Abstract: A clay stabilizer which is capable of inhibiting swelling in a wide variety of clay types and is also capable of restoring permeability in formations which have previously been damaged by clay swelling. Amine salts of differing molecular weights configurations and ionic strength are combined to provide transport into micropores, mesopores and macropores in the formation and to effect cationic change therein. A poly quaternary amine having a high to very high charge density is added along with lower molecular weight amine salts to substantially permanently exchange cations with the clay in the formation.

Abstract: A ball catcher is adapted to be fluidly connected to a wellhead port to receive wellbore fluids and balls carried therewith. A diverter is fit to the catcher body and has a wellhead end positioned to intercept the fluid flow from the wellhead port so as to divert debris and balls carried therein into a ball recovery chamber. The diverter has a bore in fluid communication with the flow outlet and the wellhead end has flow passages formed therethrough to the bore for receiving the fluid flow free of debris and balls and discharging the fluid flow from the catcher body. The diverter and the ball recovery chamber can be connected to quick removal for replacement, repair or cleaning.

Abstract: An electrically-powered service rig utilizes an engine-driven generator to power a propulsion system, a drawworks system and a sandline system, all mounted on a single mobile platform. The rig utilizes lightweight permanent magnet motors to enable integration of the systems onto a single mobile platform which meets transport regulations. The rig's power plant is capable of powering other onsite equipment such as mud pump motors through use of umbilicals connected to the engine-driven generator.

Abstract: A method of automatic drilling of a well with coil tubing or drill pipe tubing utilizes AC motors coupled to variable frequency drives controlled by a programmable logic controller. For example, a coil tube injector is supported in a mast for injecting coil tube from a reel and into a wellbore for drilling the wellbore. The AC motors for the injector are driven for controlling a rate of injection of coil tube by the injector for maintaining at least one drilling parameter such as weight-on-bit, differential mud pressure or rate of penetration. The AC motor for the reel is also controlled for driving the reel and maintaining a relative rate of coil tube supplied from the reel to the injector. Drawworks and a top drive supported by the draworks can also be equipped with AC motors and variable frequency drives for controlling a drilling rate for maintaining at least one of the drilling parameters.

Abstract: A sheet form membrane probe, an apparatus and method, wherein the probe includes a probe body, a sheet-form membrane secured to the probe body and including an open surface exposed to the exterior of the probe; a channel formed between the probe body and the membrane through which a collector fluid can flow; an inlet port opening to the channel to conduct collector fluid to the channel; and an outlet port spaced from the inlet port such that the collector fluid passes through the channel from the inlet port to the outlet port in a flow direction substantially parallel to the membrane. The channel may be formed to provide broad surface contact of the collector fluid with the membrane. The membrane open surface may include an active area open to a sample fluid and open on an opposite side for contact with collector fluid flow in the channel. The active area may be large relative to the total membrane area to provide for an effective use of the expensive membrane material.

Abstract: A composite wall panel having continuous upper and lower hollow horizontal chases and spaced hollow studs forming vertical chases throughout the panel to permit passage of electrical wiring and the like. The chases have protective barriers to protect the wiring from penetration and damage due to mechanical fasteners used to manufacture the panel and to construct load bearing walls using a plurality of manufactured panels. Further, the panel has a continuous header to provide structural rigidity and to permit rapid manufacturing of the panel without the need to frame openings, such as doors and windows, at the time of manufacture. Openings are cut in the panels and finished after the walls are constructed. Even further, the panel has horizontally extending brackets which laterally support the studs.

Abstract: A modular steam injection line, for use in steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations for delivery of an equal steam mass flow along a length of the apparatus, incorporates steam splitter modules fluidly connected for forming the steam injection line. Each of the modular steam splitters is fit with interchangeable nozzles for delivering steam to the formation. The interchangeable nozzles have orifices of different sizes and the nozzle orifice size required for each individual module to deliver an equal mass flow of steam from each module, at sub-sonic rates, along the entire length of the steam injection line.

Abstract: An actuator and an assembly utilizing two or more actuators for vertically actuating a cover for a spa. In the lowered position the cover protects the spa and in the elevated position the cover acts as a roof over the spa. The actuator is either a rack and pinion assisted by a cable and pulley or a chain and a plurality of sprockets assisted by a cable and pulley which are connected to lift member which are generally shrouded by telescoping tubes to cover the actuators or to act as lift members themselves. The system can be further enhanced using a gas spring to assist in lifting the cover and reduce the load of the cover weight off the motor which is used to actuate the actuators.

Abstract: A vertically actuable cover for a spa comprises telescoping members which utilize a rack and pinion system to raise and lower the cover from the spa. In the lowered position the cover protects the spa and in the elevated position the cover acts as a roof over the spa.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology is provided for directional drilling which avoid the effects of static friction between the drill string and the borehole. The drill string is rotated continuously in one direction during rotating drilling and during steering. During steering, the rotary speed of the drill string is varied within a revolution and substantially similarly for each of a plurality of subsequent revolutions. The drill string is rotated very slowly when oriented at or near the desired orientation to achieve the desired change in direction and then rotated much faster during the balance of each revolution. This angular velocity profile results in drilling at or near a desired orientation for a high percentage of the time it takes for each revolution. Changes in an effective tool-face orientation can be effected by shifting the phase of the velocity profile.

Abstract: A hopper for transferring granular materials has a unique composite shape which enables accommodation of the safety guard of an auger and access about a back of the hopper. A wedge-shaped base permits pivoting of the hopper to adjust to the angle of the auger used to remove the material, minimizing the angle of the auger and maximizing extraction of material from the hopper.

Abstract: A fluid handling system for drilling cuttings utilizes a constant and gravity managed liquid level between a substantially atmospheric separator and a shale shaker to maximize fluid residence time within the separator and ensure substantially all of the gas entrained in the cuttings is evolved and passed to a flare thus preventing evolution of the gas at the shale shaker. Solids from the separator are combined with liquid recirculation from and returning to the shale shaker. Optionally, a vacuum degasser is positioned between the separator and the shale shaker and separated gases are passed from the degasser to the flare. This method and system is particularly applicable to balanced, underbalanced and air drilling operations where the flow of gas is intermittent and unpredictable.

Abstract: A battery powered ignition and control system for a gas burner includes circuits for controlling a pilot burner, a main burner, a flame sensor and an igniter. Mechanically latched valves, which require power only to switch between and open and closed state are used to control the pilot and main gas. The circuitry spends a majority of time in a powered down state and draws power only when required to interrogate the state of the flame and to perform an ignition sequence as required, as periodically dictated by a watchdog system. The latching valves are electrically pulsed to change state and thus draw very low average power when called upon. Lithium batteries provide system power for a long duration.

Abstract: A burner assembly has a burner head and a deflector plate extending radially therefrom and across a firetube housing for supporting the burner assembly therein. The deflector plate has a plurality of angled vanes for re-directing secondary combustion air flowing through the housing. Secondary air is deflected away from a nozzle tip at the burner head to minimize lifting of the flame by the deflector plate or by a low pressure ring formed around the nozzle tip above the deflector plate for creating an area of low pressure. Preferably, a combination of the deflector plate and low pressure ring provides a stable flame positioned at the nozzle tip under low-fire and high-fire conditions enabling use of a pilotless ignition and flame sensing system which is consistent under low and high fire conditions. More preferably, the deflector plate supports the igniter and optionally a heat return tube for heat tracing of the freeze-prone burner assembly components.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and methodology enable non-intrusive measurement of parameters related to fluid flow in a conduit. An acoustic sensor is located along the conduit and includes a mechanical amplifier having an acoustic input coupled to the conduit and a microphone coupled to the mechanical amplifier. The microphone receives mechanically amplified acoustic energy from the conduit and establishing first signals which are processed for generating second signals which are related to fluid flow in the conduit. The second signals can include quantitative flow data and qualitative data such as change in state and alarms. The second signals can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote site for further processing. Use of low power components and power management enable long term operations on battery power.

Abstract: A packoff nipple for sealing an annular space in a well pipe has a tubular body, a sealing assembly positioned around the tubular body capable of axial movement along the tubular body and a stop to restrain the sealing assembly from extruding into the annular space. The sealing assembly includes one or more elastomeric sealing rings having a circumferential groove formed in a downhole face. An axially moveable actuator, such as a packer cup, engages the sealing ring assembly to cause at least a portion of the sealing rings to expand radially outwardly to seal the annular space and cause the sealing ring assembly to contact the uphole stop. The sealing rings are axially compressed between the uphole stop and the actuator to further expand the sealing rings. The uphole stop may be concave to urge the sealing rings away from the well pipe to avoid extrusion or permanent deformation.

Abstract: An arched door frame for use within an arched opening in a framed, wallboard clad wall comprises: two similar door frame side portions each having a lower straight portion, an upper rounded portion, and an upper connection edge portion; wherein each door frame side portion has a jamb having a width generally equal to a stud width and two thicknesses of wallboard, and a contoured casing attached to both a front and rear edge portion of the jamb; and, frame side alignment and connection maintenance means to centrally align and maintain the two frame side portions in close proximity. In a preferred aspect the frame alignment means comprises clip holes and dowels, and the connection maintenance means comprises a front and back U shaped clip having opposite ends which are received in the clip holes, one clip hole in an outer edge of each jamb side portion.

Abstract: A packoff nipple for sealing an annular space in a well pipe has a tubular body, a sealing assembly positioned around the tubular body capable of axial movement along the tubular body and a stop to restrain the sealing assembly from extruding in-to the annular space. The sealing assembly includes one or more elastomeric sealing rings having a circumferential groove formed in a downhole face. An axially moveable actuator, such as a packer cup, engages the sealing ring assembly to causes at least a portion of the sealing rings to expand radially outwardly to seal the annular space and cause the sealing ring assembly to contact the uphole stop. The sealing rings are axially compressed between the uphole stop and the actuator to further expand the sealing rings. The uphole stop may be concave to urge the sealing rings away from the well pipe to avoid extrusion or permanent deformation.

Abstract: A blade system, has rows of blades extending radially outward along the length and around the circumference of a rotor of a low-profile ground-mounted wind turbine which is particularly suited for use in remote locations. The wind-engaging end of each blade is arc-shaped and is turned about 120 degrees to maximize efficiency. Preferably, two rotors having the unique blade system are connected to a single, centrally located generator, and the entire unit is mounted on a frame which is rotatable on wheels about a central shaft. Further, a circular track is provided in for engaging the wheels for ease of rotation of the unit either under the direction of a PLC or in yaw.

Abstract: A comminuting apparatus has a coaxial throwing wheel and impact rotor, the throwing wheel preferably comprising a plurality of channels for conducting particles from a central axis inlet to a plurality of particle exits to impact the impact rotor. The throwing wheel can be an assembly of wear-resistant inserts forming the channels. Flow channels through the throwing wheel can be configured, such as converging towards the particle exits to minimize energy loss during acceleration of the particles. Further, the comminuting apparatus can include a housing for ready access to the throwing wheel and impact rotor. A two-part housing is reversibly separable for accessing the comminuting chamber, throwing wheel and impact rotor within.