Abstract: A system for providing differential pressure relief in vessels having a cargo tank, incorporating an inert gas biased pressure/vacuum relief valve is disclosed. A source of inert gas, under controlled pressure and flow rate is connected to a vacuum outlet of a pressure/vacuum valve to bias the valve so that a desired pressure differential across the tank can be maintained during normal operations and easily changed and so that the valve will open at two different desired pressure differentials. A rupture disk connected to the vacuum pump adaptor is set to rupture at a desired pressure differential across the disk to allow atmospheric pressure to reach the vacuum outlet in the event of a rupture. A vacuum pump replaces the rupture disk to maintain a desired pressure differential across the pressure/vacuum valve, so as to reduce the amount of cargo that would leak from the damaged tank.

Abstract: A self-regulating apparatus and method for measuring the components of a multiphase petroleum stream includes initially stratifying an incoming petroleum stream into substantially liquid and gas streams. The initial fluid stratification allows a flow-splitting separation to occur as the streams first enter a vertical separation tube. By positioning the inflow line eccentric to the vertical separation tube, a liquid vortex is created by the incoming liquid component to further enhance the liquid/gas separation. The liquid component is then drawn off by a liquid flow line also eccentrically positioned on the vertical separator, thereby minimizing the energy dissipation of the liquid vortex. Both the gas and liquid components can then be individually measured before being recombined at a common outflow port for discharge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and compensating for the impact of environmental effects on industrial processing units. A thermal test element having a low thermal mass and high conductivity is exposed to the environment. Ambient air temperature is sensed at a nearby location, and a differential temperature controller determines how much energy is required to maintain the test element at a desired temperature differential from ambient temperature. Duty cycle and wattage outputs enable feedforward compensation for environmentally induced process unit control disturbances.

Abstract: The present invention deals with separating well fluids produced from a gas condensate reservoir into a condensate phase and a gas phase. The invention provides combining two stage separation, a stabilizer column and gas processing systems to achieve increased liquid yield and dry gas for take off (export) with much lower energy costs and capital costs. First stage separation pressure is maintained between 600 psi and 1500 psi. Second stage separation pressure is maintained at a higher pressure than that required to achieve the liquid vapor pressure specification, usually between 400 psig and 600 psig. The stabilizing column produces a stabilized liquid (preferably having a vapor pressure about 8.2 psia at 80.degree. F.) by operating the column bottom at approximately 240.degree. F./50 psig.

Abstract: A method for determining rock mechanical properties and for selecting a drill bit is disclosed. A set of electrical log data parameters over a selected zone in a wellbore is provided, and the respective shale and non-shale volumes are determined. A fluid-corrected Poisson's ratio for the non-shale volume is determined. Shear wave velocity for the shale volume is then determined and a corrected Poisson's ratio, relating to shale volume and fluid composition is determined. Uniaxial compressive strength, angle of internal friction, and cohesive shear strength can be determined, and drill bits selection can therefore be made more accurately.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the temperature in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus is lowered into a wellbore to a desired depth and logged over a selected interval. At least one first heat flux and temperature sensor contacts the wellbore wall. At least one second heat flux and temperature sensor is maintained in contact with the drilling fluid. Comparison of sensor responses provides an accurate determination of the wellbore wall temperature, and a determination of the quality of sensor-wellbore wall contact.

Abstract: A simple, expedient method for measuring the effectiveness of a corrosion inhibitor provided to a metallic surface by a surface layer, wherein the layer is formed by use of the corrosion inhibitor is a corrosive fluid. The method employs the measuring of a high frequency phase angle as an indicator of inhibitor effectiveness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determines three phase holdup fractions and flow rates for the individual phases of a fluid flowing in a well. A logging tool comprising a temperature compensated gradiomanometer having a differential pressure detector comprised of two pressure sensors and a nuclear densitometer having a beam source is lowered into a wellbore. The differential pressure between the pressure sensors is measured and an average fluid density is determined. The attenuation of a beam propagating from the beam source through the fluid and to the beam detector is measured, and holdup fractions of the fluid are calculated. Flow rates for the individual phases are determined by adding a flowmeter, and multiplying each holdup fraction by the total flow rate.

Abstract: A method for emplacing a silicate gel to improve the sweep efficiency of a water, gas, or steam flood operation by reducing the permeability of high-permeability thief zones is disclosed. Controlled quantities of a silicate solution and either a gas or a gas and an organic acid are injected into a well to infiltrate and generate a controlled amount of a silicate gel of a controlled SiO.sub.2 concentration in the high-permeability thief zones, to reduce the permeability thereof. Base agents and weak acids may be added to control gel generation rate. Methods for selective emplacement of silicate gels into thief zones through a well without selective injection facilities are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the nondestructive testing of rock samples as a function of time are disclosed. A rock sample is placed in a sample vessel which simulates in-situ wellbore conditions of pressure, temperature and fluid effects. Ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the sample and the transit time is measured. The measurements are repetitively performed and the time history of the development of strength is recorded in order to determine when the rock sample begins to weaken.

Abstract: A method of using oriented seismic sensors to delineate the surface of a geologic unit having an anomalous velocity, such as salt dome is disclosed. Seismic sensors having three orthogonal axes of sensitivity are sealed in a housing and are attached to the outside of a tubing means. The tubing means is lowered into a wellbore that penetrates the geologic unit to a known depth, and a liquid such as cement is pumped through the tubing and up the annular space to fixedly attach the sensors to the geologic formation. The orientation of the sensor axes can then be calculated from an observed orientation of the reference directions of the sensor housings. Seismic wavefields are then propagated through the geologic unit and the surrounding earth, and are observed by the sensor axes of sensitivity, and are recorded and transmitted to the top of the tubing.

Abstract: A method for reducing the amount of liquids produced from a selected geologic formation of a gas producing well is disclosed. A solution comprising controlled quantities of a scaling cation brine and scaling anion brine such that a scale will precipitate, and a controlled quantity of a scale inhibitor such that the scale precipitation will be delayed, is injected into the formation. The well is then shut-in long enough to allow the injected mixture to precipitate scale and to reduce the permeability of the formation such that a substantial portion of liquids that had been produced before, no longer are produced upon a resumption of gas production.

Abstract: A method for improving the sweep efficiency of gas or steam flooding operations by reducing the permeability of relatively high permeability thief zones of an oil bearing subterranean reservoir having heterogeneous and/or fracture permeability and that is penetrated by at least one well is disclosed. A controlled quantity of a surfactant is injected into a high-permeability zone of a reservoir. Controlled quantities of a gas and a subsequent surfactant are then injected, simultaneously or alternatively into the same well, so that a controlled amount of foam having a controlled quality is generated in the high permeability zone, thereby reducing permeability. Following foam emplacement, a chase gas may be injected, and the steps of injecting surfactant and gas may be repeated as necessary to lower the gas-oil ration of non-problem offset producing wells to a preset limit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recording acoustical and seismic signals at the ocean bottom with minimal noise. A seafloor seismic recorder couples geophones to the water bottom, stores the seismic data, and is retrievable. The device is comprised of a chassis, a ballast ring, an electronics control package, a geophone package, a buoy means, and a leg extension means. The geophone package is disconnectably connected to the portion of the control package housing, so that the geophone package can remain coupled to the seafloor, when the control package and chassis rise toward the surface for a short distance. The buoy means permits the ballast ring and geophone package to become embedded in the sediment upon impact, and allows the chassis, geophone package, and control package to rise to the surface upon release of the ballast ring.

Abstract: An apparatus provides additional safety during the launching of survival craft from a ship or platform by which it is attached. A safety strop is comprised of a connecting line which is attached at its upper end to a means for lowering a launch pendant and a lifeboat. the lifeboat is equipped with an on load release means for launching it. The lower end of the connecting line is attached to a released means such as a shackle or a pelican hook. The connecting line release means is releaseably connected to a hang off lug assembly, which is attached to the on load release means. The connecting line has a longer length than the launch pendant, so that no load is carried by the connecting line unless the lifeboat is prematurely released from the launch pendant.