Abstract: A closed or semi-closed breathing system for smoke diving and the like includes a pneumatically controlled breathing bag (1) communicating in a circulation (4, 5, 6) with a breathing mouthpiece or breathing mask (2) for a user and with an absorption means (3) for exhaled CO.sub.2, a pneumatic actuator (9) arranged for alternating expansion and contraction of the breathing bag (1) in accordance with the breathing pattern of the user, and a pressurized gas source (11) coupled to the breathing bag (1) to supplement the breathing gas therein. The system includes a mode regulator (10) arranged to control the actuator's actuation of the breathing bag (1) while simultaneously maintaining an overpressure in the breathing mask (2) in relation to the surroundings, and a dosing means (13) for the supply of a metered gas quantity to the breathing bag (1) in dependence on its degree of filling.

Abstract: A new class of surfactants exhibits properties, which make the surfactants suitable for use in surfactant flooding for enhanced oil recovery. The surfactants have the formulaXA.sub.r ORSO.sub.3.sup.- M.sup.+ (I)where R is a hydrocarbon or hydroxyl-substituted hydrocarbon group with 2-6 carbon atoms; A is an oxyalkylene group having 2-4 carbon atoms; r is a number from 0-10, preferably 0-5 and most preferably 1-4; X is an hydroxyl group or hydroxyl and ether group containing hydrophobic group, which comprises 2-6, preferably 2-4 end groups containing 3-22 carbon atoms; and M is a cation, preferably a monovalent cation; or a C.sub.1-4 -alkyl ether thereof. A method for the manufacture of the surfactants are also enclosed.

Abstract: A multi phase catalytic reactor in which a liquid product is separated from a slurry phase containing a finely divided solid catalyst in a liquid medium. The apparatus includes a vessel which contains a number of vertical reaction tubes, arranged to accommodate the slurry phase. Each tube has a filter member in contact with the slurry phase within the tube. The filter members thus define a filtrate zone which is separated from the slurry phase. Gaseous reactants are introduced into the slurry phase within the tubes and a heat exchange medium is circulated around the outside of the tubes.

Abstract: A method and a vessel for offshore oil loading, wherein the vessel comprises a number of center tanks (3) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vessel, and a number of wing tanks (5, 6) located in pairs on either side of respective center tanks, a loading line (19) being connected to the center tanks (3) via respective valves (20), and adjacent center tanks (3) being connected to each other via bulkhead valves (18).

Abstract: There is discussed an apparatus for distributing fluid to at least two separate zones having higher (22) and lower (24) injectivity in a ground formation (10) through a pipe element in a well hole (12), where the pipe element by means of upper and lower sealing bodies (28,30) defines a space (30) which is adjacent to the zone (22) having a higher injectivity and which has a connection (16) to the zone, and where a fluid connection is established between the interior of the pipe element and the space via a replaceable flow pressure-regulating nozzle which establishes a given flow pressure for the current of fluid into the zone (22) having the higher injectivity.

Abstract: A process for substantially removing the metal carbonyl content of a gas stream, such as a stream of synthesis gas, by contacting the gas stream with lead oxide, PbO, dispersed upon a support.

Abstract: The device comprises instruments for collection and recording of signals in seismic exploration of the substratum off-shore. The device is designed as a pole which is adapted to be forced down into the seabed and comprises a pointed lower end (7), an intermediate approximately cylindrically shaped main portion (6), a vibration-absorbing spacer (14) between the pointed end (7) and the intermediate main portion (6). The other end of the intermediate main portion (6) is connected to a top part (8) designed for inserting/pulling and other ways of handling the device. The pointed end (7) at least comprises geophones (15-17) and a hydrophone (23) is placed in the vicinity of the upper end of the device. The majority of the device's other instruments are placed in the intermediate main portion (6). The device is connected to a main cable (4) which extends to a seismic ship (29, 31).

Abstract: A method of conducting a continuous multi-phase catalytic reaction such as the conversion of syngas to higher hydrocarbon fuels. Gaseous reactants are introduced via a gas permeable plate into a slurry which includes the product and a finely divided catalyst. The liquid product is separated from the remainder of the slurry by means of a filter unit including a filter member. A pressure differential is established across the filter member by means of a constant level device within the filter unit which maintains a level of filtrate within the filter unit below the level of the slurry. The slurry is maintained in a constant state of agitation by the introduction of the gaseous components as a steam of bubbles. Fluctuations in the pressure differential across the filter member prevent the filter member from clogging, and the gas space is above the filtrate and the slurry are in communication.

Abstract: Valve, in particular large ball valve for use in oil and gas installations, of the kind comprising a valve member (2) having a through flow passage (6), a movable seat or seal holder (8, 9) and means (11, 12) for moving the holder in directions towards and from cooperating parts (21, 22) of the valve member. At least one opening from the flow passage (6) is surrounded by a protruding edge portion (20) provided with an annular sealing surface (21). A front portion (17) of the seat or seal holder (8, 9) also has an annular sealing surface (18) adapted to cooperate with the sealing surface (21) on the valve member (21) in the open position thereof (FIG. 1B). Outwardly of its sealing surface (18) the front portion (17) has a seal member (19) adapted to cooperate with a second sealing surface (22) on the valve member (2) in the closed position thereof (FIG. 1A).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for loading and discharging tanks (1) for transporting oil, a method for transporting oil in tankers (1) and a pipe and valve system (6, 7, 8) in a tanker (1) for performing the method. According to the invention, gassing of hydrocarbon containing gas during loading and unloading is reduced by loading or unloading the cargo tanks (2) while the oil is maintained in contact with a generally saturated HC gas. This is done by saving the HC gas which is developed during loading or unloading, this gas later being used in further loading and unloading. This is made possible by a pipe and valve system (6, 7, 8) according to the invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the tanks are filled completely so that the oil is present in tank hatches (10) and risers (11) located at the top of the tanks (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and means for preventing or greatly reducing biological growth on the cathode (7, 11) of a sea water cell (1) which is based on electrolytic reaction between oxygen, water and a metal anode (6, 10), and which is arranged to be connected to a load (3, 15) through a DC/DC converter (2, 14). An external power supply (5, 16) which may be powered from the load (3, 15), is at intervals connected to an electrode of copper (or copper alloy) (8, 12) included with the cell structure, to electrolytically dissolve copper. The negative terminal (18) of the power supply (16) may at intervals be connected to an auxiliary electrode (13) of a suitable metal or metal alloy such as copper, titanium or stainless steel. The interconnection of the power supply (5, 16) to the electrode (8, 12), and possibly to the auxiliary electrode (13) is controlled by a timing device (4, 17). At intervals, the same or a separate timing device (4, 17) may turn-off/switch-on the DC/DC converter (2, 14).

Abstract: Hydraulic tool for carrying out relative axial movements in an oil or gas well by means of hydraulic pressure through a hollow tubing string, comprising a cylindrical tool housing and axially movable cylinder-piston members in the housing. There are provided concentric, hollow cylinders (20,30) each being separately movable axially in said housing (10), and an inner piston (40) being axially movable within an adjacent cylinder (30). Breakable retaining elements (31,32) keep said inner piston (40) and said adjacent cylinder (30) in an initial position until said retaining elements are overcome by the hydraulic pressure. Thrust dogs (21,22) cooperate with recesses (88) in a surrounding tubing component (80) where axial movement of said outer cylinder (20) causes radial expansion of said thrust dogs (21,22), by means of conical surfaces (23) on said outer cylinder (20).

Abstract: Converter group comprising at least two pressure converters adapted to be mounted in a row axially above the drill bit at the lower end of a drill pipe for deep drilling, in particular for oil and gas, and for generating an increased fluid pressure utilizing energy in a drilling fluid flow down through the drill pipe, so as to obtain an enhanced drilling effect, preferably by means of one or more high pressure jets adapted to have a cutting action in a surrounding rock formation. Pressure converters (20A, 20B) have axially abutting end faces (22A, 22B) of spherical shape. Attachment means for axial interconnection of the pressure converters are resilient or flexible so as to make possible a certain, small freedom of angular movement between the axes of the pressure converters.

Abstract: A pressure converter for deep drilling keeps contaminated drill mud outside of the working mechanisms of the drill fluid. Thus, the inner drill mechanisms are kept clean by drill fluid. The device contains a rotatable valve positioned above the controlling piston. A tap cover, containing the valve, has two diametrically opposed inlets and two diametrically opposed outlets. The valve has a through passage which is connected to the inlets when the valve is in a second position. Thus, when the piston is operating in a return fashion, the drilling fluid is provided to the area beneath the piston head, keeping this area clean of drill mud.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring permeability in rock samples comprising a measuring table (1, 41) for strapping down a rock sample (2), a nozzle (18) that can be pressed against the rock sample (2) at a set force, a gas source (23) connected to the nozzle (18), devices (24) for measuring mass flow through the nozzle and pressure in the nozzle. The apparatus comprises a rack (10,48) equipped with a pneumatic cylinder to which the nozzle is attached and where the rack and measuring table are movable in relation to each other in an X and Y direction via motors. A computer (21) that controls: (a) the motors, and thereby the movements of the nozzle and the measuring table relatively to each other so that the sample is covered by a predetermined measuring point pattern, (b) a mass flow meter (24) that controls and measures the gas flow to the nozzles, (c) a selector valve for compressed air that controls the pneumatic cylinder, and thereby the vertical movement of the nozzle.

Abstract: Washing tool for removing internal deposits in tubing parts and components in wells for oil or gas production, wherein the tool is to be run on coiled tubing and to be operated by fluid pressure. The tool comprises a main body (10) provided with discharge nozzles for discharging a washing fluid, and a valve member (12) which is axially movable within the main body (10) under pressure actuation and against a spring force (24), for opening one or more of the discharge nozzles. An external valve member (14) at an upper portion of the main body (10) is arranged for axial movement against the action of a spring (15A) urging the external valve member towards a position for blocking the fluid pressure from above.

Abstract: A marine seismic seabed cable for use on or near the seabed includes at least one pulling cable, a data cable, and a sleeve which surrounds the data cable and the pulling cable. Groups of geophones and position metering instruments are placed along the cable with the position metering instruments and geophones being disposed in a geophone sphere. The geophone sphere and the pulling cables are to a substantial degree mechanically isolated from each other so that, for example, shocks and signals against the seabed cable will only be transferred to a minor extent to the geophone sphere.

Abstract: A rectifier for establishing a flat fluid flow velocity profile in a pipe 16 is composed of a bundle of cylindrical tubes 12 of the same diameter and length, assembled to form a cylindrical block 10 having a diameter equal to the interior diameter of the pipe and having a honeycomb section. The interstices 18 remaining between the tubes of a median ring r.sub.2 are filled with a suitable filling material, while those 20 between the tubes of an outer ring r.sub.1 and those in a central zone r.sub.3 of the rectifier are left open.

Abstract: A device including instruments for use on the seabed for the collection and recording of first signals during off-shore seismic exploration.

Abstract: A pressure converter for a drill pipe includes a housing with a header channel therein which is in communication with a drill bit, a drive unit which is driven by a driving drilling fluid flow of the drill pipe, a valve which is operatively connected to and moved by the drive unit, a piston which moves in a reciprocating manner thereby creating a pressure stroke and a return stroke, and a check valve through which a portion of the drilling fluid flow is discharged to the drill bit via the header channel.