Abstract: A device and method for determining strength properties of a subterranean formation. The device is insertable into a borehole formed in the formation, and includes a pair of inflatable semi-cylindrical members mounted on a shaft. The inflatable members when pressurized exert radial force in all directions except along the plane between the members, with the result that a higher parting force is exerted on the formation perpendicular to the plane between the members than across any other plane through the axis of the device.

Abstract: A transducer positioner for testing conduits from the interior comprising a standard pulse-echo ultrasonic instrument converted to a detection package comprisingA. a head which positions at least two transducers simultaneouslyB. a connecting tube to provide a water column for coupling each transducer to the conduit to be testedC. connecting cables from each transducer to the ultrasonic source instrument, andD. a terminal box containing connectors and a calibration transducer.

Abstract: A low pressure, low temperature, hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of metal values from chalcopyrite and other metals and other metal sulfides. The process provides for all sulfur recovery as sulfuric acid and is nonpolluting, uses no neutralizing agents, and produces no waste products.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for determining fluid levels and pressures in a fluid-containing vessel wherein the sensor apparatus comprises a mounting member having a fluid passageway positioned therein; a pressure sensor in operative contact with one end of the mounting member and a pressure fluctuation dampening device operatively positioned on the other end of the mounting member. The dampening device comprises an arrangement of fluid passageways arranged so that the fluid passageway through the mounting member substantially perpendicularly intersects a second fluid passageway intermediate the ends of the second fluid passageway with the second fluid passageway being intersected at each of its ends by third and fourth fluid passageways.

Abstract: In pump-down tools for use in well maintenance operations wherein fluids are injected into a well and wherein the tool includes a tubular member having locomotives positioned thereabout and a fluid passageway positioned therethrough and is connected to a fluid injection member positioned in fluid communication with the fluid passageway and the well; the well being equipped with a first tubing member and a second tubing member which are in fluid communication near their lower ends so that the tool is readily moved through the first tubing member by pumping fluid sequentially through the first tubing member, the junction between the first and second tubing member and the second tubing member and is moved in the opposite direction by reverse circulation, an improvement comprising positioning on the tubular member above the locomotives a sealing ring which is releasably maintained in position at a suitable angle from the axis of the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting organic materials from a sample of a solid matrix containing such organic materials, the apparatus comprising an outer tubular member containing a permeable sample support positioned intermediate the first and second ends of the outer tubular member, and a method for the extraction of such organic materials by applying heat to one end of the outer tubular member while cooling the other end of the outer tubular member. Optionally a solvent is used in the extraction in conjunction with alternate heating and cooling of the ends of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: Alumina having a surface area from about 250 to about 500 m.sup.2 /g, a loose bulk density from about 10 to about 30 lbs/ft.sup.3, a pore volume (0-10,000 A) from about 0.6 to about 2.5 cc/g and a pore volume (0-1,000 A) of at least 0.6 cc/g wherein 70 to 95 percent of said pore volume (0-1,000 A) consists of pores having a diameter in the range of 35 to 80 A and a method for producing such alumina by the water hydrolysis of aluminum methoxide.

Abstract: In combination, a composite construction comprising a load-bearing substrate, an impermeable liner, and disposed therebetween a circulatory system defined by a network of cells having side walls which are generally in lateral orientation to the liner and the load-bearing substrate, at least some of said side walls having apertures therein whereby at least some adjacent cells are in communication with each other, and means for circulating a fluid through said circulatory system.

Abstract: Ortho cresol is methylated in the liquid phase to yield 2,6-xylenol and 2,3,6-trimethylphenol in high selectivity and mild conditions.

Abstract: Liquid hydrocarbon feedstocks are hydrotreated in a reactor containing a first catalyst bed and a second catalyst bed by passing the hydrocarbon liquid down through both catalyst beds serially and introducing hydrogen between the two catalyst beds, the hydrogen flowing upwardly through the first catalyst bed and downwardly through the second catalyst bed. The process is useful for desulfurization and aromatic saturation of petroleum and coal-derived liquids.

Abstract: A cyclically stressed, hollow hydrogen sensor probe for evaluating the corrosion fatigue performance of corrosion inhibitors. A portion of the probe is contained in a jacket having an inlet and outlet for circulating a corrosive fluid containing an inhibitor over the outer surface of the probe. Corrosion at the outer surface of the probe produces hydrogen which permeates to the evacuated inner portion of the probe and produces a current reading in an ion pump in communication with the probe interior, which current reading is indicative of inhibitor performance.

Abstract: A method of producing lipase and pyocyanine from n-paraffins by growing a pseudomonas-like hydrocarbon oxidizing bacteria thereon and extracting the lipase and pyocyanine from the intracellular portion of the bacterium.

Abstract: A blowout preventer test plug for use in pressure testing a blowout preventer, the plug comprising a first body having fluid passage ports positioned therethrough and a second body having fluid passage ports positioned therethrough positioned on a tubular extension below the first body so that when the first and second bodies are moved into mating contact the fluid passage ports are closed and a seal is urged into sealing contact between a tubular extension of the first body and the inner diameter of a wellhead bore in which the plug is positioned.

Abstract: An overhead support apparatus for a slurry hose transportation system has a monorail anchored to a support system a predetermined distance above the surface of the earth. A plurality of spaced rollers are movably engaged and supported by the support system. A slurry hose is attached to the plurality of spaced rollers by means of a plurality of beams, each of which has pivotally attached hose supporting clamps spaced along the beam. The apparatus may further include a brake for restraining a beam until the particular section of hose supported by the beam is under tension. A cable is also provided for retracting the plurality of beams to a storage area as required by the use of the slurry transportation system.

Abstract: Drying of moist particulate carbonaceous material is facilitated by addition of a nonaqueous solvent having a low heat of vaporization and a low boiling point, such as methanol, to the material followed by application of heat to remove both solvent and water from the material.

Abstract: Novel compounds, which are useful as additives in lubricating oils, are disclosed. The novel compounds are represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an alkenyl group containing 10 to 100 carbon atoms; R' is an alkylene group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms; n is an integer of 1 to 4; X is selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, NR"R", NHR", and OR"; and Y is selected from the group consisting of NR"R", NHR", OR", and halogen, wherein R" is alkyl, phenyl, alkyl-substituted phenyl, or alkylene polyamino. A process for preparing the novel compounds is disclosed, also.

Abstract: A fluid cat cracker process and apparatus including at least one shutoff valve having improved valve stem guide apparatus. The valve stem guide apparatus comprises a guide member adapted to be attached within the valve body through which the valve stem is disposed. A plurality of annular grooves positioned one above the other are provided in the interior of the guide member and a plurality of expansible seal rings are disposed in the grooves. The seal rings are of a size and shape such that a seal is provided between the valve stem and the surfaces of the grooves whereby pressurized materials within the valve body are prevented from flowing through the valve stem guide apparatus.

Abstract: Copper ore is leached by static leaching methods, and the effluent pregnant leach liquor is divided into portions forming a high-concentration pregnant leach liquor and a recycleable leach liquor.

Abstract: A method for minimizing sulfur contamination of refined hydrocarbon fluids transported in a pipeline for the transportation of sweet and sour hydrocarbon fluids by (a) mixing with the sour hydrocarbon fluids from 0 to about 2000 ppm of a corrosion inhibiting additive; (b) transporting the sour hydrocarbon through the pipeline; (c) transporting a sweet hydrocarbon wash solution containing from about 10 to about 2000 ppm of a mixture of light amines and heavy amines, up to about 2000 ppm of a corrosion inhibiting additive, up to about 500 ppm of a surfactant and up to about 1500 ppm of an alkanol containing from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms; and, (d) transporting refined hydrocarbon fluids containing up to about 200 ppm of a corrosion inhibiting additive, an amine having a molecular weight from about 31 to about 500 or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: surfaces of polyvinylchloride reactors are cleaned using a solvent gel composition. The solvent gel composition comprises: (a) solvent, (b) gelling agent, and (c), in some cases, a neutralizing agent. Suitable solvents include N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, and N-propyl-2-pyrrolidone. Suitable gelling agents include carboxy polymethylene polymer and hydroxyethyl cellulose. A suitable neutralizing agent is di-2-ethylhexylamine. The composition is applied to the reactor surfaces by conventional means, such as a brush. The composition is left on the reactor surface for at least one-half hour. It is then removed from the reactor surface for at least one-half hour. It is then removed from the reactor surface using a scraper (preferably non-metallic). If necessary, the entire process may be repeated to completely remove the deposits. In some cases it may be desirable to then apply the solvent per se in order to remove any film or polymer which may remain.