Abstract: Fatty acid amides (such as ditallow amidoethyl imidayoline are prepared by reacting a fatty acid (such as tallow acid) with an amine, particularly an alkyl polyamine (such as diethylene triamine). The products are rendered low in color by the addition of hypophosphorous acid and a hindered phenol compound.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide a vaporized reactant for chemical-vapor deposition is disclosed. The apparatus employs a heated quartz reactant reservoir, quartz lines, a quartz valve and, optionally, a purge system. The apparatus may also include a quartz refill reservoir and heating means for the quartz lines. The purge system may be a vacuum purge system.

Abstract: Cationic starch graft copolymers are disclosed which improve the dry strength of paper when used as wet-end additives. Such copolymers comprise cationic starch, nonionic vinyl monomers and cationic vinyl monomers which have been polymerized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a shock wave in water comprising a housing capable of containing compressed gas, attachment means fastened to the housing by which the apparatus is oriented in a selected positioned and exhaust means in the housing positioned to release compressed gas in directions other than substantially upward. In a preferred embodiment, a commercially available compressed air gun is modified by blinding off the uppermost exhaust ports.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for remedial cementing operations. Prior to conducting the remedial cementing operation, the zone to be cemented is pretreated with a hydrocarbon solvent capable of dissolving hydrocarbons, such as oils and asphaltenes. Following solvent treatment, the zone may be treated with an acid solution capable of dissolving mineral constituents.

Abstract: A mechanism for decoupling over a selected angle the rotational motion between a marine vessel moored to a single point mooring system such as a single anchor leg mooring (SALM) and the fluid swivel stack of the single point mooring system. The mechanism includes two spaced-apart stops attached to the fluid swivel stack and a coupler positioned between the stops and attached to a mooring swivel at the base of the fluid swivel stack. Shock absorbers may be positioned on each stop between the coupler and each stop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting into a branch line a portion of a gas-liquid flow stream from a two-phase flow trunk line. Each of two or more takeoff pipes withdraw a two-phase portion of the trunk line flow stream and transmit it to a single common branch line. The takeoff pipes are oriented to produce branch line flow of predetermined quality. The quality of branch line flow may be monitored and control valves positioned in one or more takeoff pipes and in the branch line to facilitate branch line flow of variable quality and rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting a portion of a two-phase fluid from a trunk pipeline, having a known flow profile, into a branch pipeline while maintaining substantially equal quality in both pipelines. Openings are placed in the trunk pipeline wall such that fluid samples which approximate the flow profile are withdrawn through the openings. The withdrawn fluid is collected in an enclosed chamber and transported through the branch pipeline.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to shear thickening fluids which comprise a water-swellable material (clay), present in a sufficient concentration so as to be capable of forming a stiff paste upon interaction with the water used, and water wherein the clay and water are kept separated by an intervening hydrocarbon-surfactant composition. The intervening oil phase prevents the interaction between the water and the clay phases and results in a stable, nonreacting, pumpable composite until such time as the oil envelope is ruptured by application of a sufficiently high shear force. Upon such rupture, the materials interact rapidly forming a semi-rigid stiff paste.Various well-control problems, such as oil and gas with blowouts, can be controlled by use of the above-described composite. The composite is pumped down the well pipe.

Abstract: The invention is a device known generically as an "air gun" suitable for producing a shock wave in a subsea environment during seismic prospecting. It is made up of a central chamber holding pressurized gas. The gas is released explosively into the water by moving a double acting shuttle. The shuttle seals the central gas chamber at each end of its stroke. A novel pneumatic actuator is also shown.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for separating carbon dioxide and other acid gases from methane by treating the feedstream in at least one distillation zone and a controlled freezing zone. The freezing zone produces a carbon dioxide slush which is melted and fed into a distillation section. The apparatus used to practice the process is preferably in a single vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting into a branch line a portion of a gas-liquid flow stream from a two-phase flow trunk line. Each of two or more takeoff pipes withdraw a two-phase portion of the trunk line flow stream and transmit it to a single common branch line. The takeoff pipes are oriented to produce branch line flow of predetermined quality. The quality of branch line flow may be monitored and control valves positioned in one or more takeoff pipes and in the branch line to facilitate branch line flow of variable quality and rate.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to shear thickening fluids to prevent unwanted flow in wells penetrating subterranean formations. The shear thickening fluids comprise (1) a water swellable granular clay present in sufficient quantity so that, upon interaction with an aqueous phase, a stiff paste rapidly forms having a strength of at least 2000 lbs/100 ft.sup.2, (2) a nonaqueous phase comprising a hydrocarbon material and a surfactant, and (3) an aqueous phase comprising water and a watersoluble polymer. The granular clay and water-polymer solution are kept separated by the intervening hydrocarbon-surfactant composition, which is the continuous phase. The intervening oil phase prevents the interaction between the water-polymer phase and the granular clay and results in a stable, nonreacting, pumpable composite until such time as the granular clay is fragmented by application of a sufficiently high shear force.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to shear thickening fluids which comprise a water-swellable material (clay), present in a sufficient concentration so as to be capable of forming a stiff paste upon interaction with the water used, and water wherein the clay and water are kept separated by an intervening hydrocarbon-surfactant composition. The intervening oil phase prevents the interaction between the water and the clay phases and results in a stable, nonreacting, pumpable composite until such time as the oil envelope is ruptured by application of a sufficiently high shear force. Upon such rupture, the materials interact rapidly forming a semi-rigid stiff paste. Various well-control problems, such as oil and gas with blowouts, can be controlled by use of the above-described composite. The composite is pumped down the well pipe.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to shear thickening fluids which comprise a water swellable clay capable of rapidly forming a paste having a strength of at least 2000 lbs/100 ft.sup.2 upon interaction with the aqueous phase employed and present in sufficient concentration to form such a paste, a nonaqueous phase comprising a hydrocarbon material and surfactant, and an aqueous phase comprising water and a water-soluble polymer, wherein the clay and the aqueous phase are kept separated by the intervening hydrocarbon-surfactant phase. The intervening oil phase prevents the interaction between the water-polymer phase and the clay and results in a stable, non-reacting, pumpable composite, until such time as the oil barrier is ruptured by deliberate application of a sufficiently high shear force. Upon such rupture, the materials interact resulting in a semi-rigid high strength paste.

Abstract: An acrylamide polymer comprising acrylamide and a sufficient amount of cinnamic acid to substantially reduce the viscosity of the acrylamide polymer and solution.