Abstract: A method of processing spectral data for the earth's surface is provided which effectively identifies areas having a high probability of containing hydrocarbons. The method involves processing of intensity values for various wavebands of radiation reflected from areas of the earth's surface which correspond to image elements called pixels. The intensity values are employed in conjunction with predetermined hydrocarbon productivity data (i.e. drilled productive, dry holes) to derive discriminant probability functions whose values for various pixels are indicative of the presence of hydrocarbons in those pixels.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining saturation values corresponding to particular locations in a sample of a porous media, whereby such saturation values can be used in conjunction with corresponding capillary pressures to derive a capillary pressure curve. The method of the invention involves the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging to obtain NMR intensity values corresponding to the locations of interest. Intensity is related to saturation by an appropriate function which is employed to determine the saturation values from the intensity values.

Abstract: Blow molding of a parison with a blow needle is aided by the use of a sealing member which includes at least one projection which completely surrounds the blow needle. During inflation of the parison, the projections come into sealing contact with the exterior surface thereof so as to effectively prevent leakage of blow gas from the interior of the parison around the blow needle.

Abstract: A gelable composition is provided which can be injected into a well prior to steam treatment of the well. The composition comprises water, a water-dispersible polymer, a water-dispersible first crosslinker and a water-dispersible second crosslinker, wherein the first and second crosslinkers have differing temperature responsive crosslinking characteristics over the temperature range of about 70.degree. F. to about 400.degree. F. so as to enable crosslinking of the polymer and gelation of the composition over substantially the entire temperature range. Injection of the composition into a "cold" well followed by steam treatment of the well causes the polymer to undergo a two stage crosslinking reaction which produces a particularly effective and stable gel in diverting steam from "thief zones" in the formation surrounding the well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided wherein liquid is removed from a liquid-solids mixture by employing both filtration and low pressures to achieve vaporization of liquid. The mixture is introduced to a vessel in which the mixture is filtered so that a substantial portion of the liquid is withdrawn from the vessel. The vessel is then depressurized to an extent necessary to vaporize a substantial portion of the remaining liquid. Such vapor is withdrawn from the vessel. During vaporization, the contents of the vessel are agitated and heated.

Abstract: A gelable composition is provided which can be injected into a well prior to steam treatment of the well. The composition comprises water, a water-dispersible polymer, a water-dispersible first crosslinker and a water-dispersible second crosslinker, wherein the first and second crosslinkers have differing temperature responsive crosslinking characteristics over the temperature range of about 70.degree. F. to about 400.degree. F. so as to enable crosslinking of the polymer and gelation of the composition over substantially the entire temperature range. Injection of the composition into a "cold" well followed by steam treatment of the well causes the polymer to undergo a two stage crosslinking reaction which produces a particularly effective and stable gel in diverting steam from "thief zones" in the formation surrounding the well.

Abstract: Blow molding of a parison with a blow needle is aided by the use of a sealing member which includes at least one projection which completely surrounds the blow needle. During inflation of the parison, the projections come into sealing contact with the exterior surface thereof so as to effectively prevent leakage of blow gas from the interior of the parison around the blow needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided which achieve an advantageous effect on the flow paths of fluid flowing in a pipe, wherein such an effect makes the apparatus and method particularly useful for mixing fluids. In accordance with the invention, fluid is flowed through an apparatus which includes a pipe member comprising a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion which outwardly extends from the first portion so as to be in communication with the interior of the first portion. A plate having apertures through which fluid flows is positioned in the first tubular portion so as to extend into the second tubular portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided wherein liquid is removed from a liquid-solids mixture by employing both filtration and low pressures to achieve vaporization of liquid. The mixture is introduced to a vessel in which the mixture is filtered so that a substantial portion of the liquid is withdrawn from the vessel. The vessel is then depressurized to an extent necessary to vaporize a substantial portion of the remaining liquid. Such vapor is withdrawn from the vessel. During vaporization, the contents of the vessel are agitated and heated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating thermoelectric power utilizes a hollow shell member having a cavity defined therein and a cartridge member disposed within the cavity, wherein the cartridge member has a combustion chamber defined therein. The cartridge member is mounted such that a space exists between the interior surface of the shell member and the exterior surface of the cartridge member. Thermoelectric elements are mounted to the exterior surface of the shell member such that no air spaces exist therebetween. A mixture of a combustible fuel and air is introduced into the chamber, the air/fuel ratio being less than the stoichiometric ratio for methane. Heat generated within the combustion chamber upon combustion of the fuel is transferred via the shell member to the thermoelectric elements which generate electrical energy in response thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing geophones is provided which utilizes the levitate waveform produced by the geophones upon removal of a levitate current. The levitate waveform is integrated to give an integral value which is proportional to the number of properly functioning geophones in a geophone array, for example.

Abstract: A method of determining the volume of a test fluid injected into a section of an underground cavity, and thereby also the volume of the section, utilizes pressurization data with respect to another fluid, such as brine, to derive a compressibility ratio according to one aspect of the invention which is used in conjunction with brine pressure values measured during test fluid injection to determine the cavity section volume.

Abstract: A fluid feeding apparatus and method for feeding a fluid to a point beyond the apparatus, wherein a hollow member is provided having an interior surface which defines a chamber having a first fluid therein. The interior surface tapers toward the chamber axis from an open end of the member to an interior surface boundary axially opposite the open end of the member. A second fluid is injected into the chamber generally toward the opening formed at the open end.

Abstract: A pipe plug apparatus and method for its use are described herein. A pipe plug is provided which includes a first portion, and second and third portions which radially extend from the exterior surface of the first portion so as to surround the first portion. When the plug is positioned in a pipe, liquid is introduced into the space as defined between the second and third portions, and as defined between the pipe interior surface and first portion exterior surface, so as to at least partially fill the space with the liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gas treating a particle bed wherein a uniform temperature gradient is achieved. A support member, such as a grate, serves to support a bed of particles on a surface thereof. The support member is moved in a predetermined direction. Gas is released from a plurality of positions at different depths in the bed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method utilize liquid pressurized lock hoppers to feed solids to a high pressure vessel. Solids are introduced to a first lock hopper, and gases are passed to the first lock hopper from a second lock hopper which has previously discharged solids. Liquid is supplied to the first lock hopper so as to attain a pressure equivalent to the pressure of the high pressure vessel. Solids are discharged from the first lock hopper to a high pressure vessel after pressurization.

Abstract: A double bond isomerization catalyst is provided which consists essentially of zinc aluminate. A process for the double bond isomerization of olefinic feedstocks using this catalyst is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid feeding apparatus for feeding a fluid to a point beyond the apparatus, wherein a hollow member is provided having an interior surface which defines a chamber having a first fluid therein. The interior surface tapers toward the chamber axis from an open end of the member to an interior surface boundary axially opposite the open end of the member. A second fluid is injected into the chamber generally toward the opening formed at the open end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing solid particles are provided wherein a screen unit is movably disposed within a hopper for containing solid particles to be dispened. Vibration of the hopper causes the screen unit therein to move relative to the hopper so as to assist in the prevention of plugging of the hopper.

Abstract: A method of collecting and processing spectral data obtained from the earth's surface is employed to identify areas where hydrocarbon seepage to the surface is occurring. Intensity or brightness is detected from bands 4 and 5 of light reflected from a plurality of pixels, each pixel being a small subsection of a large sectional area of the earth's terrain. Band 4 and band 5 intensity values are accordingly obtained for each pixel. An alteration index, or H(x), value is then calculated for each pixel whereinH(x)=K[F.sub.4 (x)-F.sub.5 (x)],where K is a constant, x is a variable representing intensity, and F.sub.4 (x) and F.sub.5 (x) are functions of intensity for each respective band. Pixels can be selected for potential drilling if they have corresponding H values above a predetermined H value.