Abstract: Disclosed is a method for creating a gain function for seismic data and to processing methods for utilizing such a gain function. The method of creating the gain function generally includes representing the seismic data as a plot of the logarithm of amplitude versus time. Various order polynomial functions are subsequently fitted to the plotted seismic data. The best fitting polynomial is then selected from these various order polynomials, the inverse of which is the gain function. This gain function can be utilized in a seismic processing method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dust suppression suspension and method of suppressing dust evolution from a dust generating material by contacting the material with the suspension. The suspension includes sugar polymer particles suspended in an oil base, and further includes a thickener, a surfactant and an emulsifier. The suspension may be applied directly to the dust generating material followed by water addition, or may be emulsified in water and then applied to the material.

Abstract: A method of making a well fluid for use in a well which includes the steps of determining uphole and downhole operating temperatures in the well, and then contacting a well lubricant with a lubricating additive, wherein the lubricating additive has a cloud point temperature greater than the uphole operating temperature and less than the downhole operating temperature. A method of lubricating drilling equipment during opeation of a subterranean well, includes the steps of determining uphole and downhole operating temperatures in the well, and then contacting the drilling equipment with a treating fluid comprising a well lubricant and a lubricating additive, with the lubricating additive having a cloud point temperature greater than the uphole operating temperature and less than the downhole operating temperature.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in completion and production operations of a subterranean hydrocarbon well for sealing the annular space between the production casing and tubing, which assembly generally includes primary seal members having a circular, oval or elliptical shaped cross-sections, and secondary seal members having convex sections for abutting the primary seal members. The assembly further includes retainers on the tubing which define the seal bore into which the seal members are positioned, and a polished surface on the casing for allowing movement of the seal members against the casing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkylation process in which C.sub.3 to C.sub.5 olefins are reacted with an isoparaffin mixture of isobutane and isopentane in the presence of a catalyst. Varying the amount of isopentane present in the mixture can control and/or eliminate the amount of isopentane produced in the alkylation reaction. The disclosed reaction has an improved alkylation yield, and also produces an alkylate having a lowered Reid Vapor Pressure and results in lowered olefin content for reformulated gasoline.

Abstract: Disclosed as one embodiment is a method of producing useful articles from ground whole tire waste, which includes the steps of continuously extruding a heated mixture of ground whole tire waste and thermoplastic binder material into a continuously cooled, open-ended casting chamber. The apparatus for practicing this embodiment includes an extruder, a transition nozzle having an outlet with a cross-section corresponding to the desired cross-section of the useful article, and a casting chamber being constructed and arranged to remove thermal energy from an inner surface of the casting chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of fabricating tank wrap of desired thickness having fibers oriented generally in the thickness direction from lengths of insulation material having fibers oriented generally in the length direction. The method comprises several sequential steps. The first step is positioning the lengths of insulation material lengthwise along a first movable track conveyor, such that the fibers are oriented generally parallel to the direction of conveyance as the lengths progress downstream in a longitudinal direction along the conveyor. Second step is severing the insulation material completely across the length, at intervals equal to the desired thickness of the tank wrap to be fabricated. Next the cut lengths of insulation material are positioned lengthwise across a second movable track conveyor such that the fibers are now oriented generally perpendicular to the direction of conveyance, and in an abutting relationship.