region on the member to provide the flow control device. | 04-07-2011 |
20110079397 | Jet-drilling and completion process - A method of drilling a slim hole and inserting a slotted liner into such hole drilled in an underground reservoir using jet-drilling. The method enables jet-drilling to be effective in unconsolidated subterranean formations, such as some petroleum reservoirs. The method enables fluid injection or production to be undertaken on individual jet-drilled holes or on groups of holes drilled laterally at different vertical intervals in a vertical well within an underground formation. | 04-07-2011 |
20110094750 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING OIL AND/OR GAS - A system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a formation comprising a mixture of oil and/or gas and a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation; a mechanism for releasing a separating agent into the formation, the separating agent adapted to separate the oil and/or gas from the carbon disulfide formulation and/or the carbon oxysulfide formulation. | 04-28-2011 |
20110108283 | Method For Remote Identification And Characterization of Hydrocarbon Source Rocks Using Seismic and Electromagnetic Geophysical Data - Method for assessing hydrocarbon source rock potential of a subsurface region without well log information. The method uses surface electromagnetic ( | 05-12-2011 |
20110114331 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING OIL AND/OR GAS - A system including a mechanism for recovering oil and/or gas from an underground formation, the oil and/or gas comprising one or more sulfur compounds; a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur compounds from the recovered oil and/or gas into a carbon oxysulfide formulation; and a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of the carbon oxysulfide formulation into a formation. | 05-19-2011 |
20110114332 | TUBING SECTION - The tubing section comprises an outer skin ( | 05-19-2011 |
20110120723 | Low Alloy Steels With Superior Corrosion Resistance For Oil Country Tubular Goods - The present application describes a steel composition that provides enhanced corrosion resistance. This steel composition includes one of vanadium in an amount of 1 wt % to 9 wt %, titanium in an amount of about 1 wt % to 9 wt %, and a combination of vanadium and titanium in an amount of 1 wt % to about 9 wt %. In addition, the steel composition includes carbon in an amount of 0.03 wt % to about 0.45 wt %, manganese in an amount up to 2 wt % and silicon in an amount up to 0.45 wt %. In one embodiment, the steel composition includes a microstructure of one of the following: ferrite, martensite, tempered martensite, dual phase ferrite and martensite, and dual phase ferrite and tempered martensite. Further, the present application describes a method for processing the steel composition and use of equipment such as oil country tubular goods, fabricated with the steel composition. | 05-26-2011 |
20110120724 | Estimation of Soil Properties Using Waveforms of Seismic Surface Waves - A method for transforming seismic surface waves into depth profiles of dynamic properties of the soil such as the soil shear modulus or wave velocity or wave attenuation. The invention uses seismic data recorded preferably with a plurality of sources and receivers with a two-stage inversion approach. First, variations in surface-wave waveforms are decomposed ( | 05-26-2011 |
20110132616 | Wellbore Method and Apparatus For Completion, Production and Injection - A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132617 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING OIL AND/OR GAS - A system for producing oil and/or gas comprising a formation comprising a mixture of oil and/or gas and an enhanced oil recovery mixture comprising an additive to increase an auto-ignition temperature of the mixture and a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation; and a mechanism for recovering at least a portion of the oil and/or gas. | 06-09-2011 |
20110139462 | METHODS OF INVESTIGATING AN UNDERGROUND FORMATION AND PRODUCING HYDROCARBONS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - A method of investigating an underground formation underneath the earth's surface, comprising obtaining a first data set representing change in a predetermined seismic parameter over a period of time for a plurality of points in the underground formation, which first data set is derived from a time-lapse seismic survey of the earth formation spanning the period of time; obtaining a second data set representing geodetic deformation over substantially the same period of time at a plurality of locations on the earth's surface, which second data set is derived from a geodetic survey spanning the period of time; jointly processing the first and second data sets to obtain a map of a parameter related to volume change in the underground formation; wherein a geomechanical model of the underground formation is postulated; also a method of producing hydrocarbons and a computer program. | 06-16-2011 |
20110139463 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING OIL AND/OR GAS - A system including a mechanism for releasing at least a portion of a sulfur containing compound into a formation; and a mechanism for converting at least a portion of the sulfur containing compound into a carbon disulfide formulation and/or a carbon oxysulfide formulation, the mechanism within the formation. | 06-16-2011 |
20110147004 | Method To Adapt A Template Dataset To A Target Dataset By Using Curvelet Representations - Method for adapting a template to a target data set. The template may be used to remove noise from, or interpret noise in, the target data set. The target data set is transformed ( | 06-23-2011 |
20110147005 | METHOD OF RUNNING A DOWN HOLE ROTARY PUMP - A method of running a down hole rotary pump using a top drive, sucker rod or any drive shaft from surface. A first step involves providing a gear box having an input end and an output end. The gear box is being capable of receiving an input of a first speed at the input end and producing an output of a second speed which is one of either faster or slower than of the first speed at the output end. A second step involves positioning the gear box down hole with the input end coupled to a remote lower end of a sucker rod and the output end coupled to a rotary activated pump. A third step involves applying a driving force to the sucker rod to rotate the sucker rod at the first speed, with the rotational force being transmitted to the rotary activated pump through the gear box which rotates the rotary activated pump at the second speed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110155389 | System and Method For Providing A Physical Property Model - There is provided a system and method for creating a physical property model representative of a physical property of a region. An exemplary method comprises transforming information from a model domain that represents the physical property model into simulated data in a data domain, the data domain comprising simulated data and measured data representative of a plurality of observations of the region. The exemplary method also comprises determining an areal misfit between the simulated data and the measured data representative of the plurality of observations of the region. The exemplary method additionally comprises performing an evaluation of the areal misfit based on known criteria. The exemplary method comprises adjusting data in the data domain or information in the model domain corresponding to a region in the model domain based on the evaluation of the areal misfit. | 06-30-2011 |
20110155390 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PUMPING A FLUID AND AN ADDITIVE FROM A DOWNHOLE LOCATION INTO A FORMATION OR TO ANOTHER LOCATION - An apparatus and methods for pumping a fluid mixture from a wellbore location to a selected location is disclosed. The apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a container configured to be placed in the wellbore, wherein the container is configured to mix therein a fluid received from a first source and an additive received from a second source, and a pump unit coupled to the container and configured to pump the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location. The method in one embodiment includes: supplying a fluid from a first source to a container placed in a wellbore; supplying an additive from a second source to the container; allowing the fluid and the additive to mix in the container to form a mixed fluid; and pumping the mixed fluid from the container to the selected location. | 06-30-2011 |
20110162850 | SLANT WELL DESALINATION FEEDWATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING SAME - The present invention is embodied in a system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant wells. The present invention is also embodied in a method for constructing a slant well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply. A system of angled wells (slant wells) is constructed. In one embodiment, the slant wells obtain a desalination feedwater supply from permeable aquifer systems near and/or beneath a saline water source (i.e., an ocean, sea, or salty inland lake). The slant wells induce recharge of the aquifer system through the floor of the ocean, sea, or inland lake due to the hydraulic head difference between the slant well pumping level and the level of the ocean, sea, or lake. As the supply source is relatively constant, the water supply to such a slant well system generally provides a long-term, sustainable water source for a desalination plant. | 07-07-2011 |
20110174496 | IN SITU METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXTRACTION OF OIL FROM SHALE - A process for retorting and extracting sub-surface hydrocarbons. The process comprises drilling an energy delivery well extending from the surface to a location proximate a bottom of the hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbons are heated from the bottom to form a retort, the retort extending along a portion of the energy delivery well. A vapor tube is extended to a location proximate the retort, the vapor tube having an entrance corresponding to the region of the retort along the energy delivery well that is nearest the surface exit. | 07-21-2011 |
20110174497 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING WATERBOTTOM SUBSIDENCE - A system for monitoring subsidence and/or rising of a waterbottom has pressure sensors along the interior of a sealed tube that rests on the waterbottom and is filled with a low pressure liquid so that subsidence or rising of the waterbottom can be deduced from subsidence and/or rising of a section of the tube and associated pressure variations measured by the sensors due to variation of the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid in the tube. | 07-21-2011 |
20110174498 | HYDROCARBON RECOVERY PROCESS FOR FRACTURED RESERVOIRS - Steam-Over-Solvent Injection in Fractured Reservoirs (SOS-FR) is carried out by treating a fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation penetrated by a well with a first phase of injecting a formation compatible aqueous fluid into the fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation through the well, a second phase of injecting a hydrocarbon solvent into the fractured hydrocarbon bearing formation through the well and at least a third phase of repeating the first phase after the second phase. | 07-21-2011 |
20110198093 | ACOUSTIC DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH RUBBER BOOT PROTECTED BY EXPANDABLE SLEEVE - A downhole tool having a body, a transducer within the body, and an opening formed through a sidewall of the body. The opening provides a port through which the transducer can communicate from within the body. An elastomeric boot in the body covers the opening and is a barrier that prevents fluid ingress into the downhole tool. An expandable sleeve envelopes the elastomeric boot and provides support that limits bulging of the elastomeric boot from within the body through adjacent openings in the body. An example sleeve is made from elongated members woven into a tubular. | 08-18-2011 |
20110198094 | METHOD FOR EXTRACTING LANDFILL GAS - An apparatus and method to internally provide apertures inside polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or any polymeric pie, plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing landfill gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. By creating additional apertures in landfill gas recovery well risers, landfill gas derived from the decomposition of waste is allowed to enter the existing riser and extraction/recovery system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to capture landfill gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing landfill gas and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere. | 08-18-2011 |
20110209879 | System and Methods for Removing Fluids from a Subterranean Well - The invention includes systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, a first fluid removal means within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and a second fluid removal means within the proximal section of the inner tubing string. | 09-01-2011 |
20110214878 | Methods and Systems For Modeling, Designing, and Conducting Drilling Operations That Consider Vibrations - A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. The method, which relates to modeling and operation of drilling equipment, includes constructing one or more surrogates for at least a portion of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and calculating performance results from each of the one or more surrogates. The calculated results of the modeling may include one or more vibration performance indices that characterize the BHA vibration performance of the surrogates for operating parameters and boundary conditions, which may be substantially the same as conditions to be used, being used, or previously used in drilling operations. The selected BHA surrogate may then be utilized in a well construction operation and thus associated with the production of hydrocarbons. | 09-08-2011 |
20110220364 | PROCESS FOR MINERAL OIL PRODUCTION USING CATIONIC SURFACTANTS HAVING A HYDROPHOBIC BLOCK WITH A CHAIN LENGTH OF 6 TO 10 CARBON ATOMS - The invention relates to a process for mineral oil production by means of Winsor type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation comprising at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R | 09-15-2011 |
20110220365 | PROCESS FOR PRODUCING MINERAL OIL USING SURFACTANTS BASED ON C16C18-CONTAINING ALKYL PROPOXY SURFACTANTS - The invention relates to a process for mineral oil production by means of Winsor Type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation comprising at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R | 09-15-2011 |
20110220366 | PROCESS FOR EXTRACTING MINERAL OIL USING SURFACTANTS BASED ON BUTYLENE OXIDE-CONTAINING ALKYL ALKOXYLATES - The invention relates to a process for mineral oil extraction by means of Winsor Type III microemulsion flooding, in which an aqueous surfactant formulation comprising at least one ionic surfactant of the general formula R | 09-15-2011 |
20110232913 | Sediment Transport By Fully Developed Turbulent Flows - The invention is a method of modeling a hydrocarbon reservoir. A parameter value in a set of equations is adjusted so that the output of the equations accurately matches observed sediment erosion and deposition behavior for sediment sizes throughout a range of about 10 microns to about 10 centimeters. An initial condition of a sediment bed in the hydrocarbon reservoir is defined. The equations are applied to the initial condition, wherein outputs of the equations express how a fluid flow affects erosion and deposition of sediments at the initial condition. The initial condition is adjusted based on the equation outputs to create a subsequent sediment bed condition. The equations are re-applied to the subsequent sediment bed condition a pre-determined number of times. The subsequent sediment bed condition is re-adjusted after each re-application of the equations. The model of the hydrocarbon reservoir is created and outputted. | 09-29-2011 |
20110240309 | COMPOSITION SUITABLE FOR PRODUCTION OF FOAM EXTINGUISHANTS - The present invention relates to compositions for foam extinguishants which do not comprise any organofluorine compounds and nevertheless meet the highest demands on the extinguishing properties. The inventive compositions comprise at least one fatty alcohol, at least one thickener and at least one acrylic polymer, but the composition does not comprise any organohalogen compounds, more particularly any organofluorine compounds. The present invention also relates to the use of such a composition for production of a foam extinguishant and to the use of the composition for fighting fires, especially for fighting fires of organic liquids, known as liquid fires. | 10-06-2011 |
20110240310 | Overlapped Multiple Layer Depth Averaged Flow Model Of A Turbidity Current - A method of generating a model of a turbidity current in a fluid is disclosed. A first flow layer in the turbidity current is defined. The method successively defines at least one more flow layer in the turbidity current. Each successive flow layer includes the previously defined flow layer. A set of depth-averaged flow variables for each flow layer is defined. A model is developed that describes the turbidity current. The model uses fluid flow equations and the set of depth-averaged flow variables for each flow layer to predict fluid flow in each flow layer. The model is then output. | 10-06-2011 |
20110247829 | TRACKING GEOLOGIC OBJECT AND DETECTING GEOLOGIC ANOMALIES IN EXPLORATION SEISMIC DATA VOLUME - A method and system are described for identifying a geologic object through cross sections of a geologic data volume. The method includes obtaining a geologic data volume having a set of cross sections. Then, two or more cross sections are selected and a transformation vector is estimated between the cross sections. Based on the transformation vector, a geologic object is identified within the geologic data volume. | 10-13-2011 |
20110247830 | NOVEL SURFACTANTS FOR TERTIARY MINERAL OIL EXTRACTION BASED ON BRANCHED ALCOHOLS - Surfactants of the general formula R | 10-13-2011 |
20110259598 | System and Method For Obtaining Data On An Unstructured Grid - There is provided a system and method for obtaining data corresponding to a property of interest on an unstructured grid. An exemplary method comprises defining a path of interest at least a portion of which goes through the unstructured grid. The exemplary method also comprises extracting data corresponding to the property of interest on the unstructured grid where the path of interest and the unstructured grid overlap. | 10-27-2011 |
20110259599 | System and Method For Providing Data Corresponding To Physical Objects - There is provided a system and method for providing data describing a physical structure. An exemplary method comprises defining an unstructured grid that corresponds to a three-dimensional physical structure. The unstructured grid comprises data representative of a property of interest. At least one filter object and a selection criterion are defined. A portion of the unstructured grid data that meets the selection criterion relative to the filter object is selected. | 10-27-2011 |
20110266004 | ANNULAR BARRIER AND ANNULAR BARRIER SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an annular barrier system ( | 11-03-2011 |
20110272161 | Windowed Statistical Analysis For Anomaly Detection In Geophysical Datasets - Method for identifying geologic features from geophysical or attribute data using windowed principal component ( | 11-10-2011 |
20110272162 | Detecting and Remedying Hydrogen Starvation of Catalytic Hydrocarbon Generation Reactions in Earthen Formations - Methods and apparatus for promoting the production of oil and/or gas from organic carbon-rich sedimentary rocks in a subterranean formation. Aspects of the method comprise detecting hydrogen starvation in the formation and remedying the hydrogen starvation. | 11-10-2011 |
20110284238 | INSERTABLE SURFACE-DRIVEN PUMP - Wellbore tubing having an annular seating member and an annular anti-rotation member can be used for one or more types of surface driven submersible pumps. In one embodiment, a stator and a rotor of a surface driven progressing cavity pump can be inserted into the tubing after the tubing is deployed. In one embodiment, a surface driven reciprocating pump can be inserted into the tubing, later withdrawn from the tubing, and then a progressing cavity pump can be inserted into the same tubing. | 11-24-2011 |
20110284239 | NON-STICK ARTICLES - There is disclosed a non-stick apparatus, comprising a liquid storage or conveyance article comprising a first material; a coating on an internal surface of the article comprising a second material; wherein the second material comprises a critical surface tension value less than 75 mN/m and a hardness value of at least 5 measured on a Moh's scale. | 11-24-2011 |
20110290503 | WELL COMPLETION FOR VISCOUS OIL RECOVERY - Described is a well completion for evenly distributing a viscosity reducing injectant (e.g. steam and/or solvent, e.g. in SAGD or CSS) into a hydrocarbon reservoir (e.g. of bitumen), for evenly distributing produced fluids (most specifically vapor influx) and for limiting entry of particulate matter into the well upon production. On injection, the injectant passes through a limited number of slots in a base pipe, is deflected into an annulus between the base pipe and a screen or the like, and passes through the screen into the reservoir. On production, hydrocarbons pass from the reservoir through the screen into a compartmentalized annulus. The screen limits entry of particulate matter (e.g. sand). The hydrocarbons then pass through the slots in the base pipe and into the well. Where a screen is damaged, the compartmentalization and the slots in the base pipe limit particulate matter entry into the well. | 12-01-2011 |
20110297391 | COMPACT CABLE SUSPENDED PUMPING SYSTEM FOR DEWATERING GAS WELLS - A method of unloading liquid from a reservoir includes deploying a pumping system into a wellbore to a location proximate the reservoir using a cable. The pumping system includes a multi-section motor, an isolation device, and a pump. The method further includes supplying a power signal from the surface to the motor via the cable and sequentially operating each section of the motor to mimic a multi-phase motor, thereby driving the pump and lowering a liquid level in the tubular string to a level proximate the reservoir. | 12-08-2011 |
20110308810 | TUNABLE SURFACTANTS FOR OIL RECOVERY APPLICATIONS - The systems and methods described herein provide for modified lignins and other compositions that may be useful as surfactants. These compositions have particular utility for energy-related applications. In embodiments, they may be useful for enhanced oil recovery. In embodiments, they may be useful for extracting bitumen from oil sands. In embodiments, they may be useful for environmental remediation. | 12-22-2011 |
20110308811 | Adjoint-Based Conditioning Of Process-Based Geologic Models - A method for correlating data predicted by a processor physics-based geologic model to describe a subsurface region with obtained data describing the subsurface region. Data is obtained describing an initial state of the subsurface region. Data describing a subsequent state of the subsurface region is predicted. The predicted data is compared with the obtained data taking into account whether the obtained data or the predicted data represent a discontinuous event. A sensitivity of the predicted data is determined if the predicted data is not within an acceptable range of the obtained data. The data describing the initial state of the subsurface region is adjusted based on the sensitivity before performing a subsequent iteration of predicting data describing the subsequent state of the subsurface region. A representation of the subsurface region based on the data describing the subsequent state of the subsurface region is outputted. | 12-22-2011 |
20110315397 | PRODUCING HYDROCARBON MATERIAL FROM A LAYER OF OIL SAND - A method of producing hydrocarbon material from a layer of oil sand in an earth formation, the layer having a thickness and extending in an extension direction for more than its thickness comprises creating production borehole having a production borehole section extending in a production borehole direction, and a refill borehole having a refill borehole section extending in a refill borehole direction, wherein both the production and refill borehole directions deviate less than 45 degrees from the extension direction; creating a cavity in the layer of oil sand, the cavity being in fluid communication with the production borehole section; extending the cavity by operating fluid jetting means against a wall of the cavity; withdrawing the slurry from the cavity via the production borehole to a processing facility; and injecting refill material into the cavity via the refill borehole section, wherein the refill borehole section extends below the production borehole section. | 12-29-2011 |
20120000668 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING HYDROCARBONS FROM A WELL - A system for producing hydrocarbons from a well includes an unloading unit that receives fluids from a wellhead. The unloading unit separates the oil and gas, and the oil is pumped to a pipeline. Using the unloading unit and the pump helps to reduce the pressure at the wellhead which helps increase production. The gas separated by the unloading unit is compressed and re-injected into the well to create a gas lift which further helps increase production. Capturing and reinjecting the separated gas for gas lift operations reduces environmental damages associated with conventional unloading unit and pump assemblies. The unloading unit, compressor, and pump are modular for quicker installation and a smaller footprint. After increasing the productive life of a first reservoir, the system can be broken down and reassembled for use at another reservoir. | 01-05-2012 |
20120000669 | Upscaling of Reservoir Models By Reusing Flow Solutions From Geologic Models - A method is provided for simulating a physical process such as fluid flow in porous media by performing a fine-grid calculation of the process in a medium and re-using the fine grid solution in subsequent coarse-grid calculations. For fluid flow in subsurface formations, the method may be applied to optimize upscaled calculation grids formed from geologic models. The method decreases the cost of optimizing a grid to simulate a physical process that is mathematically described by the diffusion equation. | 01-05-2012 |
20120006559 | SUBMERGIBLE OIL WELL SEALING DEVICE WITH VALVES AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A SUBMERGIBLE OIL WELL SEALING DEVICE AND RESUMING OIL PRODUCTION - An oil well sealing device that is submergible for sealing under water oil wells and a method for sealing underwater oil wells in such a fashion that oil production can be resumed are described. The device comprises a housing having at least one lower opening at a lower end of the housing and at least one upper opening at an upper end of the housing; a pump sucking oil through the lower opening into the housing and pushing the oil through the upper opening out of the housing; a connector allowing the lower end of the housing to be fixed to an oil well tube at an oil wellhead; and at least one valve at the lower end of the housing that is closable after the lower end of the housing has been installed to the oil well tube. | 01-12-2012 |
20120006560 | Forming A Model Of A Subsurface Region - A method of forming a geologic model of a subsurface region is disclosed. Data related to the subsurface region is obtained. A framework is constructed to represent the subsurface region. A template is selected from a plurality of templates. The selected template provides at least one property that is characteristic of the subsurface region. The selected template is inserted into the framework, to form the geologic model. The geologic model is then outputted. | 01-12-2012 |
20120012332 | INTAKE FOR SHROUDED ELECTRIC SUBMERSIBLE PUMP ASSEMBLY - An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a well fluid intake having a shroud hanger formed in an upper portion thereof, a seal section having a motor head formed in a lower portion thereof, and an electrical conduit extending between the shroud hanger and the motor head. The intake has a plurality of fluid entry slots positioned a select distance from the shroud hanger in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the shroud hanger to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor head. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures. | 01-19-2012 |
20120012333 | System and Methods for Removing Fluids from a Subterranean Well - The invention includes systems and methods for removing fluids from a subterranean well. An example embodiment includes a system having a well casing surrounding at least one inner tubing string, where the inner tubing string has a distal section and a proximal section, a first fluid removal means within the distal section of the inner tubing string, and a second fluid removal means within the proximal section of the inner tubing string. | 01-19-2012 |
20120018167 | MAXIMIZING HYDROCARBON PRODUCTION WHILE CONTROLLING PHASE BEHAVIOR OR PRECIPITATION OF RESERVOIR IMPAIRING LIQUIDS OR SOLIDS - A method of flowing fluid from a formation, the method comprising: sensing presence of a reservoir impairing substance in the fluid flowed from the formation; and automatically controlling operation of at least one flow control device in response to the sensing of the presence of the substance. A well system, comprising: at least one sensor which senses whether a reservoir impairing substance is present; and at least one flow control device which regulates flow of a fluid from a formation in response to indications provided by the sensor. | 01-26-2012 |
20120018168 | Pump - A multistage pump ( | 01-26-2012 |
20120031623 | APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus for controlling the flow of downhole fluids, the apparatus comprising: a body having a throughbore and at least one port extending through a sidewall of the body to enable fluid communication between the throughbore and an exterior of the body; a flow control device for controlling the flow of fluids through the port and arranged to change configuration between a closed configuration in which fluid flow through the port is restricted and an open configuration in which fluid flow through the port is permitted; an actuator mechanism associated with the flow control device for selective actuation of the flow control device to change the configuration of the flow control device between the closed and open configurations; a locking device to lock the configuration of the flow control device; and an unlocking mechanism to unlock the locking device and to permit the actuator mechanism to change the configuration of the flow control device. | 02-09-2012 |
20120037379 | System and Method For Providing Data Corresponding To Physical Objects - There is provided a system and method for providing a visualization of data describing a physical structure. An exemplary method comprises defining an unstructured grid that corresponds to a three-dimensional physical structure, the unstructured grid comprising data representative of a property of interest. The exemplary method also comprises defining a probe as an object that comprises a set of topological elements, at least one of which does not share a common plane. The exemplary method additionally comprises providing a visualization of the unstructured grid data on the geometry defined by the probe. | 02-16-2012 |
20120037380 | FRACTURE VALVE TOOLS AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore. | 02-16-2012 |
20120043091 | Using Seismic P And S Arrivals To Determine Shallow Velocity Structure - Method for estimating a model of seismic velocity in a subsurface region from seismic data ( | 02-23-2012 |
20120043092 | BLAPPER VALVE TOOLS AND RELATED METHODS - Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore. | 02-23-2012 |
20120061092 | Method For Spatial Filtering of Electromagnetic Survey Data - The invention is a method for suppressing noise in controlled source electromagnetic survey data based on the frequency content of the noise. The invention recognizes that some data variations across bins cannot be attributed to resistivity variations within the earth. This variation across bins constitutes a model of noise in such surveys, and the invention mitigates noises that obey this model. Noise varying rapidly in either space or time is removed by filtering temporal frequency domain data ( | 03-15-2012 |
20120073824 | Hybride Method For Full Waveform Inversion Using Simultaneous and Sequential Source Method - Method for simultaneous full-wavefield inversion of gathers of source (or receiver) encoded geophysical data to determine a physical properties model for a subsurface region, especially suitable for surveys where fixed receiver geometry conditions were not satisfied in the data acquisition. First, a shallow time window of the data ( | 03-29-2012 |
20120073825 | Simultaneous Source Encoding and Source Separation As A Practical Solution For Full Wavefield Inversion - Method for simultaneous full-wavefield inversion of gathers of source (or receiver) encoded geophysical data to determine a physical properties model ( | 03-29-2012 |
20120080195 | Drilling Composition, Process for its Preparation, and Applications Thereof - The present invention relates to a drilling composition comprising: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %, to a process for preparation of a drilling composition, to uses of a drilling composition, to a drilling system, to a process for making a borehole, to a process for conveying cuttings, to a process for treating a drill head, to a process for production of at least one of oil and gas. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080196 | PLUNGER LIFT AND SAFETY VALVE SYSTEM - A plunger lift production system uses a production string including a bottom hole assembly, a production tubing having an inside diameter and including a safety valve having an inside diameter, and a plunger with an outside diameter which closely matches the inside diameter of the safety valve, and an expandable lug and pad assembly, which when expanded closely matches the inside diameter of the production tubing, and when not expanded closely matches the inside diameter of the safety valve. | 04-05-2012 |
20120080197 | Constructing Resistivity Models From Stochastic Inversion - Embodiments described herein use stochastic inversion ( | 04-05-2012 |
20120085546 | DRILLING FLUIDS COMPRISING HYDROXYLATED POLYMERS - Drilling fluids comprising polymers containing hydroxylated structural units are useful as accretion inhibiting agents, and/or as fluid rheology controlling agents, and/or as filtrate reducing agents, and/or as lubricating agents. | 04-12-2012 |
20120090851 | Bailer stimulation production unit - An apparatus and process for gas, oil, and other fluid production using bailer technology with stimulation to enhance production. An enclosed apparatus and process for removing gas, oil, and/or other fluids from a well while reducing environmental impact. A novel divalve for simultaneously closing a conainer and dumping liquids into it. | 04-19-2012 |
20120097401 | SELECTIVE HYDRATE PRODUCTION WITH CO2 AND CONTROLLED DEPRESSURIZATION - The present invention relates to an improved method for recovering hydrocarbons trapped in hydrate formations. | 04-26-2012 |
20120103626 | A WELL COMPLETION METHOD - The method pertains to the oil and gas industry and can be used in the development of producing formations. A producing string ( | 05-03-2012 |
20120125624 | Ultra-pumps systems - This invention provides a positive displacement gas operated pump and pumping system for pumping fluids such as hydrocarbons/oil as well as solids that may be suspended in such fluids. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the recovery of hydrocarbons/oil from underground water tables and/or where water flooding has previously been used to further extract hydrocarbons/oil from underground areas, but economics prevent further recovery from such areas and/or wells. | 05-24-2012 |
20120138308 | Apparatus and Methods for Enhanced Well Control in Slim Completions - Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and methods for enhanced well control in slim completions. An embodiment can include an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) positioned within a casing and having at least a portion thereof extending outwardly from a production tubing positioned within the casing. The production tubing terminates adjacent a distal end portion of a pump discharge to thereby provide greater interstitial space between outer surfaces of the portion of the pump disposed to extend outwardly from the production tubing and inner walls of the casing. This increased interstitial space, for example, can assist in cost savings by reducing the rate of erosion damage to the ESP. Embodiments of the present invention can further include a valve connected to inner walls of the casing and positioned distal from the ESP to control the flow of hydrocarbons. | 06-07-2012 |
20120152562 | Apparatus and Method for Controlling Fluid Flow From a Formation - In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a tubular is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a retrievable communication device configured to be conveyed to a selected location in the tubular downhole. The apparatus also includes a control node configured to communicate with the retrievable communication device at the selected location, a flow control device coupled to and controlled by the control node and a sensor coupled to the control node, wherein the sensor and flow control device are downhole of the control node. | 06-21-2012 |
20120152563 | CONNECTION ASSEMBLY FOR THROUGH TUBING CONVEYED SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS - An electrical submersible pumping (ESP) system for use in a wellbore that can be assembled in the wellbore. Upper and lower pump tandems are fitted with connectors that align the tandems when coupled in the wellbore. The connectors on the lower tandems have bores with enlarged openings on upward facing surfaces. Downward pointing pins are on lower facing surfaces of the connectors on the upper tandems. The cross sectional area of each bore decreases with distance away from the openings, so that as the pins insert into the bores the pins move along a helical path that in turn rotates the upper tandem into a designated azimuth and into alignment with the lower tandem. Properly aligning the upper and lower tandems couples respective drive and driven shafts in the tandems as the upper tandem lands on the lower tandem. | 06-21-2012 |
20120181042 | No-Go Tag Systems and Methods for Progressive Cavity Pumps - A stator for a progressive cavity pump comprises a stator housing having a central axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end. In addition, the stator comprises a stator liner disposed within the stator housing. The stator liner has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the stator liner is axially spaced from the first end of the stator housing. Further, the stator comprises a tag insert positioned in the stator housing between the first end of the stator housing and the first end of the stator liner. The tag insert has a through passage defining a radially inner surface that includes a tag shoulder. | 07-19-2012 |
20120199361 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING LIQUID REMOVAL OPERATIONS IN A GAS-PRODUCING WELL - A system for performing a downhole operation within a well during a production phase of the well includes a tubing string extending from a surface of the well to the downhole location. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the tubing string to axially lift and lower the tubing string, following positioning of the tubing string within the well, each time a substantial reduction in production gas flow and production liquid flow at a portion of the well is desired. | 08-09-2012 |
20120205119 | PUMP CONTROL DEVICE, OIL WELL WITH DEVICE AND METHOD - A method of operating an oil well comprises applying through a regenerative variable frequency drive AC electrical energy from a power grid to an AC electric motor to operate a drive mechanism of an oil well pump. The motor speed is regulated in a manner to optimize fluid production and maximize the operational life of the drive mechanism, decreasing motor speed by transferring the electrical energy to the power grid and increasing motor speed by transferring the electrical energy from the power grid to the motor. The drive mechanism has a predetermined stroke cycle and, over the course of each stroke cycle, the motor is operated at different regulated speeds initiated when the drive mechanism is at a predetermined position. | 08-16-2012 |
20120211237 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PUMPING WELL FLUIDS AND DEBRIS - A pump system and method comprising a pump barrel adapted for use within a well. A reciprocating plunger disposed within the pump barrel and operatively engaging a connector between the plunger and a pumping unit. The connector operatively engages the pumping unit and further comprises an inner and outer portion with a groove between the inner and outer portions; one or more ports disposed between the inner and outer portions and accessing an inner cavity of the connector; and the inner portion further comprising one or more ports accessing the inner cavity of the connector. The pump system and method further comprising a cage valve to create hydraulic pressure to expel trapped debris. | 08-23-2012 |
20120227979 | FLOW RESTRICTOR DEVICE - A flow restrictor device ( | 09-13-2012 |
20120234554 | Geophysical Data Texture Segmentation Using Double-Windowed Clustering Analysis - An automated method for texture segmentation ( | 09-20-2012 |
20120234555 | Wellbore Method and Apparatus For Completion, Production and Injection - Method, system and apparatus to produce hydrocarbons includes a packer apparatus with a swellable packer element around primary and secondary flow paths, the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. The method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore, and gravel packing the sand control devices in different intervals. Hydrocarbons are produced by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed. | 09-20-2012 |
20120241166 | Residual Moveout Estimation Through Least Squares Inversion - Method for estimating residual moveout in common image gathers ( | 09-27-2012 |
20120261135 | Shape-Based Metrics In Reservoir Characterization - Method for the segmentation and classification of seismic or other geophysical data. Curves or surfaces are identified in the geophysical data ( | 10-18-2012 |
20120279721 | High pressure stimulation pump - A reciprocating apparatus for pumping pressurized fluid. The reciprocating apparatus comprises a plunger disposed within a cylinder, wherein the plunger is hollow and ported for enabling fluid within the cylinder to flow into the plunger. The plunger includes at least one outlet through which fluid within the plunger flows out of the plunger. In operation, the plunger retracts to displace fluid from the hollow body and into a discharge chamber, and the plunger extends towards the discharge chamber to discharge the displaced fluid. As the plunger alternately retracts and extends, fluid within the plunger continuously flows towards the discharge chamber. | 11-08-2012 |
20120285700 | Harvesting By-Passed Resource - A method is provided for drilling a well in a reservoir. The method includes planning a well trajectory for a serpentine well that accesses a bypassed hydrocarbon in the reservoir. The serpentine well is drilled using lateral displacements and vertical displacements to follow the base in the reservoir. The serpentine well is completed with perforations in regions comprising the bypassed hydrocarbon. | 11-15-2012 |
20120285701 | Method For Using Dynamic Target Region For Well Path/Drill Center Optimization - Method for determining one or more optimal well trajectories and a drill center location for hydrocarbon production. A well path and drill center optimization problem ( | 11-15-2012 |
20120292043 | DOWNHOLE TOOLS - There is disclosed a downhole tool or device adapted to include at least part of a well completion assembly or well drilling assembly. For example, an improved centraliser is provided for centralisation of tubulars such as casings, liners, production screens, production tubing and the like in oil/gas wells in other wells, e.g. water wells. An improved downhole tool device is coated with at least first and second coatings, wherein the second coating layer is molecularly bonded to the first coating layer. The first coating comprises at least partly a material selected from the group consisting of Titanium Nitride (TiN), Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) or Carbon, and wherein the second coating at least partly comprises Tungsten Disulfide (WS | 11-22-2012 |
20120298375 | Pumpjack Production Control - A method, software, and apparatus for controlling a pump configured to pump liquid out of a well is described. Such control may involve determining whether a production rate of gas from the well is increasing, decreasing, or steady, and whether to switch the pump between an OFF state and an ON state. Whether the pump is switched may depend upon whether the production rate of the gas is determined to be increasing, decreasing, or steady. | 11-29-2012 |
20120305263 | TANDEM PROGRESSIVE CAVITY PUMPS - A tandem progressive cavity pump system lifts well fluids from a production zone to a well surface. The system provides a first pump and a second pump. The system positions the first pump at the production elevation within the well, and the second pump at an intermediate elevation within the well. The system then connects a discharge of the first pump to an intake of the second pump. The system is then operated so that the first pump lifts well fluids from the production zone to the intermediate zone, depositing the well fluids in the intake of the second pump. The second pump then lifts the well fluids from the intermediate zone to the surface of the well. | 12-06-2012 |
20120305264 | Solvent Surveillance in Solvent-Based Heavy Oil Recovery Processes - The present disclosure relates to solvent surveillance in heavy oil production. A method includes the steps of measuring an amount of a native bitumen marker (NBM) in a heavy oil, measuring an amount of the NBM in a recovery-aid solvent, measuring an amount of the NBM in a blend including the heavy oil and the recovery-aid solvent, and applying a blending model to determine a fraction of the recovery-aid solvent in the blend. | 12-06-2012 |
20120312545 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CO-PRODUCTION OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY AND FLUIDS - Systems include a well having a production casing and a production tubing positioned therein, forming an annulus there between. A packer is positioned in the annulus at a position sufficient to separate the annulus into a first portion and a second portion. The well further includes a tie-back conduit positioned in the first portion of the annulus and configured to allow heat transfer between a working fluid flowing through the first portion of the annulus and a production fluid flowing through the production tubing, thus separating the circulating working fluid from fluids in the second portion of the annulus. A working fluid loop is fluidly connected to the first portion of the annulus. Co-production methods, methods of modeling, and computer-readable media including the methods of modeling are disclosed. | 12-13-2012 |
20120325492 | Drilling Composition, Process for its Preparation, and Applications Thereof - A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %. | 12-27-2012 |
20130032352 | Down-Hole Sand and Solids Separator Utilized in Producing Hydrocarbons - A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032353 | Hydrocarbon Recovery Drill String Apparatus, Subterranean Hydrocarbon Recovery Drilling Methods, and Subterranean Hydrocarbon Recovery Methods - Disclosed are hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus, subterranean hydrocarbon recovery drilling methods, and subterranean hydrocarbon recovery methods. In one embodiment, a hydrocarbon recovery drill string apparatus includes an elongated assembly within which a rotatable drill rod is received. The assembly comprises a longitudinal axis, a drill rod entrance end, and a drill rod exit end. The assembly comprises a tailcuttings diverter pipe proximate the drill rod exit end, with the tailcuttings diverter pipe defining an initial fluid flow path of the tailcuttings from the longitudinal axis which is acute from the longitudinal axis. Other apparatus and method aspects are contemplated. | 02-07-2013 |
20130043037 | BACK PRESSURED HYDRAULIC PUMP FOR SUCKER ROD - A hydraulic pump includes a hydraulic cylinder assembly comprising a cylinder sealed by an upper head and a lower head and carrying a piston which divides the hydraulic cylinder assembly into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A load is connected to the piston and urges it toward the lower head. A conduit connects a reversible hydraulic pump assembly in fluid flow communication with a pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid and the lower chamber for counterbalancing the load. A control system is operably associated with the reversible hydraulic pump assembly to cause hydraulic fluid to flow back and forth between the lower chamber of the hydraulic cylinder assembly and the pressurized supply of hydraulic fluid. A system is also provided to counteract leakage in the pump by adding hydraulic fluid makeup on an as needed and controlled basis. | 02-21-2013 |
20130048297 | METHOD FOR HYDROCARBON RESOURCE RECOVERY INCLUDING ACTUATOR OPERATED POSITIONING OF AN RF SENSOR AND RELATED APPARATUS - A method of hydrocarbon resource recovery from a subterranean formation may include forming a plurality of spaced apart injector/producer well pairs in the subterranean formation. Each injector/producer well pair may include a laterally extending producer well and a laterally extending injector well spaced thereabove. The method may include forming an intermediate well adjacent a given injector/producer well pair, and operating a positioning actuator to position a radio frequency (RF) sensor coupled to the positioning actuator to at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well. The method may further include operating the RF sensor at the at least one predetermined location within the intermediate well to selectively sense at least one corresponding portion of the subterranean formation adjacent the given injector/producer well pair. The method may also include recovering hydrocarbon resources from the plurality of injector/producer well pairs including the given injector/producer well pair. | 02-28-2013 |
20130068467 | SELF-CONTROLLED INFLOW CONTROL DEVICE - An inflow control device controls the rate of fluid flow from a subsurface fluid reservoir into a production tubing string. The inflow control device includes a particulate screen to remove particulate matter from the reservoir fluid, and at least two flow restrictors. The flow restrictors are positioned on circumferentially opposite sides of the inflow control device and are connected by an isolated fluid passage. The flow restrictors limit the flowrate of reservoir fluid when the reservoir fluid has a high water or gas-to-oil ratio. The inflow control device also includes at least one pressure drop device that generates a pressure drop for the reservoir fluid in response to fluid pressure in the reservoir. The inflow control device also includes a choking apparatus that allows the flow of reservoir fluid to be shut off and the particulate screen cleaned while the inflow control device is in place in hole. | 03-21-2013 |
20130068468 | GROUNDWATER SAMPLING DEVICE - A groundwater sampling and pumping device and system for withdrawing groundwater from a well of small size, not exceeding 1.5 inches I.D. The device includes a hollow outer housing having water inlet ports formed through a bottom thereof and a hollow inner housing sized to be positioned integrally within the outer housing and defining a water flow passage therebetween. An electric motor in the inner housing is connected to a water impeller operably positioned to draw groundwater into the water passage. The water passing upwardly through the water flow passage provides cooling for the motor. Preferably the housing is formed of a polymer material, and/or a metal, such as stainless steel. | 03-21-2013 |
20130068469 | Pressurized Polymer Beads As Proppants - A pressurized polymer bead such as may be useful as a proppant in hydraulic fracturing is described, including a shell that is substantially impermeable, wherein the shell includes a polyimide polymer. The pressurized polymer bead includes a core region that is at a pressure that is greater than 5 MPa. | 03-21-2013 |
20130075105 | HYDRAULICALLY DRIVEN, DOWN-HOLE JET PUMP - A down-hole jet pumping apparatus and method for removing accumulated water in a small diameter well bore are described. Chosen fluids are pumped under high pressure from a surface pump through a 3-way valve into a tube disposed in a well bore. The jet pumping apparatus includes a down-hole accumulator connected to an eductor. The high-pressure fluid is stored in the accumulator and may be released to the surface reservoir by the control valve through the tube along with the fluid to be pumped drawn into the eductor. When the accumulator is exhausted, the control valve again directs high-pressure fluid from the surface pump to the accumulator until a chosen pressure is achieved in the accumulator. The fluid pressure in the accumulator is maintained using a gas-charged metal bellows. Hydraulically driven jet boosters are described for increasing the fluid pressure along the tube in deep wells. | 03-28-2013 |
20130081822 | Polymer-Enhanced Surfactant Flooding For Permeable Carbonates - A method for increasing oil production in a carbonate reservoir by incorporating a saline solution injection including a saline soluble surfactant and a saline soluble polymer. The method provides for increased oil production as compared to conventional waterflooding techniques. | 04-04-2013 |
20130092391 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLOW THROUGH A SAND SCREEN - A system and methodology utilizes a technique for filtering sand; distributing a flow of fluid; e.g. distributing an inflow of gas or condensate; and limiting the potential for erosion of completion components in a wellbore. The technique may be useful in production applications, but the technique also can be used in fluid injection applications, e.g. gas injection applications. The technique employs a base pipe and a sand screen surrounding the base pipe. The base pipe comprises a plurality of flow restriction openings of reduced size and deployed in a selected pattern along the base pipe. The size and arrangement of the flow restriction openings reduces the peak flux of radial fluid flow through the sand screen to a rate less than a sand screen erosion rate. | 04-18-2013 |
20130140037 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLANNING A WELL PATH - There is provided a system and method for planning a well path. An exemplary method comprises defining a proxy constraint volume as a three-dimensional (3D) cellular volume where each cell has at least one value derived from data from a 3D earth model. An initial well path is defined within user defined drilling parameter constraints. The exemplary method comprises defining acceptable constraint parameters to be applied to values derived from an intersection of the initial well path and the proxy constraint volume. If the intersection of the initial well path and the proxy constraint volume is not within the acceptable constraint parameters, the initial well path may be iteratively adjusted to create successive well paths until at least one of the successive well paths is within the acceptable constraint parameters for the values derived from the intersection of the well path and proxy constraint volume. | 06-06-2013 |
20130153243 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING VIBRATION IN A BOREHOLE - In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a borehole includes a tubular disposed in the borehole. The apparatus also includes an expandable device disposed outside the tubular and proximate a selected device, the expandable device including a material that causes the expandable device to expand from a first shape to a second shape when exposed to an activating fluid. In addition, the expandable device reduces vibration of the selected device when the expandable device is in the second shape. | 06-20-2013 |
20130175046 | Nanoparticle Kinetic Gas Hydrate Inhibitors - 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). | 07-11-2013 |
20130192845 | LINER DRILLING USING TEMPORARILY SEALED LINER - A drilling apparatus including a first cylindrical layer including a plurality of cylindrical members, and a second cylindrical layer including a plurality of elongate members, the plurality of cylindrical members and the plurality of elongate members arranged to form a plurality of spaces between an outer diameter of the first cylindrical layer and an inner diameter of the second cylindrical layer. | 08-01-2013 |
20130213664 | METHOD OF MAKING A FLOW CONTROL DEVICE THAT REDUCES FLOW OF THE FLUID WHEN A SELECTED PROPERTY OF THE FLUID IS IN SELECTED RANGE - A method of making a flow control device for controlling flow of fluid between a formation and a wellbore is provided, which method in one aspect may include: providing a member suitable for placement in a wellbore for receiving formation fluid; selecting a geometry for a flow-through region configured to substantially increase value of a selected parameter relating to the flow-through region when a selected property of the formation fluid is in a first range changes and maintain a substantially constant pressure drop across the flow-through region when the selected property of the fluid is in a second range; and forming the flow-through region on the member to provide the flow control device. | 08-22-2013 |
20130255958 | RETROFIT BARRIER VALVE SYSTEM - A retrofit assembly for functionally replacing a fluid isolation valve disposed in a borehole above a lower completion, including a barrier valve operatively arranged to selectively isolate the lower completion when the fluid isolation valve is open. The barrier valve is transitionable between an open position and a closed position due to engagement with an upper completion string. A packer device is included and operatively arranged to isolate a formation in which the borehole is formed. A method of retrofitting a completion system is also included. | 10-03-2013 |
20130264066 | HYBRID FLUID LIFT VALVE FOR COMMINGLING GAS PRODUCTION - A method and apparatus for commingling sweet gas and sour gas production in a gas well having an upper sweet zone and a lower sour zone. The apparatus comprises a commingling valve which prevents cross flow of sour fluids into the sweet zone or casing annulus. | 10-10-2013 |
20130299180 | Systems and Methods For Managing Pressures In Casing - Systems and methods for managing pressures present in an annular space defined between casing strings contained within a subterranean well. These systems and methods may include providing a pressure distribution casing that includes a plurality of pressure distribution passages and distributing fluids present within the annular space along a length of the pressure distribution casing and/or between the annular space and the subterranean formation using a portion of the plurality of pressure distribution passages. Pressure distribution passages may be present on an inner surface of the pressure distribution casing, on an outer surface of the pressure distribution casing, and/or within a wall of the pressure distribution casing and may distribute the fluids along the length of the pressure distribution casing without distributing the fluids across and/or through a wall of the pressure distribution casing, such as between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pressure distribution casing. | 11-14-2013 |
20130306326 | Low Profile Rod Pumping Unit with Pneumatic Counterbalance for the Active Control of the Rod String - Adaptable systems for a surface pumping unit that includes a low inertia pumping unit mechanism having a pneumatic counterbalance assembly are described, as well as methods for the use of such systems for subterranean fluid recovery. The system is capable of being integrated with well management automation systems, thereby allowing for response to active control commands, and automatically altering and/or maintaining a counterbalance force in the pumping unit by adding or removing air mass from a containment vessel associated with the pumping unit. | 11-21-2013 |
20140014357 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SAND AND INFLOW CONTROL - A system and methodology utilizes a technique for filtering sand. For example, a sand control system may be provided with a base pipe having a non-permeable section and a permeable section in which the permeable section is created via at least one opening formed laterally through a wall of the base pipe. The sand control system also comprises at least one drainage tube positioned along an exterior of the base pipe and coupled to the base pipe in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The drainage tube is permeable and enables the inflow of fluid while preventing the influx of sand. The inflowing fluid is delivered along an interior of the drainage tube and through the opening into an interior of the base pipe for production. | 01-16-2014 |
20140014358 | DOWNHOLE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A downhole apparatus comprising a body ( | 01-16-2014 |
20140048279 | Swellable Screen Assembly with Inflow Control - Disclosed is a swellable screen assembly having inflow control capabilities. One swellable screen assembly includes a base pipe comprising a sidewall portion defining at least one opening therein, a rigid member disposed about a first portion of the base pipe and having a piston arranged therein. The piston has a telescoping portion movably arranged within a non-telescoping portion. An autonomous valve is arranged within the piston and provides fluid communication between a filter medium disposed about the base pipe and the opening in the base pipe, the filter medium being coupled to the telescoping portion of the piston. A swellable material is disposed about a second portion of the base pipe and the filter medium is disposed about the swellable material, wherein, as the swellable material expands, the filter medium is displaced toward an inner surface of the wellbore, thereby extending the telescoping portion. | 02-20-2014 |
20140076576 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING A CONDUIT IN AN ANNULAR SPACE AROUND A WELL CASING - To protect a hydraulic, electric and/or other conduit in an annular space around a well casing against damage from perforating and other well operations the conduit is arranged in a groove in a U- or V-shaped protective gutter, which is secured to the outer surface of the well casing and which is capable of deflecting a shaped charge. | 03-20-2014 |
20140083712 | Safety Valve By-Pass System for Cable-Deployed Electric Submersible Pump - In an embodiment, a work string for downhole use in a well comprises a safety valve comprising a sealable flow path; a first electrical connection disposed above the safety valve; a second electrical connection disposed below the safety valve; and a jumper electrically coupling the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection, wherein the jumper does not pass through the sealable flow path of the safety valve. | 03-27-2014 |
20140110127 | AUTONOMOUS FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING A FLUID DIODE - Apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well are presented, and in particular for providing a fluid diode to create a relatively high resistance to fluid flow in one direction and a relatively low resistance to fluid flowing in the opposite direction. The diode is positioned in a fluid passageway and has opposing high resistance and low resistance entries. In one embodiment, the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice and the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface. The concave, annular surface of the high resistance entry preferably extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid will flow in eddies adjacent the concave, annular surface. | 04-24-2014 |
20140151061 | DRILLING COMPOSITION, PROCESS FOR ITS PREPARATION, AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF - A drilling composition is provided. The composition includes: I) an organic phase comprising components: i. from about 20 wt. % to about 99.999 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one linear or branched, cyclic or non-cyclic, saturated hydrocarbon; ii. from about 0.001 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of components i. and ii., of at least one ester; II) from 0 to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of water or aqueous phase; III) from 0 to about 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one additive, wherein the sum of the weight components I) to III) is 100 wt. %. | 06-05-2014 |
20140166300 | DRIVE HEAD FOR A WELLHEAD - A drive head for a wellhead, the drive head comprising: a rod drive; a pressure chamber; and a rod receiving part connected to the rod drive and enclosed within the pressure chamber. A method comprising: pressurizing a chamber mounted to a wellhead, in which the chamber encloses an upper end of a rod extending from the wellhead; and driving the rod using a rod receiving part enclosed within the chamber. | 06-19-2014 |
20140196906 | LATCHING SYSTEM FOR WELL SWABBING TOOLS - A latch system configured to permit one-way automatic passing of a swabbing tool. The latch system having a housing in communication with a well bore and a latch assembly housing a latch member with a latch. The latch is configured to selectively translate through an aperture in the housing. The latch assembly utilizes a biasing member to selectively control the location of the latch. The biasing member is sealingly separated from exposure to discharge fluids within the housing. While in an extended position, the latch allows the removal of the swabbing tool from the well bore but prevents the passing of the swabbing tool from a swab tube. | 07-17-2014 |
20140196907 | HYDRAULIC OIL WELL PUMPING APPARATUS - A hydraulic oil well pumping arrangement employs a compensating type hydraulic pump, a directional valving arrangement and a proportioning valving arrangement. When the directional valve is energized, oil is directed to the rod end of the hydraulic cylinder. In one embodiment, a time delay halts the movement of the sucker rod or pumping string to allow accumulation of oil in a slow following well. In another embodiment, the pumping string rapidly falls to the bottom of the stroke in order to shake or jar debris from the string. | 07-17-2014 |
20140202705 | Flow Induced Electrostatic Power Generator For Tubular Segments - The present invention is directed to methods for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in a tubular length and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.). The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented. | 07-24-2014 |
20140209317 | MOBILE WORKFLOW ORCHESTRATION AND JOB EXECUTION FOR HYDROCARBON RECOVERY OPERATIONS - An example method for mobile workflow orchestration and job execution for a hydrocarbon recovery operation may include generating a workflow corresponding to the hydrocarbon recovery operation and providing the workflow to a first information handling system located at the site of the hydrocarbon recovery operation. The workflow may also be provided to a second information handling system remote from the site of the hydrocarbon recovery operation. Information regarding the workflow may be received from the first information handling system, and the workflow at the second information handling system may be updated based, at least in part, on the information received from the first information handling system. | 07-31-2014 |
20140238688 | Modular Top Loading Downhole Pump - A method and apparatus for improving the production efficiency of a well and preventing gas lock. The apparatus is a downhole pump and comprises a barrel, a reciprocating plunger and a body having a plurality of inlet valves. The apparatus does not require outlet valves. The body and inlet valves are positioned above the barrel and plunger, thus eliminating gas lock. Fluids enter the body through the valves and, during upstrokes of the plunger, are forced up the tubing string to the surface equipment. Modularity of the components permits pump components to be changed as the productivity of the well fluctuates and also allows production of more fluids with a smaller casing. | 08-28-2014 |
20140246204 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCED WELL CONTROL IN SLIM COMPLETIONS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and methods for enhanced well control in slim completions. An embodiment can include an electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) positioned within a casing and having at least a portion thereof extending outwardly from a production tubing positioned within the casing. The production tubing terminates adjacent a distal end portion of a pump discharge to thereby provide greater interstitial space between outer surfaces of the portion of the pump disposed to extend outwardly from the production tubing and inner walls of the casing. This increased interstitial space, for example, can assist in cost savings by reducing the rate of erosion damage to the ESP. Embodiments of the present invention can further include a valve connected to inner walls of the casing and positioned distal from the ESP to control the flow of hydrocarbons. | 09-04-2014 |
20140262317 | HIGH-SPEED ROD-DRIVEN DOWNHOLE PUMP - A surface drivehead drives a downhole pump by rotating a rod string at the surface. The downhole pump can be connected downhole to the rod string via a downhole latching mechanism. The surface drivehead has an assembly that can move the rod string upwards or downwards along an axis to either increase or decrease rod string tension. During rod string rotation, rod tension is monitored. If rod string tension changes during rotation, the surface drivehead can automatically compensate by moving the rod string upwards or downwards along the axis to either recapture or eliminate tension. In this way, the surface drivehead can maintain a substantially constant rod string tension to drive the downhole pump at high speeds. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262318 | AUTOMATIC PLUNGER - A downhole apparatus having an upper well stop disposed at the surface of a well and a lower well stop disposed in the well. The apparatus further includes a plunger disposed within the well, wherein the plunger has a first sleeve having an outer diameter and a ball valve disposed on the first sleeve, wherein the ball valve is configured to rotate between an open and a closed position. | 09-18-2014 |
20140311750 | FINANCIAL METHODS FOR WATERFLOODING INJECTATE DESIGN - A method of selecting an injectate for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes designing a plurality of injectates, calculating a net present value of each injectate, and selecting a candidate injectate based on the net present value. For example, the candidate injectate may be selected to maximize the net present value of a waterflooding operation. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311751 | ANNULAR BARRIER AND ANNULAR BARRIER SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an annular barrier system for expanding an annular barrier in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole. The annular barrier system comprises an annular barrier having a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, the annular barrier further comprising an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part, at least one end of the expandable sleeve being fastened in a fastening means of a connection part in the tubular part. The annular barrier system also comprises a tool for expanding the expandable sleeve by letting a pressurised fluid through a passage in the tubular part into a space between the expandable sleeve and the tubular part. | 10-23-2014 |
20140318805 | COAL BED GAS WELL APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH MINABLE NON-SPARKING TUBULAR AND VALVE COMPONENTS - Disclosed is a wellbore configuration for use in coal bed gas production comprising tubing and down hole equipment made from non-sparking materials which can be mined out with the coal. | 10-30-2014 |
20140326464 | MOTOR WINDING WIRE FOR A HYDROCARBON APPLICATION - A motor winding wire. The motor winding wire may be configured for use in, and direct exposure to, a hydrocarbon environment. The motor winding wire may be electrically insulated by one polymer layer, whereas another, outer, polymer layer is employed to provide moisture resistance as well as other contaminant and hydrocarbon environment shielding to the underlying layer. Additionally, this manner of polymer layering over the motor winding wire is achieved in a manner cognizant of the limited dimension of the motor winding wire. | 11-06-2014 |
20140338921 | Method For Production Of Hydrocarbons Using Caverns - Embodiments described herein provide a system and methods for the production of hydrocarbons. The method includes flowing a stream directly from a hydrocarbon reservoir to a cavern and performing a phase separation of the stream within the cavern to form an aqueous phase and an organic phase. The method also includes flowing at least a portion of the aqueous phase or the organic phase, or both, directly from the cavern to a subsurface location and offloading at least a portion of the organic phase from the cavern to a surface. | 11-20-2014 |
20150008001 | Subsurface Well Systems with Multiple Drain Wells Extending from Production Well and Methods for Use Thereof - Drain wells can be used to direct a fluid to a central production well in a subsurface well system. Subsurface well systems can include a production well extending from the earth's surface, a collection region having a fluid connection to the production well and either being contiguous with the production well or comprising a collection well that intersects or is in fluid communication with the production well, and at least one branched drain well extending laterally from the production well and including one or more branches that extend from the at least one branched drain well, wherein at least one of the one or more branches intersects or is in fluid communication with the collection region. | 01-08-2015 |
20150027721 | Method and apparatus for recovery of heat from throat of acting land volcano - 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. | 01-29-2015 |
20150068760 | Multi-layered Wellbore Completion for Methane Hydrate Production - In a completion for producing methane the bottom hole assembly has a base pipe with porous media surrounding it for equalizing flow along the base pipe. A shape memory polymer foam surrounds the porous media. The borehole can be reamed to reduce produced methane velocities. Surrounding the shape memory polymer is an exterior layer of consolidated proppant or sand that can self-adhere and/or stick to the polymer foam. The proppant or sand can be circulated or squeezed into position although, circulation is preferred. The borehole may enlarge due to shifting sands in an unconsolidated formation as the methane is produced. The bottom hole assembly helps in fluid flow equalization and protects the foam and layers below from high fluid velocities during production. | 03-12-2015 |
20150114662 | Pressure Compensation for a Backup Well Pump - Primary and secondary pump assemblies are mounted to and supported by a supporting device in a well. The supporting device has a valve that has a first position allowing flow from the primary pump assembly while the secondary pump assembly is in a storage mode, and a second position allowing flow from the secondary pump assembly. A barrier in the intake of the secondary pump assembly blocks entry of well fluid into the secondary pump assembly while the valve is in the first position. The secondary pump is filled with a buffer fluid. A pressure compensator mounted to the secondary pump assembly has a movable element that moves in response to a difference between well fluid pressure on an exterior of the secondary pump assembly and the pressure of the buffer fluid contained in the secondary pump to reduce a pressure differential. | 04-30-2015 |
20150292307 | SYNCHRONIZED PUMP DOWN CONTROL FOR A DUAL WELL UNIT WITH REGENERATIVE ASSIST - A dual well pumping unit ( | 10-15-2015 |
20150330193 | ENTWINED PIPES - A repeatedly usable downhole pumping assembly including; a conduit comprising a plurality of pipes, wherein the pipes are uniformly entwined together along their length to provide multiple fluid passageways, wherein the conduit is to be wound onto a reel and off the reel repeatedly; a rotatably mounted reel, upon which the conduit is adapted to be wound without collapsing; a pump for pumping fluid through the conduit; and a driving means to lower and raise the conduit relative to the bore. | 11-19-2015 |
20150376994 | Wireline Assisted Coiled Tubing Portion and Method for Operation of Such a Coiled Tubing Portion - A wireline-assisted coiled-tubing portion is arranged to be lowered into a well in a ground. The wireline-assisted coiled-tubing portion comprises a coiled-tubing portion, the coiled-tubing portion in its entirety being arranged to be lowered into the well; and a wire which is attached to an, in the position of application, upper portion of the coiled-tubing portion, the wire extending from the coiled-tubing portion to the opening of the well at a surface, and the wire being arranged to transmit electrical energy and electrical signals. The coiled tubing portion, in its upper portion, is provided with an upper activatable sealing element arranged to seal an annulus between the coiled-tubing portion and the well; in its upper portion, is provided with at least one opening connecting the interior of the coiled-tubing portion to the surroundings of the coiled-tubing portion; in a lower portion, is provided with an activatable sealing element arranged to seal an annulus between the coiled-tubing portion and the well, the sealing element creating a lower zone below the sealing element; and in its lower portion, is provided with a tool allowing fluid flow-through so that the lower zone may be in fluid communication with the annulus through the tool, the interior of the coiled-tubing portion and the opening. A method for the controlled conveyance of a fluid in a well, and a use of a coiled-tubing portion are described as well. | 12-31-2015 |
20160084032 | Well Casing Heads, Systems, and Methods for Removing Fluid from Earth about an Underground Platform - Well casing heads are provided that can include: a housing defining a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end, the first diameter of the first opening being greater than the second diameter of the second opening; and at least one fluid passageway extending through a wall of the housing and into the second opening. Well casing systems within a wall of an underground platform are also provided. The systems can include: a well casing head; a pair of tubular members about each other extending from the well casing head into a wall of the platform; and a void between the two members, the void extending from within the underground platform to the at least one fluid passageway of the well casing head. Methods for removing fluid from earth about an underground platform are also provided. | 03-24-2016 |
20160108703 | ARTICLES CONTAINING CARBON COMPOSITES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Articles comprising carbon composites are disclosed. The carbon composites contain carbon microstructures having interstitial spaces among the carbon microstructures; and a binder disposed in at least some of the interstitial spaces; wherein the carbon microstructures comprise unfilled voids within the carbon microstructures. Alternatively, the carbon composites contain: at least two carbon microstructures; and a binding phase disposed between the at least two carbon microstructures; wherein the binding phase comprises a binder comprising one or more of the following: SiO | 04-21-2016 |
20160130922 | Coaxial Gas Riser for Submersible Well Pump - A centrifugal well fluid pump has a pump intake and a pump discharge conduit extending upward from the pump. A barrier between the motor and the pump intake seals to casing in a well. A bypass tube extends from below the barrier, alongside the pump and has an outlet at an upper end of the pump. A riser surrounds the pump discharge conduit, the riser having a riser inlet in fluid communication with the bypass tube outlet. Liquid portions of the well fluid flow upward through the riser to discharge from the riser outlet and flow down to the pump intake. Gaseous portions of the well fluid flow upward through the riser and continue flowing upward into the casing. | 05-12-2016 |
20160145979 | Method for Extracting Coalbed Gas through Water and Coal Dust Drainage and a Device Thereof - A method for extracting coalbed gas. A wellhead device delivers power fluid into a downhole power fluid pipe in a well shaft, and conveys the fluid to a pump in a pump cylinder connected with the downhole power fluid pipe. The pump sucks in formation fluid via a suction inlet, mixes the fluid with the power fluid to produce a mixed fluid, and conveys the mixed fluid to ground surface. The mixed fluid containing coal dust travels at a flow rate greater than a sedimentation rate of the coal dust, passes though the wellhead device, and flows to the ground surface, thereby preventing a sedimentation of the coal dust. The suction inlet of the pump reaches a lower boundary of a coalbed so as to prevent coal dust from burying the coalbed, and the coalbed gas automatically shoots through an annular space of a well shaft casing. | 05-26-2016 |
20160168937 | RETRIEVABLE ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMP | 06-16-2016 |
20160177684 | DOWNHOLE COMPRESSOR FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRICAL SUBMERSIBLE PUMP | 06-23-2016 |
20190145228 | ELECTRIC MACHINE DRIVING METHOD AND SYSTEM UNDER NON-CONVENTIONAL WORK MODE OF OIL PUMPING UNIT | 05-16-2019 |