Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods useful for lifting a drum to enable the drum and its contents to be accurately weighed includes a drum weighing platform engageable with the drum, at least two guide rods. The guide rods are movable upwardly in unison to move the drum weighing platform vertically upwardly.

Abstract: Homopolymers and copolymers of an esterified reaction product of an epoxidized mono-hydroxyl alcohol and a free radical polymerizable monomer are highly effective demulsifying agents. The molecular weight of the polymer is between from about 10,000 to about 500,000. The epoxidized mono-hydroxyl alcohol is preferably a reaction product of a C6–C30 linear or branched alcohol and an alkylene oxide. The alkylene oxide is preferably either ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or butylenes oxide or a mixture thereof. The free radical polymerizable monomer is preferably a vinyl aromatic compound or an acrylic or methacrylic based monomer. The polymer preferably comprises a micellar assembly. Such polymers are highly effective in demulsifying crude oils having API gravities of from 8 to 28 or a crude oil having a viscosity between from about 3 to about 10,000 CPS @ at 25° C.

Abstract: A storable cement system comprises a suspending agent, a cement spacer and water. The composition may further optional contain a surfactant and/or an organic solvent and/or a weighting material. The suspending agent is preferably a carrageenan or scleroglucan. The cement system may be stored for an extended period of time prior to being interposed between a cement slurry and a drilling fluid. As such, the aqueous cement system may be made off-site and used when desired for preventing contact between non-compatible hydrocarbonaceous and aqueous fluids.