A lancing device and method for self-collecting a sample of body fluid by penetrating a body tissue at a sampling site The invention includes a housing geometry configured for ease of use at different sampling sites on the body, even by persons having reduced dexterity and/or poor vision Depth of penetration is selectively controlled by adjusting the stroke range of a spring-driven lancet carrier A pressure applicator is included for stimulating flow of the body fluid A transparent portion permits observation of the sampling site

Lancing device and method of sample collection

A method for acquiring a sample of a virgin fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore surrounded by a layer of contaminated fluid is disclosed. The method includes abutting a first packer against a wall of the wellbore, and extending at least a portion of a second packer beyond the first packer, wherein the second packer is at least partially disposed in the first packer. An inlet to a first flowline is at least partially defined by the first packer, and an inlet to a second flowline is defined by the second packer. The method further includes drawing one of virgin fluid, contaminated fluid and combinations thereof into the first flowline; and drawing virgin fluid into the second flowline.

Apparatus and method for formation evaluation

A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%. Similar methods using stepwise fracturing fluids and remedial fracturing treatments are provided.

Increasing fracture complexity in ultra-low permeable subterranean formation using degradable particulate

An enclosure for housing a transducer and electronics for disposal on a downhole tool. A transducer is disposed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the enclosure, wherein the enclosure contains a fluid surrounding the transducer. Enclosures also include transducers linked to motor means for selective rotation of the transducers within the enclosure. Enclosures with transducer arrays for phased or targeted signal transmission/detection.

Enclosures for Containing Transducers and Electronics on A Downhole Tool

Particulate compositions that comprise macro-particulates, and degradable particulates in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates, the degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are fluids that comprise a liquid component, and a particulate composition, the particulate composition comprising macro-particulates and degradable particulates having a mean particle diameter of at least about 20 times smaller than the mean particle diameter of the macro-particulates, wherein the degradable particulates are present in the particulate composition in an amount sufficient to reduce friction between the macro-particulates. Methods of using the particulate compositions and fluids are also disclosed.

Degradable particulates as friction reducers for the flow of solid particulates and associated methods of use

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for simulating well bore conditions before and after cementing therein. The methods of the invention are basically comprised of the steps of circulating a drilling fluid through a closed test cell containing a permeable rock core while maintaining a selected pressure differential across the rock core to form a layer of filter cake thereon, circulating a filter cake removal fluid through the test cell to simulate the clean-up of the well bore and then determining the condition of the rock core with respect to the effectiveness of the filter cake removal fluid thereon.

Apparatus and method for simulating well bore conditions

A conventional Couette viscometer is transformed to measure yield point, also known as yield stress, and other rheology of various fluids, including ones with particulates. A rotating viscometer includes a driven portion, a responsive body, a standard spring, and a plurality of fins. The fins have predetermined shapes such that the rotating viscometer and the standard spring, connected to the responsive body having at least a portion of the fins, are sensitive to detect yield stress of a test fluid composition in response to a selected rotation imparted to the driven portion. A method of measuring yield stress includes operating a standard rotating viscometer modified with a plurality of intermeshing fins such that a standard spring of the standard rotating viscometer responds to a torque that is related to yield stress and that is imposed by a stressed test material on a portion of the fins connected to the spring.

Yield point adaptation for rotating viscometers

A device and a method for testing a viscosified fluid containing particulate indicate when the particulate is in suspension within the fluid and when it is not. The device and method stir the fluid and particulate mixture for a time during which the viscosity of the fluid changes such that during a first period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate remains suspended in the fluid and during a second period of the stirring time substantially all the particulate settles out of suspension in the fluid. A signal is generated during the first and second periods such that the signal has a characteristic that changes from the first period to the second period to indicate the change in particle carrying ability of the fluid. Other characteristics, including crosslinking time, can also be determined. A test chamber includes interacting projections extending from the inner surface of a cup receiving the fluid and from an axial support extending into the fluid in the cup.

Testing device and method for viscosified fluid containing particulate material

An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support. A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes: (a) placing a sample of a fracturing fluid and a particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support; (d) adjusting the conditions for mixing the fracturing fluid and the particulate in response to the measured torque; and (e) injecting the fluid and particulate into the well at a sufficient rate and pressure to fracture the formation.

Proppant suspension testing devices and methods of use

The present invention relates to a gel hydration tank and method for hydrating gels for use in oil well treatment operations according to which a mixture of water and gel is introduced into the interior of the tank and flows through the tank before being discharged from the tank, whereby specific devices are used to deflect and/or re-direct fluid flow so as to increase the distance traveled for a given fluid volume element, which consequently increases the plug flow efficiency of the tank.

Johnny W. Johnson

Papers

Apparatus and method for simulating well bore conditions

Yield point adaptation for rotating viscometers

Testing device and method for viscosified fluid containing particulate material

Proppant suspension testing devices and methods of use

Gel hydration tank and method