Abstract: Methods and compositions for processing biomass using [Co(CN)5]3? are disclosed. The resulting products include monomeric carbohydrate units that can also be converted to basic alcohols, including ethanol, for a variety of uses including transportation fuels and the generation of electricity.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for processing biomass using [Co(CN)5]3? are disclosed. The resulting products include monomeric carbohydrate units that can also be converted to basic alcohols, including ethanol, for a variety of uses including transportation fuels and the generation of electricity.

Abstract: A variable bore ram packer designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. The variable bore ram packer is molded of an elastomeric material having a central semi-circular opening sized to fit closely about a tubular member. The packer member includes a plurality of pillar inserts molded within the elastomeric material around the central semi-circular opening. The packer member and the plurality of pillar inserts are molded into a unitary structure allowing the plurality of pillar inserts to move and seat against different diameter tubular members to prevent extrusion of the elastomeric material between the pillar inserts and the tubular member. The pillar inserts include a top plate, a bottom plate and a spacer pin positioned therebetween. The top and bottom plates are a substantially triangular shape and in the preferred embodiment are free to rotate relative to the spacer pin independently of one another.

Abstract: An improved ram bore profile for use with a variable bore ram packer designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. The improved ram bore profile in the ram body is a substantially U shaped cutout in the front face of the ram body. The U shaped ram bore profile extends between the upper surface and lower surface of the ram body. The substantially U shape of the improved ram bore profile is further characterized by having an arcuate rear portion with a pair of diverging sides that extend outwardly toward the front face of the ram body to a front throat that intersects perpendicularly the front face of the ram body. The improved ram bore profile is capable of being used with variable bore packers of different configurations.

Abstract: A variable bore ram packer designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. The variable bore ram packer includes top and bottom second plates having a central semi-circular opening which is sized to fit closely about the largest diameter pipe the variable bore ram packer will seal against. Anti-extrusion plates having a smaller central arcuate opening sized to fit closely the smallest diameter pipe the variable bore ram packer will seal are attached to the underside of the top plate by guide screws. The guide screws extend through slots in the top plates which control the motion of the guide screws and hence the anti-extrusion plates as the anti-extrusion plates move and seat against different diameter tubular members.

Abstract: A hanger assembly 10 for suspending an inner pipe string 32 within an outer casing 16 from a particular location therein. The hanger assembly includes a hanger body 30 and an expandable locking assembly 46 comprised of a plurality of latching fingers 77 secured at their lower ends about the hanger body by a split retainer ring 48 which permits limited pivotal movement of the latching fingers about their lower ends. Each latching finger 47 is provided with a hook surface 71 adjacent its upper end adapted to engage an upward facing abutment 20 on the inner profile of the outer casing. The free ends of the latching fingers are urged outwardly by a circular spring 58.