Abstract: A method for drilling offshore wells in deep water with greater safety and with fewer casing strings, maintaining a maximum diameter wellbore in the early stages of drilling to facilitate casing operations in and beyond deviated sections, and providing full well control while setting surface casing. This method utilizes a two-riser system for drilling in which the surface casing interval is run and set within a large diameter, light duty riser. Thereafter, drilling proceeds with a heavy duty riser.

Abstract: A method and system for flue gas recirculation is disclosed which will minimize NOx production from hydrocarbon combustion. In the present invention a furnace having an oxygen-bearing primary source of combustion air, a mixing chamber, a combustion chamber in downstream communication with the mixing chamber and an exhaust section downstream of the combustion chamber is provided with a flue gas recirculation line. The recirculation line establishes communication between the exhaust section and the mixing chamber for the return of combustion products as a secondary source of combustion air which is relatively lean in oxygen and is combined with the primary source of combustion air in the mixing chamber. The ratio of flow rates for the primary and secondary sources of combustion air is controlled by a signal generated by a sensor which senses the oxygen concentration in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A method and system for flue gas recirculation is disclosed which will minimize NOx production from hydrocarbon combustion. In the present invention a furnace having an oxygen-bearing primary source of combustion air, a mixing chamber, a combustion chamber in downstream communication with the mixing chamber and an exhaust section downstream of the combustion chamber is provided with a flue gas recirculation line. The recirculation line establishes communication between the exhaust section and the mixing chamber for the return of combustion products as a secondary source of combustion air which is relatively lean in oxygen and is combined with the primary source of combustion air in the mixing chamber. The ratio of flow rates for the primary and secondary sources of combustion air is controlled by a signal generated by a sensor which senses the oxygen concentration in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Both an offshore platform mating system and method are disclosed in which adjacent first and second jacket sections are provided with a plurality of corresponding docking poles and receptacles, respectively. Alignment of the adjacent jacket sections is facilitated by using at least one extended or lead docking pole on the first jacket section which projects further toward the second jacket section than do the other docking poles and is thus the first to engage one of the horizontally aligned receptacles when the first and second jacket sections vertically approach. Mating procedures for the first and second jacket sections continue with rotational alignment of the first and second jacket sections about the lead docking pole which acts as a pivot while alignment of the other receptacles is adjusted with respect to the other docking poles.

Abstract: A device for measuring the level of liquid fuel in a tank of the type in which one marks the hollow distance between the surface of the liquid and a horizontal reference plane made near an opening that gives access to the tank. The device includes a depth gauge containing a reference base, a mobile rule and means for measuring the relative displacement of the rule relative to the base; means for support against the reference plane of the tank integral with the reference base of the gauge; an optical probe containing static means for detection of liquid at a predetermined level and means for display that can indicate the presence or absence of liquid at this predetermined level, this optical probe being integral with the mobile rule of the gauge.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly is disclosed which accepts a downhole tool run on a wireline within an injection bore in which a central wellhead member has an injection port in communication with the injection bore upstream of an isolation valve within the injection bore. A stinger in the injection bore is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The extended position of the stinger protects the wireline and the retracted position permits the downhole tool to be withdrawn upstream of the isolation valve.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a gravity influenced liquid distribution within a substantially horizontal header which receives a liquid-vapor mixture in annular flow from a supply line and divides that single stream into multiple streams, each flowing through a branchline to deliver substantially uniform quality liquid-vapor mixture to a nearby site. The header is substantially horizontal and each branchline is connected to the periphery of the header further downstream and relatively lower on the periphery of the header than the preceding branchline.

Abstract: A method for upgrading coal in-situ is disclosed in which a treatment zone is established around an energy source placed in a cavity within a coal seam and the pore structure of the coal substantially irreversibly collapses as moisture is driven off. The energy source provides either evaporative energy such as heat or a combination of heat and pressure in-situ. Resorption of water returning to the treatment zone during cooling of the coal prior to mining is limited due to the pore collapse.

Abstract: A quick release grouting valve system is disclosed in which the valve system is provided in a first portion and a second portion which are joined together by a locking mechanism which is releasable by ROV manipulation of a protruding release handle relative to and adjacent protruding stationary handle.

Abstract: A column for separating a liquid from a gas by means of a horizontal liquid coalescer and a centrifugal liquid separator is improved by positioning the coalescer below the centrifugal separator and extending both these devices over the whole cross section of the column.

Abstract: A utility bridge suitable for connecting offshore facilities such as offshore platforms is disclosed in which a plurality of helical pipelines provide flow communication between the facilities and relative movement of the facilities in response to environmental forces is provided for by helical pipelines with torsion expansion loops supported by a substantially rigid frame of the utility bridge which has means to prevent coupling of dynamic forces between the respective offshore facilities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control circuit for dual function electrical appliances such as multi-speed ceiling fans having light fixtures. The circuit uses the hot line of a cable to carry power to the appliance and to carry two distanct signals for remote control thereof. A two button switch intercepts the hot line at a convenient position and provides means for selectively half-wave rectifying AC current therein. Two independent signals, positive and negative pulses, are produced at the two button switch and transmitted to the appliance through the hot line of the cable. These signals are received in control circuitry within the appliance housing which senses the pulses, identifies whether each pulse is positive or negative and counts the number of pulses in both the positive and negative phase caused by toggling the two button switch.

Abstract: A semi-submersible vessel is disclosed in which a side wall which is continuous in the horizontal direction connects an underwater buoyant pontoon hull to an operating deck located above the water surface. In operation the side wall is subject to moderate cyclic fatigue stresses only, thereby increasing the useful life of the vessel.