Abstract: The present invention provides a single trip system for placing perforating apparatus and sand control equipment in a wellbore. This system includes a casing string equipped with extendible pistons and a pumpable activator plug for extending the pistons. Additionally, this system utilizes a single gravel-pack and completion tool string. Further, this system includes a means for opening the extendible pistons to fluid flow.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon soluble drag reducing suspension is described as well as a process for obtaining the same. Process is directed toward producing a drag reducing product which is easily transportable, non-hazardous, easily handled and while providing a significant increase in drag reduction capability over existing commercial products. The suspension is preferably substantially solvent-free.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon soluble drag reducing suspension is described as well as a process for obtaining the same. Process is directed toward producing a drag reducing product which is easily transportable, non-hazardous, easily handled and while providing a significant increase in drag reduction capability over existing commercial products. The suspension is preferably substantially solvent-free.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a solvated isotropic pitch having a fluid temperature at least 40.degree. C. lower than the same pitch in the non-solvated state. Additionally, the present invention provides a solvated isotropic pitch which may be formed into carbon artifacts which do not require oxidative stabilization prior to carbonization.

Abstract: An oil spill recovery system includes a first hydrocyclone separator and optionally a second hydrocyclone separator located on a floating vessel floating on a body of water from which spilled oil is to be recovered. A recovered fluid containing oil and water emulsion and a large amount of free sea water is recovered from the body of water. The first hydrocyclone separator separates the recovered fluid into a first underflow stream containing oily water and a first overflow stream which contains substantially all of said oil and water emulsion. The oily water underflow stream from the first hydrocyclone separator is then directed to a second hydrocyclone separator which separates it into a second underflow stream which is returned to the sea as clean water, and a second overflow stream. The first overflow stream is stored in on-board ship's storage. The second overflow stream may be stored in ship's storage or recycled for further separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for obtaining a very clean mesophase pitch from isotropic pitch. This invention utilizes a solvent fractionation process which does not involve the process steps, yield loss and waste generation associated with fluxing and filtering the isotropic pitch. Additionally, this invention provides a liquid/liquid extraction process that avoids the solids handling and the high temperatures and pressures of supercritical fluid extraction. Finally, this invention controls the hardness of the mesophase product.

Abstract: A VASPS (vertical annular separation and pumping system) is integral with a floating production vessel such as a TLP. The head section of the VASPS is located at the deck level of the vessel. The tail section is located at or near the bottom of the body of water. The head and tail sections are in fluid communication by a riser having at least two fluid passageways (conductors). The invention constitutes an improvement on the VASPS unit described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,433.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system for determining the position and depth of downhole equipment in a wellbore which includes an elongate spoolable composite coiled tubing for running the downhole equipment into the wellbore. The composite coiled tubing string has multiple layers of fibers arranged in a generally cylindrical shape, wherein each layer has a plurality of fibers arranged in a predetermined orientation to form a composite coiled tubing string having sufficient strength to be pushed into and pulled and out of the borehole. A plurality of detectable indicia (such as metallic, magnetic or encoded sections) overlay at least one of the layers of fibers and are integral to the composite coiled tubing string and spaced apart along the length of the tubing string at predetermined distances.

Abstract: Methane gas recovery from wells extending into subterranean coal seams is stimulated by treatment of near-wellbore coal seam with cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon soluble drag reducing suspension is described as well as a process for obtaining the same. Process is directed toward producing a drag reducing product which is easily transportable, non-hazardous, easily handled and while providing a significant increase in drag reduction capability over existing commercial products. The suspension is preferably substantially solvent-free.

Abstract: The interruptive mobile production (IMP) system comprises a floating semisubmersible structure with equipment and facilities for hydrocarbon production in association with a small tension leg wellhead platform (TLWP) having direct vertical access. The small TLWP has an upper deck positioned above the surface of the water with wellhead equipment thereon and has risers generally vertically connecting subsea wells to the upper deck.Lateral bending restraints of the risers and tendons are preferably located at about the same horizontal level as the lower pontoon section. The semisubmersible structure can be conveniently disconnected from its moorings and from the wellhead platform for demobilizing to another location while the TLWP remains tethered in place.

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: Use of a ribbon shaped flow configuration at the entrance to a round spinneret used for spinning carbon fibers from mesophase pitch promotes the formation of random microstructure and prevents formation of axial cracking in the fibers.

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: 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: 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: 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.