Abstract: A chemical method of removing thiourea from spent hydrochloric acid cleaning solutions comprising the steps of: adjusting the pH to not less than 12 by addition of base to remove metal hydroxides; oxidizing thiourea to urea by the addition of at least 4 moles of hydrogen peroxide per mole of thiourea; and further oxidizing urea to nonregulated/nonhazardous compounds by the addition of at least 3 moles of a hypochlorite per mole of urea. UV analysis confirms a greater than 98% removal of thiourea from solutions containing 0.4 to 2.7 wt. % thiourea after as little as 3 hours with an exotherm, .DELTA.t, of less than 105.degree. F.

Abstract: A novel method and device for manipulating ferrofluids for use in cementing wells are disclosed. The cementitious fluids may comprise: (a) a hydraulic cement, (b) finely divided magnetic particles, (c) a binding agent or a surfactant, and (d) a liquid medium. The binding agent or surfactant is present in the compositions in an amount sufficient to render the compositions stable in a magnetic field. When used in cementing wells, the cementitious ferrofluids are implaced in the annulus separating a casing from the formation in a wellbore by conventional techniques and the slurry is subsequently subjected to an activating alternating magnetic field that causes movement of the flurry. The non-cementitious ferrofluids comprise: (a) finely divided magnetic particles, (b) stabilizing agent, and (c) a liquid medium. The movement of the slurry results in a "scrubbing" action against the surface of the casing and formation surfaces, and a mixing of the slurry which helps displace any residual drilling mud.

Abstract: Particulate magnesium oxide prepared by calcining magnesium oxide at between about 1100.degree. C. and about 1500.degree. C. At least about 80% of the magnesium oxide particles are between about 150 microns to about 400 microns in diameter. This magnesium oxide is capable of producing expansion in set cements when the temperature thereof is at least about 60.degree. C. Preferably the magnesium oxide has been calcined at between about 1100.degree. C. to about 1300.degree. C. for about 1 to about 3 hours, and at least about 80% of the particles are between about 200 microns to about 325 microns. Further, the BET surface area of the particles is preferably between about 0.8 to about 1.8 m.sup.2 /g, and the acid neutralization time (using the method described) is between about 15 to 20 minutes, and further preferably between about 17 to about 25 minutes. Expandable cement compositions using such magnesium oxide, and a method of using them in cementing of wells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A crosslinker composition that can produce delayed crosslinking of an aqueous solution of a crosslinkable organic polymer. The composition comprises a metal compound, preferably an organic metal complex, and most preferably an organic zirconium complex. The composition further contains an organic hydroxycarboxylic acid, preferably hydroxyacetic acid. The pH of the composition is preferably no more than 4.8. The pH of the composition is further preferably such that when sufficient amount of composition is added to an aqueous polymer solution to result in delayed crosslinking of the polymer, the composition produces a pH in the resulting gel solution, preferably of between about 3 and about 4.5. Gel solutions produced using the composition are particularly useful in fracturing subterranean formations, and in particular in fracturing subterranean formations penetrated by an oil well in which fracturing process carbon dioxide and a proppant are added to the fracturing fluid.

Abstract: A pyrolytic carbon coated particle for use in well fracturing and sand control applications comprising: a thermally stable substantially spherical substrate particle (e.g., ceramic composite bead or the like) and a substantially uniform layer of pyrolytically deposited carbon encapsulating said thermally stable substantially spherical substrate particle. Such carbon coated particles exhibit physical properties superior to materials commonly used in gravel pack and well fracturing operations as well as improved chemical resistance to acids, organics and steam.

Abstract: A high pressure foam slurry generator, including a source of slurry, a source of gas, and a means for combining the slurry and the gas, which is usually nitrogen. A housing receiving the slurry and the gas has a connector with multiple channels. One channel for the nitrogen gas acts as an inlet and has a bushing with a series of multiple holes through which the nitrogen gas is broken into a plurality of high velocity streams. The slurry with a foamer agent added combines at right angles with the nitrogen gas and is formed before being pumped through a tubing string into a gas or oil well. Also included herein is a process for making foamed slurry by pumping a slurry capable of being foamed to a housing, pumping nitrogen to the same housing, separating the nitrogen into a plurality of high velocity streams, and combining the streams and the slurry in a foaming action. Either the slurry or the nitrogen may have two separate streams entering the housing as right angles to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to the improvement by a chelating agent of polymer compositions usable in particular in the hydraulic fracturing of underground formations close to a drilling well. The chelating agent is a compound such as fumaric acid, maleic acid or thiourea. Substantially shorter crosslinking time; use possible even with sea water or a brine.

Abstract: Various organometallic crosslinkers containing titanium or zirconium atoms in the +4 oxidation (valence) state have been used to crosslink solvatable polysaccharides (e.g., hydroxypropyl guar) in aqueous media. The crosslinked gels are useful as fracturing fluids. Aqueous solutions of the organometallic crosslinkers are stabilized against deterioration upon storage by adding an alkanolamine (e.g., triethanolamine). Additionally, the alkanolamines also stabilize the crosslinked gels against shear degradation at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The cement compositions according to the invention are designed for cementing wells, in particular oil and gas or geothermal wells, and for withstanding very high temperatures.A combination of styrene-butadiene latex and a polyoxyethylenated nonylphenol stabilizer of this latex is provided. Cement sets at a right angle and gas migration in the annulus is prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spanner wrench for and method of removing a torque-locked torsion spring from a winding cone. The wrench retrieves and engages the terminal end of the spring to apply both a radially outwardly directed force to such terminal end of the spring while simultaneously applying a tangentially-directed force which is counter to the torque lock to remove the spring from the cone without damage to the cone. In its preferred form the wrench is adjustable so as to be able to accommodate spring and cone assemblies of widely varying diameters.

Abstract: Flame sprayed aluminum coatings have been shown to be of excellent value in providing cathodic protection to steel structures in a marine environment. The common method of applying flame sprayed aluminum to a steel substrate comprises providing an anchor pattern to the substrate. Such anchor pattern can result in fatigue cracking of the substrate developing within the surface discontinuities of the anchor pattern. The present invention provides a method for providing a layered electroplated aluminum base coating on the substrate to which a flame sprayed aluminum coating may adhere without the need for a roughened surface on the substrate with its consequent potential for reduction of fatigue strength.

Abstract: In a Tension Leg Platform, the common practice is to locate the well and anchor templates on the sea floor. This practice results in unequal lengths for the mooring elements which extend to the base of the floating structure and the well risers which extend to a well deck level which is elevated above the base of the floating structure. As a consequence, complicated tensioning systems having an extremely long stroke may be required for the well risers. The present invention provides for a well template which is elevated above the anchor templates at a level which equalizes the lengths of the mooring elements and the well risers. The well and anchor templates are constructed in a unitary structure to facilitate installation and assure proper spacing of the templates with respect to each other.

Abstract: Flame sprayed aluminum coatings have been shown to be of excellent value in providing cathodic protection to steel structures in a marine environment. The common method of applying flame sprayed aluminum to a steel substrate comprises providing an anchor pattern to the substrate. Such anchor pattern can result in fatigue cracking of the substrate developing within the surface discontinuities of the anchor pattern. The present invention provides a method for providing a layered, ion sputtered aluminum base coating of the substrate to which a flame sprayed aluminum coating may adhere without the need for a roughened surface on the substrate with its consequent potential for reduction of fatigue strength.

Abstract: A multicurvature reinforcing body comprising a pair of abutting bowl shaped members is fitted within a tubular chord member in the area of a complex joint. Cylindrical surfaces of contact of the multicurvature reinforcing body are positioned so that the longitudinal axis of an intersecting bracing member attached to the chord member passes through both of the surfaces of contact. The use of a multicurvature reinforcing body constitutes an improvement over the commonly used stiffening rings in that direct translation of tensional and compression forces acting along a bracing member which intersects at an angle other than perpendicular to the chord member to a large surface of contact within the chord member is effected.

Abstract: A flame sprayed aluminum coating of high strength steel components offers excellent seawater corrosion protection, increased fatigue life and uniform low level cathodic protection that avoids hydrogen embrittlement. Marine mooring and riser elements fabricated from such components are superior in the above respects to steel components protected from corrosion by common sacrificial anode cathodic protection systems. In addition, the need of welding a stud to the steel to insure electrical continuity between the steel and the sacrificial anodes is eliminated.

Abstract: A method of coating testing comprises applying a consistantly perpendicular minimum tension force to a dolly for testing to see if the adhesive bond strength between a coating and a substrate meets a minimum specification for such bond. The tester comprises a ram passing through an axially centered opening in a dolly bonded to the coating. A piston and cylinder are associated with the ram and the dolly so that pressure within the piston chamber formed thereby causes the development of a tension force within the dolly which is perpendicular to the coating being tested because of the coaxially centered orientation of the dolly with respect to the ram. The pressure is increased only to a point wherein the tension force is equal to a minimum specification for bonding adhesion. If the coating has not separated from the substrate, the bond therebetween meets the specification. The testing apparatus may then be removed by causing the bonding agent attaching the dolly to the coating to fail as by heating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process whereby heavy, viscous crude oil may be produced from a hydrocarbon-bearing formation utilizing a jet pump without the problems associated with cavitation damage of the jet pump found in the prior art. The jet pump is operated with a power fluid comprising water and surfactant, the power fluid forming an emulsion with the heavy, viscous crude oil in the jet stream of the jet pump.

Abstract: A tubular reinforcing member having end surfaces which conform to the cylindrical inner surface of a tubular chord member are positioned within the tubular chord member at the intersection of a bracing member. The longitudinal axis of the tubular reinforcing member is positioned so as to be coincident with the longitudinal axis of the intersecting bracing member. The use of the internal tubular reinforcing member constitutes an improvement over the commonly used stiffening rings in the direct translation of tensional and compression forces acting along a bracing member is transferred to a portion of the wall of the chord member opposite to that to which the bracing member is attached.

Abstract: Lightweight mooring elements for tension leg platforms are formed of a carbon fiber/epoxy matrix material. The mooring elements are preferably in tubular form and include metallic end connectors for interconnecting a plurality of tubular members to form the mooring element. Optionally, the composite structure further includes aramid or glass fibers which increase the resistance of the mooring element to impact damage.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a consistently perpendicular tension force to a dolly is provided for testing of the adhesive bond strength between a coating and a substrate. The tester comprises a ram passing through an axially centered opening in a dolly bonded to the coating. Piston and cylinder means are associated with the ram and the dolly so that pressure within the piston chamber formed thereby causes the development of a tension force within the dolly which is perpendicular to the coating being tested because of its coaxially centered orientation with respect to the ram.