Abstract: Apparatus for mixing aqueous foam with a slurry of gypsum and water. A cylindrical housing includes, in its upper end, an inlet for a slurry and a helical diverter for directing the slurry in a downward spiral flow path. An inlet for aqueous foam in located in said diverted and directs the foam into the incoming slurry. An annular flow restrictor is located in the lower end of the housing. Turbulence resulting from diversion of the incoming slurry from linear flow to a downward spiral flow path and from changes in spin diameter and speed through the flow restrictor uniformly mix foam with the slurry.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, vibration source and detector mounted on the tube, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in the tube. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detector on the tube to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example. To measure the sample fluid density, the measurement module determines the resonant frequency of the sample flow tube. The density can then be calculated according to a formula that compensates for the temperature and pressure of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ characterization of downhole fluids in a wellbore using ultrasonic acoustic signals. Measurements of the speed of sound, attenuation of the signal, and acoustic back-scattering are used to provide qualitative and quantitative data as to the composition, nature of solid particulates, compressibility, bubble point, and the oil/water ratio of the fluid. The tool generally comprises three sets of acoustic transducers mounted perpendicular to the direction of the flow. These transducers are capable of operating at different frequencies so that the spectrum of the acoustic signal can be optimized. The apparatus is capable of operating downhole to provide real time information as to conditions in the well.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention involve a thinned-skirt shaped-charge liner, a shaped-charge explosive incorporating the liner, and methods for making the liner. The focus of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention is the machining of the skirt portion of the liner to thin that portion to a thickness within about 25% of the thickness of the material around the center of the apex of the liner. The goal is to reduce debris and carrot size without sacrificing performance. In an alternative embodiment of the liner, at least some of the skirt portion of the liner is machined to a rough machine finish, but the mass of the material removed in the machining is insignificant to negligible. The liner of the present invention may be incorporated into a shaped-charge which includes a housing, a shaped-explosive, and the liner, preferably having an opening at the center of the apex of the liner.

Abstract: A manually operated manhole cover lifter comprising two substantially linear members connected by a pivot in the form of scissors or tongs. The lower end of each member has a hook adapted for engaging a cover recess and the upper end has a handle for manual engagement. The hook angles are selected together with the pivot to hook distance to provide secure engagement of the cover when the hooks are inserted into cover apertures. The tool may be used by one or two people standing in an upright position to lift and move a cover from, or place a cover on, a manhole.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided that determines fluid properties from vibration frequencies of a sample cavity and a reference cavity. In one embodiment, the measurement device includes a sample flow tube, a reference flow tube, vibration sources and detectors mounted on the tubes, and a measurement module. The sample flow tube receives a flow of sample fluid for characterization. The reference flow tube is filled with a reference fluid having well-characterized properties. The measurement module employs the vibration sources to generate vibrations in both tubes. The measurement module combines the signals from the vibration detectors on the tubes to determine properties of the sample fluid, such as density, viscosity, compressibility, water fraction, and bubble size. The measurement module may further detect certain flow patterns such as slug flow, for example.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a formation or gravel packing a borehole using a screen assembly having a plurality of screens mounted on a base member and a plurality of apertures disposed at predetermined intervals along the screen assembly. A flow-control service assembly is disposed within the screen assembly and includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of ports that communicate with the apertures in the screen assembly. Barriers are placed around the ports on the outer tubular member to prevent the formation of gravel bridges across the inner annulus between the inner tubular member and outer tubular member. The inner annulus provides alternative flow paths around the ports upon the ports becoming closed to fluid flow such as by bridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for in situ borehole testing having a drill string with drill pipe and drill bit. An upper sleeve and lower sleeve are telescopically coupled together. A valve seat is located in an interior passage and closes the interior passage when a valve member is seated in the valve seat. A plurality of separate inflatable packers are coupled to the lower sleeve and activated when the valve member is seated in the valve seat. A latching collet having teeth positively interlocks with spline teeth affixed to the inner wall of the upper sleeve. A hydraulic valve assembly is attached to the lower sleeve and is activated by fluid in one of a plurality of separate fluid chambers which communicate with and inflate the separate packers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation or gravel packing a borehole extending through an unconsolidated subterranean zone in a formation includes a screen assembly having a length adapted for disposal adjacent the unconsolidated subterranean zone and includes a plurality of screens mounted on a base member with adjacent base members being connected by a sub having an aperture in the wall thereof. A flow-control service assembly is disposed within the bore of the screen assembly and includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of ports that communicate with the apertures in the screen assembly. The apertures in the screen assembly are disposed along the length of screen assembly at predetermined intervals. The inner tubular member and outer tubular member form an inner annulus, the outer tubular member and screen assembly form a medial annulus, and the screen assembly forms an outer annulus with the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.