Abstract: An electro-hydraulic high-pressure oilfield pumping system includes a fracturing (frac) pump and a primary electric motor as a prime mover that delivers power to the frac pump. The primary electric motor may be a constant speed AC (alternating current) motor. A hydraulic starting motor may rotate a shaft of the primary electric motor to achieve or approximate its fixed rated speed before the primary electric motor is energized. A slow frac hydraulic motor may rotate the shaft of the primary electric motor as a passive torque transmission device that delivers power in a downstream direction through a transmission and to the frac pump.

Abstract: An electrically driven oilfield pumping system may include a compound electro-hydraulic fracturing (frac) pump system that has a primary electric motor that selectively delivers power to one or more of at least two fracturing (frac) pumps. The primary electric motor may be a constant speed alternative current (AC) motor with a fixed rated speed.

Abstract: An oilfield pressure pumping system is configured to perform a preliminary fracturing stage or operation at a high pressure but slow speed before initiating normal fracturing. The oilfield pressure pumping system includes an auxiliary underdrive system that can drive the transmission at a slower input speed that can be provided by an idle speed of the power unit's engine to facilitate different fracturing modes, including a preliminary fracturing mode during a slow speed high pressure preliminary fracturing stage. The auxiliary underdrive system may include a hydrostatic transmission driven by the engine and which drives the transmission at an underdrive speed that would correspond to a sub-idle engine speed driving the transmission.

Abstract: A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) and/or at deep locations (1.5-2 miles or more) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The build-up of pressure using a multiple plate restriction orifice assembly eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation for recovery of the hyrdrocarbons.

Abstract: An electrically driven oilfield pumping system may include a compound electro-hydraulic fracturing (frac) pump system that has a primary electric motor that selectively delivers power to one or more of at least two fracturing (frac) pumps. The primary electric motor may be a constant speed alternative current (AC) motor with a fixed rated speed.

Abstract: A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) and/or at deep locations (1.5-2 miles or more) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The build-up of pressure using a multiple plate restriction orifice assembly eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation for recovery of the hyrdrocarbons.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic high-pressure oilfield pumping system includes a fracturing (frac) pump and a primary electric motor as a prime mover that delivers power to the frac pump. The primary electric motor may be a constant speed AC (alternating current) motor. A hydraulic starting motor may rotate a shaft of the primary electric motor to achieve or approximate its fixed rated speed before the primary electric motor is energized. A slow frac hydraulic motor may rotate the shaft of the primary electric motor as a passive torque transmission device that delivers power in a downstream direction through a transmission and to the frac pump.

Abstract: A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

Abstract: An electrically driven oilfield blender system is configured to utilize electric motors as electric prime movers to prepare frac slurry and move the frac slurry to an oilfield pressure pumping system or pressure pumper that pumps the frac slurry into a subterranean formation. Each of the prime mover electric motors may operate at a fixed or constant rated speed and may be connected to a transmission that can drive a device such as a feed pump for a mixing tub or an auxiliary device at a variable speed. An electro-hydraulic motor start system includes an electric motor that powers a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump drives hydraulic motors that pre-rotate the prime mover electric motors to their rated speeds before they are energized.

Abstract: A method for water purification utilizing a cylindrical vessel containing a hydrocyclone nest. The heated contaminated water is fed into the nest, which includes a first set of hydrocyclones, at least one intermediate set of hydrocyclones, and a final set of hydrocyclones, the hydrocyclones in each set arranged in parallel, and each set arranged in series. The heated contaminated water is pumped into the cylindrical vessel such that the heated contaminated water enters a tangential inlet of each of the hydrocyclones, the hydrocyclones separate the heated contaminated water into steam and solids/concentrate, the steam exits through an overflow of the hydrocyclones and a first outlet of the cylindrical vessel, the solids/concentrate exit through an underflow of the hydrocyclones and into the subsequent set of hydrocyclones until the final set of hydrocyclones, and then out through a second outlet of the cylindrical vessel. The steam is condensed into purified water.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in water purification including a cylindrical vessel comprising, within the cylindrical vessel, a first set of hydrocyclones, at least one intermediate set of hydrocyclones, and a final set of hydrocyclones, the sets of hydrocyclones arranged in series. In one embodiment, the hydrocyclones within each set of hydrocyclones are arranged in a parallel configuration, wherein each set of hydrocyclones is defined by a divider which causes the hydrocyclones in each set to operate in parallel. In one embodiment each hydrocyclone has a tangential inlet disposed within an inlet chamber of the cylindrical vessel and in fluid communication with an inlet connected to the inlet chamber, an overflow disposed within an overflow chamber of the cylindrical vessel, and an underflow disposed within an underflow chamber of the cylindrical vessel. In one embodiment, the cylindrical vessel comprises a first set of hydrocyclones and a second, final set of hydrocyclones.

Abstract: An oilfield pressure pumping system is configured to perform a preliminary fracturing stage or operation at a high pressure but slow speed before initiating normal fracturing. The oilfield pressure pumping system includes an auxiliary underdrive system that can drive the transmission at a slower input speed that can be provided by an idle speed of the power unit's engine to facilitate different fracturing modes, including a preliminary fracturing mode during a slow speed high pressure preliminary fracturing stage. The auxiliary underdrive system may include a hydrostatic transmission driven by the engine and which drives the transmission at an underdrive speed that would correspond to a sub-idle engine speed driving the transmission.

Abstract: A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations having a significant amount of water present (a wet well) for the extraction of hydrocarbons therefrom includes flowing an explosive hydrophobic emulsion mixture to protect the air and fuel mixture subsequently flowed into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

Abstract: A system of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations for the extraction of hydrocarbons includes flowing an air and fuel mixture into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

Abstract: A method for water purification utilizing a cylindrical vessel containing a hydrocyclone nest. The heated contaminated water is fed into the nest, which includes a first set of hydrocyclones, at least one intermediate set of hydrocyclones, and a final set of hydrocyclones, the hydrocyclones in each set arranged in parallel, and each set arranged in series. The heated contaminated water is pumped into the cylindrical vessel such that the heated contaminated water enters a tangential inlet of each of the hydrocyclones, the hydrocyclones separate the heated contaminated water into steam and solids/concentrate, the steam exits through an overflow of the hydrocyclones and a first outlet of the cylindrical vessel, the solids/concentrate exit through an underflow of the hydrocyclones and into the subsequent ser of hydrocyclones until the final set of hydrocyclones, and then out through a second outlet of the cylindrical vessel. The steam is condensed into purified water.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in water purification including a cylindrical vessel comprising, within the cylindrical vessel, a first set of hydrocyclones, at least one intermediate set of hydrocyclones, and a final set of hydrocyclones, the sets of hydrocyclones arranged in series. In one embodiment, the hydrocyclones within each set of hydrocyclones are arranged in a parallel configuration, wherein each set of hydrocyclones is defined by a divider which causes the hydrocyclones in each set to operate in parallel. In one embodiment each hydrocyclone has a tangential inlet disposed within an inlet chamber of the cylindrical vessel and in fluid communication with an inlet connected to the inlet chamber, an overflow disposed within an overflow chamber of the cylindrical vessel, and an underflow disposed within an underflow chamber of the cylindrical vessel. In one embodiment, the cylindrical vessel comprises a first set of hydrocyclones and a second, final set of hydrocyclones.

Abstract: A system of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations for the extraction of hydrocarbons includes flowing an air and fuel mixture into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.

Abstract: A water purification system includes a high temperature water tank, a flameless heat source, a cylindrical vessel (hydrocyclone nest), a first pump, a steam production meter, and a steam condenser and heat exchanger. The contaminated water is heated within the high temperature water tank using the flameless heat source. The heated contaminated water heats the cylindrical vessel and one or more sets of hydrocyclones. The heated contaminated water is pumped into the cylindrical vessel such that the heated contaminated water enters a tangential inlet of the hydrocyclones, the hydrocyclones separate the heated contaminated water into steam and solids/concentrate, the steam exits through an overflow of the hydrocyclones and a first outlet of the cylindrical vessel, the solids/concentrate exit through an underflow of the hydrocyclones and a second outlet of the cylindrical vessel. The steam is condensed into purified water using the steam condenser and heat exchanger.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus including a cylindrical body; a centrifuge chamber and a heating chamber, both within the cylindrical body; an externally powered central shaft passing through the cylindrical body, the centrifuge chamber and the heating chamber; a centrifuge within the centrifuge chamber mounted on the central shaft and configured to rotate on the central shaft; at least one rotating disc within the heating chamber, the at least one rotating disc rotatably mounted on the shaft; an inlet operably connectable to a source of water for treatment, the inlet configured to feed water into the centrifuge chamber; a pitot tube in fluid communication with the centrifuge chamber and the heating chamber; and an exit valve in fluid communication with the heating chamber configured so that purified water exits via the exit valve. In some embodiments, each rotating disc is flanked by one or more stationary disc.

Abstract: A method of producing subterranean fractures in geologic formations for the extraction of hydrocarbons includes flowing an air and fuel mixture into a well hole. The well hole may then be sealed with a packer plug creating a compression chamber with the air and fuel mixture. A liquid, such as water, may be pumped into the well hole to create pressure in the compression chamber. The build-up of pressure eventually causes auto-ignition of the air and fuel mixture which fractures the formation. The water may then rush into the compression chamber which thermally shocks the area causing additional fractures. The water may vaporize to steam and thoroughly disinfect the well hole eliminating the need for added biocides.