Abstract: The adhesion property of a surface of a polyolefin film, for example a polyethylene film, having a gloss of less than about 8 is enhanced with the mean value of the maximum profile height less than 150 and with mean maximum peak to valley height less than 230.

Abstract: An improved polyethylene composition is disclosed. The composition comprises linear low density polyethylene (an ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer) and a synthetic rubber. In one embodiment the composition includes a synthetic rubber reacted with a carboxylic acid.

Abstract: An improved molding compound comprising a polyolefin modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and has dispersed therein a filler material comprising a mixture of glass fiber and calcium silicate. In one embodiment the molding compound also includes an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer rubber.

Abstract: Abnormal drilling conditions are detected by monitoring mud volume of the mud system or rate of change of the mud volume. In one embodiment, makeup mud is automatically added to the system as solids are removed from the mud. Abnormal conditions are indicated by when the rate of makeup mud addition differs from the rate of solids removal. The mud system is maintained at a substantially constant volume by means of tanks specially constructed to provide a small mud/air interface.

Abstract: A marine drilling riser is provided with a plurality of buoyancy cans having fail safe dump valves operative to vent compressed gas from the buoyancy cans and thereby cause rapid loss of buoyancy.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating or forming hydrofluoric acid in a subterranean siliceous formation by combining an injected aqueous solution of a fluoride salt and an injected aqueous acid solution in the pore spaces of the formation. This is accomplished according to this invention by immobilizing one of the aqueous solutions in the pore spaces of the formation by displacing the aqueous solution into the formation with a liquid that is substantially immiscible with the injected aqueous solution, thereby driving said aqueous solution to a saturation at or below its residual saturation. The other aqueous solution is then injected into the formation.

Abstract: A multiline fluid swivel comprises a plurality of vertically mounted modules, each module containing a shaft and a housing which circumferentially surrounds the shaft. A conduit within the shaft and a manifold within the housing provide a continuous fluid path through each module. Completing the fluid paths of the modules are fluid lines entering the base of each shaft and entering ports located on each housing.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the location and set of a cement slurry within a support member of an offshore structure is disclosed. The location and setting properties of the cement are determined by monitoring the electrical resistivity of the fluid within the support member. Preferably, a plurality of electrical probes mounted along the length of the support member can be used to measure the electrical resistivity of fluid within the member. Normally, the presence of cement would be indicated by an abrupt change of resistivity as the cement displaces the original fluid (air or sea water) present in the support member. Resistivity of the cement slurry will also change gradually as the cement sets.

Abstract: A method of determining the orientation of fractures in a cased well by determining the temperature differences (and direction thereof) between the circumference and the interior of the well prior to dissipation of the thermal disturbances created by the fracturing treatment.

Abstract: An improved method of fracturing a subterranean formation wherein particles composed of sintered bauxite are placed in the formation fracture to maintain the walls of the fracture spaced apart. The sintered bauxite particles have a specific gravity greater than 3.4 and are prepared from bauxite material having a grain size of about 12 microns or less.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a rotary drill string to maintain electric continuity therethrough includes an externally insulated electric conductor tube having an electric cable mounted therein. The cable is telescopically movable with respect to the tube, and its lower end is in sliding contact with the interior of the tube. As drilling progresses, the cable may be extended relative to the tube, the sliding contact of the lower end of the cable maintaining electric continuity in the system.

Abstract: A method of fracturing subterranean formations wherein a formation is fractured and propped two or more times to increase the width of the propped fracture.

Abstract: An improved sucker rod pumping system for an oil well includes a valve member mounted in the rod string, a valve seat formed in the wellhead, and means for moving the rod string upwardly to cause the valve member to sealingly engage the valve seat. The valve member is located on the rod string such that during normal pumping operation, it will not contact the valve seat or otherwise interfere with the pumping operations. When it is desired to close in the well or inject a fluid therein, the rod string is elevated above its normal stroke until the valve member sealingly engages the valve seat.

Abstract: A method of consolidating incompetent subterranean formation surrounding a well wherein a liquid resin diluted with a two-part diluent is injected into the formation and is followed by an overflush liquid to extract the diluent but leave the resin on the sand grains. The two-part diluent comprises a first component miscible with the resin and a second component immiscible with the resin but miscible with the first component and the overflush liquid.

Abstract: A three-phase separator for processing produced fluids from an oil well is divided into an emulsion, an oil, and water compartments. The separator includes a water weir and controls for automatically adjusting the position of the water weir to maintain the oil-emulsion interface in the emulsion compartment substantially constant.

Abstract: A cable system for wellbore telemetry includes a cable anchored at a subsurface location in a rotary drill string, guide assemblies for maintaining the cable in a looped configuration, and a cable gripping device for maintaining a portion of the cable in tension. Preferably the cable is provided with a novel releasable connector and latch assembly which (1) permits the cable to be electrically connected to a subsurface instrument and anchored to the drill string, (2) permits the cable to be maintained in tension, and (3) is releasable by manipulation of the cable at the surface.

Abstract: A subterranean formation is treated by injecting into the formation an aqueous acid solution comprising a water soluble vinyl compound (preferably polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinylpyrrolidone), a natural gum (preferably guar gum or gum karaya) and finely divided particulate material (preferably silica sand).

Abstract: A Method of coating particulate materials (such as silica sand, glass beads, seeds and metal particles) with a liquid thermosetting epoxy resin which comprises agitating the epoxy resin with the particles in a nonpolar liquid, which is immiscible with the epoxy resin, and contains a nonionic surfactant having a molecular weight of at least 2,000 to retard the tendency of the epoxy coated particles to agglomerate during curing of the resin in the non-polar liquid. A suitable liquid for use as the immiscible liquid is a paraffinic oil which is aromatic-free and olefin-free.