Abstract: A method and apparatus for directly measuring steam quality in-line. A variable frequency capacitance cell receives a hybrid stream (one having both liquid and vapor phases). The resultant frequency of the electrical circuit of which the capacitance cell is an element, varies with the dielectric constant of the capacitance cell (i.e., the water vapor concentration in the cell). The resultant frequency of the cell is preferably beat with a reference frequency that is within about 15 MHz from the resultant frequency to facilitate measurement.

Abstract: High permeability zones in a subterranean formation are reduced in permeability by the time-delayed gelation of water soluble polymers in such formation with alkoxy amine esters of boric acid which slowly hydrolyze. Boric acid resulting from the hydrolysis converts to the borate ion which crosslinks the polymers to form gels.

Abstract: A seismic signal generator with a self-adjusting footprint base plate. A signal generator for use on paved or other hard surfaces, has a pair of tread members (preferably urethane) that are laterally slidable with respect to the reaction mass. The tread members are biased outwardly away from the reaction mass. Should slippage from the point of initial placement occur during signal generation, the biasing force will continue to move the tread members outwardly to a more stable position, thereby achieving optimum intimate contact between the generator and the surface of the ground maximizing signal transfer into and through that surface.

Abstract: Sulfonate surfactants are removed from crude oil or crude oil emulsions, such as may be produced using enhanced recovery methods, by mixing with an aqueous solution of synthetic brine such as ammonium chloride, allowing the phases to separate, and removing the aqueous phase containing brine and sulfonates from the organic phase containing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determination of earth formation permeability in situ. A logging sonde supported in a borehole derives attenuation data from at least two ultrasonic energy transmission paths which have a common alignment but differing length, the attenuation data can then be used to determine an empirical X parameter that is directly related to formation permeability.

Abstract: A modular near-surface completion system that positions the production wellheads in a quiescent zone beneath significant wave activity yet within reach of divers for maintenance and inspection. Each subsea well is provided with (a) its own riser, (b) a riser tensioning buoy and (c) a production well tree mounted atop the riser buoy. Produced fluids are transmitted from the well tree to the floating production platform by means of flexible risers suspended in a catenary loop of sufficient length to permit the platform to be maneuvered to position it for drilling or workover of any of the plurality of templates it services.

Abstract: The combination of a conventional emulsifier package for soluble oils and a synergistic combination of (a) an oxazoline derivative and an amide and (b) an ether sulfate ammonium salt surfactant. The oxazoline drivative and amide contain straight or branched chain alcohol and fatty acid substituents. The ether sulfate ammonium salt surfactant contains a mixture of alkyl groups. The combination is incorporated with a base oil to produce soluble oil concentrate.

Abstract: In a delayed premium coking process utilizing as feedstock an aromatic mineral oil having a high aromatic content and a low molecular weight, coke CTE is reduced and coke particle size is increased by sparging with a gas during the coking cycle.

Abstract: Drag reduction in fluids flowing through conduits is improved by the injection of high molecular weight fluid soluble drag-reducing polymers through land-length dies having multiple openings.

Abstract: A process for sealing casing leaks comprises cleaning out the annulus between the tubing and the casing, situating a gelable mixture in the annulus at the loci of the leak in the casing, pressuring the mixture through the leak into the formation and effecting gelation of the mixture. Optionally, the remaining gelable mixture may be circulated out of the annulus. Gelable mixtures can be comprised of various organic and inorganic gel polymers.

Abstract: A process for establishing well-to-well flow communication between a plurality of wells penetrating a subsurface formation is provided. A common fracture network is created by initiating a fracture from a first well, and then propagating that fracture from the first well to a second well. When the fracture has reached the second well, fracturing fluid is injected into the second well and thereby further propagates the fracture to a third well, and so on, so that the fracture is successively propagated to all of the wells. Such a fracture can be located adjacent either a lower or an upper boundary of a tilted subsurface formation, as desired. Techniques are also provided for reducing uneven areal distribution of injection fluids which are injected into fractures.

Abstract: A spike and socket cable termination assembly includes an outer socket having a substantially conical bore disposed therethrough with the bore having a smaller first open end and a larger second open end. The socket is constructed of a first material. A cable has an end portion thereof received through the smaller first open end of the substantially conical bore. A spike having a substantially conical outer surface is received through the larger second open end of the conical bore and in a center portion of the cable end portion with strands of the cable distributed in a substantially conical shape between the spike and socket. The spike is tightly wedged in the socket so that strands of the cable are held in place between the spike and socket. The spike is constructed of a second material having a modulus of elasticity substantially greater than the modulus of elasticity of the first material from which the socket is constructed.

Abstract: A subsea drilling template has a plurality of drilling guides disposed at various angles relative to the plane of the template. The drilling guides cause angular deviation of the drill string passing into the guides resulting in wide spacing of the boreholes drilling through the template. The widespread boreholes allow efficient production of shallow subsea hydrocarbon producing formation without the need of satellite wells.

Abstract: A tool and method for installing and removing twist-on rod guides onto and off from sucker rods. A partially closed C-shaped jaw member lying substantially in a first plane surrounds the guide and the sucker rod allowing torque to be applied to the rod guide to enable it to be snapped onto or off from the sucker rod. A pry bar and handle are attached to the jaw member and lie substantially in a second plane that forms preferably about a 20.degree. angle with the first plane. A linear projection of the pry bar into the first plane projects from the edge of the lower jaw at a right angle.

Abstract: An adsorbent is used to recover methanol in unreacted C.sub.4 's from the MTBE process. Methanol is desorbed from the mixture in a closed loop regeneration system utilizing a circulating vapor at an elevated temperature. Gas from the adsorber is cooled to condense methanol which may be recycled to the MTBE reaction. Unreacted C.sub.4 's substantially free from methanol may be used in HF or sulfuric acid alkylation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning out a cased or uncased wellbore (particularly a high angle wellbore) prior to running a(nother) string of casing, a logging tool, or the like, into the hole. A stiff-bristled scouring brush is run in the hole on the leading end of a drill string. The brush is rotated as it is advanced through the portion to be cleaned to enhance dislodgement of caked on cuttings, drilling mud, and the like. Drilling fluid is reverse-circulated down the casing to entrain the dislodged material and carry it uphole in the high-velocity stream inside the drill string. A centering dolly keeps the apparatus positioned in the wellbore and keeps the weight of the drill string from riding on the brush.

Abstract: A process for non-linear matching of time analog signals, particularly seismic signals, that have generally similar response characteristics but different time bases is disclosed. The process models the signals to be matched as a stretched version of each signal with additive noise, and a match curve is estimated adhering to a global criterion of maximization of the likelihood function. The global criterion is further optimized in accordance with the principle of path optimality and other a priori information may also be considered. The match curve may then be used to identify such as correlated signal events, conparison of signal sections, and numerous seismic data processing functions using multidata or multisensor time analog data input.

Abstract: A pressure-activated pump-off control for intermitting the operation of a low-production well. A pressure sensor and a series of three timers control the operation of the pump to maximize efficiency. A first fill-in timer disables the pump for a first time period during which fluids accumulate in the well. When the fill-in timer times out, both a second pump-up timer and the pump motor are energized. If the pressure sensor determines adequate minimum fluid pressure in the tubing, the pressure switch is opened, the second timer is de-energized, and control of the pump being transferred to a third pump-up timer in conjunction with the pressure sensor. When the pressure falls below the desired minimum, the pressure switch will remain closed and after a predetermined period of time corresponding to a desired number of strokes, the pump-off timer times out, shuts off the pump and re-energizes the fill-in timer for another cycle.

Abstract: All natural water sources are "labeled" by a unique ratio of strontium isotopes (.sup.87 Sr/.sup.86 Sr). In accordance with the invention, the strontium isotope ratio for oil bearing formation water and for seawater which is to be injected into the formation is determined. The strontium isotope ratio of the produced water is then monitored at regular intervals and, when the strontium isotope ratio changes to that of the injected water, water injection breakthrough is delimited. The strontium isotope ratio thus serves as a natural tracer for seawater injection.