Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing mesophase pitch in high yields. The process of the invention comprises isolating a heavy fraction of a heat soaked pitch by a solvent extraction, heat soaking the isolated heavy fraction to increase the size and number of larger heavy aromatics, and isolating the larger heavy aromatics by solvent extraction to obtain a larger heavy aromatic solvated mesophase pitch.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved emissions reduction system for lowering the emissions of NO.sub.x generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons. The present invention further provides a method for lowering the emissions of NO.sub.x generated by the combustion of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system for drilling low rate coalbed formations wherein the formation has anisotropic fracture characteristics which create low permeability (high volatile B bituminous rank or lower). Typically these coalbeds have vitrinite reflectance less than 0.78 R.sub.o. The system includes drilling and completing these formation with a horizontal borehole that is drilled with a gas turbine in an underbalanced pressure condition relative to the pressure of the formation. The horizontal borehole is drilled substantially transverse to the general direction of face cleats within the coalbed.

Abstract: Terpolymers of polyolefin/acrylic acid or substituted acrylic acid/acrylonitrile are prepared by combining a polyolefin/acrylic acid or substituted acrylic acid copolymer with at least one dinitrile to form a mixture and reacting the mixture at a temperature of at least 200.degree. C. for a time sufficient to form the terpolymer. Copolymers of polyolefin/acrylonitrile are obtained when the reaction is carried to completion. The total reaction masses obtained comprising terpolymer or copolymer, cyclic imide, solvent, when used, and any unreacted dinitrile find use as pour point depressants in heavy hydrocarbon oils.

Abstract: The present invention provides a well filter assembly for incorporation in a production system which will initially allow passage of particles which will only minimally damage the interior of the production system. After a period of time, the filter assembly will preclude passage of all damaging particles while allowing passage of those particles which will not deteriorate or obstruct the production system. Additionally, the well screen assembly is designed to mechanically break down the filter cake which was formed during drilling of the well in order to preclude plugging of the filter. Further, the filter of the prepacked well screen assembly is of sufficient strength so as to maintain its filtering capacity even after damage due to deformation. Finally, a method is provided for utilizing the well filter assembly in a production system.

Abstract: A process for producing methane from a subterranean coal bed by continuously injecting a carbon dioxide-containing gas into the coal bed and recovering displaced and desorbed methane from a recovery well. The injection gas may be exhaust gas from a hydrocarbon fueled engine.

Abstract: A system for centralizing casing pipe in a wellbore includes lateral pistons in the side wall of the casing string which are movable by force applied to their inner end, from a retracted position within the maximum exterior profile of the casing pipe string to a predetermined extended position which will move the casing pipe string toward a central position in the borehole. Various well operations can be performed using the pistons in addition to the centralizing function. When a predetermined deploying force is applied to the pistons, they are released from their retracted position for movement to a fixed extended position. The deploying force is accurately determined by a simple retaining mechanism involving a snap ring and groove on the pistons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for precipitating a polyolefin from solution. The present invention also provides a polyolefin paste having drag reducing characteristics when dissolved in a flowing hydrocarbon stream and a method for making the drag reducing paste. Finally, the present invention provides a slurried drag reducer prepared from the paste for use in flowing hydrocarbon streams.

Abstract: A cation exchange resin is regenerated to remove alkanolamine and alkali metal cations from the resin by eluting the resin with alkali metal hydroxide to selectively displace alkanolamine from the resin, followed by elution of the resin with a mineral acid to displace alkali metal cations and any remaining alkanolamine from the resin. During this process, the resin is monitored by measuring and recording the conductance of the effluent from the resin and such recorded conductance is used to control the regenerant streams to provide more efficient regeneration of the resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite torque shaft for connecting a downhole fluid motor to the drill bit at the end of a drill string. The composite torque shaft comprises an elongate matrix body with oriented fibers fixed therein. The fibers are particularly oriented to provide the composite torque shaft with significant torque strength and stiffness while allowing bending flexibility. Accordingly, the composite torque shaft converts the gyrating and rotating motion of the rotor in the fluid motor to the pure rotation of the drill bit.

Abstract: An anisotropically tailored tubular (fabricated of a composite having an unsymmetrical bias of the reinforcing components of the composite and an elasticity of the matrix thereof such that at least one of compression stress along the long axis of the tubular or tension stress along the long axis of the tubular or pressure on the interior of the tubular will cause localized twisting and/or extension and/or bending of the tubular along its long axis) is run into a depth extended aperture while imparting localized twisting and/or extension and/or bending to the tubular along its length during the course of the running by impressing at least one of compression stress along the long axis of the tubular, or tension stress along the long axis of the tubular, or pressure on the interior of the tubular. Frictional resistance to the running is thus decreased by the localized twisting, bending, and/or extension.

Abstract: A system for centralizing casing pipe in a wellbore includes lateral pistons in the side wall of the casing string which are movable by forces applied to their inner end, from a retracted position within the maximum exterior profile of the casing pipe string to a predetermined extended position which will move the casing pipe string toward a central position in the borehole. Various well operations can be performed using the pistons in addition to the centralizing function.

Abstract: Refining processes for recovering HF from acid soluble oils (ASO) generated by the HF recovery unit of an HF alkylation unit are provided. ASO containing HF is removed from the HF recovery unit and contacted with water to form a system having two phases, an aqueous HF containing phase and an organic phase. After phase separation, the aqueous HF containing phase passes through a bed of fluidized NaF crystals, where the NaF reacts with the HF to form salts having the general formula NaF.nHF. Flow of the aqueous HF containing phase to the bed continues until exhaustion of the bed, as determined by the detection of HF in the effluent. After exhaustion of the bed, the process provides for the regeneration of the bed and release of anhydrous HF which is then returned to the HF alkylation unit.

Abstract: Composite laminated tubing with low coefficient of thermal expansion and preferably a Poisson's ratio near 0.5 is used for production tubing which is subject to substantial expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A floating production and storage facility (FPS) or "floating atoll" comprises a very large tension leg platform (TLP) having a regular or irregular polygonal horizontal cross-section (including a circle) and having a centralized opening (moonpool) therethrough. The floater has wave transparent attributes, stanchions sited interior of the moonpool adapted to receive risers and maintain the risers within a limited horizontal zone with reference to the vessel while allowing vertical freedom of motion with reference to the vessel. It also has risers sited in the stanchions and connected to the bottom of the body of water upon which the TLP floats. The risers have sufficient buoyancy means below but near the surface of the water to tension the risers into vertical position, and can have additional buoyancy means distributed over much of their length. The floater can have large oil storage means, and can be moored by lateral mooring as well as the TLP tendons.

Abstract: Apparatus for mooring attachment of a floating tension leg platform to a subsea anchorage. The apparatus includes a tendon with an enlarged connector on one end, the connector being formed by a frustoconical bearing surface extending away from the end to which it is connected. A connector shroud partially surrounds the frustoconical surface and is connected to it by an elastomeric bearing. An inwardly sloping surface engages a supplementarily sloped surface formed on the attachment receptacle load ring to increase hoop strength. A side-entry bottom receptacle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissociation of gas molecules which absorb light comprising a resonance optical cavity, a nozzle for introducing gas molecules into the resonance optical cavity in contact with the high velocity gas molecules, a focusing lens for focusing the laser beam at the point of contact of the laser beam and the high velocity gas molecules, a 100 percent reflecting mirror for receiving the laser beam after it passes through such molecules, a partially reflecting mirror positioned between the molecules for reflecting a portion of laser beam back into the laser and the remainder of the beam through the gas molecules to the 100 percent reflecting mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved downhole seismic source with an epicyclic eccentric weight system for the simultaneous generation of elliptically polarized shear wave seismic energy and compression wave seismic energy coupled into a borehole. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing and a drive means or electric motor disposed in the housing which provides rotational output to an epicyclic eccentric weight system also disposed in the housing. Expandable tapered wedging collars are used to firmly secure the motor and the epicyclic eccentric weight systems within the housing. A flexible shaft interconnects the centerline of the epicyclic cylindrical roller and the motor whereby the roller receives the rotational output from the motor. The shaft rotates in one direction and the roller rotates in the opposite direction thereby producing an epicyclic motion.

Abstract: A hybrid velocity model is used to image the subsalt reflector. A method for imaging subsalt reflectors includes receiving seismic data and depth migrating the raw data. Generated seismic P-waves are assigned a first P-wave velocity for travel outside a salt wedge. Prior to entering the salt wedge, the wave is treated as a compressional wave. Upon entering the salt wedge, the P-wave is treated as a converted S-wave and a corresponding S-wave velocity is assigned to the converted wave. When the converted S-wave exits the salt wedge, it is again converted, this time back to a P-wave. As this wave travels through the subsalt layer to a reflector interface, it is assigned a P-wave velocity. Thus, a velocity model which includes both P-wave and S-wave velocities is used to image reflectors below salt wedges.

Abstract: A borehole system for operating a downhole generator suspended on a composite coiled tubing string. The coiled tubing has at least two separate longitudinal chambers to provide separate flow paths. A fluid is pumped from the surface through one flowpath to drive a downhole turbine powered generator for operating downhole systems. A second flowpath in the tubing is used to return fluids to the surface. The non-metal environment of the composite coiled tubing provides a non-magnetic environment in which to operate wellbore devices. Data is transmitted to the surface by way of a fiber optic conductor.