Abstract: A seal useful for high temperature and high-differential pressures, particularly in sour gas wells, is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the seal is an elongated member having features akin to a chevron-type seal at at least one end, coupled with at least one interference seal. A pocket is created in between these two elements which can trap atmospheric pressure, thereby enhancing the ability of downhole well fluids to compress the seal against a mandrel for facilitating its installation in a liner bore. The additional structural rigidity provided by the variety of alternative designs presented overcomes the tendency of the chevron portion of the seal to fail to seat due to downhole fluid pressures, displacing the chevron portion out of shape prior to its insertion into a liner bore.

Abstract: A sand-filtering screen-making technique and screen are disclosed, which involves an initial assembly of the sand-filtering screen over an underlying coarse screen. The sand-filtering screen has a mechanical, longitudinal overlap-type joint. End caps are fitted over the filtering screen which has already been preassembled to the underlying coarse screen. The assembly is then mechanically forced through a die to compress the end caps onto the assembled filtering screen and underlying coarse screen. That subassembly is then assembled onto a base pipe and secured. An outer shroud can then be secured to the underlying base pipe, overlaying the filtering screen. The ends of the subassembly comprising the filtering screen and the underlying coarse screen are sealed against the support pipe by a packing gland arrangement at both ends.

Abstract: A one-trip system for placement and setting a downhole packer or plug is disclosed. The packer is settable in a variety of ways, including hydraulically, acoustically by pressure pulse signals, or some combination. Use of hydraulic pressure triggers a pressure-creating reaction to initiate the setting of the packer. The setting mechanism for the packer breaks clear of the packer upon setting and allows the tubing-conveyed perforating gun, which is already preassembled as part of the string, to be accurately positioned and fired.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for removing acrolein from a gaseous or liquid mixture, in one case aqueous solutions, involving contacting the mixture with a compound selected from the group consisting of sodium hypochlorite; an acid salt of hydroxylamine; a urea compound such as urea itself or thiourea; sodium bisulfite and 4,4-dimethyl-1-oxa-3-azacyclopentane in an amount effective to substantially remove acrolein has been discovered. The process works particularly well in selectively scavenging acrolein from aqueous solutions containing acrylonitrile.

Abstract: An oil-based fluid system has been discovered using a distribution of salt particle sizes, an oil or water/oil emulsion, a suspending agent for suspending the salt particles in the oil and a filtration control agent. It is important that the salt particles be distributed across a wide size range to effectively prevent filtration or fluid loss into the formation. Since the filter cake particles do not invade the well bore, no high pressure spike occurs during the removal of the filter cake. This high pressure spike indicates damage to the formation and well bore surface, which damage typically reduces overall permeability of the formation. The rheological properties of the fluid allow it to be used in a number of applications where protection of the original permeable formation is desirable. The applications include, but are not limited to, drilling fracturing and controlling fluid losses during completion operations, such as gravel packing or well bore workovers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stimulating in-situ microbial biodegradation of halogenated organic compounds in an aqueous subsurface environment comprising the delivery of hydrogen, in the absence of nutritional factors, into the subsurface environment.

Abstract: The invention involves an assembly, specifically beneficial in deviated well-bores, which allows running into the wellbore with the complete completion assembly. The completion assembly includes one or more screens which may be pre-packed. Initially, a material which sets to form a permeable mass is deposited in the annular space outside the screens. After such material is deposited, cement or other sealing material is pumped into the annular space above the screens to complete the completion process. As a result, in one trip the deviated wellbore is completed with the permeable material deposited outside the screen or screens and cement being disposed in the annular space above the permeable material. Production can then begin.

Abstract: A conveyor belt having raised hemispheres serves as the floor for caged production of poultry. The belt is preferably molded plastic and moves continuously at a speed undetectable by the birds, allowing complete removal of manure before manure build-up becomes appreciable. The conveyor belt's direction of movement may also be reversed at variable speeds, automatically conveying the birds to catch crews.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows an operator to drill a well into a formation requiring treatment or gravel packing in a single pass, then to lower and position the liner and production strings simultaneously. The invention allows cementing of the liner prior to any treatment or gravel packing, and provides an integral circulation system to allow formation treatment or gravel packing of the production string. Once treatment or gravel packing is completed, the invention provides mechanical fluid loss control as the circulation system is pulled out of the hole.

Abstract: A turbulence arrester is disclosed which allows fuel delivery at rates equal to or approaching the rates achieved when using an open ended drop tube. The turbulence arrester has a large number of small apertures around its circumferential surface. Fuel flow streams through these apertures contract a short distance from the orifice, then expand and interfere with fuel flow streams from adjacent apertures to generate eddies and turbulence. The turbulence is substantially confined to a narrow region surrounding the turbulence arrester.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally.

Abstract: A high void fraction multi-phase fluid flow meter and method, wherein a first fluid flow path including a multi-phase flow measuring device disposed in series with a liquid flow restrictor is provided in parallel with a second fluid flow path including a gas flow measuring device. The presence of liquid flow in the flow meter is detected. When liquid flow is detected, a valve in the second fluid flow path operates to cut off fluid flow through the second fluid flow path. Otherwise the valve in the second fluid flow path operates to divert gas flow through the second fluid flow path. Alternatively, a negative pressure differential is produced across the second fluid flow path when liquid flow is present, by passing the incoming liquid flow through a jet pump nozzle, to prevent liquid flow into the second fluid flow path. A check valve is then disposed in the second fluid flow path to prevent backflow from the output of the multi-flow measuring device into the second fluid flow path.

Abstract: A seal is provided for a connector which must be reliably sealed in applications where the connection is made and undone as part of the normal use of the connector. The seal is particularly well suited to on-off tools used in downhole applications. The seal comprises of a nonmetallic insert holding bonded seals, preferably made of rubber. The nonmetallic insert provides support against seal extrusion. It also does not damage the sealing surface if movement or flexing result in contact between the insert and the opposed sealing surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides borohydrides that are useful in reducing aldol condensation and subsequent polymer formation in caustic scrubbers. The borohydrides are believed to react with reactive carbonyls yielding more stable alcohols and a salt of the borohydride which remains water soluble, and thus is unlikely to be carried out with the hydrocarbon phase. The borohydrides of the present invention have the potential to reduce reactive carbonyls at a molar ratio as high as about 4:1::carbonyl:borohydride. A preferred borohydride is sodium borohydride (sodium tetrahydroborate).

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for storing one or more constituents in a downhole tool. The constituents are segregated from each other until such time as the tool is actuated. At that time, the constituents are forced from their storage position and mixed as they are pushed from their storage position. The resultant mix is then directed to the location where the mixture will finally be placed for eventual solidification. The apparatus and method are useful for inflation of bridge plugs or external casing packers, as well as other downhole applications. Significant time is provided for the surface operator prior to initiation of the constituent elements by segregating the ingredients until shortly before they are mixed and directed to their final destination. Should a problem arise prior to mixing, the unmixed ingredients can be withdrawn from the wellbore.

Abstract: A fishing tool is disclosed which is responsive to hydraulic pressure to move away support for collets to allow the collects to deflect and make contact with the stuck object. Upon removal of the hydraulic force, the support for the collets is returned, preferably by a biasing spring, to its original position to lend support for the collets while the collets have engaged the stuck object. The object can then be retrieved to the surface. Application of further hydraulic force while the object engaged releases the support for the collects which allows the collets to disengage from the object. The process can be repeated to obtain successive releases and engagements with the stuck object without taking the fishing tool out of the wellbore.

Abstract: A High-Rate Multizone Gravel Pack System is provided that allows significantly higher gravel packing flow rates than were previously available. This system includes a fluid bypass which greatly enhances flow rate and decreases damage to the bypass due to erosion. The system is employed in a multi-stage arrangement which allows the gravel-packing of multiple production zones with a single trip into the well bore. A memory gauge sensing wash pipe pressure and temperature is incorporated to allow for data acquisition during the gravel packing process.

Abstract: A method and composition for control of in-transit and residual dust from coal or coke is provided. The method involves spraying the coal or coke with fluid, preferably water, containing an additive comprised of approximately 90-99% by weight of lignosulfonate and 1-10% by weight of a polyacrylate, a polyvinylalcohol, or a polyacrylamide. Sufficient fluid should be used to coat the coal or coke. The amount of additive necessary to prevent dusting will vary according to the conditions to which the coke or coal will be subjected.