Abstract: A cap for covering an open upper end of a subsea structure includes a base and a body. The base has a size, after shrinkage, at least slightly larger than the exterior of the open upper end of the subsea structure. The body is connected to the base and projects downward from the base. The body has an open bottom. The cap is positioned over the open upper end of the subsea structure with the base of the cap resting on the open upper end of the subsea structure and the body of the cap forms a wall around the exterior of the open upper end of the subsea structure for inhibiting the cap from slipping off the open upper end of the subsea structure.

Abstract: A method of reducing smoke and particulate emissions from steam boilers and process heaters operating on liquid petroleum fuel by adding a fuel additive which contains an oil-dispersible iron compound and an over-based magnesium compound to liquid petroleum fuel.

Abstract: Biodegradable chelating agents comprising a substituted iminodisuccinic acid having six coordination sites and a simplified method for making same are disclosed. The method calls for mixing together an acid anhydride or lactone with a polyfunctional amine to obtain an amide which is further reacted with an amine. The chelating agents are particularly useful for agricultural applications such as fertilizers.

Abstract: A method of reducing smoke and particulate emissions from an exhaust gas from a compression-ignited reciprocating engine by adding a fuel additive that contains an oil-soluble iron compound and an over-based magnesium compound to liquid petroleum fuel.

Abstract: A real-time method is disclosed for maintaining subterranean formation stability through monitoring the interaction between the formation and fluids introduced into (or produced from) a wellbore penetrating the formation. The method employs real-time wellbore (in)stability logging methodology. The method is exemplified by a Pore Pressure Transmission (PPT) test. In such test, test fluids are exposed to Pierre II shales (20% w/w NaCl solution and sodium silicate fluid with 20% w/w NaCl, for example) in a PPT apparatus. Membrane efficiency of the two fluids when exposed to the outcrop shale is calculated, and based on the simultaneous acquisition of acoustic data, estimation of a dynamic rock property is made.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for drilling a wellbore employing a drilling fluid providing the advantages of easy pumpability of a low viscosity fluid with the drill cuttings suspension capability of a highly viscous fluid. The viscosity of the fluid is also easily and quickly adjustable so that the fluid rheology may be adapted during drilling as the subterranean conditions change. These advantages are obtained by including in said fluid a reversibly crosslinkable polymer and an encapsulated crosslink activator. The crosslink activator causes crosslinking after the fluid is in the wellbore. The crosslinking is reversed at the well surface to reduce the viscosity of the fluid to enable the drill cuttings to be easily removed. Crosslink activator is added back to the fluid and the fluid is returned to the borehole. The amount of crosslink activator and/or crosslinkable polymer may be adjusted in the fluid to change the fluid rheology to conform the fluid to changes in the well conditions as monitored real time.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly method and composition is provided for removing hydrogen sulphide from fluids at high pH. The method and composition are particularly suited for removing hydrogen sulphide from drilling fluids used in drilling boreholes in hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formations, and are suitable for use with any drilling fluid, including polymer based drilling fluids. The sulphide scavenger used in the method and composition is a ferrous gluconate, an organic iron chelating agent stable at pH as high as 11.5, the pH preferred for drilling fluids that may encounter hydrogen sulphide. Further, this additive has been found to enhance the resilience of the rheological properties of drilling fluids to hot rolling and comparable field conditions.

Abstract: A method is described for using an electro-rheological fluid as a drilling and completion fluid or as a well service or fracturing fluid. By adjusting the viscosity of the fluid through application of an electrical potential to the fluid, the fluid has enhanced flexibility and multiplicity of purpose over prior art fluids.

Abstract: Drill cuttings slurries and the like are transported by high pressure pumping the slurry through an extended pipeline, if necessary after treatment of the slurry to render it suitable for high pressure pumping. Apparatus for pumping the slurry includes a tank for receiving the slurry to be pumped, means for agitating the slurry in the tank to mix it, and a high pressure pump for receiving slurry from the tank for pumping away from the tank.

Abstract: An electrically conductive oil mud meeting the fluid requirements for resistive logging tools and a method for preparing such mud is disclosed. The fluid has been optimized to deliver performance in a manner as similar to that of a traditional invert emulsion drilling fluid as is practical while still maintaining the required electrical conductivity for resistivity-based logging tools. This electrically conductive oil-based mud comprises a polar synthetic ester base and complimentary ester surfactants, one being more oil soluble, the other being more water soluble. The surfactants interact synergistically to provide dense packing of micelles at the palisade layer. This fluid is oil-wetting to solids, and in general behaves like a traditional oil mud.

Abstract: A new method for evaluating the efficiency of a sweep for removing cuttings from a borehole in a subterranean formation during a drilling operation. The method evaluates sweep efficiency on a “mass in” versus “mass out” basis. The method uses downhole density readings taken with a pressure-while-drilling tool inserted in the drill string. Measurements of hydrostatic pressure are converted into equivalent circulating density measurements which in turn are used in calculating the sweep efficiency. The method affords real time estimates at the wellsite of the quantity of formation cuttings brought out of a wellbore by a sweep.

Abstract: A new composition for a spotting fluid and a method of using such spotting fluid for freeing differential stuck pipe in a subterranean well drilling operation is disclosed. The composition comprises an invert water-in-oil emulsion comprising iso-butyl oleate as its external phase and glycerin as the internal phase. In an alternative embodiment, calcium chloride and water may be substituted for glycerin.

Abstract: A method and product is disclosed which provides emulsion stability and filtration control to invert emulsion drilling fluids. The product comprises a blend of a carboxylic acid terminated polyamide and a mixture produced by the Diels-Alder reaction of dienophiles, preferably carboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, acid anhydrides, or combinations or mixes thereof, with a mixture of fatty acids and resin acids. The product is extremely effective, decreasing by about two-thirds the amount of emulsifier generally required to formulate an effective drilling fluid. The product also greatly reduces and in many cases eliminates the need for conventional fluid loss additives, and additionally provides electrical stability. Moreover, the product has a pour point as low as about 20 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal solvents, thereby eliminating the need to ship large amounts of inert material for use, and may be transported in a highly active state.

Abstract: A sawhorse is disclosed that provides stability, easy assembly and disassembly, and ability to handle heavy loads and is inexpensive to manufacture. Brackets that have a C-shaped collar for holding the ends of a cross member and leg receptacles for holding standard dimension lumber used for legs of the sawhorse. All pieces are designed to spread the forces of the load. An optional elevation bar helps facilitate the cutting of material without cutting through the sawhorse.

Abstract: A real-time method is disclosed for maintaining subterranean formation stability through monitoring the interaction between the formation and fluids introduced into (or produced from ) a wellbore penetrating the formation. The method employs real-time wellbore (in)stability logging methodology. The method is exemplified by a Pore Pressure Transmission (PPT) test. In such test, test fluids are exposed to Pierre II shales (20% w/w NaCl solution and sodium silicate fluid with 20% w/w NaCl, for example) in a PPT apparatus. Membrane efficiency of the two fluids when exposed to the outcrop shale is calculated, and based on the simultaneous acquisition of acoustic data, estimation of a dynamic rock property is made.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for measuring or analyzing dynamic and static sag caused by settling of weighting materials in drilling fluids or other solids bearing fluid. The apparatus comprises a tube and shear shaft assembly that allows for a controlled rate of shear to be applied to a sample of the fluid for testing. During a test, the assembly is placed on a pivotal holder at an angle. The assembly has pistons at the pivot center of the assembly which accommodate expansion and contraction of the test fluid due to changes in temperature and pressure, thereby allowing the test fluid to be heated, cooled and pressurized to simulate subterranean wellbore conditions without changing the center of mass of the test fluid. When weight material settles down the inclined assembly, the center of mass of the assembly changes resulting in changing torque or moment about the pivotal holder. The resultant moment is measured by energizing external coils arranged to provide a uniform magnetic field.

Abstract: A well service fluid and method using same for brine-sensitive formations is disclosed. The fluid is an invert oil emulsion comprising heavy, solids-free brine, an oil or synthetic, and sufficient emulsifier to create the emulsion. The fluid has particular applicability in gravel packing a horizontal well.

Abstract: Drilling fluid additives are designed to increase the density of drilling fluids while minimizing the increase in the resistance to flow of the drilling fluid. In particular, barite particles are added to the drilling fluid as a weight material where the barite particles include at least 85% by weight particles less than 75 microns and greater than 6 microns in equivalent spherical diameter.