Abstract: A method of controlling the heat transfer properties of a sub-sea conduit having inner and outer walls (800, 802) and a gas-permeable space (804) between the walls providing thermal insulation, the method comprising varying the pressure of a gas within the space between values above and below a critical pressure range at which thermal conductivity of the gas exhibits a high rate of change.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for manufacturing alumina hydrates by precipitating aluminum salts in the presence of crystal nuclei of a specific size.

Abstract: A threaded and coupled connector with tapered threads having equivalent heights (same height on pin and box threads), negative load flanks, biased tapered thread forms with a torque shoulder formed by pin noses that abut at a central point within a coupling constructed from standard coupling stock. The connection design meets the internal/external pressure performance requirements of industry standards with capabilities equal to or exceeding those of “premium” connections, with a coupling constructed from thin walled coupling stock.

Abstract: The circulation tool 10 for use downhole in a well includes a housing 22 having one or more bypass ports 52 for circulation between a bore 33 in the housing and an annulus surrounding the housing. Sleeve 50 is axially movable within the housing, and axially spaced seals 36, 56 seal between the sleeve and the housing when the sleeve is in the closed position. A flapper 84 is pivotally mounted to the sleeve, and includes a seat about a central bore 85 in the flapper for engagement with the plug. A stop 40 prevents pivoting of the flapper to an open position until the sleeve has moved axially and the seals seal between the sleeve and the housing.

Abstract: A pumping system 10 is provided for pumping fluid from a downhole well to the surface through a production tubing string well. A rotatable drive rod 18 extends from the surface to power the downhole pump, and includes a plurality of rod couplings. The downhole pump includes a pump stator 22 and a rotor 24 rotatable within the pump stator. A lifting member 36 provided at the upper end of the stator is engaged by a drive coupling 34 to retrieve the pump from the well. The lifting member has an internal shoulder 44 tapered radially inwardly and upwardly, such that a rod coupling engages the internal shoulder and passes through the lifting member as the rotor is pulled upward.

Abstract: A thread form having improved strength and fatigue resistance. The root of the thread is cut on multiple cutting radii having displaced centers. At least two of the root surfaces are formed by cutting radii having lengths that are greater than the root truncation. The threads are used in a double start configuration to increase the connection strength and reduce makeup and breakout rotations.

Abstract: A progressing cavity pump or a motor includes, in one embodiment, an outer tube 12, an inner tube 14, and a plurality of apertures 16. A pair of annular seal glands 18 seal the stator material to the outer tube. The stator material is injection molded into the inner tube and passes through the plurality of apertures and into an annular gap between the inner tube and the outer tube. In other embodiments, the outer housing for a progressing cavity pump or motor is provided with one or more grooves, with each groove having an outer surface radius less than the outer housing surface radius. A plurality of apertures are provided in fluid communication with the grooves. According to the method of the invention, the stator material is injected into the apertures and fills a space radially outward of the apertures to bond the stator materiaal to the outer housing.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank (4) pulled by a tractor (1) with a tool bar applicator (2). The system includes a safety valve (10), and a breakaway coupling or connector (12) along a flexible hose (11) from the nurse tank to the applicator. The safety shutdown valve (10) closes in response to a break in the electrical connector in the event of a pull away or manual activation of a safety switch.

Abstract: A rig (10) for selectively inserting coiled tubing or threaded tubulars into a well includes a mast (14) extending upward from a mast carrier (12), and a coiled tubing injector (16) and a coiled tubing reel (26) supported on a coiled tubing carrier (28) separate from the mast carrier. The mast (14) may be pivotal on the mast carrier to attach the coiled tubing injector 16 to the mast while the injector is supported on the coiled tubing carrier.

Abstract: An orthotic protective device collectively including a base unit connected to a metacarpal unit by a hinge system designed to protect and prevent hyperextension and hyperflexion movements of the metacarpal, carpal, radius and ulna regions. The base unit and metacarpal unit includes a longitudinal support member and a casing, respectively, lined with at least one pad having a tongue. At least one releasable fastener is mated to the support member and casing and extends to the tongue of the pad. Apertures of the base unit are mated and connected to apertures of the hinge system which form an articulated joint allowing the hinge system to move in an upward manner allowing for natural extension of the user's wrist and in a downward fashion for unlimited flexion motion. The base unit and the hinge system may both have at least one stop formed thereon; and as these stops come into contact with one another, it limits the flexion, extension and radial-ulnar deviation.

Abstract: A system and method for subsea drilling/completion. The system comprises a high-pressure riser extending from a semi-submersible platform to a subsea wellhead. A landing string extends along the insider of the riser, and has a surface blowout preventer and at least one subsea blowout preventer attached thereto. A tubing hanger running tool is run from the platform toward the wellhead. In one embodiment, hydraulic control for various functions of the tubing hanger running tool is communicated either through the tubing string or through the riser. In another embodiment, hydraulic control lines for the tubing hanger running tool extend from the platform to the tubing hanger running tool through an umbilical line, which may either run through the tubing string, inside the riser but outside the tubing string, or outside and alongside the riser.

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system, the centralizer being preferably heat-shrink fitted to an upset portion of a keel joint, the upset portion having tapered sections on the upper and lower ends that gradually blend into the outer diameter of the pipe used as the keel joint, the centralizer preferably comprising axially extending annular grooves in surrounding relationship to the upset portion, the grooves serving to permit forces acting on the centralizer to be redirected or dissipated to thereby prevent excessive buildup on a selected region of the upset portion adjacent the radial grooves.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to surfactant compositions of gemini surfactants and co-amphiphile(s), to a process for preparing such compositions, and to their uses, especially as emulsifiers and dispersants.

Abstract: The rig (10) is provided for electively inserting either coiled tubing or a threaded tubular through a rig floor and into a well. The rig includes a coiled tubing injector (16) supported on a mast (14) when in an operative position to insert coiled tubing into the well, and a top drive (18) movable along an axis of the mast when in an operative position to insert the threaded tubular into the well. The rack or support (20) is secured to the mast for receiving a plurality of substantially vertical threaded tubular joints therein when the mast is in an operative position. Tubular joints may be moved between the top drive and the tubular support when running threaded tubulars into or out of the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to microemulsions containing alkanolammonium salts of the alkylsulfates and/or alkylpolyalkyleneglycolethersulfates, water, one or more oil component(s), and one or more alcohol(s). The invention also relates to the use thereof for cosmetic and/or medicinal-dermatologic applications.

Abstract: Lubricant escape passages are formed in the threads used to connect one tubular body to another. The passages conduct trapped thread lubricant out of the threaded area to prevent the creation of high lubricant pressure that may damage or cause improper make up of the threaded connection. The passages may be grooves in the crests of the thread teeth and/or may be corner bevels on the thread teeth. In a conductor pipe or other pipe assembly using axially spaced internal and external seals at each axial end of the threaded area, the escape passages form a helical flow path through the engaged thread area. The external seal prevents the entry of corrosive fluids into the threaded area and the internal seal prevents leakage through the threaded area from within the conductor pipe. When the lubricant pressure increases excessively during assembly or impact loading of the connection, the lubricant escapes past the seals to prevent connection damage.

Abstract: A wellbore evaluation system evaluates mechanical wear and corrosion to components of a well system including a production tubing string positionable in a well and a sucker rod string movable within the production tubing string. A deviation sensor determines a deviation profile of the production tubing string in the well, and a rod sensor senses and measures wear and corrosion to the sucker rod string as it is removed from the well to determine a rod profile. A data acquisition computer is in communication with the sensors for computing and comparing the deviation profile and the rod profile as a function of depth in the well. A 3-dimensional image of wellbores, with isogram mapping, may be generated and examined over the internet.

Abstract: A closure assembly 10 contains positive and/or vacuum pressure within a pressure vessel 16 having a neck 12. A circumferential locking member 22 supported on a door 20 locks the door to the neck, and is radially moveable between an open position and a closed position. A seal 26 between the neck and the door maintains fluid-tight integrity. A lever or other hand powered operator may be used for moving the locking member between the open position and the closed position. The locking member may include locking segments interconnected to form the circumferential locking member.