Abstract: The invention comprises a sealing body (15) separating device) which can be used to separate fluids in risers used in offshore oil production from drilling vessels at the sea surface. The invention is characterized in that the sealing body (15) can be placed in position above the wellhead (13) using several appropriate methods and, in an especially preferred application, by utilizing an installation tool (27) which is not sealing against the inner wall of the riser and which contains a suitable positioning means (28), and that the body (15) which forms a seal against the inner wall of the riser separates fluids during the replacement of drilling fluid with water and of water with drilling fluid. The body (15) can be displaced using hydraulic force upwards in the longitudinal direction of the riser in that fluid is pumped at a relatively high pressure down the externally located smaller pipes (9, 10, 11) of the riser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.

Abstract: A vibratory separator including a frame, a screen configured to connect to the frame, a first actuator coupled to the frame, and a second actuator coupled to the frame, wherein the first actuator imparts a high frequency motion to the frame, and wherein the second actuator imparts a low frequency acceleratory motion to the frame is disclosed. Also, a method for processing drilling waste including imparting a low frequency acceleratory motion to a frame of a vibratory separator and imparting a high frequency motion over the low frequency acceleratory motion is also disclosed.