Abstract: A rapid setting gel-forming composition is provided comprising a first substance selected from the group consisting of a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer, and mixtures thereof, and aldehyde, and water, which is useful in preventing the loss of circulation fluids in well drilling, completion of workover operations. A combination process is also provided using a slower setting gel-forming composition for retarding the flow of waters or brines in high permeable non-productive channels in combination with a subsequent acidizing step for increasing the permeability of low porous structure in subterranean formations. The combination process is particularly useful in waterflood operations to increase the sweep efficiency of the oil recovery process while improving the flow oil and drive water in the productive parts of the reservoir.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing benzene carboxylic acids from an aromatic material, especially coal, by the oxidation of the aromatic material in an aqueous alkaline mixture containing an aliphatic organic acid promoter agent with a source of gaseous oxygen. Use of the aliphatic organic acid promoter agent results in a surprising and unexpected increase in the benzene carboxylic acid yield which is higher than that obtained without the promoter agent.A finely divided coal, potassium carbonate, water, and aliphatic carboxylic acid promoter agent are charged to a feed tank (10) where they are mixed with an agitator (14). A slurry pump (18) pumps the mixture through a preheater (20) to an autoclave (30). Air is continuously fed to the autoclave (30) by a gas compressor (34). The coal slurry is oxidized in the autoclave (30) while being agitated by a mixer (36). Gaseous products, and in particular carbon dioxide, is continuously removed from the autoclave (30) through a vent conduit (42).

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering valuable metals from geothermal brine comprising introducing donor metallic particles into a geothermal zone which is dominated with hot-pressurized geothermal brine which contains a metal value selected from the group consisting of gold value, silver value, copper value, lead value, tin value and mixtures thereof. The donor metallic particle contains a donor metal selected from the group consisting of iron, zinc, aluminum and mixtures thereof. The process further comprises forming a deposit on the donor metallic particles by replacing at least a part of the donor particle with the metal values, producing a stream of the hot-pressurized geothermal brine containing the donor metallic particles which, in turn, contain the deposit of metal values, and separating the donor metallic particles from the thusly produced stream of hot-pressurized geothermal brine.

Abstract: A combination quick-disconnect female fitting adaptable for snap coupling to a corresponding male fitting connected to a tap water faucet, is provided which permits all the required attachments to a reverse osmosis (RO) water purifier to be made with the single snap coupling of the female fitting to the male fitting. Installation of the entire RO water purification system can be reduced to mere screwing of the male fitting to a tap water faucet and snap coupling the combination female coupling thereto. Separate lines for concentrate and overflow purified water from the water purifier to the combination female fitting and tap water therefrom to the water purifier can be conveniently manifolded into a sidearm section of the female fitting. The fitting is particularly useful for small RO water purifiers. There is also provided a single mechanism for simultaneously securely fastening three pieces of tubing to a fitting containing three nipples adapted to receive tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for neutralizing basic fumes and acidic fumes and absorbing such fumes and the salts thereof in a liquid solvent comprising a vertically extending, columnar housing; a cylindrical gas flow passage at the bottom of the housing in inwardly spaced relationship therefrom; a tangential gas inlet connected to the inlet of the cylindrical gas flow passage extending through the housing and sealed from direct communication therewith; a conical, upwardly converging gas flow passage the inlet of which is connected in gas tight sealing relationship to the top and outlet of the cylindrical gas flow passage; downwardly directed liquid solvent spraying apparatus disposed in the housing above the outlet of the conical passage and directed downwardly along the projection of the axis of the conical passage; first coalescing apparatus disposed in the housing at a first elevation above the spraying apparatus and extending radially across the housing and abutting the entire circumference thereof at the first elevatio

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses for controlling the flow of fluids which comprise a plurality of identical nozzle means arranged in an axially symmetrical configuration on a stator means and defining a plurality of identical flow channels or passageways. Each nozzle means comprises a fixed-spacer member and an adjustable-segment member. The fixed-spacer members are sealably fixed to the stator and mandate that the fluid flows through the flow channels. The adjustable-segment members are slideably connected to the fixed-spacer members in an essentially sealing relationship. Adjustable-segment members are operable to move only in straight-line direction and are not permitted to move pivotally. Jar-free movement of the adjustable members is possible regardless of flow or pressure of fluid. An essentially constant angle of discharge is possible for all adjustable positions of the nozzle means thereby enabling a high operating efficiency of the apparatus over a wide range of operating conditions.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol-aldehyde gel having a high water content and low degree of crosslinking is provided which has improved stability. The gel can be used to retard the flow of water in subterranean formation encountered in hydrocarbon production. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of forming the gel in-situ in the pores of subterranean zones thereby retarding or blocking the flow of water therein.