Abstract: An acoustic well logging system is provided for measuring the speed of propagation of all acoustic wave propagation modes of earth formations penetrated by a borehole simultaneously. A linearly changing frequency swept acoustic signal is generated and received at a spaced distance apart in a borehole. The received signal is mixed in a product forming device with the transmitted signal. Mixer product signals are low pass filtered to remove high frequency components and the resultant signals spectrum analyzed. Frequency spectra components may then be interpreted directly in terms of speed of propagation of various acoustic energy wave propagation modes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring conditions in a fluid flow path so that the composition and operation of the flow path can be determined is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid flow detector, such as a gas flow logging tool, which detects the velocity at which a fluid, such as a gas, flows along the fluid flow path, such as a gas injection conduit used in a gas lift program for extracting oil from a well. The monitoring apparatus also includes a pressure detector and a temperature detector. Each of these detectors provides a respective electrical signal to a recorder unit, such as a strip chart recorder, for creation thereby of respective logs. The logs generated by the recorder unit permit qualitative and quantitative analyses of identifiable fluid flow path phenomena, such as the locations of valves and the volumetric flow of the fluid, to be made.

Abstract: A reverse circulation valve includes a cylindrical housing having an open longitudinal passageway disposed therethrough and a circulating port and a power port disposed through a wall thereof. A valve mandrel is slidably received in the housing and movable from a closed position closing the circulating port to an open position opening the circulating port. The valve mandrel includes an annular piston received in the housing for moving the valve mandrel from its closed position to its open position. The power port communicates the piston with a pressure exterior of the housing. A frangible restraining structure is located between the valve mandrel and the cylindrical housing for restraining movement of the valve mandrel from its closed position to its open position until the pressure exterior of the housing exceeds a predetermined value, and for frangibly releasing the valve mandrel when said pressure exterior of the housing exceeds said predetermined value.

Abstract: Foamed high viscosity aqueous inorganic acid solutions and methods of treating subterreanean well formations using such solutions are provided. The foamed acid solutions are comprised of water, at least one water soluble inorganic acid, a gelling-foaming agent comprised of a solution of a water soluble organic solvent and an ethoxylated fatty amine or a mixture of such amines and an inert gas.

Abstract: High viscosity acidic treating fluids comprised of aqueous acid solutions containing zirconium cross-linked hydrophilic organic polymers are provided having improved viscosity and temperature stability properties. Methods of forming such acidic treating fluids and treating subterranean well formations therewith are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of chemically retarding the reaction rates of acidizing fluids on calcareous formations and chemically retarded acidizing compositions are provided.

Abstract: A plug for sealing the end of conductor pipe of off-shore platforms comprising a cylindrical housing filled with a core of cementitious material, the housing being fixed to the end of the conductor pipe. A method of installing the conductor pipe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A density measuring apparatus includes a container for holding a fluid to be tested, a balance arm having a first end attached to the container, a fulcrum for supporting the balance arm, and a balance weight slidably disposed on the balance arm. The balance arm has an inverted channel shape cross-section defined by a top portion and first and second side portions depending downwardly from the top portion. First and second tabs extend downwardly from the first and second side portions and have first and second downward opening recesses disposed therein, respectively. A knife edge of the fulcrum engages the recesses of the tabs so that the balance arm is supported thereby. Approximately one-third of the length of the balance arm adjacent the container includes a longitudinally extending rib member located intermediate of the first and second side portions and depending downward from the top portion of the balance arm.

Abstract: A grout distribution system for grouting the interior of a piling driven through a jacket leg of a marine platform or grouting the interior of a similar cylindrical structure.

Abstract: A drill pipe tester valve includes a spherical valve member supported from an upward facing surface of a housing so that downward forces exerted on the valve member in its closed position, due to fluid pressure in a string of pipe above the valve member, are transmitted substantially entirely to said housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cementing an oil well borehole from a floating vessel. A sliding sleeve cementing valve is adapted to be interconnected with a casing string. A drill string to be lowered into the casing string includes a drill pipe, an opening positioner connected to the drill pipe for opening the cementing valve, an anchor connected to the opening positioner to provide sufficient resistance between the drill string and casing string to operate a motion compensator on the floating vessel, and an isolation packer connected to the anchor.

Abstract: A drill pipe tester valve includes a spherical valve member supported from an upward facing surface of a housing so that downward forces exerted on the valve member in its closed position, due to fluid pressure in a string of pipe above the valve member, are transmitted substantially entirely to said housing. A latching device is provided for latching the spherical valve member in its closed position as the string of pipe and tester valve are lowered into a well and for subsequently releasing the spherical valve member and allowing it to move to its open position when the string of pipe and tester valve are finally positioned within the well.

Abstract: A method for developing an acoustical well log which displays the frequency content of a broad spectrum acoustical signal by discrete windows of the frequency spectrum, the final display being developed concurrently with the taking of the log and being shown with respect to depth. The method employs a spectrum analyzer and, in a single receiver embodiment, a correction circuit for compensating for attenuation introduced by the communication cable from the well-logging sonde to the surface where the recordings are produced. A two receiver embodiment develops and displays the frequency content as amplitude differences at a plurality of frequencies, automatically compensating for cable attenuation.

Abstract: An acoustic well-logging transmitting transducer employing a transmitter portion comprising stacked piezoceramic rings and a resonating metallic plate, the dimension of which determines the frequency, and a conical acoustic reflector for causing reflections to impinge omnidirectionally on the wall of the borehole at an angle to enhance shear wave component propagation. A receiving portion of similar construction can also be employed.

Abstract: Gelled oil base compositions useful in the fracturing of subterranean formations are prepared by incorporating aluminum salts of one or more oxaalkyl phosphates and/or oxaalkyl alkyl phosphates in an oil base fluid. The salts can be formed separately followed by addition of the salt to the oil, or the salt can be formed in situ by separately adding to the oil, the phosphoric acid ester and an aluminum compound which then react to form the salt. In the usage of these compositions for fracturing a subterranean formation, the composition is pumped into an oil or gas well, and from the well bore into the formation to form and propagate a fracture in the formation.

Abstract: A seal system for a wellhead isolation tool diffuser utilizing elastomeric cup-shaped seals installed on the exterior of the diffuser, which is inserted into the production tubing at the wellhead. After insertion of the diffuser, the production tubing is pressurized, and the seals are set against the interior of the production tubing by the pressure in the well, effecting a tight seal.

Abstract: A well testing assembly includes a pressure limiter located between a downhole pump and an inflatable packer. The pressure limiter includes a housing having first and second housing parts and having an inflation passage disposed therein for communicating a discharge of the downhole pump with the inflatable packer. A clutch is connected between the first and second housing parts. A biasing spring biases the clutch toward an engaged position. A piston is operatively associated with the clutch and communicated with the inflation passage for overcoming the biasing spring and moving the clutch to a disengaged position at a predetermined fluid pressure level within the inflation passage.

Abstract: High viscosity acidic treating fluids comprised of aqueous acid solutions containing zirconium cross-linked hydrophilic organic polymers are provided having improved viscosity and temperature stability properties. Methods of forming such acidic treating fluids and treating subterranean well formations therewith are also provided.

Abstract: A pile wiper assembly for use on the jacket leg or pile sleeve of a marine platform comprising a pile wiper member and pair of annular plates for retaining the same on the jacket leg or pile sleeve, the pile wiper member comprising an elastomeric member having first reinforcing means throughout, second reinforcing means extending from the peripheral portion into the sealing portion terminating at substantially the diameter of the pile inserted therethrough and, if desired, third reinforcing means extending from the peripheral portion into the sealing portion terminating intermediate the diameter of the pile inserted therethrough and the internal diameter of the annular flat plates.