Abstract:
A method and system for producing fluids, particularly hydrocarbons and water, from a subterranean well are provided. The method and system can be used in a well in which the injection zone (14B)is either above or below the production zone (12B). The method includes separating the well fluids into a hydrocarbon and a separate water stream while injecting a chemical into the well. The separator system (26B) includes a separation apparatus (36B), an injection pump (38B), and a hydrocarbon pump (46B).
Abstract:
A process for removing sulfur from a hydrocarbon employs a solid membrane (20). A feed stream is provided containing a feed liquid hydrocarbon and a feed sulfur species and a sweep stream is provided containing a sweep liquid hydrocarbon. A relatively large quantity of the feed stream is conveyed past one side of the solid membrane (20), while a relatively small quantity of the sweep stream is conveyed past the opposite side of the solid membrane (20). The feed sulfur species is transported in a permeate from the feed stream through the solid membrane to the sweep stream. As a result, the feed stream is converted to a relatively large quantity of a substantially sulfur-free reject stream containing a primary hydrocarbon product, while the sweep stream combines with the permeate to produce a relatively small quantity of a sulfur-enriched stream, which is amenable to further processing.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for perforating and stimulating a subterranean formation which is penetrated by a well bore (10) having casing (12) positioned therein so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and the well bore. A shell, sheath or sleeve (20) of propellant material is positioned so as to substantially encircle at least one shaped charge (40) in a subterranean well bore and is ignited due to the shock, heat and/or pressure generated from the detonated charge. Upon burning, the propellant material generates gases which clean perforations formed in the formation by detonation of the shaped charge(s) and which extend fluid communication between the formation and the well bore.
Abstract:
A process is provided for preparing a catalyst system containing a catalyst support and an associated catalyst used to catalytically dehydrogenate a hydroquinone. In accordance with the process, the catalyst support is pretreated by selecting a porous alumina of silica catalyst support and contacting it with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal salt, alkaline earth metal salt, or rare earth metal salt to produce the corresponding metal oxide on the surface of the support in a quantity sufficient to reduce the acidity thereof. The metal oxide-treated support is then contacted with a metal catalyst to produce a catalyst system having enhanced utility in the selective conversion of a hydroquinone to its corresponding quinone and hydrogen gas.
Abstract:
A process for drilling and completing multiple subterranean wells from a common well bore (9) and an assembly for guiding a drill string during drilling and casing during completion of such multiple wells. The assembly comprises a wellhead (6) located at or near the surface of the earth and positioned over the common well bore (9), at least two tubulars (30, 34) positioned within the common well bore, and means positioned at said wellhead (6) for segregating and supporting the tubulars. In accordance with the process, at least one subterranean well bore is drilled through one of the tubulars (30, 34) and into a subterranean formation and hydrocarbons can be produced from the subterranean formation to the surface via production casing and/or production tubing positioned within the subterranean well bore (9). Other subterranean well bores can be drilled in a similar manner through other tubulars of the assembly.
Abstract:
Fibers are added to a gelation solution and the mixture is pumped to a subterranean injection site where it gels in place. The gelation solution is preferably comprised of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide polymer and a crosslinking agent, while the fibers are those which do not interfere with the gelation process and can provide adequate reinforcement while not adversely affecting the ability of the solution to be pumped and injected. Glass fibers and cellulosic fibers are specifically disclosed as preferable reinforcing fibers.
Abstract:
An inflatable packer assembly for use in a subterranean well bore to isolate an interval of the well bore and/or adjacent subterranean formation for treatment. The assembly comprises a hanger assembly (100), a fluid piston assembly (20) and at least one inflatable packer (120). As constructed and positioned in the well bore, the hanger assembly and fluid piston assembly are sufficiently distant from the interval to be treated to inhibit being stuck in the well bore. By lowering and raising the tubing or drill string from which the inflatable packer assembly is suspended, the fluid piston assembly pumps well bore fluid into and from the packer to respectively inflate and deflate the packer. In this manner, the packer can be repeatedly inflated, deflated and repositioned within a well bore to treat successive intervals of the well bore.
Abstract:
Reversible crosslinked polymer gels are prepared by adding a degelling agent precursor to a gelation solution during initial preparation. The precursor is integrated into the resulting gel and undergoes hydrolysis to transform into an active degelling agent which reverses the gel. The process has specific utility to hydrocarbon recovery applications where in situ gels are difficult to contact with conventional reversing agents.
Abstract:
A process for separating a relatively high molecular polymeric sulfonate, such as a polyvinyl sulfonate, from undesirable by-products of sulfonation. An aqueous solution having a polymeric sulfonate dissolved therein is contacted with from about 7.5 to about 40 volume percent of a solvent selected from methanol, ethanol, acetone, or dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether to remove undesirable by-products of sulfonation therefrom and to enhance the molecular weight of the polymeric sulfonate.
Abstract:
A process for preventing, or at least substantially reducing, scaling in an aqueous polymer dilution apparatus by injecting carbon dioxide gas into the solution to maintain the pH of the solution in a range which tends to hold scale forming substances in solution.