One or more subterranean zones are isolated from one or more other subterranean zones using a combination of solid tubulars and slotted tubulars.

The improved recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations by hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation is accomplished. Fracturing fluids using a viscoelastic surfactant fluid containing wormlike micelles are useful to improve recovery of hydrocarbons and limit the loss of fracturing fluid into the formation fracture face. The invention further relates to novel fracturing methods useful for increasing hydrocarbon production, limiting connate water production, resisting fracturin...

A filter for subterranean use includes a filter body containing a filter medium, and a restraining member disposed around the filter body. The inner periphery of the restraining member is sufficiently close to the outer periphery of the filter body to prevent the filter body from being damaged by radially outward forces encountered during operation of the filter within a well.

A ruggedized ultra high radio frequency antenna disposable at the rear of a hardened target penetrator warhead is provided. The antenna is usable for communicating signals from a transmitter in a deployed target penetrator warhead to a local repeater where retransmission to a more remote location can occur. The antenna includes a length-shortening and penetration abuse-resistant dielectric embedding material also supporting the subterranean signal communication to the local repeater function. An...

A bait station facilitates monitoring of termite activity based on luring termites into the bait station and causing methane gas produced by termites to accumulate for periodic monitoring with a methane detector. The bait station includes an inverted T-shape pipe with subterranean apertures for entry of ground water, draining of fluids away from the bait station containing water soluble compounds that attract termites, and entry of termites into the bait station. An exposed access port of a cont...

A drive mechanism for a subterranean boring machine includes a drive motor, primary and secondary drive wheels, a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket attached to the primary and secondary drive wheels, respectively, and a chain operatively extending between the drive sprocket and the idler sprocket. The drive mechanism is movably mounted on the sled of a subterranean boring machine that rolls along a track, the drive mechanism being biased against the track by a set of springs to cause the prim...

A method for increasing the permeability of a subterranean formation is disclosed in which an amount of an aqueous mixture, sufficient to increase the permeability of the formation, comprising specified aminopolycarboxylic anionic species, and specified cationic species, is injected into the formation matrix.

The present invention provides an apparatus for anchoring of equipment within the interior bore of a section of a subterranean well conduit, and particularly for insertion of such equipment. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing and a conically tapered surface around the exterior of the housing which is radially larger at its upper end and tapered to a radially smaller lower end. A seal body is provided which is carried exteriorly around the housing and has its interior tapered end rever...

A method for breaking the fracturing fluid comprises injecting into the subterranean formation a controlled release breaker capsule including an enclosure material enveloping a breaker. The enclosure material is sufficiently permeable to at least one fluid existing in the subterranean environment or injected with the controlled release capsule such that the breaker capsule is capable of dissolving or eroding upon sufficient exposure to the fluid, thereby releasing the breaker. Using the method o...

The present invention provides an apparatus for anchoring of equipment within the interior bore of a section of a subterranean well conduit, and particularly for insertion of such equipment. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing and a conically tapered surface around the exterior of the housing which is radially larger at its upper end and tapered to a radially smaller lower end. A seal body is provided which is carried exteriorly around the housing and has its interior tapered end rever...