Abstract: A method for the exploration of hydrocarbons, comprising the steps of: obtaining a set of seismic signal traces distributed over a pre-determined three-dimensional volume of the earth; dividing the three-dimensional volume into a plurality of vertically stacked and generally spaced apart horizontal slices; dividing each of the slices into a plurality of cells having portions of at least three seismic traces located therein; measuring the cross-correlation between one pair of traces lying in one vertical plane to obtain an in-line value and the cross-correlation between another pair of traces lying in another vertical plane to obtain a cross-line value; combining the in-line value and the cross-line value to obtain one coherency value for each of the cells; and displaying the coherency values.

Abstract: In a curve drilling assembly having a mandrel rotatably mounted within a cylindrical sleeve, an apparatus and method of using the apparatus are disclosed for orienting the sleeve of a curve drilling system and for shifting modes of operation of a curve drilling system from a steering mode to a straight drilling mode. The apparatus comprises: a drilling fluid powered blade that is carried by the sleeve for engaging the walls of a curved borehole and inducing counter-clockwise rotation of the sleeve; and a valve, carried within the mandrel, for operating the blade by introducing pressurized drilling fluid from the interior of a drill string connected to the mandrel.

Abstract: A method for determining the reservoir properties of a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation is disclosed. The method uses field data obtained from an injection/flow-back test, which utilizes a gaseous desorbing fluid, in conjunction with reservoir modeling techniques to determine the reservoir quality and the enhanced methane recovery characteristics of the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continually and intermittently removing water from a wellbore which penetrates a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation, such as a coalbed, while concurrently removing methane from the formation. The apparatus utilizes a linear access means which facilitates switching the apparatus from a continuous water removal mode of operation to an intermittent water removal mode of operation using wireline retrievable tools.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing the methane recovery rate through a wellbore which penetrates a coal seam. The invention utilizes the cavitation of the coal seam surrounding the wellbore after a substantial percentage of the original methane-in-place which is available for recovery from the wellbore has been recovered from the coal seam.

Abstract: A method for disposing of unwanted gaseous fluid components, such as carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, and oxides of sulfur within a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation, such as a coal seam. The unwanted gaseous fluid components are typically contained in a gaseous process effluent stream which is introduced into the formation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering crude oil from a subterranean formation. The invention utilizes the introduction of water containing a salt, which is capable of decomposing to generate an oxidant, into the formation. Decomposition conditions and ignition conditions are established within the formation to cause the salt to decompose and to cause ignition within the formation. The in-situ combustion which results assists in the recovery of crude oil from the formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and apparatus for injecting sludge into the vapor phase of a coking process to vaporize the sludge while minimizing the carryover of solids and coke to downstream equipment. The process and apparatus are applicable to use in both fluid and delayed coking operations and are useful on various sludges which can be found in refineries or petrochemical plants.

Abstract: A process is disclosed wherein at least two separate gaseous oxygen streams are passed into a coker transfer line to effect oxidation of a portion of the feed passing through the transfer line. Another aspect of the process is disclosed wherein gaseous oxygen is passed into a coking process and sludge is also passed into the coking process.

Abstract: An improved delayed coking process using an improved method for adding antifoam materials to the delayed coking process. The process is directed to injecting a polysiloxane antifoam material in mixture with an inert gas in the absence or substantial absence of steam and wherein this mixture is heated and thereafter injected into a delayed coking drum. The process allows improved use of antifoam materials and prevents downstream contamination of process units with silica materials which can be broken down when the polysiloxane antifoam material is contacted with large quantities of steam within the coking drum.

Abstract: An improved coking process is described wherein a feedstock comprising residual oil is passed into a coking zone along with a highly aromatic oil such as pyrolysis tars or a decanted oil produced from a fluidized catalytic cracking zone in a concentration resulting in the feedstock having froma bout 5 to about 20 percent by weight of highly aromatic oil. The yield of coke is thereby reduced.

Abstract: A paraffin isomerization zone is described wherein an improvement to the process comprises using a preflash tower in connection with stabilizer and de-isohexanizer towers to efficiently separate the isomerization zone effluent into valuable components having higher octane values and a recycle material which can be reintroduced along with a fresh feed into the isomerization zone reactor.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to more valuable, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and oxidative coupling catalysts for use therein are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for reacting synthesis gas in the presence of a cadmium-containing catalyst to selectively produce isoparaffin hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved catalytic reforming catalyst and process are disclosed for converting hydrocarbons to higher octane products through use of a catalyst which has a specified surface area, pore volume and a modified pore volume distribution. The catalyst exhibits increased activity when used in a reforming process.

Abstract: An improved catalytic reforming catalyst and process are disclosed for converting hydrocarbons to higher octane products through use of a catalyst which has a specified surface area, pore volume and a modified pore volume distribution. The catalyst exhibits increased activity when used in a reforming process.

Abstract: A catalytic reforming process is disclosed for converting naphtha hydrocarbons to higher octane products through an improved process which comprises contacting a hydrocarbon in a first zone with a first catalyst comprising tin and at least one platinum group metal deposited on a solid catalyst support followed by subsequent contacting in a second zone with a second catalyst comprising at least one platinum group metal deposited on a solid catalyst support.

Abstract: The catalyst comprises a physical particle-form mixture of a Component A and a Component B, said Component A comprising at least one Group VIII noble metal, preferably platinum, deposed on a solid catalyst support material providing acidic catalytic sites, said Component B consisting essentially of a crystalline borosilicate molecular sieve, and said catalyst having been prepared by thoroughly and intimately blending finely-divided particles of said Components A and B to provide a thoroughly-blended composite.The catalyst can be employed suitably in hydrocarbon conversion processes. In particular, the catalyst can be employed in a process for the reforming of a hydrocarbon stream. More particularly, the catalyst can be used as the second catalyst in a two-catalyst reforming process.

Abstract: A process for recovery of vanadium and molybdenum from a feed material containing compounds of these metals by reacting at an effective pH an aqueous solution of vanadate and molybdate anions with a quaternary ammonium surfactant dissolved in an organic solvent which is immiscible with water and separating a vanadate anion rich phase from a molybdate anion rich phase.

Abstract: Expanded layer, smectite clay having a regular pore structure suitable for catalytic uses and a process for preparing said expanded clay by treating a suspension of commercial smectite clay with a chromium-oligomer solution and subjecting the treated clay to a stabilization heat treatment in an inert gas atmosphere.