Abstract: A composition for treating a subterranean formation and a method of treatment. An aqueous gel composition is formed by mixing a carboxylate-containing polymer with a crosslinking agent comprised of chromic carboxylate. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic and is incorporated as a single-component gel breaker. When introduced into a permeable formation, the solution forms a gel which makes the formation impermeable. After a predetermined period of time the gel breaker breaks the gel to a predetermied degree which restores partial or limited permeability to the formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging short radius horizontal drainholes. An end sub in a tubing string contains a bend which angles the downstream end of the sub with respect to the upstream end. A perforated sub is connected to the upstream end of the end sub and contains sensor means communicating with the exterior through the perforations. When the angled end sub is aligned with the horizontal drainhole, downward movement of the tubing string causes the string to move through the drainhole, thereby allowing the sensor to determine the conditions therein.

Abstract: A method of forming a lateral barrier to downward flow of fluid contaminants through a porous subterranean formation. A fluid medium capable of maturing into an impermeable material over a period of time, such as an aqueous composition capable of forming a gel or an aqueous slurry of portland cement, is injected into the formation at a pressure greater than the overburden pressure, lifting formations located above the level of injection, thereby creating a laterally extending void filled with the fluid medium. The lateral extent of travel of the fluid medium is monitored by utilizing tiltmeter technology. The fluid medium subsequently hardens into an impermeable barrier to downward fluid contaminant flow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for introducing treatment fluid into a subterranean formation by use of a reverse jet pump located in a bypass of a tubing string. A plug in the tubing between the inlet and outlet of the bypass forces production fluid to flow through the bypass. When operation of the jet pump is terminated treatment fluid introduced into the tubing string causes a sleeve to slide down over the inlet and outlet, isolating the bypass. The plug is then forced out the tubing, leaving a clear path for the treatment fluid down the tubing and out the casing perforations into the formation. This arrangement enables rapid changeover from pumping formation fluid to introducing treatment fluid.

Abstract: A process for separating a relatively high molecular polymeric sulfonate, such as a polyvinyl sulfonate, from undesirable by-products of solfonation. An aqueous solution having a polymeric sulfonate dissolved therein is contacted with from about 7.5 to about 40 volume percent of a solvent selected from methanol, ethanol, acetone, or dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether to remove undesirable by-products of sulfonation therefrom and to enhance the molecular weight of the polymeric sulfonate.

Abstract: A nonflowing crosslinked polymer gel is employed as a well kill material in a process for preventing or minimizing the intrusion of formation fluid into a wellbore while preventing or minimizing wellbore fluid leakoff in the formation during conventional oil field wellbore operations in the wellbore. The gel comprises an a carboxylate-containing polymer and a chromic carboxylate crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A flowing crosslinked polymer gel is employed as a lost circulation fluid in a process for reducing lost circulation during an oil field drilling operation. The lost circulation fluid comprises a carboxylate-containing polymer, a chromic carboxylate crosslinking agent, and an aqueous solvent.

Abstract: An insert for use in a rod elevator assembly. The insert is coated with a fusion-bonded nylon coating which is resistant to damage from the rod and which does not damage the plastic coating on the rod. Both inserts in a two-insert assembly are coated, and all surfaces of the inserts may be coated.

Abstract: A composition for treating a subterranean formation and a method of treatment. An aqueous gel composition is formed by mixing a carboxylate-containing polymer with a crosslinking agent comprised of chromic carboxylate. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is incorporated as a single-component gel breaker. When introduced into a permeable formation, the solution forms a gel which makes the formation impermeable. After a predetermined period of time the gel breaker breaks the gel to a predetermined degree which restores partial or limited permeability to the formation.

Abstract: A process for preparing aqueous polymer solutions wherein a section of a fluid conduit through which a stream of liquid polymer product flows contains spaced static mixers. Heated water from a heat exchanger surrounding the section of conduit containing the mixers is introduced to a reactor to function as reaction water. The static mixers are spaced apart enough to enable the heat exchanger to sufficiently cool the liquid polymer product. The mixers function to mix other liquid agents with the liquid polymer product and to mix together warmer and cooler quantities of liquids encountered in the conduit.

Abstract: A soil infiltrometer for making permeability measurements in the field. A small reservoir is concentrically placed inside a large reservoir and both are filled with water. The small reservoir consists of a relatively large base receptacle and an upwardly extending tube. Because the small reservoir has a much smaller volume than the large reservoir the effects of thermal expansion and temperature changes are minimized, and the accuracy of determining the quantity of water lost to the soil is increased. A sight level gauge permits the permeation of water from the small reservoir to be noted.

Abstract: A nonflowing crosslinked polymer gel is employed in a lost circulation treatment for reducing lost circulation during an oil field drilling operation. The nonflowing gel comprises a carboxylate-containing polymer, a chromic carboxylate crosskinging agent, and an aqueous solvent.

Abstract: A model-based iterative method of depth-processing seismic data. An estimate of a geologic horizon is entered into a three-dimensional seismic model and synthetic shot records are determined from the model. Reflection tracks are estimated from the modeling results. The actual seismic traces are sorted into bins according to common reflection points determined from the reflection tracks and are stacked. The sorted and stacked data are used to estimate the difference between the seismic travel time and the model travel time, and the model is changed in order to match the seismic data. The process is repeated until the margin of error is acceptable. Lower horizons of interest are modeled in the same way until all the horizons of interest in a geological area are determined.

Abstract: A well unit dynamometer installation means and method. A reciprocal well unit is operated with a spacer mounted on the polish rod above the carrier bar. To install a dynamometer the unit is stopped, the loading removed from the carrier bar, the spacer removed and the dynamometer attached to the polish rod above the carrier bar. The spacer comprises nested sleeves, each having a slot. The outer sleeve rotates with respect to the inner sleeve, allowing the slots to be aligned so as to be slipped over the polish rod. End plates connected to the inner sleeve allow operating loads to be transmitted through the spacer during operation of the well unit.

Abstract: A flowing crosslinked polymer gel is employed as a kill fluid or as an additive to a kill fluid in a process for preventing the intrusion of formation fluid into a wellbore while minimizing wellbore fluid leakoff in the formation during conventional oil field operations in the wellbore. The gel comprises a carboxylate-containing polymer and a chromic carboxylate crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A gravel packing process employs a staged screen assembly to prevent sand and other fine particles entrained in the produced hydrocarbon fluids from entering the production tubing and related equipment. The staged screen assembly is provided with a base pipe having rupture disks in its sidewall. The disks rupture at a predetermined pressure differential during gravel packing to enable leakoff of the carrier fluid from the gravel slurry into the base pipe and recirculation of the carrier fluid back to the wellhead, while ensuring complete and uniform gravel packing of the hydrocarbon production interval without substantial bridging or duning.

Abstract: A method of protecting a permeable formation penetrated by a well bore against damage by subsequent treatment operations. In protecting the formation against damage by cement used in installing a casing, a well bore is drilled through the formation and liquid composition capable of gelling is introduced into the area of the formation. After the gel is formed it is drilled out, leaving a sufficient amount still plugging the voids in the formation wall. Subsequently, after installing the casing, the gel reverts to liquid form, leaving the permeable formation in condition for production of the well. Preferably, the gel contains a breaker to cause the gel to revert to liquid form after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of preventing intrusion of fluid into a horizontal well bore. A quantity of liquid composition capable of gelling and containing a breaker is introduced into a horizontal well bore up to a point corresponding to the bottom of the intrusion zone. After the liquid composition gels into a temporary gel, a second liquid composition capable of gelling into a permanent gel is introduced into the zone to shut off fluid flow from the zone. The temporary gel prevents flow of the permanent gel into the horizontal well bore. Thereafter the breaker in the temporary gel causes the gel to revert to a liquid, which is removed from the horizontal well bore upon production of the well.

Abstract: Asphalt used for road paving containing catalytic cracking catalyst particles which have been burned to remove hydrocarbons deposited thereon during a petroleum catalytic cracking process. The catalyst particles may be present in the asphalt in amounts of from 0.1% to 5.0% by weight of the asphalt, but more preferably from 0.2% to 2.0% by weight of the asphalt. The particles, which are comprised of crystalline and amorphous silica and alumina and silica-alumina combinations, function to prevent oxidative condensation of the asphalt, thus preventing hardening of the asphalt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low internal volumn three-way valve for high speed switching of high pressure, high temperature fluids without volume change. Such valves have particular application with positive displacement pumps for precision laboratory measurements wherein corrosive fluids are used.