A damage-resistant filter for use in subterranean wells has at least one layer of a filter medium, such as a sintered supported porous membrane, coaxially disposed about a perforated support member. The filter may also include a drainage layer disposed between the inner support member and the filter medium, and a protective covering, such as a perforated cage, surrounding the filter medium. The filter is particularly suitable for removal of sand and other particulates from fluids produced in a w...

Methods of completing a subterranean well provide access to a portion of a parent wellbore which has been closed off by a lateral wellbore liner. In a preferred embodiment, a method includes the steps of depositing cement in the lateral wellbore liner and then drilling through the cement and liner utilizing a bent motor housing conveyed on coiled tubing. The cement provides lateral support for a cutting tool while it is milling through the liner.

A method of forming a subterranean cavity communicated with the surface through a drilled hole which includes the steps of drilling a hole from the surface of the ground to the subterranean situs at which the cavity is to be located, suspending an explosive at the lower end of the hole on a flexible suspending member extended downwardly in the hole from the surface, packing the hole around the suspending member with a stemming material, detonating the explosive, and then drilling out the stemmin...

A subterranean wall drain unit including a drain pipe having openings therein and a longitudinally extending planar core defining channels normal to the pipe. Water pervious sheet material covering one face of the core and the openings in the pipe to form a filter therefor. The other face of core may be covered with a plastic sheet or other vapor barrier.

A fracturing method wherein a fluid containing particles of petroleum coke are injected into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to open a fracture therein.

A multisection shield incorporates means for subterranean excavation and for removal of excavated materials, and provides for the installation of planked lining within the shield. The apparatus is employed in a system of tunnel or conduit lining wherein floor and roof planks are prepositioned, and side wall planks are thereafter wedges in place therebetween. The apparatus further includes a forward safety bonnet operated in advance of excavation, and directional control means.

A method for acidizing a carbonate formation surrounding a well wherein a treating fluid containing an acid which on reaction with the carbonate rock forms a soluble salt and an organic acid which on reaction with the carbonate rock forms an insoluble salt is injected into the formation. An afterflush fluid is then injected into the formation to remove the insoluble salt.

A method is provided for controlling the direction of fractures produced in a subterranean formation. In this method three wells drilled in a substantially straight line are simultaneously subjected to hydraulic fracturing. First, a fracturing fluid is continuously injected into the two outside wells and while continuing said introduction, fracturing fluid is then injected into the center well until fractures while lie in a plane which is crosswise to the line of the three wells are produced.

A method is provided for drilling into and mining a subterranean deposit of granular ore. The method incorporates a drilling function, a mining function and a novel change in function between drilling and mining by imposition of a hydraulic actuating force originating from the ground surface. The method is capable of mining a granular ore deposit located in proximity with or below an aquifer without substantially removing water from the aquifer. An embodiment of the method permits the change in ...

Subterranean fluids, and more particularly, subterranean fluids comprising a hydraulic cement in an invert emulsion, and methods of using such fluids in subterranean operations, are provided. An example of these methods is a method of cementing a well bore. Another example of these methods is a method of reducing the cost to cement a well bore in a subterranean formation.