Abstract: A micro-turbine core fabricated as a single part using 3D additive manufacturing (AM) to simultaneously form sequential layers of at least two static components from any of the following static components: central bearing support structure, outer casing, combustor complete, nozzle guide vanes (NGVs), diffuser, diffuser outer casing, fuel manifold, fuel injector(s), igniter mounting boss, oil manifold, oil distribution lines, or turbine outer casing. The single part does not require fastening hardware, welding, and/or bonding processes to create the single part.

Abstract: Reforming alcohol is disclosed. Alcohol is introduced into a conduit of an alcohol reformer so that the alcohol flows through a catalyst stage within the conduit. The catalyst stage includes an alcohol reforming catalyst, and a heat transfer member comprising thermally conductive material. The heat transfer member is in thermal contact with the conduit and the alcohol reforming catalyst. Simultaneously, exhaust gas is introduced from an internal combustion engine into an exhaust channel. The exhaust gas in the exhaust channel contacts fins extending outward from the conduit so that heat from the exhaust gas is transferred through the fins, the conduit, and the heat transfer member to the alcohol reforming catalyst.

Abstract: Reforming alcohol is disclosed. Alcohol is introduced into a conduit of an alcohol reformer so that the alcohol flows through a catalyst stage within the conduit. The catalyst stage includes an alcohol reforming catalyst, and a heat transfer member comprising thermally conductive material. The heat transfer member is in thermal contact with the conduit and the alcohol reforming catalyst. Simultaneously, exhaust gas is introduced from an internal combustion engine into an exhaust channel. The exhaust gas in the exhaust channel contacts fins extending outward from the conduit so that heat from the exhaust gas is transferred through the fins, the conduit, and the heat transfer member to the alcohol reforming catalyst.

Abstract: A rolling cutter drill bit has multiple rows of gage reaming inserts mounted in the gage face of the cutters. A first interlocking row of gage reaming inserts is positioned on the gage face of a cutter in close proximity to the gage row, such that the reaming inserts are closely adjacent to the mouth of the gage insert sockets. A second non-interlocking row of gage reaming inserts is positioned on the gage face of the cutter such that the reaming insert sockets are a predetermined minimum distance from the gage insert sockets and first reaming row sockets, thereby enabling a maximum number of large diameter reaming inserts to be placed in the second reaming row. Both the first and second reaming row inserts are sized and placed to maintain a desired distance between all insert sockets without affecting the size and spacing of gage row inserts.

Abstract: A method for controlling formation fines when producing heavy oil from an unconsolidated sand formation where at least two wells are utilized. Both wells are perforated and hydraulically fractured at a lower interval via a viscous gel fluid having a sized and high temperature resistant proppant therein. The proppant is a size sufficient to filter fines from the oil, thereby keeping the fracture clear. Cyclic steam injection and oil production are conducted in one well, while the other is shut-in. This sequence is continued until a desired amount of solids free hydrocarbonaceous fluids have been produced from the lower interval. Thereafter the lower interval is blocked off mechanically while cyclic steam injection and oil production are conducted in one well and the other well is shut-in until a desired amount of solids free hydrocarbonaceous fluids have been produced from a higher interval.

Abstract: A method for controlling formation fines when producing heavy oil from an unconsolidated sand formation where at least two wells are utilized. Both wells are perforated and hydraulically fractured at a lower interval via a viscous gel fluid having a sized and high temperature resistant proppant therein. The proppant is a size sufficient to filter fines from the oil, thereby keeping the fracture clear. Cyclic steam-flooding and oil production are conducted in one well, while the other is shut-in. This sequence is continued until steam breaks through at the lower interval from a first well into a second well. Afterwards, production packers with knock-out plugs are used to isolate the lower interval of both wells. Cyclic steam injection and oil production are continued in the upper interval of both wells. Subsequently, both wells are shut-in and production strings are directed to the lower formation interval through the knock-out plugs.

Abstract: A method for controlling formation fines when producing viscous oil from a consolidated or loosely consolidated formation having at least two wells therein. Both wells are perforated and hydraulically fractured at a lower level via a viscous gel fluid having a size and temperature resistant proppant therein. The proppant is of a size sufficient to filter formation fines from the oil. Cyclic steam-flooding and oil production are continued in one well, while the other well is shut-in. Prior to steam break through, the lower perforated intervals are isolated with production packers containing knock-out plugs. A correlatable selected upper interval in both wells is perforated and hydraulic fracturing is repeated. Cyclic steam-flooding and oil production are continued in the upper interval until steam break through occurs. Cyclic steam-flooding is ceased and production strings are directed through the knock-out plugs into the lower interval.

Abstract: A method for controlling the production of formation fines during the production of heavy oils from a sandstone formation. Hydraulic fracturing is conducted in an interval of the formation using a viscous gel fracturing fluid having a proppant therein. The proppant is sized based on the particle size distribution of the formation fines so as to restrict formation fines movement into the propped fracture. Thereafter, intermittent steam injection is conducted in the formation's productive interval. Hydrocarbon production from the formation is controlled so as to allow formation fines build-up on the fracture face thereby improving the filtration of fines from the heavy oil. After removing a desired amount of hydrocarbonaceous fluids from this productive interval, it is mechanically isolated. Thereafter, the steps are repeated in another productive interval.

Abstract: A bit breaker adapted to be fitted in the Kelly drive of a drill rig for detachably securing a rotary drill bit to the Kelly drive to enable the latter to rotate the bit relative to a drill string having an internally threaded lower end portion in one direction to effect a threaded connection between the threaded pin of the bit and the string, and in the other direction to disconnect the bit from the string. The bit breaker comprises a bottom engageable by the bottom of a drill bit for supporting the bit, a top having an opening therein through which the bit may be lowered into engagement with the bottom of the bit breaker and may be raised to remove the drill bit from the bit breaker, and a stop member for selectively securing the bit in fixed annular position in the said opening in the bit breaker.