Abstract: A method is disclosed for increased recovery of crude petroleum from a subsurface formation containing petroleum deposits. The method combines steam and gas distillation drive using foam to divert the steam/gas and to establish a thermal barrier against heat loss into the surrounding formations. A noncondensable gas is injected with or after steam to produce a distillate bank which is moved through the formation from an injection well toward a production well. Fluids produced at the production well are monitored to provide information for control of the injected materials at the injection well.

Abstract: An improved insulated tubing string with insulated coupling formed of concentric tubing members insulated from each other to prevent heat from the inner tubing from being conducted to and through the outer tubing. The coupling joins the outer tubing of successive tubing assemblies to provide additional strength to the string and the inner tubing is insulated within the coupling to prevent heat loss at the coupling. The inner tubing is elongated during fabrication and joined to the outer tubing when elongated to reduce heat stress on the string when in use.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for altering the permeability of a gravity override path through a subsurface earth formation resulting from hot fluid (steam) injection into the subsurface formation. The method includes adding selected sized particulate material to a foam and injecting the foam into the gravity override path to deposit the particulate material thus altering the permeability in the path. The method may include the use of a noncondensible gas in the foam as well as a variety of combinations of the hot fluid injection and foam plus particulate material injection to maximize the sweep efficiency of the hot fluid injection into the subsurface formation.

Abstract: An improved insulated tubing string with insulated coupling formed of concentric tubing members insulated from each other to prevent heat from the inner tubing from being conducted to and through the outer tubing. The coupling joins the outer tubing of successive tubing assemblies to provide additional strength to the string and the inner tubing is insulated within the coupling to prevent heat loss at the coupling. The inner tubing is elongated during fabrication and joined to the outer tubing when elongated to reduce heat stress on the string when in use.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing viscous petroleum from subsurface deposits. The method employs a vertical well and a horizontal well through the petroleum deposit. A combination of injection procedures through the horizontal and vertical well heat the viscous petroleum in the annulus around the horizontal well. Successive completion intervals are installed in the horizontal well to produce the heated petroleum. The petroleum is driven by a drive fluid passing through previously produced intervals.

Abstract: An insulated concentric tubing well element having an inner tubing and an outer tubing with a substantially solid insulating material in the annulus between the inner and outer tubing. A bonding material fills the voids in the annulus and the surface of the solid insulating material. The bonding material prevents movement within the annulus and seals the annulus. Calcium silicate is disclosed as a suitable material for the solid insulation and sodium silicate is disclosed as the bonding material. A method is disclosed for producing the complete well element.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine intake valve with an internal heat pipe. The valve stem and valve head are hollow and have a wicking material fixed to the internal hollow surface. A coolant material is contained within the hollow valve. A heat exchanger is provided on the outer surface of the stem at the valve operator end. The portion of the valve in the fuel intake system is maintained at a temperature that will prevent the addition of heat to the fuel charge from the valve thus reducing the possibility of autoignition due to heating of the fuel charge.

Abstract: A method of gravel packing a subsurface well is disclosed wherein particulate material is fluidized in a gas/liquid foam carrier fluid and transported to the subsurface where the particulate material forms the gravel pack and the foam carrier fluid returns to the surface.

Abstract: A free standing transmitting microphone comprising a hollow holder for enclosing a transmitter and a microphone on a base. A cover of conductive material above the holder functions as an antenna for the transmitter. An acoustic pathway between the holder and the cover directs sounds to the microphone.

Abstract: Method for enhancing electron spin resonance signals from crude petroleum by contacting the crude petroleum with a chemical which effects the population of free radical asphaltenes in the crude petroleum. The enhancement is in a positive sense when the chemical is a halogen and particularly iodine. The enhancement is in a negative sense (suppression) when the chemical is ferric chloride.