Abstract: This apparatus has a plurality of vertical lift tubes immersed in water and arranged to discharge water into a hood at their upper ends for driving a turbine-like fluid motor. Each lift tube receives a much shorter, smaller diameter inner tube at its lower end. A horizontal partition extends between the inside of each lift tube and the corresponding inner tube. Compressed air is introduced periodically into the annular space between the lift tube and its inner tube below this partition. The lift tube has a water inlet opening located above the partition and below the top of its inner tube.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to a novel apparatus for pumping water up through a tube by a succession of coherent air bubbles, each of which extends completely across the interior of the tube as it rises up the tube. The upwardly flowing water operates a fluid motor device, preferably a turbine or the like, whose water-driven rotation may be used for generating electricity or for other purposes.

Abstract: Agitation of the surface of a body of water by a falling stream of water results in the entrainment of air bubbles which are carried underneath the surface. These air bubbles are collected in a tank having a submerged open bottom. Air pressure is produced within the tank and utilized to perform useful work by operating a pneumatic pressure transformer which in turn produces high pressure air for operating a series of air-lift pumps. In an alternative embodiment a reciprocating piston motor or turbine is positioned in a path of flow between a portion of the body of water containing relatively few air bubbles and another portion containing a relatively large quantity of bubbles. Flow through this path takes place by reason of a difference in densities and is available to do useful work.

Abstract: The system incorporates conical screens spaced along the producing tubing as mixing means to reduce the separation of gas and oil and enhances the lifting power of the gas. Supplemental lift devices are provided for non-flowing wells. The lift devices incorporate check valves in conjunction with the mixing means to lift the oil in stages. Motive power is provided by one or more jet pumps positioned in the producing zone and at vertically spaced points along the producing tubing.

Abstract: In a first step, a mixture of nodular sediments and sea water is collected by dredging along the sea bed and lifted into the separation compartment of an underwater control and storage station connected by tubing to a carrier ship. A volume of air corresponding to the pressure of the compartment at the immersion depth is sucked from the mixture and re-injected into the dredging tube by means of a booster compressor. In a second step, the nodules separated from the air are sucked to the surface and then collected.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the dissolved oxygen content of water comprises an open-ended duct immersed in the water in an upright position, an oxygen-detecting probe in the lower end portion of the duct, and means for injecting a continuous stream of air into the upper portion of the duct, the air causing water to rise in the duct and thereby induce a flow of water into the duct and past the probe. A valve in the upper end of the duct is operable by compressed air to shut off the top of the duct so that air builds up inside the duct and back-flushes the liquid through a strainer on the lower end of the duct. Displacement of the water around the duct by air enables the probe to be calibrated. The upper section of the duct into which air is injected may be connected to the lower section containing the probe by polyethylene tubing of a length to enable the lower section of the duct to be lowered to any desired depth.

Abstract: Portable, self powered water pumping apparatus for use in sampling water in remotely located wells comprises a wheeled hose reel cart which supports a long length of plastic hose or tubing. The tubing has a small diameter length of inner tubing telescoped inside itself throughout most of its length. The inner tubing passes through the wall of the outer tubing near the upper end thereof and is connected to a pressurized cylinder of gas such as a standard 14 oz. propane gas cylinder. When the lower ends of the tubes are well submerged beneath the water level in a well, admission of gas to the inner tube at its upper end will force water up through an annular space between the tubes and out the upper end of the outer tube where it can be collected. A channeled plug at the bottom of the tubes prevents the tubes from collapsing, helps to keep them straight and together as they are lowered into the well and provides partial support for a weight hanging from the bottom of the tubes.