Abstract: Highly stable high alcohol content foams are provided which include a foam-forming surfactant represented by the formula ##STR1## Methods of forming and using the alcohol foams are also provided.

Abstract: A shock absorber comprising a cylinder, cylinder head having a relief check valve therein including an annular valve spool, relief valve ball, spring support, valve spring and valve cap, piston, piston head, outer case, foot valve body, dust cover, piston bellows and pivot bushing assemblies.

Abstract: The invention comprises a packer design for use in high temperature well bores. The packer is set by pressuring the well fluid through a tubing string, which moves a piston and shoe assembly on the packer mandrel, compressing a non-elastomeric high temperature packer element. The piston and shoe assembly combination is maintained in position after pressure is decreased, and the packer element is maintained in a compressed state by belleville springs which compensate for the lack of resiliency of the non-elastomeric packer element.

Abstract: A flameless nitrogen vaporizing unit includes a first internal combustion engine driving a nitrogen pump through a transmission. A second internal combustion engine drives three hydraulic oil pumps against a variable back pressure so that a variable load may be imposed upon the second engine. Liquid nitrogen is pumped from the nitrogen pump driven by the first engine into a first heat exchanger where heat is transferred from exhaust gases from the first and second internal combustion engines to the liquid nitrogen to cause the nitrogen to be transformed into a gaseous state. The gaseous nitrogen than flows into a second heat exchanger where it is superheated by an engine coolant fluid to heat the gaseous nitrogen to essentially an ambient temperature. The superheated nitrogen is then injected into the well. The engine coolant fluid flows in a coolant circulation system. Heat is transferred to the coolant fluid directly from the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Methods of preparing viscous aqueous polymer solutions having improved viscosity and stability properties for use in the treatment of subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formations and in enhanced oil recovery processes are provided. Methods and systems for enhancing the recovery of oil from subterranean oil-containing formations are also provided. The viscous aqueous polymer solutions of the invention are prepared by polymerizing one or more water soluble polymerizable vinyl monomers in a substantially oxygen-free aqueous solvent and then further diluting the resultant concentrated solution in additional solvent. Such viscous aqueous polymer solutions have improved viscosity properties and increased compatibility with oil well treating fluid additives, especially clay stabilizers.

Abstract: Apparatus for setting in a bore a well tool of the type having radially expandable anchor means and a mandrel-actuated slidable valve for permitting flow through the tool. Inner and outer sleeves are telescopically interengaged for suspension from a conduit string for lowering into a well bore. A shearable tension sleeve connects the tool to the lower end of the inner sleeve. A vertically shiftable mandrel having a longitudinal bore therethrough is received within the inner sleeve for engaging the well tool valve. A ball is received within a slot in the inner sleeve and is urged into a groove formed in the mandrel by a locking collar disposed about the inner sleeve. Annular pistons are provided between the inner and outer sleeves for moving the inner sleeve upwardly responsive to pressurization of the conduit string. Such upward movement shifts the mandrel downwardly with respect to the inner sleeve and shifts the locking collar to effect locking of the inner sleeve to the mandrel in its shifted position.

Abstract: A method for placing a foamed treating fluid in the upper portion of a fracture comprising the steps of: (i) introducing a foamed preflush fluid into the fracture; (ii) introducing an inert gas into the fracture to form a flow channel over the foamed preflush fluid located therein and (iii) introducing a foamed treatment fluid into the fracture whereby said treatment fluid is caused to flow through the flow channel over the foamed preflush fluid and enter the upper portion of the fracture.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting pressure into motion includes a housing having a plurality of ports formed therein. Movably disposed within the housing is a piston having a first plurality of apertures communicating with a first chamber and a second plurality of apertures communicating with a second chamber therein. The piston is positioned within the housing so that the apertures can register with consecutive ones of the ports as the piston is moved in either of two directions within the housing. The movable member is moved by a pressurizing substance applied to a selectable one of the ports through an appropriate valve circuit. The valve circuit is operated by excitation signals from a control member. By operating the valve circuit in an appropriate sequence, the pressurizing substance is sequentially applied to consecutive ones of the ports to move the piston longitudinally through the housing.

Abstract: Liquid water loss reducing additives for use in cement slurries are provided comprised of aqueous solutions of low molecular weight carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose polymers. Methods of using the additives are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling the viscosity of a mixture by controlling the volumetric flow of a fluid with respect to the volumetric flow of another fluid is disclosed. The apparatus includes volumetric flow detectors for detecting the flow of the two fluids. The apparatus also includes an electronic controller device which responds to electrical signals generated by the volumetric flow detectors in proportion to the respective detected volumetric flows. The output of the controller device operates a flow drive element, such as a pump, so that the volumetric flow of one of the fluids is controlled. The volumetric flow of the controlled fluid and the volumetric flow of the other fluid are mixed by a suitable mixer device to obtain the mixture having the desired viscosity.

Abstract: A retrievable plug having an improved dog locking sleeve and having adjustable dog locking pins and pin sleeves retaining the dog locking sleeve within the packer mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a plurality of operations, particularly on an offshore drilling rig, comprises a portable housing, a plurality of dedicated monitoring units associated with the housing, and a master microcomputer unit associated with the housing for handling information transfers between each of the dedicated monitoring units. Each monitoring unit includes a dedicated central processing unit which controls the operation of that unit. Control is maintained over a number of transducers which detect various physical conditions associated with the monitored operation. The electrical signals obtained from monitoring the conditions are processed and displayed on respective display consoles located in the housing. Intercommunication among the various units is achieved through serial input/output devices establishing communication channels between each unit and the master microcomputer unit.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tester valve including a pressure assisted isolation valve which includes a pressure differential metering cartridge to control the rate at which the isolation valve returns to the fluid pressure in the annulus between the wellbore and testing string thereby continuously controlling the rate of expansion the inert gas within the gas chamber and the attendant operation of the tester valve regardless of any temperature effect by cold fluids pumped therethrough.

Abstract: A chemically and thermally stable explosive composition comprising hexanitrostilbene, a perhalogenate oxidizing agent, a sensitizing metal and a source of copper ions. The explosive composition is thermally stable up to a temperature of about 550.degree. F. and can be initiated by an exploding bridge wire or an electrostatic discharge of sufficient energy.

Abstract: An additive material storage and metering system includes a transportable frame having a plurality of dry material storage bins mounted thereon. The plurality of dry material storage bins includes smaller dry material storage bins and larger dry material storage bins. The metering system for the larger dry material storage bins has a flow rate range varying from a low end to a high end. The metering system for the smaller dry material storage bins has a second flow rate range varying from a low end to a high end. The low end of the second range is lower than the low end of the first range, and the high end of the second range is between the low and high ends of the first range, so that any given dry material may be dispensed at any rate within an overall flow rate range from the low end of the second range to the high end of the first range by placing said material in the proper dry material storage bin.

Abstract: A downhole condition sensing apparatus and method which provide a surface readout of a sensed condition includes and utilizes a downhole tool having a housing defined by a control section, a gauge section, an accumulator section, and a tester section. The control section includes electronic circuit elements for controlling the operation of the tool and for conveying electrical signals to the surface. The gauge section includes a pressure sensing element for sensing pressures in a well in which the tool is located and for converting the sensed pressures into corresponding electrical signals. The accumulator section includes a pressurizing fluid chamber, a driving fluid chamber, and an accumulator chamber. A pressurized driving fluid contained in the driving fluid chamber for controlling a valve located in the tester section is switchably communicated to the tester section by means of a solenoid valve located in the accumulator section.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug of the type having upper and lower anchors and an elastomeric packer for sealing a well casing. Drill string manipulation of the plug body effects packer compression and sealing. A ratchet maintains packer compression when engaged and permits packer expansion when disengaged. A cam surface on the plug body engages and disengages the ratchet responsive to longitudinal movement of the plug body.

Abstract: Methods of increasing hydrocarbon production from subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formations are provided wherein the formations are contacted with cationic perfluoro compounds represented by the following formula: ##STR1## Such perfluoro compounds are adsorbed onto surfaces of the formation and prevent or substantially reduce wetting of the surfaces.

Abstract: An inflatable packer element utilizing metal cable employed to reinforce the elastomeric packer bladder as an anchoring element. Steel cable is exposed along at least a portion of the packer element surface to engage a casing, liner or other conduit wall, or the wall of an open well bore. A seal may be effected at one or both ends of the packer element through use of a bonded elastomer cover which is pressed against the conduit wall by the expanded cable when the packer element is inflated.

Abstract: A stacked load of gas-forming pyrotechnic fuel pellets comprising metal, metal oxide and PTFE in varying amounts for use in apparatus for severing conduits in high pressure environments.