Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in perforating multiple intervals of at least one subterranean formation intersected by a cased wellbore and in treating the multiple intervals using a diversion agent, such as ball sealers. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a perforating assembly having a plurality of select-fire perforating devices interconnected by connector subs, with each of the perforating devices having multiple perforating charges. The apparatus also includes at least one decentralizer, attached to at least one of the perforating devices, which is adapted to eccentrically position the perforating assembly within the cased wellbore so as to create sufficient ball sealer clearance between the perforating assembly and the inner wall of the cased wellbore to permit passage of at least one ball sealer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for recovering oil from a subterranean formation comprising sequentially injecting into the formation through an injection well in communication therewith: (a) a slug of an aqueous solution containing a high concentration of a gas mobility control agent; (b) a slug of an aqueous solution containing a low concentration of said gas mobility control agent; and (c) gas as the primary oil displacing fluid selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon gas, inert gas and steam whereby said gas and said slugs of aqueous solution containing the gas mobility control agent form a mixture in the formation that significantly reduces gas mobility in the more permeable regions of the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting seismic waves traveling in an underground formation. The apparatus includes a hydraulic pressure source, preferably a downhole hydraulic pump; a plurality of small, light-weight, flexibly connected clamping detector units having hydraulically actuated clamps; conduit means connecting the hydraulic pressure source to the detector units so that the detector units may be hydraulically clamped to a wellbore with a large force by activation of the clamps; and means for conditioning signals from the detectors. The small, light-weight detector units are securely clamped to the side of the wellbore because of the high clamping force-to-weight ratio thereby allowing high frequency signals to be detected without interference.

Abstract: An improved earth drilling bit and method that cuts at least one annular kerf ahead of at least one rolling cutter and provides for rock chip removal and bit cooling thereby increasing drilling rate and bit performance. One embodiment of the invention includes a bit body having a lower end forming an annular kerf cutter for cutting an outer annular kerf, an inner drill member positioned concentrically within the bit body having a lower end forming an annular kerf cutter for cutting an inner annular kerf, and at least one rolling cutter mounted to the bit body and extending from the interior of the outer kerf cutter to the longitudinal axis of the drill bit. Other embodiments include a chipway port defined by the drill bit for channeling rock chips away from beneath the bit; baffles for directing and accelerating drilling fluid flow; cutting edges having connecting webbs providing egress for rock chip and drilling fluid; and slots extending along the bit body for reducing surge and swab pressure.

Abstract: A method of locating leaks in pipelines and associated facilities and a novel leak-detection test-fluid are disclosed. The novel test-fluid, comprising dimethylsulphide and a mutual solvent, is injected into a pipeline or facility so that the test-fluid escapes through the leak and an odorant which, by virture of its chemical and physical properties, is released from other test-fluid components to be detected in the vicinity of the leak.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil from a subterranean formation is disclosed wherein an aqueous surfactant solution is injected into the formation to reduce the mobility of gas in a gas-flooding process. The gas may include hydrocarbon gas, inert gas, carbon dioxide, and steam, or mixtures thereof. The surfactant is represented by the general formula ##STR1## where R is a linear or branched chain alkyl group with n carbon atoms wherein n ranges from about 6 to about 50, except that if the gas is steam n ranges from about 9 to about 50;Ar is a mononuclear or fused ring dinuclear aryl group;Z is an ionic group consisting of --SO.sub.3.sup.- M.sup.+ or --R'SO.sub.3.sup.- M.sup.+ wherein M.sup.+ is a cation and R' is a linear or branched chain alkyl group of from one to about six carbon atoms;x ranges from 0 to about 20; andy ranges from 3 to about 100.

Abstract: A method for the production of bitumen from a subterranean reservoir having a zone of increased effective permeability therein. In particular, a first well is in fluid communication with the zone of increased effective permeability at a first level in the reservoir. Fluid communication is established between a second well and the zone of increased effective permeability at a second level above the first level in the reservoir. In-situ combustion is initiated in the reservoir proximate the second well. Combustion sustaining fluid is injected through the second well into the zone of increased effective permeability so that bitumens in the reservoir are mobilized by the in-situ combustion and flow downward through the reservoir towards the first well, through which they are recovered.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing monosulfonated alkylphenol polyalkylene oxide sulfonates is disclosed. The process produces the monosulfonated alkylphenol polyalkylene oxide sulfonates by a combination of sulfonation to produce a sulfate/sulfonate dianion, followed by a displacement of the sulfate to produce a disulfonate. The process produces a commercially viable disulfonate, which has a wide variety of commercial uses.

Abstract: An earth drilling bit that cuts concentric annular kerfs ahead of primary drilling means and thereby increases drilling rate. The bit includes a bit body having a lower end forming an annular cutter for cutting an outer annular kerf, an inner drill member positioned concentrically within the bit body having a lower end forming an annular cutter for cutting an inner annular kerf, a plurality of rotary drilling members attachedly arranged between the bit body and inner drill member positioned so lowermost cutting edges are above lowermost edges of the annular cutters of the bit body and inner drill member for removing material between the outer and inner annular kerfs, and plurality of drilling members attachedly arranged within the inner drill member positioned so lowermost cutting edges are above lowermost edges of the annular cutter of the inner drill member for removing material within the inner annular kerf.

Abstract: A process is described for removing contaminants from a contaminant-laden solution of dialkyl ethers of polyethylene glycols (polyether solvent) by mixing the solution with an aqueous base solution. The mixture produces at least two liquid phases of different densities, which are then separated from each other. The lighter liquid phase is predominantly the polyether solvent while the heavier liquid phase is predominantly the aqueous base solution and the contaminants. The process is particularly useful in removing triethylene glycol and other glycol-based dehydration solvents.

Abstract: A method for recovering oil from a subterranean formation is disclosed wherein an aqueous surfactant solution is injected into the formation to reduce the mobility of gas in a gas-flooding process. The gas may include hydrocarbon gas, inert gas, carbon dioxide, and steam. The surfactant is represented by the general formula ##STR1## where R is a linear or branched chain alkyl group with n carbon atoms wherein n ranges from 0 to about 18, except that if the gas is steam n ranges from about 9 to about 30;x ranges from 0 to about 20 and y ranges from 0 to about 20, provided x+y does not exceed about 20;R' is a linear or branched chain alkyl group with m carbon atoms wherein m ranges from 0 to 4, except that if the gas is steam m ranges from 1 to 4, with the proviso that the sum of x+y+m is at least one; andeach M.sup.+ is a cation.