Abstract: A method of stabilizing fines within a permeable subterranean formation comprising contacting the fines with an effective amount of an organic polycationic polymer which contain two quaternary ammonium moieties in the polymer repeating unit.

Abstract: A method of grouting using aqueous solutions of alkali silicate materials in sealing the annular space formed between either a jacket leg or pile sleeve and a pile driven therethrough of an offshore platform, or other similar annular space, to support a column of grout thereon.

Abstract: A method whereby a conduit can be sealed within a subterranean formation utilizing a selected epoxy resin composition which upon setting forms a substantially crack-free, impermeable solid. The epoxy resin composition bonded to the conduit is capable of cyclic temperature variation without stress cracking or a decrease in bond strength.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive downhole tool includes a housing having a power piston slidably disposed therein. First and second pressure conducting passages communicate a well annulus with first and second sides of the power piston. A retarding device is disposed in the second pressure conducting passage for delaying communication of a sufficient portion of an increase in well annulus pressure to the second side of the power piston for a sufficient time to allow a pressure differential across the power piston to move the power piston from a first position to a second position relative to the housing. A pressure relief valve is communicated with the second pressure conducting passage between the power piston and the retarding device for relieving from the second pressure conducting passage a volume of fluid sufficient to permit the power piston to travel to its second position.

Abstract: A movable incineration system for the disposal of used sorbent pads utilized in the cleanup of oil or hydrocarbon spills in marine environments. The portable incineration system of the present invention comprises an incinerator, a wringer, an auxiliary power skid unit, a generator and an air compressor.

Abstract: A mixing system comprising a movable mixing tub, a pumping source and a leveling valve interconnected to the mixing tub and the inlet or outlet of 10 the pumping source. The mixing system may include jet-type mixer to mix dry materials with fluid to be further mixed in the movable mixing tub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fracturing fluid composition and method for fracturing substerranean formations penetrated by a well bore. The fracturing fluid comprises an aqueous fluid, a gelling agent, a crosslinking agent comprising a zirconium chelate or an aluminum chelate and a sufficient quantity of carbon dioxide to reduce the pH of the fracturing fluid to a level below about 5.5. The fluid is injected into the formation through the well bore at a rate and pressure sufficient to create at least one fracture in the formation.

Abstract: A method of rendering a water soluble anionic polymer more dispersible in water. The method is carried out by mixing in a polar liquid the water soluble anionic polymers and cationic or amphoteric polymers to form a mixture. When the cationic or amphoteric polymer is added to the anionic polymer in an amount of from about 25 to about 75 percent by weight of the anionic polymer, the salt is added to the mixture in order to hydrate the anionic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for maintaining a liquified gas such as CO.sub.2 or N.sub.2 in a liquid state prior to its introduction into the suction of a positive displacement pump such as is commonly employed in high pressure well stimulation work in the petroleum industry. A heat exchanger, preferably referred to as a passive booster, is placed in the liquified gas feed line between the gas source and the positive displacement pump. Gas is introduced into the shell side of the passive booster from a chamber in the tube side through a variable orifice throttling valve which, through the Joule-Thomson Effect, drops the temperature of the gas in the shell to provide refrigeration for the main liquified gas flow through the tube side of the passive booster. Flow through the variable orifice valve may be controlled manually or automatically. A back pressure valve on the shell side of the passive booster may be employed to prevent solid formation if one is employing liquified CO.sub.

Abstract: A composition and method for stimulating a subterranean formation. The composition contains an anionic polymer which is readily dispersible in water, having a molecular weight sufficient to thicken water, and a cationic or amphoteric polymer or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A safety joint for use in a pipe string, particularly one incorporating testing tools, comprising a substantially tubular outer housing with an automatic J-slot cut into the interior surface thereof. A mandrel having a spline radially protruding therefrom along its upper longitudinal extent and a J-slot lug also protruding therefrom below the spline and to a greater radial extent is slidably contained within the housing and is initially prevented from sliding within it by a tension sleeve which is designed to part in response to a predetermined tensile force. To operate the safety joint, the pipe string is set down and right-hand torque applied, after which tension is applied to the pipe string until the tension sleeve parts, whereupon the mandrel moves upwardly with respect to the housing, the J-slot lug being constrained to follow the path of the J-slot. The right-hand torque and upward pipe string movement causes a mandrel retaining nut at the top of the housing to back off therefrom.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation with a stabilized foamed fracturing fluid comprising from about 50 percent to in excess of about 96 percent by volume of carbon dioxide with the remainder comprising an aqueous liquid and a selected surfactant. The foam is formed in situ by injection of a stabilized liquid-liquid emulsion containing liquid carbon dioxide into a well bore penetrating the formation. The temperature and pressure of the emulsion is controlled to maintain the carbon dioxide in the liquid phase during injection into the well bore. Thereafter, the carbon dioxide is heated by the subterranean formation to a temperature above about 88.degree. F. at which time the stabilized emulsion spontaneously forms a high quality stabilized foam.

Abstract: An open sea skimmer barge comprising a hull having a bow, bottom, side walls, stern having a substantially horizontal elongate slot extending across a portion thereof and a deck, a spill suction tunnel, a collection tank, secondary oil separation means and tertiary oil separation means.

Abstract: An aqueous gel containing a retarded crosslinking composition comprising a zirconium salt or chelate and a polyhydroxyl-containing compound and optionally including an aqueous fluid or an alkanol. The gel is useful for fracturing and placing propping agents within a subterranean formation. The gel has a high viscosity in the formation and has pumping characteristics in turbulent flow similar to those of the base gel.

Abstract: An improved seal carrier assembly for use in the fluid end of a reciprocating pump.

Abstract: A differential fill valve assembly for application in float collars or shoes in well casing. The valve assembly comprises a back pressure flapper valve disposed within a substantially tubular upper housing, and a lower housing containing an activating sleeve slidably disposed therein above a double flapper valve assembly. The activating sleeve initially extends into the upper housing to a sufficient extent to maintain the flapper valve in an open position; the activating sleeve is maintained in this position through use of shear pins, by which it is secured to the lower housing. The double flapper valve comprises a first flapper responsive to pressure below the valve assembly, and a second flapper responsive to force applied from above.

Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly includes a cylindrical mandrel with a cylindrical valve body concentrically disposed about the mandrel. The valve body includes an inlet communicating with an interior of the mandrel and an outlet for directing fluid to an inflatable element of the packer assembly. First and second axial bores, containing first and second pistons, respectively, are disposed in said valve body and communicate with an end surface thereof. The first bore also communicates with said inlet. A first port connects the first and second bores. A second port connects the second bore and the outlet. The first piston which includes a check valve is held in a first position blocking said first port until a pressure differential across the first piston reaches a first level at which the first piston is released and is moved to a second position allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the first port.

Abstract: A method for producing methane gas and other gases present from a subterranean coal-containing formation comprising the creation of a fracture in the subterranean coal-containing formation, introduction of a propping agent into the open fracture after which at least a portion of the proppant is permitted to settle within the fracture, introduction of a substantially propping agent-free fluid into the open fracture to create an open channel over the propping agent and then permitting closure of the fracture upon the propping agent to leave a propped channel.

Abstract: An aqueous gel containing a crosslinking agent comprising an organotitanate chelate and a retarding agent which delays crosslinking of the gel. This retarding agent comprises a selected polyhydroxycarboxylic acid having from 3 to 7 carbon atoms. The gel is useful for fracturing and placing propping agents within a subterranean formation. The gel has a high viscosity in the formation and has pumping characteristics in turbulent flow similar to those of water.

Abstract: A closure of reinforced elastomeric material having layers or plies of reinforcing means bonded or secured to one or more reinforcing members in the outer periphery of the closure wherein each layer or ply of reinforcing means is comprised of a plurality of strips of fabric, at least one strip of fabric having the ends wrapped and secured about one or more reinforcing members in the outer periphery and covering the center of the closure or diaphragm and the remaining strips of fabric having each end thereof wrapped and secured about one or more reinforcing members in the outer periphery and extending along lines which are chords of a circle formed by a reinforcing member such that the closure of diaphragm has each area thereof reinforced by at least one strip of fabric.