Abstract: A tubular element can be expanded using an expander tool that includes a flexible sleeve having an outer diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the tubular element, a cone expander section on which the sleeve is mounted and an elongate mandrel. The cone expander section includes a first cone having a first narrow end that fits inside the sleeve and that increases in diameter from the first narrow end to a maximum at a base that is greater than the inner diameter of the sleeve but less than the inner diameter of the tubular element. The expander tool can be positioned at a predetermined location in the tubular element, fixed in place, and the expander section can be urged through the sleeve to expand the sleeve and thus the tubular element.

Abstract: A close-tolerance expandable bow spring centralizer 8 having a first expandable collar 10A coupled to and spaced apart from a second expandable collar 10B through a plurality of bow springs 30 wherein expandable collars 10A, 10B comprise a plurality of slidably coupled links 16 that separate to expand the diameter of the collars 10A, 10B, e.g., upon expansion of an expandable pipe string 80 on which the centralizer 8 is received. Expandable bow spring centralizer 8 may grip the expandable pipe string 80 when in the collapsed configuration to eliminate the need for a stop collar. Additionally or alternatively, a fin 32 may be connected to each bow spring 30, and then connected to one or more adjacent fins 32 upon collapse of the bow springs 30 to form a restraining band 39 that may be ruptured, e.g., upon expansion of the expandable pipe string 80.

Abstract: A radial expansion system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a (1?3)-?-D-glucan as an emulsion stabilizer. The present invention further relates to emulsions comprising a (1?3)-?-D-glucan in an amount of 0.01 to 10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the emulsion. The present invention also relates to bitumen binder compositions comprising a (1?3)-?-D-glucan in an amount of 0.005 to less than 0.1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the bitumen binder composition. The present invention further relates to emulsions comprising a novel biodegradable emulsifying agent, in particular in combination with a (1?3)-?-D-glucan.

Abstract: A connection apparatus for connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure. The connection apparatus may include a soil reinforcing element configured to be coupled to a facing anchor having a pair of longitudinally extending portions connected by a transverse member, wherein the soil reinforcing element may be inserted into an opening created by the pair of longitudinally extending portions, seated near or adjacent to the transverse member, and be secured therein by means of a clasp. The connection apparatus allows the soil reinforcing element to swivel in at least one horizontal plane, thus being capable of avoiding obstructions in the MSE mass.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the production of hydrocarbons from a wellbore. One or more combination tools can be disposed along a casing string inserted into a wellbore. Each combination tool can contain a body having a bore formed therethrough; a sliding sleeve at least partially disposed in the body; one or more openings disposed about the body at a first end thereof; and a valve assembly and a valve seat assembly at least partially disposed within the bore at a second end thereof. While initially permitting free bi-directional flow of fluids within the casing string, the sliding sleeve within each combination tool can be manipulated to close the valve within the tool, thus permitting pressure testing of the casing string. The sliding sleeve can be further manipulated to open the one or more openings thereby permitting hydraulic fracturing and production of a hydrocarbon zone surrounding the combination tool.

Abstract: A method of making a turbomachine part, wherein the can include machining a blank into a base having blades extending therefrom, the blades defining a channel therebetween. The method can also include forming a bridge in the channel between the blades, and forming a cover on the tops of the blades and over the channel, such that the base, the blades, and the cover form a single substantially homogenous turbomachine part once the bridge is removed.

Abstract: A seal assembly is for a compressor including a casing having first and second chambers and a shaft extending through the casing between the two chambers. The seal assembly includes a main body disposed about the shaft and between the two chambers and having a central axis, an inner surface spaced radially outwardly from the shaft to form a seal chamber. Annular sealing members are connected with the main body and extend radially from the body inner surface toward the shaft, the sealing members preventing flow between the first and second chambers through the seal chamber. A separator is coupled with the shaft adjacent to the main body and has separation passages fluidly connecting one of the two chambers with the seal chamber, each passage extending radially with respect to the shaft axis so as to direct liquids and solids contacting the passage inner surface away from the seal chamber.

Abstract: A technique for refurbishing nozzle diaphragm sections of a gas turbine replaces an eroded section of the nozzle diaphragm with a replacement part designed to engage a slot machined in the nozzle diaphragm. The replacement part is formed of a material with capable of sustained exposure to higher temperature than the original eroded section, and with a similar coefficient of expansion as the material used for manufacture the original nozzle diaphragm. The combination of the nozzle diaphragm and the replacement part conform to the original manufacturer's dimensional specifications for the nozzle diaphragm.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing corrosion in a turbomachine. The method may include providing a process gas to a condenser, wherein the process gas contains a condensate having a pH level that is acidic. The condenser may be configured to remove at least a portion of the condensate from the process gas. Any condensate that is not removed is a remaining condensate. The method may further include increasing the pH level of the remaining condensate to above about 4 by mixing the process gas and the remaining condensate with an amount of pH modifier to form a mixture, and directing the mixture to a compressor coupled to the condenser, wherein the compressor is configured to compress the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member using a lower expansion cone and an upper expandable cone. The apparatus includes an expandable tubular, a support member releasably secured to the expandable tubular, and an extendable section below where the support member is releasably anchored. An upper expandable cone is attached to the extendable section and in a retracted state and an anchor is disposed below the upper expandable cone. The anchor is releasable from below the upper expandable cone. A lower expansion cone is disposed below the anchor. An expansion sleeve is disposed in the lower end of the expandable tubular. The lower expansion cone is configured to expand the expansion sleeve radially outward to an outer diameter greater than the inside diameter of the expandable tubular when axially displaced downward by the extendable section.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system, method and device executes a thermodynamic cycle using a working fluid in a working fluid circuit which has a high pressure side and a low pressure side.

Abstract: An integrated and hybrid energy provider and storage device system for enhancing the energy efficiency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions particularly for systems that utilize energy in a discrete and discontinuous manner, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles is provided. The system provides automated means to generate power, distribute the preferably locally generated power to a multiplex array of energy storage devices in a dynamic manner. The system, when utilizing dynamic algorithms, preferably meets the complex demands of often conflicting energy storage device requirements and real-time demand loads in-conjunction with dynamic switching between energy storage devices to enhance the performance and effectiveness that is beneficial to both the aggregate energy efficiency and the individual owner demands of each energy storage device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing glycerol into one or more useful products are provided. The method can include decreasing a pH of a mixture comprising glycerol and fatty acids to produce an emulsion comprising a glycerol-rich portion and a fatty acids-rich portion. At least a portion of the glycerol-rich portion can be reacted with at least one of an oxidant and a catalyst at conditions sufficient to produce a reacted product comprising glyceric acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A fluid channeling device including a channeling body, an axial transfer channel, and a radial outlet channel. The channeling body includes first and second annular body sections spaced axially apart and a tubular body section extending between the first and second body sections. The axial transfer channel is defined axially through the channeling body, and is configured to fluidly couple a first compression assembly with a second compression assembly. The radial outlet channel is defined radially through the channeling body and is configured to fluidly couple the second compression assembly with an outlet.

Abstract: A connector spool system for connecting a first component and a second component of an industrial compression system includes a connector spool having a substantially cylindrical shape. The spool includes an axial end and a flange at the axial end, the flange defining a radial surface for positioning proximate the first component. A spacer is positioned between the flange of the spool and the first component, the spacer including radial surfaces for providing uniform compressive force transmission between the spool and the first component.

Abstract: A separator is for a turbomachine, preferably a compressor including a casing, a primary compressor shaft with an impeller disposed within the casing, and a drive shaft connectable with the compressor shaft. The separator includes a coupler having a central axis and being configured to connect the drive shaft with the compressor shaft such that the rotation of the driver shaft rotates the coupler and connected compressor shaft. A separation surface extends circumferentially about the axis so as to at least partially define a flow passage for a fluid stream, the separation surface being disposed either generally within or generally about the coupler. The separation surface is connected with the coupler such that rotation of at least one of the two shafts rotates the separation surface generally about the axis so that liquid within the fluid stream contacting the separation surface is separated from the fluid stream.

Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.

Abstract: An object-oriented system provides a comprehensive and integrated tool to manage, operate, analyze and inspect structures by providing 3-D visualization of the structures, a database interface, connectivity with one or more databases, a data display and analysis capabilities. The structural model is stored as an object-oriented, serialized file as a series of objects, including primitives, coordinates, object names, group names and other object identifiers. The system integrates various types of data, including tabulated textual data, annotated engineering drawings, photographic records, graphical plots, audio and videotaped records, from different tables and databases. Data are displayed to the user based on queries that the user submits to the system, which queries are evaluated at run-time. As a result, the user achieves unparalleled flexibility in data analysis and evaluation.