Abstract: A pressurized fluid is "let-down" to atmospheric pressure as it passes through a choke assembly having two pressure orifices (choke flow beans) which are in-line and directly opposite and which are designed to deliver jet streams of generally equal force to a common in-line focal point. The choke assembly is a fixed-rate system where the volume throughput is regulated primarily by the pressure on the fluid.

Abstract: A choke flow bean is described which is unusually effective in reducing the pressure of fluids flowing through it. The choke flow bean has a well rounded circular or eliptical throat which opens smoothly and directly into a divergent truncated exit cone having a divergent angle of from about 4.degree. to about 8.degree.. The length of the truncated exit cone can be up to about 9 times the throat diameter. The outer surface of the choke flow bean is usually cylindrical in shape with external threads at the discharge end and a wrench fitting (e.g., hex-nut type) at the inlet end. The choke flow bean is usually embodied within the casing of a choke nipple with the assistance of choke adaptor.

Abstract: A slurry concentrator is described which is particularly useful in concentrating slurries for use in foam fracturing of subterranean earth formations.

Abstract: A blender apparatus is disclosed which is useful for mixing dry particles with a liquid. In a specific application, dry cement is mixed with water to obtain a cement slurry for cementing oil and gas well casings. The cement particles and water are directed into a disperser unit, in which the water contacts the cement particles at an acute angle. The resulting slurry is passed into a volute casing positioned in a tank. As the slurry swirls within the volute, it develops a vortex action, which continuously circulates the mixture in the tank. The slurry is pumped from the tank and split into two streams. Part of the slurry stream flows directly to a pumper unit, for injection into the well. The remainder of the stream is pumped through a restricting nozzle and back through the volute, to provide a continuous recycle which enhances blending of the dry material with the liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for wetting dry particles and dispersing the particles in a liquid. The dry particles are delivered onto a vibrating tray, which has a circular discharge opening therein and a circular plate secured to the tray below the opening. Positioned below the tray is a closed container, which includes a body of liquid and an opening in the container lid for receiving the vibrating plate member. A vertical conduit section in the container has an open end positioned above the liquid surface and directly below the plate member.In a typical operation, a liquid stream under pressure passes upwardly in the vertical conduit and discharges in the form of a circular spout. From the tray the particles fall onto the vibrating plate member, and then downwardly, in a circular curtain pattern, into the liquid spout. In practice, the dry particles will strike the liquid just beyond the apogee of the spout.