Abstract: A method for operating a production well during an oxygen driven in-situ combustion oil recovery process comprising continuously injecting an inert gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide into the bottom of the production well at a predetermined low injection rate, preferably 0.1 to 2 MSCF/day, and continuously monitoring the oxygen concentration of the produced effluent gas and the bottomhole temperature of the production well. In the event that the oxygen content of the effluent gas increases to a value within the range of 5 to 20 volume percent or the bottomhole temperature of the production well increases to a value within the range of 200.degree. to 300.degree. F., the injection rate of the inert gas into the bottom of the production well is increased to a maximum rate until the oxygen concentration of the effluent gas and the bottomhole temperature are reduced to a safe level.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating an in situ oil shale retort in a subterranean formation containing oil shale. The retort contains a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles containing oil shale, within top, bottom and side boundaries of unfragmented formation. A drift is in communication with a lower region of the fragmented mass for withdrawal of liquid products of retorting and an off-gas comprising gaseous products of retorting. A gas-sealing bulkhead is placed across the product withdrawal drift and a water spray is installed in the drift through the bulkhead. An upper region of the fragmented mass is ignited for establishing a combustion zone therein. A retort inlet mixture comprising an oxygen-supplying gas is introduced into the top of the fragmented mass for advancing the combustion zone downwardly through it to thereby establish a retorting zone on the advancing side of the combustion zone for producing the liquid and gaseous products.

Abstract: A fluid sampling apparatus is disclosed for withdrawing samples of groundwater or other fluids from a well or other monitoring site. The apparatus preferably includes pump means, conduit means and a wellhead assembly that are substantially permanently installed at such well or monitoring site and are thereby dedicated thereto in order to avoid or minimize cross-contamination of samples from site to site. The apparatus preferably also includes a removable and portable controller means adapted for easy and convenient transportation and connection to such dedicated fluid sampling components at various wells or monitoring sites.

Abstract: A well tool apparatus includes a housing adapted to be connected in a pipe string. A mandrel is slidably received in the housing and adapted to be selectively telescoped between first and second positions relative to the housing to manipulate an operating assembly of the apparatus. The mandrel is spaced radially inward from the housing to define a longitudinally extending metering chamber in which is received a metering cartridge which divides the metering chamber into first and second chamber portions. The metering cartridge has a fluid passage disposed therethrough joining the first and second chamber portions and has a flow restricter disposed therein. A sliding seal is provided between the metering cartridge and the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery of petroleum origin hydrocarbons from ground water tables at sites of refineries, oil and gasoline storage and distributing facilities, and the like. Pursuant to the invention, separate liquid handling devices, each in the nature of a vessel or canister and having liquid trapping and ejecting facilities, are employed in a well or wells at the site for separately raising the ground water and liquid hydrocarbons that accumulate on the ground water table, respectively, through which the well or wells extend, under the static pressure of compressed air and free of mechanical pumping action on the liquids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery of petroleum origin hydrocarbons from ground water tables at sites of refineries, oil and gasoline storage and distributing facilities, and the like. Pursuant to the invention, separate liquid handling devices, each in the nature of a vessel or canister and having liquid trapping and ejecting facilities, are employed in a well or wells at the site for separately raising the ground water and liquid hydrocarbons that accumulate on the ground water table, respectively, through which the well or wells extend, under the static pressure of compressed air and free of mechanical pumping action on the liquids.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for automatically operating a gas and oil producing well of the plunger lift type, including a comparator for comparing casing and tubing pressures, a device for opening the gas delivery valve when the difference between casing and tubing pressure is less than a selected minimum value, a device for closing the gas discharge valve when casing pressure falls below a selected casing bleed value, an arrival sensor switch for initially closing the fluid discharge valve when the plunger reaches the upper end of the tubing, and a device for reopening the fluid discharge valve at the end of a given downtime period in the event that the level of oil in the tubing produces a pressure difference greater than the given minimum differential value, and the casing pressure is greater than lift pressure. The gas discharge valve is closed if the pressure difference exceeds a selected maximum value, or if the casing pressure falls below a selected casing bleed value.

Abstract: A well logging instrument includes a body member supporting one or more arm members which may be biased outwardly against the sidewalls of the borehole. The arm members may be held in a closed position, adjacent the body member, during entry into a borehole by a heat sensitive retaining member. As the instrument is exposed to borehole temperature the heat sensitive retaining member will within a preselected temperature range release the arm member allowing the arm members to expand outwardly from the body member into contact with the sides of the borehole.

Abstract: A fluid sampling apparatus is disclosed for withdrawing samples of groundwater or other fluids from a well or other monitoring site. The apparatus preferably includes pump means, conduit means and a wellhead assembly that are substantially permanently installed at such well or monitoring site and are thereby dedicated thereto in order to avoid or minimize cross-contamination of samples from site to site. The apparatus preferably also includes a removable and portable controller means adapted for easy and convenient transportation and connection to such dedicated fluid sampling components at various wells or monitoring sites.

Abstract: The fluid flow profile in an underground reservoir having a well borehole is determined by placing in the well borehole an instrument capable of detecting the velocity of an interface moving in the well borehole. The well is shut-in to allow oil and water to separate and form an interface. A fluid miscible with the oil and less dense than the water is injected into the well borehole and forces the interface to move down the well borehole. The fluid flow profile is determined by analyzing the data obtained from the instrument.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering a non-pressurized and uncontaminated fluid sample from deep in a well or the like in an elongated sampler having a sample chamber formed by valves at both ends thereof in a tubular housing for trapping the fluid sample therein comprising, (1) venting the trapped sample fluid from one of the end valves into the well having a vertical portion extending at a predetermined distance above the sample chamber for (1) preventing detrimental pressure to build-up and (2) contamination of the sample fluid during ascent to the surface. A mechanism for carrying out the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method or system for raising gas and liquid from a well used in in situ heating of a formation. Such heating may be done by radio frequency having an appropriate wave length in the earth e.g. about fifteen meters. The well has a production tube suspended from the well head. And, the method steps include sweeping the annulus with dry gas to drive the products up the production tube, at low flow. Also, another step is that of measuring the pressure differential between the annulus and the outlet of the production tube. And, another step is that of increasing the flow of the dry gas whenever the pressure differential exceeds a predetermined minimum. The increased flow is continued for an interval long enough to clear the liquid product that has risen in the tube and caused the differential pressure increase.

Abstract: Process and apparatus in which a hydrocarbon-bearing well formation, penetrated by a borehole, is treated with apparatus located outside the well by injecting gases into the well to elevate the pressure and temperature within the well formation so as to stimulate the formation through the effects of thermal stress and high pressure gas flow. The apparatus includes a gas generator of the type in which a reactant, such as hydrogen peroxide, is decomposed by a catalyst to form high temperature decomposition gases, such as steam and oxygen, and an air compressor for injecting compressed air into the well to aid in raising the pressure within the well formation so as to stimulate the formation, thereby increasing the permeability of the formation and the subsequent flow of fluids from the formation into the well after stimulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately determining the relative positioning of a well logging sonde or downhole tool in a bore hole is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an anchor for engaging the wall of the bore hole in fixed position and adapted to be carried into the bore hole on the downhole tool suspended on a logging wireline to a selected level, and a release mechanism controllable from the surface for releasing the anchor from the tool so that the tool can move independently of the anchor element. A sensing cable interconnects the anchor and the tool and is payed out from a reel carried by the tool as the tool separates from the anchor. Means actuated by the sensing cable are provided for transmitting electrical pulses up the wireline to the surface to indicate the relative distance between the anchor and tool.

Abstract: A surface power unit for use on a subterranean well generates a series of pulses of pressurized fluid to a downhole pump. A sequencing mechanism connects and disconnects the surface power unit to each of a plurality of downhole pumps in a predetermined order such that a pulse of pressurized fluid is being applied to one or more of the plurality of downhole pumps during a power cycle while each of the other ones of the plurality of downhole pumps is completing its pumping cycle. The number of downhole pumps which can be operated from a single surface power unit is limited by the ratio of the length of the power cycle to the length of the pumping cycle of the downhole pumps. The sequencing means can include a clocking device such as a shift register which generates a sequence of enabling signals to corresponding signal amplifiers for each well.

Abstract: A gravity system, the only moving parts of which are the valves, uses only the system pressures, and opening and closing of valves to feed treatment liquids to an oil well. The chemical treatment liquid is stored in a drum above a volume chamber. The volume chamber has five lines connected to it, each with a valve. A feed line with a feed valve connects the volume chamber to the treatment drum. A vent line with a vent valve vents the top part of the volume chamber to the atmosphere. A liquid pressure line with a pressure valve connects the flow line (connected to the oil well eduction tube) to the volume chamber. A flush line with a flush valve connects the bottom of the volume chamber to the well annulus. A gas line with a gas valve connects the volume chamber to the annulus. When the vent valve and feed valve are open and all other valves are closed, the volume chamber will fill with liquid by gravity from the chemicals within the treatment drum.

Abstract: For use in providing control of a pulsed neutron generator tube and its associated power supplies, the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the control circuit senses the operative condition of the pulsed neutron generator tube by observing external insulating gas pressure of the sealed tube to monitor for a loss of pressure, target current magnitude, pulsing of the ion source, current flow for the replenisher and operation of the high voltage power supply. This system functions as an interlock, thereby enabling operation of the tube if nominal operative conditions are achieved. Conversely, the absence of nominal operative conditions switches the equipment off to protect the tube from damage resulting from malfunction.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering oil from an oil-bearing formation which comprises the steps of injecting into the oil-bearing formation a heated aerosol fog of organic chemicals which are soluble in oil, the fog preferably being at an elevated temperature and pressure. The heated aerosol fog penetrates the formation dissolving caked oil and oil trapped within the formation thereby increasing its permeability. The dissolved oil is extracted from the formation along with the injected chemicals and the chemicals are thereafter separated from the oil.

Abstract: An improved control line blow out preventer valve is provided, having a fluid pressure chamber interposed in a control line extending from a surface control panel to a downhole safety valve in a subterranean well. Axially spaced inlet and outlet openings are provided in the pressure chamber and a piston is reciprocally mounted intermediate the inlet and outlet openings. A sealing plug carried by the piston cooperates with a seal surrounding the inlet opening. A bypass passage through the piston mounts a check valve which permits free fluid flow in the direction from the control panel to the subsurface safety valve but only a restricted fluid flow in the opposite direction. A check valve is mounted in the outlet passage to prevent fluid flow from the subsurface safety valve to the control panel. A fusible link normally maintains this check valve off its seat so that it does not close until the occurrence of an elevated temperature caused by fire.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for taking a sample of a fluid in a well. The apparatus comprising a housing, a telescoping sampler assembly having a sleeve valve therein, an actuating mandrel and a time delay fluid control device which controls the opening of the sleeve valve. The method of operation of the sampler comprising evacuating the sample chamber of the sampler assembly, lowering the sampler assembly into a well, and collecting a fluid sample by flowing fluid into the sampler assembly from the well by opening and closing a sleeve valve in the sampler assembly utilizing a continuous sliding movement.

Abstract: An automatic oil well control and monitoring system is disclosed which controls energization of a motor for an oil well pump jack. A first timer intermittently energizes the pump motor so that fluid flows from the well. A total pumping time clock is energized, as is an oil pumping time clock. If the pump begins to pump water, then a probe senses the water rather than oil, and this causes cessation of the oil pumping time clock energization and de-energization of a green indicator lamp. Upon pump-off of the well, a switch sensing fluid flow from the well is opened and the pump motor is de-energized. If no fluid is produced from the well after a time period following initial motor energization, a second timer is actuated to indicate a malfunction condition and a red light is illuminated. Also, the control circuit is continuously energized to maintain a lockout of the pump motor starter.

Abstract: An intermittent well controller is disclosed. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the controller, in conjunction with sensors indicative of well conditions, controls the delivery of lifting gas to the well. The controller is intended to be installed at a remote location where the equipment is normally provided with no commercially available electrical power and is battery operated. The battery operated controller is normally switched off nearly all the time. Moreover, the controller incorporates a battery sensitive indicator which signals an alarm in the event that terminal voltage of the battery cells drops below a specified level to provide a warning for service personnel on their next trip to the well that the batteries should be replaced. Further, the device utilizes a computer with a memory not subject to erasure when the equipment is switched off. The device is cycled on for a short interval of time, typically just a few microseconds. The duty cycle is thereby far less than 1%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high pressure thermal vapor stream of water vapor and combustion gases for recovering heavy viscous petroleum from a subterranean formation, wherein the method includes directing high pressure combustion gases into a partially water-filled vapor generator vessel for producing therein a high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases, and thereafter injecting high quality steam into the high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases within the vapor generator vessel to increase the steam-to-combustion gas ratio of the discharge stream produced within the vapor generator vessel, and thereafter flowing the discharge stream into a subterranean formation for enhanced recovery of viscous petroleum therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for splitting a stream of wet steam into at least two streams of equal quality for injection into separate wells wherein the steam is utilized as a thermal recovery fluid in an in situ oil recovery process. The method comprises generating wet steam having a vapor phase and a liquid phase, thoroughly mixing the two phases of the steam in a motionless mixer, immediately passing the mixed wet steam into a flow splitter which splits the stream of wet steam into at least two streams of wet steam having equal quality, and injecting each stream of wet steam into separate wells at a controlled rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for generation of steam in a borehole for penetration into an earth formation wherein feedback preheater means are provided for the fuel and water before entering the combustor assembly. First, combustion gases are conducted from the combustion chamber to locations in proximity to the water and fuel supplies. Secondly, both hot combustion gases and steam are conducted from the borehole back to the water and fuel supply. The water used for conversion to steam is passed in a countercurrent manner through a plurality of annular water flow channels surrounding the combustion chamber. In this manner, the water is preheated, and the combustion chamber is cooled simultaneously, thereby minimizing thermal stresses and deterioration of the walls of the combustion chamber. The water is injected through slotted inlets along the combustion chamber wall to provide an unstable boundary layer and stripping of the water from the wall for efficient steam generation.

Abstract: A system for chemical treatment of producing oil wells has automatically actuated valves operated by a control circuit. The control circuit causes the system to automatically switch the well from production to treatment status without shutting down. After a predetermined treatment period, wherein well fluids mixed with treatment chemical are recirculated throughout the well, the control circuit causes the system to change state and switch to production status. One embodiment of a means for pumping the treatment chemical into the well includes a continuous pump actuated by the mechanism of the well pump, and which includes two electrically actuated valves. The control circuit automatically operates the valves to cause treatment chemical to be injected into the well when desired, then changes the position of the valves so that the chemical which is continuously being pumped will return to the storage tank in a continuous stream.

Abstract: A method for collecting a non-pressurized sample of fluid from a well is disclosed and an illustrative sampler for performing the method is shown comprising two elongated sampler chamber interconnected upper and lower valves wherein the upper valve is mounted externally of the chamber and has a vent therein for providing less internal fluid drag in the chamber for improved and faster purging, filling, without subjecting the fluid to high shear rates, and emptying of the sample chamber and for ensuring a non-pressurized true representation sample upon arrival at the surface.

Abstract: A programmable system for controlling the cyclic intermittent operation of a device, such as a flowing gas well. The system comprises battery powered, solid state circuitry including a programmable memory, an up/down counter and a liquid crystal display for the contents of either the memory or the counter. Programming and control information is introduced into the system through a plurality of touch actuated membrane switches under control of logic circuitry. The memory is first programmed with the desired "on" time and "off" time with which the controlled device is to be cyclicly operated. Once started, the system loads the time for the selected starting condition into the counter, establishes that condition in the device and begins counting down toward zero. When zero is reached, the opposite condition is established in the device, and the time for the duration of that condition is loaded from the memory into the counter which begins the down counting cycle again.

Abstract: Well treatment method and apparatus for chemically inhibiting downhole production equipment with corrosion inhibitors. Water is separated from the produced well fluid, and the flow rate and corrosive properties of the separated water is measured. Inhibitor solution is then injected into the stream of water in an amount which is proportional to the corrosive measurement of the water, thereby providing the exact amount of chemical treatment required to avoid downhole corrosion. The inhibitor and the water are intimately mixed, and the mixture is flowed into the casing annulus. The conductivity of the produced fluid is measured, and the measurement is used to adjust the rate of flow of the separated water to a value which assures that the mixture of water and inhibitor flow down through the hydrocarbons contained in the casing annulus.

Abstract: A controller for well installations which responds to external signals originating from system monitors. This response may be modified by operator inserted delays or may be utilized to carry out a SET function wherein all signals are rejected until an externally derived RESET signal is received. A priority protocol is provided with respect to the SET and RESET functions. The circuit of the controller is housed within a circuit housing which includes a polymeric seal and operates in conjunction with a sealed keypad. This circuit housing is incorporated within a principal housing and a positive pressure is maintained within that principal housing to assure the integrity thereof.

Abstract: The locus of a processing zone advancing through a fragmented permeable mass of formation particles in an in situ oil shale retort in a subterranean formation containing oil shale is determined by monitoring in a well extending through unfragmented formation adjacent the retort, for condition in the retort affected by the advancement of such a processing zone through the retort. Monitoring can be effected by placing means for monitoring such a condition in such a well extending through unfragmented formation adjacent the retort.

Abstract: A first underground deposit of lignite or coal is heated by magnetic induction to recover hydrocarbon liquids and gases. The carbon remaining is combusted with air and steam to produce a gas which is combusted to generate electrical energy. The electrical energy is transmitted to second underground deposits of oil shale, tar sand or heavy oil, and is used to heat the second deposits in order to recover hydrocarbon liquids and gases.

Abstract: In a control system for delivery of steam at a predetermined pressure to the head of an oil well for use in an open orifice bottom hole heater, a boiler, remote from the well head, is connected by a steam delivery line through a series of valves with a steam pipe extending downwardly into the well to the orifice location near the bottom. In the steam delivery line is a main valve, downstream of which is a pressure regulator and upstream of which is a back pressure regulator. A sensing pressure line from the pressure regulator taps into the delivery line near the well head and a control line from the pressure regulator connected with the main valve control. A back pressure line from the back pressure regulator connects with the delivery line near the boiler and a control line from the back pressure regulator connects with the main valve control.

Abstract: An underground combustion operation in which combustible material, in a selected geologic formation at a selected depth, is burned by forcing air under pressure down a first well into the formation, and collecting products of combustion at a second well, a selected distance away from the first well. The overburden above the formation is supported, in part, by the combustible material, which might be viscous oil, tar, etc. This material is ignited at the first well and a flame front is formed which burns in the form of a circular front, which moves radially outwardly as a function of time and the rate of air supply. A plurality of electronic tilt meters are positioned at or near the surface of the earth, in at least one linear array directed along the radius from the first well to the second well. Combustion air is provided and the outputs of the tilt meters are amplified and recorded as a function of time.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a combustion front during subsurface combustion and gasification in a coal seam and of a change of electrical properties of the coal includes emitting radar signals from an elongated antenna. The antenna is located in a borehole within the coal seam. The radar signals are received and recorded for a determination of their travel time and amplitude.

Abstract: Production equipment for oil and gas wells has features that allow accumulated liquid to be removed from the well without the need for a low pressure system. This equipment also isolates the perforations from accumulated liquid back pressure, even if there is insufficient hole depth below the perforations. The well has a tubing string located inside the casing, with the tubing in contact with the accumulated liquid. Both the tubing and the casing are connected to the sales line. Periodically, both the casing and tubing are shut-in, allowing formation pressure to build up in the casing. Then the tubing is opened to the sales line to discharge its accumulated liquid, it being driven by the higher formation pressure that has built up. To isolate the perforations from accumulated liquid, a standpipe is mounted in the casing above the perforations by a packer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to optimize and control the production of an oil well which is being artificially produced by gas-lift techniques. The invention is suitable for use with either continuous or intermittent gas-lift operation and can be used with a combination of both. The temperature of the fluid at the wellhead is sensed and used to determine the injection parameter values to optimize well production. In one embodiment, a process control unit is programmed according to the inventive method to interpret the temperature data and to control the gas control valve to optimize production.

Abstract: Downhole variations in wireline cable tension are substantially reduced for offshore exploration by means of an auxiliary cable tensioning system preferably installed at the ocean floor wellhead. Part of the lifting force applied to a wireline cable is provided by the wireline stabilization tool at the wellhead so that fluctuations in wireline tension above the wellhead caused by ocean disturbances on the floating platform will be effectively filtered out and isolated from the main cable downhole from the wellhead. This downhole isolation is achieved with a moving wireline as well as with a stationary cable.

Abstract: A system for automatically opening and closing a valve located in a fluid delivery line of a gas well for starting and stopping the pumping action of the well when the pressure in the well is sufficient to enable gas and oil to be pumped therefrom. A pivotally mounted beam is engaged at opposite ends by a pair of pistons which are operatively connected to and actuated by the pressure in the well casing and in the well delivery tube, respectively. One end of the beam operates a first valve which is located in a pressure line communicating with the delivery line control valve for opening and closing the control valve. The beam opens the first valve when the pressure differential between the well casing and delivery tube reaches a preset, predetermined amount through the action of the pistons on the beam. Opening of the first valve also operates a third piston which sets a mechanical timer for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and system for dewatering gas wells on an intermittent, cyclical, period which operates to eject water from the well without loss of gas from the well, or inordinate shut down delays. The said method and system for dewatering gas wells includes time controlled valves and the pressure differential between the tubing and the casing to periodically dewater the well, without the ususal loss of gas.

Abstract: Determinations are made of the conditions in a fluid-containing well penetrating a fluid-producing subterranean reservoir by isolating an interval in the well which penetrates the fluid-producing reservoir, withdrawing fluid from the interval and determining conditions such as fluid composition, pressure build-up, and temperature in the interval. The interval is isolated with a packing member surrounding an open conduit means extending in the well from the top of the well to a location adjacent the reservoir. Fluid moves from the reservoir into the conduit means and is withdrawn from the conduit means through an opening in the conduit means above and adjacent the lower end of the conduit means. Determinations are made by lowering measuring tools through the tubing string to a location in the well below the opening through which fluid is withdrawn from the conduit means.

Abstract: A plunger lift system used in wells having a tubing string disposed within casing. An improved plunger catcher and trip assembly is provided within the wellhead to hold the plunger in its upper position while lift gas escapes from the tubing string through the wellhead and formation fluids form a new slug in the lower end of the tubing string. The new system incorporates a conventional mechanical timer or controller to allow simple adjustments to obtain the most efficient product rate from each individual well. The controller determines the time interval during which lift gas is injected into the annulus between the casing and tubing and the time interval during which the plunger is held within the wellhead by the catcher and trip assembly.

Abstract: A thermally operated valve for automatic control of the rate of flow of a fluid coolant for hot gases produced by underground gasification of solid fuel deposits or by in situ combustion in oil wells, incorporating a temperature-sensitive element comprising a metal tube several meters long to be incorporated in a pipe for supplying coolant to the well, and a rod of a metal having a low coefficient of expansion coaxial with the pipe, the upper end of which rod is attached to the upper part of the metal tube and the lower end of which rod is flexibly connected to a valve member by a connecting element having adjustable clearance or play.

Abstract: A method for assembling an ignition system for in situ combustion operation to recover petroleum from a well in a subterranean reservoir, and an ignition system for an elongated combustion chamber suspended from a hollow electrical cable and which cable supplies both electrical means and fuel gas to the chamber. Air inlet ducts in the walls of the air inlet cylinder receive air from the annular space between the hollow cable and the wellbore tubing. An electrical ignitor is temporarily energized automatically or responsive to a thermocouple detecting no burning in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. The ignitor is responsive to the thermocouple detecting burning in the combustion chamber for extinguishing the ignitor. The thermocouple is thus responsive to a flameout for re-energizing the ignitor either manually or automatically such that burner operation is interrupted only momentarily.

Abstract: A novel method for stimulating the flow of oil from the pay zone of a formation traversed by a bore hole which involves the conversion of liquid water into high pressure steam in situ in heat transfer proximity to the pay zone. A novel oil tool adapted to be lowered and suspended within the bore hole in proximity to the pay zone having an external elongated shell within which is contained means for the in situ generation of steam. The casing may be adapted to generate steam internally and allow that steam to pass through the shell and into contact with the pay zone at a predetermined high pressure, or to superheat highly pressurized water and allow it to pass through an orifice in the shell, at which time it immediately flashes to high pressure steam and disperses into the area of the pay zone. A novel electrical control system for the operation, regulation and malfunction-detection of the oil tool from the ground surface.

Abstract: A gas generator for use in a borehole for generating steam and other hot gases for use in recovering hydrocarbons or other fluids from underground formations. The gas generator comprises a housing forming a chamber with a combustion zone at one end and a restricted outlet at the other end. A second zone is located downstream of the combustion zone and a gas and water mixing zone is located between the second zone and the restricted outlet. The generator has a cooling annulus surrounding the chamber with passages leading from the annulus to the gas and water mixing zones. Methane is burned in the combustion zone with just enough oxygen to maintain the flame temperature below the decomposition temperature of methane to convert substantially all of the carbon to carbon monoxide and to form hydrogen. In the second zone, the carbon monoxide and hydrogen are burned with an additional supply of oxygen to increase the temperature and to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A controller system for a flowing gas well utilizing battery powered solid state production and cycle time-out circuitry. In addition to expanded cycle interval capabilities, the system permits a broad range of automated controls over well production through the continuous monitoring of and reaction to such parameters as casing pressure, tubing string pressure, plunger elevation, sales line pressure and flow rate, as well as liquid level monitoring within separation and storage facilities. The solid state circuitry incorporates such features as liquid crystal readout, battery voltage level monitoring and automatic reset at the commencement of each timing cycle. Motor valve actuation is provided by electromagnetic actuation of a controller mounted shuttle piston valve.

Abstract: A well testing tool system for isolating upper and lower portions of a well bore and communicating a well condition such as pressure, temperature, fluid velocity, and the like to a measuring device. The system includes a wireline supported tool train and a locking sub connectible on a removable lock mandrel adapted to be landed and locked in a landing nipple of a well tubing for releasably locking the tool train in operating position in a well bore. The tool train includes a locking probe releasably connectible at a lower end in the locking sub, an adjustable probe mandrel connected with the probe, an equalizing valve and shock absorber, and a gauge for measuring an operating condition in the well connected with the equalizing valve. The locking sub permits insertion of the probe at a relatively low force and requires a substantially larger force for withdrawal of the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the locus of a processing zone which advances through a fragmented permeable mass of particles in an in situ oil shale retort in a subterranean formation containing oil shale. The apparatus, which functions by releasing means for providing an indicator at a preselected temperature, comprises container means, means for providing an indicator in the container, and means for releasing the indicator providing means at a selected temperature greater than ambient.

Abstract: A method for measuring fluid advance in underground formations comprises, (1) driving bench marks into the ground over the formation spaced a predetermined distance apart, (2) measuring and recording the precise vertical displacement of each bench mark at the end of each predetermined period of time, and (3) interconnecting bench marks of similar vertical displacements to form lines, each line indicating the position of the passing of a particular amount of fluid in the formation underground at a particular time.