Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).

Abstract: A system and method for reducing pressure in a container pressurized with a fluid provided to the container from a pressurizing fluid source communicate the pressurizing fluid with a receptacle between two valves, close a first one of the valves so that a portion of the pressurizing fluid is contained in the receptacle, and open a second one of the valves so that at least part of the portion of the pressurizing fluid is released from the receptacle.

Abstract: Amplification or generation of very low (and variable) frequency, low voltage, high current bipolar signals useful in electrical borehole telemetry systems is achieved using a duty cycle control device for causing the alternate direct application of a positive voltage and a negative voltage to an integrator. A commutated clamp is connected to the input of the integrator for switchably connecting the integrator directly into a current loop with the load, connected to the output of the integrator, when neither voltage is being applied to the input of the integrator.

Abstract: A method for maintaining in a computer memory laboratory test records for a plurality of projects, particularly adapted to projects for cementing oil or gas wells, are disclosed. Records of data identifying the plurality of projects and records of test data for the plurality of projects are entered within the computer memory. Data from selected records are compiled in a predetermined report format. More particularly disclosed is a method of designing a cement job for an oil or gas well. This includes receiving into a computer, programmed with records of data in predetermined categories for a plurality of previous cement jobs, a field of search for a selected predetermined category of data pertinent to a cement job being designed. Automatic searching within the computer finds records which contain data within the field of search. These are displayed. Design data are selected in response to the displayed records and the design data are stored in the computer in a record for the cement job being designed.

Abstract: A plug released into an oil or gas well carries one or more metallic strips that affect the inductance of a resistive-inductive bridge circuit mounted adjacent a conduit through which the plug and fluids are pumped into the well. This unbalances the bridge circuit to produce a signal preferably uniquely identified with the plug so that an indicator can be activated to confirm proper release of the plug into the well. When an amorphous metal is used in the metallic strips, the unbalancing of the bridge produces a signal having an identifiable harmonic of a fundamental frequency of an oscillator signal driving the bridge circuit, which harmonic is not present in other signals resulting from the bridge circuit being unbalanced by other materials flowing in the conduit.

Abstract: An electric coupling for two electric circuits in a well includes an electric contact and a contact receiver connected to respective ones of the circuits so that a contact/receiver pair is formed when the contact and receiver are moved together The receiver is sealed by a sealing member. The sealing member is disposed so that it is penetrated by the contact when the contact and receiver are moved together. A coupling including two such pairs is preferably used to connect two electric wires in the well to form a current conductive loop linking two electric coils. One of the coils is adapted to be moved in the well relative to the other coil which is adapted to be fixed in the well. In a preferred embodiment, one coil is on a wireline tool and the other coil is on a downhole tool.

Abstract: A fluid loss cell has an outlet through which fluid lost during a fluid loss test flows. This outlet is connected in closed pressure communication with a fluid measuring device that senses the amount of lost fluid received in the device and generates an electrical signal representative of the sensed amount. The signal is preferably provided to a computer so that automatic monitoring of the fluid loss occurs. The fluid measuring device contains blow off pressure and subsequent increased fluid amounts. Valves and pressure regulators are included in a preferred embodiment. A related method is disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprises a quartz crystal having an orientation within a range of angles between about -25.degree. and about -45.degree. relative to the Z axis of X, Y and Z crystallographic axes. Such a pressure transducer provides a useful pressure response at pressures and temperatures above those of the operating ranges of pressure transducers using AT-cut or BT-cut quartz crystals.

Abstract: Fluid level in a container is determined using a single pressure transducer connected to a portable body. The body contains a computer having a memory in which fluid level-to-fluid volume conversion data are stored for different shapes of containers so that fluid volume can be readily obtained for the shape of the respective container once fluid level is determined. These features allow a single monitoring apparatus to be used for monitoring different types of containers. The apparatus preferably includes a radio so that multiple apparatus can communicate in a system with a central remote operator interface device. Fluid level is determined by dividing a pressure reading from the bottom of the fluid by a fluid density determined from two prior pressure reading taken across a known distance (density equals the difference between the two readings divided by the distance).

Abstract: An apparatus injects sealing balls into a well in response to closed loop control. The apparatus measures the fluid flow into the well, computes a total amount of fluid which has been introduced into the well, and actuates the release of a sealing ball upon a predetermined amount of fluid being reached. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilize a neutron sensitive medium in which initially existing atoms of the medium are divided into particles, reaction energy and neutron energy. The medium undergoes polarization in response to the reaction energy and the neutron energy. This produces an electrical charge gradient which is proportional to the energies and which can be sensed and analyzed to indicate just the neutron energy.

Abstract: A power supply for providing electricity to one or more electrical circuits located downhole in a well comprises a fuel cell adapted to be disposed in the well with the electrical circuit(s). In addition to generating electricity, the fuel cell produces a byproduct liquid, such as water, which can be expelled from the power supply into the well despite substantial pressure, such as hydrostatic pressure, in the well. The fuel cell also generates heat which can be dissipated into the well through the wall of a housing of the power supply. The byproduct liquid can be circulated through the fuel cell to accomplish or assist in this heat dissipation.

Abstract: An automatic rate matching system is provided such that the delivery of bulk material is matched with the quantity of bulk material required by a process. An optical probe is used which determines the depth of material delivered into a hopper, prior to its retrieval for use in the process. The probe and associated electronic components output a signal to a CPU which then varies the speed of a belt conveyor based upon the depth of material. As the material depth decreases, belt speed is increased. Conversely, as material depth increases, belt speed is decreased. Therefore, the delivery rate of bulk material is matched to the quantity required in a process by varying the speed of the conveyor belt, based upon the depth of material in the hopper.

Abstract: Amplification or generation of very low (and variable) frequency, low voltage, high current bipolar signals useful in electrical borehole telemetry systems is achieved using a duty cycle control device for causing the alternate direct application of a positive voltage and a negative voltage to an integrator. A commutated clamp is connected to the input of the integrator for switchably connecting the integrator directly into a current loop with the load, connected to the output of the integrator, when neither voltage is being applied to the input of the integrator.

Abstract: A self-contained memory gauge includes either semiconductor or magnetic core memory for retaining downhole information related to sampled parameters, such as borehole temperature and pressure. A microprocessor-based computer manages the power utilization by independently and selectably energizing and de-energizing different sections of the gauge. The magnetic core memory is tested for operability, and the addressing of the magnetic core memory is adjusted in accordance with any inoperable memory locations. Samples of the monitored environmental conditions can be taken at variable rates dependent upon software monitoring of the condition, the remaining battery life and the remaining memory capacity and in response to hardware monitored pressure changes. Each sample can be taken to a selectable resolution. A watchdog circuit monitors the microprocessor to insure that it is operating within a preselected time limit.

Abstract: A fluid jetting apparatus, such as nozzle, includes a support on which an orifice member is rotatably mounted. Orifices in the member are eccentric so that fluid exiting the orifices gives a driving force to rotate the orifice member relative to the support. To prevent the member from rotating too fast, a magnetic flux is provided to induce eddy currents in the support or the orifice member to produce a resisting torque opposing the speed-increasing torque resulting from the force of the fluid exiting the orifices. The eddy currents arise in response to relative motion between the magnetic flux and either the orifice member or the support.

Abstract: A variable displacement pump is controlled throughout a broad range of operating conditions between a maximum pressure, low flow rate combination and a minimum pressure, high flow rate combination even when the pump is driven by a power limited prime mover. Different relief valves set at different operating pressures are automatically selectably connected to a control port of the pump in response to the actual flow rate of the fluid pumped by the pump reaching different flow rate set points.

Abstract: A packer apparatus, particularly a cup type casing packer shoe, includes a pressure-actuated closing sleeve and pressure-actuated pumpout seats. An upper pumpout seat moves with the closing sleeve in response to a first pressure so that the closing sleeve closes ports through which fluid is communicated to an annulus outside the apparatus. Both the upper pumpout seat and a lower pumpout seat and any intervening fluid are pumped out of the apparatus in response to a second, higher pressure so that the apparatus communicates with the well below the annulus without a drillout procedure having to be performed through the apparatus or a tubing string in which the apparatus is connected. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises two or more tubs in which mixtures can be mixed to obtain averaging of a particular property, such as density. Two recirculation lines are used. One recirculates between an initial mixing tub and a mixing inlet, and the other recirculates from the additional, secondary averaging tub(s) and the mixing inlet. Computer control responds to densities of fluids recirculated through both of the recirculation lines. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is also responsive to pressure of one of the inlet substances. In response to these measured inputs and other data entered through a data entry terminal, the computer generates control signals for controlling the inputs of both of two inlet substances. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and a corresponding method utilize displacement tanks both as averaging tubs and as conventional displacement tanks.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises two or more tubs in which mixtures can be mixed to obtain averaging of a particular property, such as density. Two recirculation lines are used. One recirculates between an initial mixing tub and a mixing inlet, and the other recirculates from the additional, secondary averaging tub(s) and the mixing inlet. Computer control responds to densities of fluids recirculated through both of the recirculation lines. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is also responsive to pressure of one of the inlet substances. In response to these measured inputs and other data entered through a data entry terminal, the computer generates control signals for controlling the inputs of both of two inlet substances. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus and a corresponding method utilize displacement tanks both as averaging tubs and as conventional displacement tanks.