Abstract: Methods of severing conduits along planes extending transversely to the axis thereof comprising confining a fuel composition within a fuel chamber in an elongated housing sized for insertion in a conduit, the housing including a plurality of spaced radially extending discharge nozzles communicated with the fuel chamber and positioned to direct fuel reaction products in directions transverse to the axis of the housing, positioning the housing inside a conduit to be severed and igniting the fuel composition confined in the fuel chamber so that reaction products formed therefrom exit the housing by way of the discharge nozzles and impact the conduit thereby severing the conduit. Apparatus and pyrotechnic fuel compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A method of removing ferrous sulfide from ferrous metal surfaces comprising contacting the ferrous sulfide with an aqueous composition comprising an acid selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, and the alkali metal and ammonium salts of maleic acid.

Abstract: Particular methods and compositions are provided for producing an isocyanate polymer suitable as a sealing agent by using one or more typical di- or polyisocyanates with one or more alcoholic or acidic compounds and a particular catalyst namely, triethylenediamine, Groups 3 and 4 metal-organic compounds or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Particular aqueous gels, epoxy resin compositions and optional additives such as diluents, retarders and accelerators are described which produce a practical composition and method for in situ sand consolidation and gravel packing by which a resin coated sand is positioned in a desired location and cured by an internal catalyst to form a porous permeable or plugged consolidated mass.

Abstract: Asphaltenic and paraffinic containing deposits are removed by contacting the deposits with an aqueous dispersion of a hydrocarbon solvent, an amine and a nonionic alkylated aryl polyether alcohol.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing tubing along a generally transverse plane through the tubing wall, and including two confined explosive charges aligned axially with the tubing wall and terminating at opposed, proximal ends facing each other across a space disposed in such transverse plane. A portion of the opposed ends of the charges can contact each other, provided the main bodies of the two charges are spaced at the location of the plane of desired severance. Detonation devices are disposed at the distal or remote ends of the charges for originating detonation of the charges at such distal ends.The apparatus is employed by emplacing the confined charges in the tubing to be severed with the charges positioned on opposite sides of, and terminating with their proximal ends substantially at, the plane in which the desired severance is to be effected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for severing concrete pilings containing one or more longitudinally extending reinforcing rods are provided. The apparatus is comprised of at least one elongated barrel, a projectile positioned within the barrel, remotely detonatable explosive means attached to the barrel for propelling the projectile through the barrel into contact with the piling and means for clamping the barrel to the piling.

Abstract: A method for reducing fluid flow from and to a subterranean zone contiguous to a hydrocarbon producing formation which includes the steps of initially extending a common fracture horizontally into the zone and into the formation to locate a portion of the fracture in each of the zone and the formation, then introducing a porous bed of solid particles into that portion of the fracture located in the zone. A removable diverting material, such as a gel, is then introduced into the portion of the fracture located in the formation and adjacent the locus of the bed of solid particles to block the portion of the fracture occupied by the diverting material to a selected fluid sealing material. The selected sealing material is then introduced to the interstices of the particles in the porous bed, and is set to a fluid-impermeable seal to impede fluid flow to and from said zone. The diverting material is then removed to facilitate hydrocarbon production from the formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for severing tubular members whereby one or more shaped charges are positioned adjacent the interior walls of the tubular members and detonated to thereby sever the tubular members. The apparatus of the invention is adapted to be placed within a tubular member and includes a remotely extendible framework having remotely detonatable shaped charges attached thereto. The apparatus is of a size such that when the framework is not extended, the apparatus passes through constrictions contained within the tubular members, and when extended, the framework is positioned transversely to the axis of the tubular member with the shaped charges positioned adjacent the interior walls thereof.