Abstract: Transmitting and receiving coils for radio frequency (RF) dielectric well logging are shielded in copper enclosures to substantially remove unwanted electrostatic or capacitive signals introduced by the conductive fluids in the well bore.

Abstract: A partial oxidation control system for continuously producing synthesis gas, fuel gas or reducing gas in which one process fuel is replaced by a different fuel without shutting down or depressurizing the gas generator. Suitable burners for introducing the feedstreams into the gas generator comprise a central conduit means radially spaced from a concentric coaxial outer conduit having a downstream exit nozzle, and providing a coaxial annular passage means therebetween. The central conduit means may be retracted upstream from the burner face a distance of about 0 to 12 and preferably 3 to 10 times the minimum diameter of the central exit orifice. A premix zone is preferably provided comprising one or more, say 2 to 5 coaxial chambers in series where substantial mixing of the reactant streams and optionally volatilization of the slurry medium takes place.

Abstract: A spacer for use in a deep well that is to have a submersible pump situated downhole and with a string of tubing attached to the pump for delivering the pumped fluid. The pump is electrically driven, and power is supplied via an armored cable which parallels the string of tubing. Spacers are clamped to the cable and have the tubing running through an eccentrically located passage in each spacer. The outside dimensions of a spacer fit freely inside any casing in the well.

Abstract: Steam dehydrocyclization of paraffinic hydrocarbons to aromatic hydrocarbons is effected in the presence of supported catalyst, typically bearing rhodium and preferably chromium and potassium, and characterized by a pH less than about 8.

Abstract: Trim control of a partial oxidation gas generator for the production of synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas is effected by two improved control schemes which are automatically operated separately or in sequence. The control systems include sensors sensing the flow rate of the feedstreams and analyzers which provide signals corresponding to the wt. % carbon in the effluent gas quench cooling and scrubbing water for use in controlling the particulate carbon in the effluent gas stream, and/or signals corresponding to the mole fractions of CO.sub.2, CH.sub.4, CO and H.sub.2 (dry basis) in the cooled and cleaned effluent gas stream for use in controlling the temperature in the reaction zone.

Abstract: Trim control of a partial oxidation gas generator for the production of synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas is effected by two improved control schemes which are automatically operated separately or in sequence. The control systems include sensors sensing the flow rate of the feedstreams and analyzers which provide signals corresponding to the wt. % carbon in the effluent gas quench cooling and scrubbing water for use in controlling the particulate carbon in the effluent gas stream, and/or signals corresponding to the mole fraction of CH.sub.4 (dry basis) in the cooled and cleaned effluent gas stream for use in controlling the temperature in the reaction zone. The signals from the sensors and analyzers are provided to the system control unit which computes values that represent the relative difference between the actual and desired carbon-make and/or the actual temperature in the reaction zone, and the relative difference between the actual and desired temperature in the reaction zone.

Abstract: A novel catalyst, possessing phase transfer properties contains an alumina or silica substrate bearing poly(oxyethylene) or poly(oxypropylene) moieties bonded through a silicon atom to the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the temperature in a subsurface earth formation that is being heated in situ by subjection to a radio frequency electromagnetic field. It includes lowering a maximum registering thermometer into the formation on a non-conductive flexible line, and holding it there long enough to reach the ambient temperature at that location. Then, the thermometer is raised to the surface fast enough to avoid any significant change on the way up to read that registered maximum.

Abstract: A method, when practiced, enhances seismic data so as to suppress noise in the seismic data. The seismic data was generated in a conventional manner by at least one receiver apparatus whose position does not substantially change. The method includes combining at least two elementary seismograms to form noise seismograms containing little or none of the desired signal. The number of different noise seismograms so derived is at least equal to the number of elementary seismograms to be combined to form a final seismogram. The probability distribution of noise is determined for each trace of the noise seismograms from the probability distributions of noise in the traces of the noise seismograms. The most probable form of the desired signals is derived from the probability distribution of noise in the traces of the elementary seismograms to provide the enhanced seismic data.

Abstract: A method for disposing of a halogenated organic material includes the steps of partially oxidizing the halogenated organic material, a hydrocarbonaceous material, and a nitrogen compound with a free-oxygen containing gas and optionally with a temperature moderator in a synthesis gas generator under partial oxidation conditions. The partial oxidation produces a synthesis gas containing, among others, hydrogen halide and ammonia. The synthesis gas is then contacted with a quench medium which dissolves the hydrogen halide into the quench medium. The hydrogen halide and quench medium can be disposed of by the addition of a base to form a readily disposed metal salt of the halide.

Abstract: A method of measuring the rate of corrosion of a metallic structure that is subjected to a corrosive ambience. It subjects a thin metallic enclosure to the same ambience as the metallic structure is subjected to. The thin enclosure is subjected to the ambience on one side, while it maintains a different condition on the other side of the enclosure. Then, it detects a change when the different condition is no longer maintained due to the thin enclosure having corroded through.A probe for detecting the corrosion rate of metallic piping or the like. It includes a thin metal enclosure mounted with one side subjected to the corrosive ambience acting upon the piping. There is means for subjecting the other side of the thin enclosure to a condition that is different from that of the corrosive ambience. And, there is a means for detecting a change of the different condition when the thin metal enclosure corrodes through.

Abstract: Hot gases containing ash and char which pass through an undesirable viscous, sticky phase on cooling through an intermediate temperature range, are cooled in a first cooling zone including a falling film of cooling liquid and a spray of cooling liquid followed by contact with a body of cooling liquid and subsequent mixing therewith.

Abstract: A method for improving signal-to-noise ratio in seismic surveying. It involves generating a series of seismic charges at time spaced intervals but at the same location. A single record is made having a time duration sufficient to cover the maximum reflection time of interest plus the total time for the series of charges. And, thereafter, the record is processed by Fourier transform of the single record to the frequency domain and by constructing frequency domain representation of the series of time intervals plus using the latter to superimpose frequency domain representations of the seismic signals resulting from each of the seismic charges. Then the processing includes inversely transforming the superimposed frequency domain representations back to the time domain.

Abstract: The present invention is a sequenced method of increasing the injectivity of oil bearing formations and increasing hydrocarbon recovery. The method of the invention is initiated by injecting an aqueous fluid at an ambient temperature into the formation through an injection well while concurrently recovering fluid at a production well. The first injection stage is followed by the injection of fluid of gradually increasing temperature until a temperature of about 75.degree.-100.degree. C. is reached. Finally, steam is injected into the formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surfactant waterflooding enhanced oil recovery process and surfactant fluid suitable for use in an enhanced oil recovery process which accomplishes an increase in the amount of oil recovered over prior art methods. The surfactant fluid contains an alkylpolyalkoxy sulfate or alkylarylpolyalkoxy sulfate, or an alkylpolyalkoxyalkylene sulfonate or alkylarylpolyalkoxyalkylene sulfonate, either alone or in combination with an organic sulfonate anionic surfactant, such as petroleum sulfonate. The optimum average degree of ethoxylation of the alkoxy sulfate or alkoxy sulfonate surfactant is identified, and the surfactant fluid is formulated with a mixture of ethoxylated and sulfated or ethoxylated and sulfonated surfactants, having a broad even range of degree of ethoxylation.

Abstract: A method or system for raising gas and liquid from a well used in in situ heating of a formation. Such heating may be done by radio frequency having an appropriate wave length in the earth e.g. about fifteen meters. The well has a production tube suspended from the well head. And, the method steps include sweeping the annulus with dry gas to drive the products up the production tube, at low flow. Also, another step is that of measuring the pressure differential between the annulus and the outlet of the production tube. And, another step is that of increasing the flow of the dry gas whenever the pressure differential exceeds a predetermined minimum. The increased flow is continued for an interval long enough to clear the liquid product that has risen in the tube and caused the differential pressure increase.

Abstract: A crude oil production stream analyzer includes a device which measures the dielectric constant of the crude oil production stream and provides a signal corresponding thereto. A densitometer provides a density signal representative of the density of the crude oil production stream. At least one constituent of the crude oil production stream is determined in accordance with the dielectric constant signal and the density signal and the temperature of the crude oil production stream which is sensed by a temperature sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for making improved pulsed neutron derived measurements of the carbon: oxygen ratio in subsurface earth formations. Plural radiation measurements are made as a function of time from the initiation of the neutron pulse to distinguish inelastic and thermal neutron interactions. These measurements are then combined in several different manners to provide an improved carbon:oxygen ratio measurement and multiple porosity and formation lithology indication measurements.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method for efficiently recovering viscous petroleum from hydrocarbon formations, particularly consolidated tar sand formations. A superheated paraffinic solvent under elevated pressure and temperature is injected into the formation. Thereafter, the formation is rapidly produced until pressure is depleted. The injection and production depletion cycle is then repeated.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a substrate with an alumina hydrate film includes a coating vessel having at least one support therein; the substrate to be coated is mounted on the support; and at least one porous or perforated container for holding aluminum metal to react with a caustic solution to form an aluminate coating solution is also mounted on the support. The apparatus can also contain means for mechanical agitation, such as a rotational stirring device. In the coating of the substrate a caustic solution is contacted with a substrate and with at least one porous container having aluminum metal therein. The aluminum metal reacts with the caustic solution to form an aluminate coating solution and then an alumina hydrate film is deposited on the substrate. The caustic solution is preferably subjected to mechanical agitation during the coating process.