Abstract: Apparatus and method of hydrating a particulated polymer and producing a well treatment gel includes a mixer for spraying the polymer with water at a substantially constant water velocity and at a substantially constant water spray pattern at all flow rates of the water. A centrifugal diffuser is connected to the mixer for receiving the mixture, centrifugally diffusing the motive energy of the mixture, and hydrating the mixture into a gel. A centrifugal separator and constant velocity jet pump may be connected between the mixer and the centrifugal diffuser. A dilution valve is connected to the discharge of the centrifugal diffuser for mixing water with the gel at a substantially constant mixing energy at all flow rates of the gel and producing a diluted gel. A viscometer may be connected to the discharge of the dilution valve for measuring the viscosity of the diluted gel and regulating the flow of gel from the centrifugal diffuser to the dilution valve in order to control the viscosity of the diluted gel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the presence of extraneous magnetic fields having a predetermined weak magnitude include a transformer having an excitation winding, an output winding, and a saturable core which will saturate in a magnetic field of a predetermined saturation magnitude. The core is made of amorphous metal alloy and is shaped to cancel the electromagnetic effects of magnetic fields having flux lines which are substantially parallel with respect to the transformer. An excitation circuit is connected to the excitation winding for generating a magnetic field having an excitation magnitude of lesser magnitude than the saturation magnitude of the core. The excitation magnitude and the weak magnitude of the extraneous magnetic fields combine to create a magnetic field of greater magnitude than the saturation magnitude of the core. A detector circuit is connected to the output winding for detecting and indicating saturation of the core.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of combusting crude oil produced during testing of a subterranean well includes a primary nozzle for atomizing and spraying the primary feed of crude oil into a combustion chamber; a combustion chamber for receiving and combusting the atomized primary feed and confining the combustion so that the primary feed is completely combusted in the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the combustion. A secondary nozzle may be located in the combustion chamber for atomizing and spraying a secondary feed of crude oil into the combustion chamber so that the heat of combustion of the primary feed will vaporize the secondary feed and heat the secondary feed above its ignition temperature so that it will completely combust on contact with air. A heat exchanger may be provided which uses the heat from the combustion chamber for preheating the crude oil before the crude oil is supplied to the primary or secondary nozzle.

Abstract: An inclined work surface comprised of a work surface and a support for incliningly supporting the work surface from a desk, table, or other horizontal resting surface. The inclined work surface includes a storage compartment within the support and the work surface is hinged to the support above the storage compartment. The inclined work surface is at least as wide as the knee-hole on an office-type desk and has an angle of inclination between about 2 degrees and about 10 degrees. The inclined work surface also includes a calendar apparatus which rests within the support and is accessible through an opening in the work surface. The calendar apparatus includes an adjusting assembly for adjusting the height of the calendar pages.

Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus includes a pressure reducing valve. The inlet passageway of the valve is connectable to a first fluid supply and the outlet passageway of the valve is connectable to a fluid user capable of generating a subatmospheric pressure. The actuator of the valve biases the valve to a closed position. A pressure sensing line communicates the pressure from the outlet passageway of the valve to the actuator in opposition to bias of the actuator. The presence of a subatmospheric pressure at the outlet passageway of the valve will move the actuator and valve towards the open position allowing fluid to flow from the first fluid supply to the fluid user with the valve reducing the non-subatmospheric pressure of the fluid in the first fluid supply to the sub-atmospheric pressure of the outlet passageway. A flow dividing vane is provided in the valve between the orifice of the valve and the outlet passageway in order to minimize pressure fluctuations in the outlet passageway.