Abstract: A first fluid having a dyed styrene monomer is injected into a porous reservoir rock to effect saturation. A second fluid, miscible with the first fluid and having a dyed styrene monomer differing in color from the first fluid, is injected into the porous rock to displace the first fluid. Effluent flow from the porous rock is monitored with UV-visible light spectroscopy for use in determining oil displacement characteristics of the porous rock. Subsequent rapid polymerization of the styrene monomer within the porous rock allows identification and characterization of the controlling factors and attributes of the pore network responsible for entrapment of the residual phase. This allows assessment of larger intervals of the reservoir rock.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing barium and strontium sulfate scale deposits. The composition comprises an aqueous solution having a pH of about 8 to about 14, an EDTA or DTPA chelant, and a catalyst or synergist. Preferred chelants comprise diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA or alkali salts thereof. Anions of organic and inorganic acids comprise the catalyst. Catalysts which can be used include fluoride, oxalate, persulfate, dithionate, hypochlorite and formate anions. When the solution containing the composition is contacted with a surface containing a scale deposit, the deposit dissolves substantially more scale quicker than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A laundry basket and a handle assembly therefor are disclosed. The laundry basket includes a walled container having a peripheral rim about a substantial portion thereof, a pair of opposing hand openings adjacent the peripheral rim, and a pair of handle members extending, respectively, about the rim and through the hand openings, each of the handle members including a bottom portion positioned below the rim, the bottom portion defining an upper boundary of one of the hand openings and a top portion, the top portion being connected to the bottom portion, wherein one of the top or bottom portions of each of the handle members is integral to the peripheral rim. Each portion of the handle members preferably includes a curved exterior surface to facilitate the lifting and carrying of the basket.

Abstract: A pH tolerant aqueous gel-forming composition for placement within a subterranean formation. The composition includes water, a viscosifying amount of a heteropolysaccharide prepared by growing Xanthomonas campestris NCIB 11854 in an aqueous nutrient medium by aerobic fermentation and recovering the heteropolysaccharide, and a crosslinking agent for the heteropolysaccharide in an amount sufficient to cause gelation of the aqueous solution of the Xanthomonas compestris NCIB 11854 heteropolysaccharide. Also described is a two-stage gel-forming composition for use in controlling the profile of a subterranean formation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for recovering residual oil from produced fines and solid materials which are obtained during the production of viscous oil from a formation. The fines and produced materials are injected into a formation with or without fracturing for their disposal. Once in the formation, a non-thermal enhanced oil recovery method is used to remove residual oil from the fines or solid materials. Use of this method provides an inexpensive and environmentally safe method for recovering residual oil from formation fines or solids.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically counting and stacking articles, comprising: a conveyor for conveying a plurality of articles to at least one fixed stack position; and at least one stacking mechanism, the stacking mechanism comprising: an article carriage peripherally disposed about the fixed stack position, the carriage extending substantially perpendicular to the fixed stack position, wherein the carriage has at least one stacking dog for engaging and suspending articles above the fixed stack position; an article pusher located below the fixed stack position, the pusher capable of projecting an article positioned at the fixed stack position at a distance effective to engage the article with the stacking dogs and suspend the article therefrom; an article pullback mechanism positioned upstream of the article pusher for retaining subsequently conveyed articles in a queued relation; and a counter for counting articles suspended above the fixed stack position.

Abstract: This specification discloses a method of hydraulic fracturing a subterranean formation wherein two horizontally spaced-apart wells are provided and completed to communicate with the formation. Hydraulic fluid pressure is sequentially applied to create and propagate vertical fractures into the formation and to create a vertical fracture that communicates both wells. This specification further disclosed the creation of an enhanced fracture drainage pattern in a hydrocarbon-bearing formation and producing hydrocarbons from the formation via a single producing well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel multi-layer coextruded thermoplastic stretch wrap films useful for the packaging or palletizing of goods. More particularly the films of this invention comprise at least three layers having two outer layers and at least one intermediate layer placed between the outer layers. The intermediate layer is formed from a high pressure low density polyethylene resin and the outer layers are formed from a linear low density polyethylene copolymer such as ethylene copolymerized with a minor amount of at least one C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 alpha-olefin, such as hexane-1, octene-1, decene-1, 4-methyl-pentene-1 and butene-1. The force required to stretch the novel films of this invention may be controlled by the thickness of the intermediate layer relative to overall film thickness, the melt index of the intermediate layer resin, the molecular weight of the intermediate layer resin or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for the collection and redirection of a liquid spilled during the transfer thereof between a vessel and a transfer point, the transfer point spaced apart at a distance from the vessel, the distance subject to change due to relative movement therebetween. The apparatus includes a sheet of flexible material having a first end affixable to the vessel and a second end affixable to the transfer point, the flexible sheet being of a length sufficient to traverse the distance between the vessel and the transfer point, the flexible sheet having first and second longitudinal edges which have inflatable hollow chambers joined along the first and second edges of the flexible sheet.

Abstract: Non-emulsive lubricant compositions are provided when an additive mixture of a metal-alkylaromatic sulfonate and an alkaline-earth metal alkyl phenate are added in minor effective amounts to lubricant compositions.

Abstract: Thin filmed thermoplastic material wall coverings having a preprinted image thereon and provided with a static electrical charge for securing the coverings to a surface. The wall covering may comprise posters, maps, and the like, and the image is printed on the film by means such as silk-screening. The static electrical charge is sufficient to removably secure the film to a wall surface, a window, or the like, and allows for relocation of the covering without damage to the surface upon which it is secured. The coverings may be packaged individually, or be dispensed from a continuous roll. Preprinted maps adherable to a window surface such as a windshield of an automobile are provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling the profile of a formation where temperatures higher than 400.degree. F. are encountered. An aqueous solution of an organoammonium silicate, alkali metal or ammonium silicate is injected into a zone of higher permeability in a formation. Subsequently, a spacer volume of a water-immiscible organic solvent is directed into said zone. Afterwards, a water-miscible organic solvent containing an alkylpolysilicate and an inorganic salt or a chelated calcium compound are injected into the higher permeability zone. A silicate cement is formed in-situ thereby substantially closing the higher permeability zone to fluid flow. Thereafter, a steam-flooding, water-flooding, carbon dioxide-flooding, or fire-flooding EOR operation is commenced in a lower permeability zone.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a hole within an unconsolidated hydrocarbonaceous fluid-bearing formation, installing a slotted liner and gravel packing the liner in a single trip into the formation. The apparatus includes a drill bit for drilling a pilot hole; a housing mounted above the pilot hole drill bit; means for enlarging a pilot hole, the pilot hole -enlarging means pivotally mounted within the housing and capable of pivoting between a retracted position and an expanded position for enlarging a pilot hole to a diameter larger than the pilot hole and sufficient for gravel packing; a slotted liner having a first end and a second end, the first end joined to the apparatus above the housing; and a drive assembly joined to the second end of the slotted liner.

Abstract: A process for installing a gravel pack within an unconsolidated hydrocarbonaceous fluid-bearing formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel multi-layer coextruded thermoplastic stretch wrap films useful for the packaging or palletizing of goods. More particularly the films of this invention comprise at least three layers having two outer layers and at least one intermediate layer placed between the outer layers. The intermediate layer is formed from a high pressure low density polyethylene resin and the outer layers are formed from a linear low density polyethylene copolymer such as ethylene copolymerized with a minor amount of at least one C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 alpha-olefin, such as hexene-1, octene-1, decene-1, 4-methyl-pentene-1 and butene-1. The force required to stretch the novel films of this invention may be controlled by the thickness of the intermediate layer relative to overall film thickness, the melt index of the intermediate layer resin, the molecular weight of the intermediate layer resin or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A composite sheet of a film form base liner, a cured release coating laminated to at least one side of the base liner, and a skin, on the top-most portion of the base liner proximate to the release coating, comprising a polymer which is compatible with the base liner and contains pendant acid groups.

Abstract: A composite sheet of a polymeric film form base liner, a cured release coating laminated to at least one side of the base liner, and a coating of at least one high surface energy material (a surfactant/emulsifier) on at least one surface of the base liner.

Abstract: A material extraction nozzle for separating a mixture of materials having different densities, comprising: a nozzle body shell having an outer surface with a tangentially located material inlet at an upper portion thereof and an inner surface defining in part a frustrum of a cone; a substantially conical diffuser section having an outer surface terminating in an apex, the diffuser section axially aligned within the nozzle body shell in a spaced relation therewith so as to form an extraction chamber with the inner surface of the nozzle body shell and the outer surface of the substantially conical diffuser section; an extracted material outlet port positioned axially through the substantially conical diffuser section; and at least one rejected material capillary outlet located below the apex of the diffuser section.