Abstract: A slidably sealing isolator and method for using the isolator in a wellbore tubular to control the injection and production of fluids to individual formation zones, the isolator having 1) a sliding band seal which does not need to be actuated or set in order to restrict fluid flow into a wellbore zone and is capable of slidably sealing at threaded joint portions of the wellbore tubular, and 2) a wellbore flow control means.

Abstract: A high aromatic, low sulfur No. 2-D diesel fuel, which, upon combustion, provides emission benefits at least equivalent to a 10 vol. % aromatics, low sulfur diesel fuel contains, in addition to more than 10 vol. % aromatics, at least one of(1) a Cetane number less than 55;(2) a nitrogen content of at least 500 ppmw;(3) a sulfur content of at least 250 ppmw; and(4) a polycyclic aromatics content of at least 5.0 wt. %.

Abstract: A method for cleaning oil-contaminated substrates employing a composition includes a diluent oil, a first surfactant having a HLB value of at least 10, and a second surfactant having a higher HLB value. The difference in the HLB values of the first and second surfactants is at least 3 and a mixture of the surfactants would have a HLB value of at least 11.

Abstract: Single or multi-piece, pipe joint seal elements have at least one slidable interface that contacts a sealing surface of an end ring attached to a cementitious pipe liner. The slidable interface allows for slippage between seal pieces and/or seal piece-end ring surfaces during pipe joint assembly and disassembly. The end rings help distribute and minimize rotational and other stresses exerted upon the liner end surfaces and seal pieces. Such end ring surfaces further provide a quality surface for the seal element to effect a seal. The slidable interface seal is especially useful for joining brittle-lined pipe sections handling harsh fluids such as geothermal brine, etc.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (a) a surfactant and (b) a diluent oil are employed in oil-based drilling fluids and processes for cleaning oil-contaminated substrates (e.g., oil-contaminated animals, drill cuttings) as well as in processes for cementing well casings, enhanced oil recovery, and lifting oil from wellbores.

Abstract: A guide-ring comprises a graphite body and a mechanically attached insert, preferable made of metal. The insert and body form a guide ring supporting a split neck-ring used during glass container manufacturing. The graphite body avoids the need for separate lubrication while being sufficiently strong enough to enable mechanical attachment of the insert. The combination provides the structural integrity needed to resist damage during glass container manufacturing operations and the thermal properties needed to contact hot glass gobs.

Abstract: Cationic polymer-containing gels are stable at elevated temperatures in soft and hard waters.

Abstract: Repositionable stacker bar pads composed of a relatively high-strength nonmetallic material have tongue-in-groove adjoining surfaces and glass-contact surfaces which are roughsned or serrated. The high strength material and overlapping tongue-in-groove "footprint" allows rigid and reliable attachment to a metal support structure. The rough finish of the glass-contact surface minimizes thermal checking and other hot-glass article problems.

Abstract: A polymer concrete pipe liner is formed from a fluidized, but substantially waterless cement containing mixture applied to the pipe interior. The mixture contains inorganic cement particles, a liquid styrene mixture and one or more poly-olefinically unsaturated co-monomers in a greater amount than the styrene. The mixture substantially excludes acrylonitrile and acrylamide. The co-monomers are preferably selected from a group including trimethylolpropane-trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane-methacrylate, divinyl benzene, and hexadiene. Mixing liquid and solid aggregate components forms a slurry which is transferred to a pipe interior and centrifugally cast to form the liner. The composition avoids the need for high temperature curing the toxic reactive unsaturates to co-polymerize and cross-link polystyrene.

Abstract: One or more bracing structures are placed at an underwater mud line location. The bracing structure(s) are first used as a template to guide the offshore drilling and placement of well tubulars. After drilling through the template is completed, at least one of the bracing structures is raised and attached to the well tubulars to act as a support structure for bracing between the well tubulars. The uppermost raised structure typically acts as a working platform or a support for a working platform. If more than one bracing structure is used, they are stacked one on top the other at the underwater location until the well tubulars are in place and one or more of the structures are raised and spaced apart.

Abstract: Compositions comprising (a) a surfactant and (b) a diluent oil are employed in oil-based drilling fluids and processes for cleaning oil-contaminated substrates (e.g., oil-contaminated animals, drill cuttings) as well as in processes for cementing well casings, enhanced oil recovery, and lifting oil from wellbores.

Abstract: Solids-free, essentially all-oil and invert emulsion wellbore fluids are employed in well drilling, completion, and workover operations. Techniques for remediating dense aromatic solvents wellbore fluids entail removal and/or dissolution of particulate matter.

Abstract: Oil-base drilling fluids containing a non-sulfonated polymer and/or a non-organophilic clay maintain desirable rheological properties at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A solids-free, essentially all-oil wellbore fluid comprises an organic fluid having (i) a melting point less than about 20.degree. C. (about 68.degree. F.), (ii) a flash point greater than about 54.4.degree. C. (about 130.degree. F.), and (iii) a dipole moment greater than 0 debye (D) and/or an aromatic solvent having a density at about 15.6.degree. C. (60.degree. F.) of at least about 0.9 g/ml (7.5 pounds per gallon (ppg)), a flash point of greater than about 54.4.degree. C. (130.degree. F.), a solubility in water at about 25.degree. C. (77.degree. F.) of less than about 1 weight percent, a solubility in benzene at about 25.degree. C. (77.degree. F.) of at least about 80 weight percent, and a pour point of less than about 15.6.degree. C. (60.degree. F.). Generally, a salt is dissolved in the organic fluid. The wellbore fluid is employed in well drilling, completion, and work-over operations.

Abstract: A method for controlling fouling of a flashing vessel or heat-exchange surface exposed to a high-enthalpy geothermal brine tending to form silicon-containing scale. The method adds a silicon-complexing amount of fluoroborate species to the brine to form a fluid mixture that does not produce substantial amounts of the scale when the temperature of the fluid mixture is reduced. The addition does not significantly increase corrosion rates of mild steel heat-exchanger materials of construction.

Abstract: An iterative planning and monitoring method for drilling (and completing) difficult boreholes which avoids unnecessary risk or cost. The method provides multiple point value probability estimates of an indicator of drilling problems based upon a range of possible drilling variables, supplanting single point estimates. Expected drilling variables are perturbed within physically feasible bounds, and multiple estimates of the corresponding indicator values are made. The probability of each estimate is used to calculate the likelihood of an indicator of an unwanted condition. Mitigation measures are implemented if the probability of an unwanted condition exceeding a threshold value is unacceptable and the mitigated probability is reassessed. If the perturbed indicator change is not significant, the drilling variable is deleted from further analysis. Critical variables are thus quickly identified, allowing monitoring and selection of mitigation measures which are the most cost effective.

Abstract: Sulfur-containing acid is produced at a geothermal energy source from hydrogen sulfide produced as part of a geothermal process and introduced into aqueous liquid brine to lower the pH of the liquid brine. The lowered pH of the brine inhibits silica, metal sulfide and/or calcite formation on the surfaces of geothermal energy processing equipment or in subterranean formations in which the brine is injected.

Abstract: By controlling one or more properties of a gasoline fuel suitable for combustion in automobiles, the emissions of NOx, CO and/or hydrocarbons can be reduced. The preferred fuel for reducing all three such emissions has a Reid Vapor Pressure no greater than 7.5 psi (0.51 atm), essentially zero olefins, and a 50% D-86 Distillation Point greater than about 180.degree. F. (82.degree. C.) but less than 205.degree. F. (96.1.degree. C.

Abstract: Conduits having cement-containing liners for the inner and outer surfaces of metal pipes include a fibrous material, such as glass fibers, to prevent cracking and/or inhibit crack propagation.

Abstract: A non-toxic, inexpensive synthetic fluid for use in wellbore fluids (e.g., drilling fluids) is selected from the group consisting of (A) fluids having (I) a pour point greater than about -30.degree. C. (-22.degree. F.) and (II) a cetane index greater than 50, and comprising (i) at least about 95 weight percent hydrocarbons containing 11 or more carbon atoms, (ii) greater than 5 weight percent hydrocarbons containing 18 or more carbon atoms, (iii) at least about 50 weight percent isoparaffins, (iv) at least about 80 weight percent total paraffins, (v) less than 10 weight percent naphthenics, (vi) less than 0.1 weight percent aromatics, and (vii) at least 2 hydrocarbons containing a consecutive number of carbon atoms, and (B) fluids comprising (i) at least about 95 weight percent hydrocarbons containing 10 or more carbon atoms and (ii) at least about 90 weight percent n-paraffins.