Abstract: A method for controlling both fugitive bauxite dust and sodium hydroxide contamination generated by the waste disposal of bauxite tailings from aluminum processing plants comprising using magnesium chloride or sodium chloride or mixtures thereof on the surface of the disposal pits, which are also known as mud lakes. Preferably, a solution of magnesium chloride is applied to the surface of a dry or partially dry mud lake. The magnesium chloride neutralizes the sodium hydroxide on the surface, forms a hard crust that covers the fine bauxite particles and also inhibits the migration of unreacted sodium hydroxide to the surface.

Abstract: Basic polymers useful as weak base catalyst support for rhodium in a one-step hydroformylation/reduction of an olefin to an alcohol are prepared by reacting chloromethylated polystyrene resin with an alkoxide of an alkanolamine in a nonaqueous solution. The reaction product has repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is an aliphatic tertiary amine and n is the number of repeating units in the polymeric structure.

Abstract: A method for cementing a casing into a borehole. The borehole is drilled to the desired depth in the usual manner. Before removing the drill string and without substantially interrupting the flow of fluids in the borehole, the mud therein is displaced with a fluid substantially free of undissolved solids from the portion of the borehole into which it is desired to cement the casing. When the solids-free fluid is in place, the drill string is removed, the casing suspended in the borehole, and a cement slurry placed in the annulus where it is allowed to set. Preferably, the solids-free fluid is more viscous and dense than the mud, and less viscous and dense than the cement slurry. Optionally, mutually compatible spacer fluids or cementing plugs are used to separate the mud from the solids-free fluid and the solids-free fluid from the cement slurry.

Abstract: Performing steam drive operations in critical manipulative steps can improve the recovery of viscous hydrocarbons from tar sand deposits. Steam is injected into an injection well at a rate that is less than the rate needed to fracture the formation, and fluids are simultaneously produced from a communicating production well. When steam breakthrough occurs at the production well, the production well is shut-in, and the injection rate is increased to a rate at least sufficient to fracture the formation. After the reservoir is sufficiently heated, injection ceases and production resumes. Once the production rate declines to a rate that is no longer efficient, the process can be repeated.

Abstract: A method for conditioning the virgin drainage area of a tar sand formation that is penetrated by a well for enhanced petroleum production by cyclic steam stimulation is described. The method comprises fracturing the drainage area by injection of liquid carbon dioxide. While carbon dioxide is still in place within the formation, steam is injected into the formation. After a suitable soaking period, the well is opened to production. This method achieves better petroleum recovery than conventional huff-puff steam stimulation techniques.

Abstract: To improve the separation of a produced oil-water emulsion containing a surfactant, the emulsion parameters of temperature and salinity are brought within certain critical limits. The emulsion will separate into an injectable brine/surfactant phase and a pipeline quality crude oil phase. The operable salinity range is from about 70% to about 130% of the reservoir salinity, and the operable temperature range is from about 75.degree. F. lower to about 75.degree. F. higher than the temperature of the reservoir from which the emulsion was produced.

Abstract: This application relates to a composition containing a polymeric material which may be cross-linked in the presence of a monomeric cross-linking agent upon irradiation with a nuclear source. The composition is suitable for use as a well drilling fluid prior to irradiation and as a well cement after.

Abstract: A method of drilling and cementing a well using a novel drilling fluid convertible in place by the extrinsic application of heat into a settable cement slurry and composition therefor. The novel drilling fluid comprises an aqueous drilling mud containing in intimate admixture therewith cement and a thermally deactivatable deflocculant which prevents the cement from setting while the fluid is being used as a drilling mud. The method comprises drilling a well with a rotary bit through which the novel drilling fluid is circulated; suspending a casing in the well; removing the fluid from inside the casing; and applying sufficient extrinsic heat to the fluid in place in the annulus of the well to deactivate the deflocculant, thereby converting the fluid in place into a settable cement slurry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of matter and to a method for producing a controllable, residue-free break of an emulsion or a dispersion of a water-in-oil emulsion. An emulsion breaker is incorporated into the emulsion. It is temporarily-protected (deactivated) so that breaking of the emulsion is initially avoided. By removing the protection, the breaker becomes active, and it acts to break the emulsion into its separate phases.

Abstract: An improved process is described for the separation and recovery of substantially all the propane and heavier hydrocarbon components in a hydrocarbon gaseous feedstream. In this process, the vapor stream from a deethanizer is cooled to liquefaction and contacted with a vapor phase from the hydrocarbon gaseous feedstream. The contact takes place within a direct heat exchanger, and the resulting vapor fraction, which is essentially ethane and methane, is the gaseous product of the process.

Abstract: To reduce the surfactant adsorption in a subterranean formation during a surfactant or microemulsion flooding process, lignosulfonate salts are injected into the formation after the surfactant solution has already been injected. The lignosulfonate afterflush may contain a thickener to promote better sweep efficiency, and water or brine will usually be used to drive the lignosulfonate salts through the reservoir to a production well.

Abstract: An improved process is described for the separation and recovery of substantially all the propane and heavier hydrocarbon components in a hydrocarbon gaseous feedstream. In this process, the vapor stream from a deethanizer is cooled to liquefaction and contacted with a vapor phase from the hydrocarbon gaseous feedstream. The contact takes place within a direct heat exchanger, and the resulting vapor fraction, which is essentially ethane and methane, is the gaseous product of the process.

Abstract: A specialty boom and outrigger apparatus and method for use with an offshore skimmer device and a floating vessel for corralling buoyant substances. The apparatus has an elongated flexible boom with floating members and is connected to an elongated towing member with guide members. The towing member is connected to a mast with guide members and the mast is connected with a vessel with guide members.