Abstract: A system and method for determining multi-phase relative permeability characteristics of a porous media sample obtained from a subterranean reservoir. The porous media is placed in a confining flow cell assembly and the pressure drop across the porous media is measured during multi-phase fluid flooding. A computed tomography (CT) scanning system provides images of the density distribution within the core sample. Fluid saturation is determined from these CT images as well as from material balance and pressure drop data to determine the relative permeability of the subterranean reservoir.

Abstract: A process for use with a polymer which is crosslinkable by reaction with an amino resin, which comprises the steps of determining a period of time within which full gelation of the polymer is to be achieved; preparing a gel-forming aqueous-based mixture comprising the polymer, a rapid amino resin crosslinking agent and a delayed amino resin crosslinking agent, the gel-forming aqueous-based mixture capable of complete gelation within the period of time so determined; partially gelling the aqueous-based mixture by reacting the polymer with the rapid amino resin crosslinking agent which is effective to complete the partial gelation by crosslinking the polymer within four hours; and fully gelling the aqueous-based mixture by reacting the polymer with the delayed amino resin crosslinking agent which is effective to complete the full gelation by crosslinking the polymer within the period of time so determined. A method of enhancing the recovery of oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation is also provided.

Abstract: A method for continuously controlling the pressure in a bubble formed of a continuously extruded seamless blown thermoplastic film tubing which is being conducted generally upwardly through a cooling water bath. More particularly, the method contemplates controlling the internal bubble pressure through the intermediary of a Photohelic pressure controller which is utilized to monitor the differential prevailing between the internal bubble pressure and that of the water bath encompassing the bubble. The invention also relates to an apparatus for controlling the internal pressure of a bubble constituted from a seamless blown thermoplastic film which is extruded and conducted through an external cooling water bath, employing the method pursuant to the invention.

Abstract: An aqueous polymeric gel-forming composition capable of selectively plugging highly permeable zones in subterranean oil-bearing formations. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of an anionic acrylamide copolymer of high molecular weight, comprising about 5 to 95 weight percent of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, about 2 to 95 weight percent of N-vinyl-N-methyl acetamide and about 5 to 93 weight percent of acrylamide, and a crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of transition metal ions, phenolic resins and amino resins. The compositions of this invention will form stable gels in brines of wide-ranging salinity and are effective at the pH levels encountered in carbon dioxide and water flooding operations. Also provided is a process for selectively plugging regions of higher permeability within an oil-bearing formation to improve sweep efficiency during a fluid flood oil recovery operation.

Abstract: A method for improving the processing characteristics of a polyethylene blend comprised of at least two polyethylene components having at least one dissimilar rheological property. The method comprises the steps of (a) establishing a functional relationship between free radical generator dosage and a rheological property for at least one polyethylene component of the polyethylene blend; (b) determining a free radical generator dosage from said relationship for use with at least one polyethylene component, said dosage level sufficient to enable the polyethylene component so treated to exhibit a rheological property substantially similar to that of all components present in the blend; (c) treating at least one polyethylene component at the dosage of free radical generator determined in step (b); and (d) blending the polyethylene components in melt form. A process for the extrusion of films from blends of polyethylenes is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a grease composition comprising a major proportion of a grease, a hydroxy-containing soap thickener and a minor amount of a compound prepared by reacting a boron compound with an alkoxylated amide containing a hydrocarbyl group of 1 to 60 carbon atoms and hydrocarbylene groups of 2 to 6 carbon atoms. Sulfur and/or phosphorous compounds are also incorporated into the composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oxidized sulfurized isobutylene product having utility as an EP additive. The process comprises the steps of: reacting sulfur monochloride with a stoichiometric excess of isobutylene; reacting the product so produced with an alkali metal monosulfide and free sulfur in an alcohol-water solvent; reacting the product so produced with an aqueous solution containing an alkali metal hydroxide; and reacting the liquid sulfurized isobutylene so produced with a mild oxidizing agent under conditions sufficient to effect the appearance of new infrared frequency bands at 1300 cm.sup.-1 and 1030 cm.sup.-1 indicative of the formation of sulfoxides and sulfones and recovering a liquid oxidized sulfurized isobutylene product which is soluble in a lubricating composition.

Abstract: The severity of visbreaking of an oil is increased without increasing the instability of the product by incorporating into the feedstock a catalyst preferably supported on a porous substrate. The catalyst is the elemental form or compound of an element selected from the group consisting of selenium, tellurium and sulfur.

Abstract: A crowned packaging tray and, more particularly a high-strength, molded packaging tray for use in packaging meats, fish, poultry and other comestibles, and non-food commodities, which is adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a transparent overwrap film. The packaging tray is provided with a novel tray bottom wall incorporating a high-crowned center portion encompassed by a peripheral bottom rim providing a support surface for the tray. This raised high-crowned portion will provide for an increase in the strength of the tray, while holding up the packaged product for an enhanced aesthetic appearance thereof. The tray may be produced in a variety of configurations, including generally rectangular, square, circular or oval shapes.

Abstract: A process for recovering oil from fractured formations is provided which involves altering the wettability of the formation, particularly at the interface of the fracture and rock matrix. The process of the present invention improves the ability of injected fluids flowing in the fracture to enter the rock matrix to displace oil. When employed in conjunction with a water-wet fractured oil-bearing formation, the process comprises the steps of: injecting a wettability agent capable of transforming the water-wet fractured formation from water-wet to oil-wet; contacting the oil-wet fractured formation with the wettability agent so injected at a fracture/matrix interface; injecting an oil miscible solvent; and recovering oil. A process for use with an oil-wet fractured oil-bearing formation is also provided.

Abstract: A composition capable of selectively plugging highly permeable zones in a subterranean formation. The composition forms a gel subsequent to its injection into the formation via an injection well. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a welan gum heteropolysaccharide biopolymer produced by the fermentation of a microorganism of the genus Alcaligenes, a phenolic compound, an aldehyde and water. The compositions of this invention will form stable gels even in low salinity brines. Also provided is a process for selectively plugging regions of higher permeability within an oil-bearing subterranean formation to improve sweep efficiency during a fluid flood oil recovery process using the gel-forming compositions of this invention.

Abstract: A tool for the removal of soft packing material from fluidic equipment. The packing removal tool of the present invention comprises a shaft having first and second ends, the first end terminating in a substantially pointed tip, at least one barbed lever, pivotally mounted to said first end of said shaft and means for urging said barbed lever outward from said shaft.

Abstract: A gel-forming composition capable of plugging highly permeable zones in a subterranean formation. The composition comprises water, a water-dispersible polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and a crosslinking agent which is a mixture of an aldehyde and a phenolic component in an amount effective to cause gelation of the aqueous solution of the copolymer. The resultant gel is exceptionally thermally stable and, therefore, can be used as an effective profile control agent in all enhanced oil recovery operations, including steam flooding. Also provided is a process for recovering oil from a subterranean oil-bearing formation.

Abstract: A reusable microwaveable container having a temperature indicator mounted permanently to the side walls of the container. The temperature indicator is a liquid crystal film display device having a plurality of display devices which indicate various temperature levels. The liquid crystal films change color in response to a preset temperature such that each display changes color at incrementally increasing temperatures. The displays are reversible in that they return to their original color as the temperature decreases. Alternately, or additionally, the temperature sensing indicator may be provided on a closure lid which fits over the container, so that the temperature may be detected from steam rising from the food being cooked or heated.

Abstract: An aqueous polymeric gel-forming composition of improved stability for selectively plugging highly permeable zones in subterranean oil-bearing formations. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a water-dispersable polymer present in a viscosifying amount, a crosslinking agent present in an amount sufficient to cause gelation and a stabilizing agent in an amount effective to reduce syneresis of the gelled composition.

Abstract: An aqueous polymeric gel-forming composition which slowly crosslinks to form stable gels for plugging highly permeable zones in subterranean oil-bearing formations. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a water-dispersible polymer present in a viscosifying amount and a crosslinking agent present in an amount effective to cause gelation of the polymeric solution which comprises a mixture of an aldehyde and a member selected from the group consisting of phenolic ester, naphtholic esters, halogenated phenolic esters and halogenated naphtholic esters.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting the formation of scale in process equipment and conduits that form because of the presence of scale forming salts present in process fluids flowing therein is provided. In this process a scale inhibiting effective amount of an inhibiting agent selected from the group consisting of polymeric sulfates, polymeric sulfonates and mixtures thereof is added to the process fluid.

Abstract: A method for controlling the permeability profile of a subterranean oil-bearing formation utilizing polymeric gel-forming compositions which gel in-situ. The method comprises the steps of determining an amount of polymeric gel required for profile control; introducing a first aqueous gel-forming composition in a non-gelatinous state into the formation in an amount which is a portion of the total gel requirement; and, introducing into the formation in a non-gelatinous state at least a second aqueous composition capable of forming a gel at a rate in excess of the first gel-forming composition wherein the gelation of all compositions proceeds in timed relation such that each solution gels at approximately the same time. The method so described reduces reservoir shut-in time and is especially useful in the treatment of large reservoirs.

Abstract: A method and system for determining fluid saturation within a fracture. The method comprises the steps of establishing a functional relationship between fluid saturation and capacitance for a multiple component fluid; introducing the fluid between the fracture faces of the fractured media; measuring electrical capacitance between the fracture faces; and determining fluid saturation from the capacitance measurement and the functional relationship. The method and system find utility with both simulated and natural fractures.

Abstract: A continuous roll or stack of thermoplastic bags having improved openability is disclosed. The bags feature an area of permanently tacky, pressure-sensitive adhesive, applied to an outer surface of each bag. When a bag is pulled from the roll or stack, the adhesive temporarily adheres one side of the bag to the roll or stack, causing the front and back of the bag to separate slightly, thereby enhancing openability. Also disclosed are thermoplastic bags onto the surface of which an area of adhesive is applied in such a manner that the bags are self-closing when twisted shut in the area of the adhesive.