Abstract:
Methods and systems for restimulating a previously fractured subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are described. The methods include plugging existing perforations in an outer casing and existing fractures in the formation with a diverting agent, placing an inner casing in the wellbore while the existing perforations and existing fractures are plugged with the diverting agent, perforating the inner casing and the outer casing to form new perforations, and pumping a fluid through the new perforations to create new fractures in the formation.
Abstract:
A composite drill gun for use in a wellbore environment can include a detonation housing containing a detonation source, a composite carrier containing one or more encapsulated charges, and a detonation train connecting the detonation source to the encapsulated charges. The detonation source and each individual encapsulated charge are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment, and thus the carrier need not be sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The carrier can be made out of composite materials without worry of leaks into the interior of the carrier, as the detonation source and encapsulated charges are all sealed with respect to the wellbore environment. The composite carrier can be easily drilled out of the wellbore after detonation.
Abstract:
A method includes identifying one or more stress regime types along at least a portion of a borehole, where the stress regime types are selected from a normal stress regime, a thrust stress regime and a strike-slip stress regime, and selecting reservoir access locations along the borehole based on the type of stress regime identified along the borehole.
Abstract:
A method of completing a well involving remediating a condition of screen-out that has taken place along a zone of interest. The method includes forming a wellbore, and lining at least a lower portion of the wellbore with a string of production casing and placing a valve along the production casing, wherein the valve creates a removable barrier to fluid flow within the bore. The barrier is removed by moving the valve in the event of a screen-out. This overcomes the barrier to fluid flow, thereby exposing ports along the production casing to the subsurface formation at or below the valve. Additional pumping takes place to pump the slurry through the exposed ports, thereby remediating the condition of screen-out.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprising a charge tube for a perforating gun assembly used in harvesting energy in a wellbore and a retaining projection formed on an end of the charge tube. When the charge tube is inserted into a gun body, the retaining projection engages with the gun body of the perforating gun assembly to restrict movement of the charge tube with respect to the gun body when engaged with the gun body. The retaining projection can comprise a plurality of collet fingers on an end of the charge tube that engage with the gun body to longitudinally retain the charge tube. The retaining projection can comprise at least one alignment finger that limits radial movement of the charge tube with respect to the gun body. The retaining projection can comprise a plurality of centralizing bend tabs that restrict radial movement of the charge tube when inserted into the gun body.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to perforating systems for perforating the casing of a wellbore. The perforating systems contain insensitive high explosives. The disclosure also relates to shaped charges containing insensitive high explosives for use in such perforating systems. The disclosure further relates to methods of using such perforating systems to perforate the casing of a wellbore
Abstract:
Downhole tools including at least one component made of a doped magnesium alloy solid solution that at least partially degrades in the presence of an electrolyte. The downhole tool is selected from the group consisting of a wellbore isolation device, a completion tool, a drill tool, a testing tool, a slickline tool, a wireline tool, an autonomous tool, a tubing conveyed perforating tool, and any combination thereof.
Abstract:
A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.
Abstract:
At least one crack designator for a perforating gun, wherein the gun includes a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and at least one scallop, wherein each crack designator is capable of redirecting crack growth from the lateral direction to the longitudinal direction of the gun. The designator may be located in one of the scallops, extend from an expected exit hole in the gun to an edge of one of the scallops, and be capable of redirecting crack growth from a lateral direction to a longitudinal direction of the gun. In preferred embodiments, the designator in each scallop is arranged in a spider pattern or concentric circles. The designator is preferably formed by machining, etching, or laser ablation. The designator may have a lower fracture toughness or lesser stiffness than surrounding material of the gun.
Abstract:
An apparatus for restraining the movement of a gun charge holder within a gun tube including a snap ring with an alignment end that engages an end fitting and the gun tube simultaneously, the snap ring further comprising a grounding hole to facilitate the grounding of the electronics and detonation devices within the gun charge holder.