Abstract: A remotely operable apparatus and method for determining from a remote location the distance and angular orientation between two structurally unconnected members, such as two sections of a subsea pipeline, is disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises generally two remotely releasable guide posts disposed, respectively, in known spaced relationships to the two structurally unconnected members and a remotely operable measuring template. The remotely operable measuring template is adapted to telescope axially and includes two ball and socket joints to compensate for misalignment or differences in elevation between the guide posts. In practicing the method of the invention, the remotely operable measuring template is positioned over and firmly attached to the guide posts. All movable joints of the template are then locked and the guide posts are remotely released. The guide posts may then be retrieved to the remote location in the same spaced relationship as originally disposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning debris from the interior surfaces of two flowlines, particularly dissimilar sized flowlines, utilizes a crossover flowline, crossover valve, and two bypass flowlines and bypass valves, wherein the bypass flowlines communicate between a respective flowline and the crossover flowline.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the composition and method for reducing the permeability of subterranean formations penetrated by a wellbore. The composition of the present invention comprises a wellbore fluid having dispersed therein a fluid loss control agent comprising a polyester polymer which is substantially insoluble in the wellbore fluid. The polymer degrades in the presence of water at an elevated temperature to form small molecules which are soluble in a fluid in the subterranean formation. The method of the present invention comprises reducing the permeability of subterranean formations penetrated by a wellbore by placing the composition of the present invention down the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely replacing damaged guideposts attached to a subsea structure are provided. A receptacle is permanently attached to the subsea structure. The guidepost is inserted into the receptacle and is releasably connected thereto by one or more radially-oriented, spring loaded lock pins. Damaged guideposts are removed by applying an upward vertical force to the guidepost sufficient to shear the lock pin or lock pins. The upward vertical force is applied by a replacement tool capable of being remotely operated from the surface of the body of water. Following removal of the damaged guidepost, a new guidepost is inserted into the receptacle. Lock pins mounted in the new guidepost retract into the guidepost as it is being inserted. When fully inserted, the lock pins extend and engage a retaining groove formed in the receptacle thereby firmly locking the new guidepost in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a pipeline riser (90) through a J-tube (40) at a spud can-founded, compliant, offshore platform (20) are disclosed. The J-tube is mounted on the platform above the maximum expected mudline (28). An upper longitudinal section (44) of the J-tube passes through guide rings (46) on the platform while a lower longitudinal section (48) is maintained free of the platform. After platform settlement, the J-tube is lowered to an elevation near the actual mudline (30). During riser installation through the J-tube, a lower end (54) of the J-tube is restrained from lateral movement by a latch (70) attached to the platform. Before production operations, the lower end is released from the latch so that flexibility of the J-tube accommodates movement of the platform.

Abstract: A method is provided for constructing spray ice barriers to protect offshore structures in a frigid body of water from mobile ice, waves and currents. Water is withdrawn from the body of water and is sprayed through ambient air which is below the freezing temperature of the water so that a substantial amount of the water freezes as it passes through the air. The sprayed water is directed to build up a mass of ice having a size and shape adapted to protect the offshore structure. Spray ice barriers can also be constructed for the containment of pollutant spills.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting into a branch line a portion of a gas-liquid flow stream from a two-phase flow trunk line. Each of two or more takeoff pipes withdraw a two-phase portion of the trunk line flow stream and transmit it to a single common branch line. The takeoff pipes are oriented to produce branch line flow of predetermined quality. The quality of branch line flow may be monitored and control valves positioned in one or more takeoff pipes and in the branch line to facilitate branch line flow of variable quality and rate.

Abstract: A method of drilling and cementing a well using a novel drilling fluid convertible in place by the extrinsic application of heat into a settable cement slurry and composition therefor. The novel drilling fluid comprises an aqueous drilling mud containing in intimate admixture therewith cement and a thermally deactivatable deflocculant which prevents the cement from setting while the fluid is being used as a drilling mud. The method comprises drilling a well with a rotary bit through which the novel drilling fluid is circulated; suspending a casing in the well; removing the fluid from inside the casing; and applying sufficient extrinsic heat to the fluid in place in the annulus of the well to deactivate the deflocculant, thereby converting the fluid in place into a settable cement slurry.

Abstract: A process for heating and softening of hard water by direct heat exchange with steam. The steam is directly sparged into the hard water within a reaction zone and condensed in the water under a pressure sufficient to prevent boiling at the reaction zone temperature. The heated water is then withdrawn from the reaction zone without substantial vaporization of water and filtered to remove scale precipitates resulting from the heating step. At least a portion of the softened water may be heated to generate wet steam which is then recirculated to the reaction zone and sparged into the hard water therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of matter and to a method for producing a controllable, residue-free break of an emulsion or a dispersion of a water-in-oil emulsion. An emulsion breaker is incorporated into the emulsion. It is temporarily-protected (deactivated) so that breaking of the emulsion is initially avoided. By removing the protection, the breaker becomes active, and it acts to break the emulsion into its separate phases.

Abstract: A guidance system for centering and guiding various drill strings or risers within a moonpool of a floating structure, e.g. a caisson vessel. The system comprises one or more guidance vehicles. Each vehicle is movably mounted on a separate track. The tracks, in turn, are spaced about the moonpool wall and extend vertically along the wall of the moonpool from the top of the moonpool to a point near its bottom. Each vehicle has a frame and means to mount the frame on its respective track. Two side arms and a center arm are pivotably mounted on the frame and are movable between a closed position and an open position. Mounted at the outer end of each of the arms is an interchangeable workhead assembly which engages a drill string or riser to center and guide the drill string or riser when the arms are in their closed position. Individual lines controlled by winches above the moonpool are attached to each vehicle for independently raising and lowering that vehicle within the moonpool.

Abstract: A system for guiding a drill string with an attached umbilical line through a moonpool of a floating structure. The system comprises a support means, and a workhead assembly secured to the outer end of the support means. The workhead assembly is adapted to engage the drill string and umbilical line without damaging the umbilical. The workhead assembly comprises a turntable support, which is secured to the support means, and a turntable. The turntable is positioned about the drill string and umbilical, and rests on the turntable support. Rollers on the turntable allow the drill string and umbilical line to move vertically through the turntable. Roller units on the turntable support allow the turntable and the engaged tool string and umbilical to rotate with respect to the support means.

Abstract: A method of separating acid gases, particularly carbon dioxide, from methane by cryogenic distillation. The method includes the step of adding helium to the stream to be separated to increase the critical pressure of the methane-carbon dioxide present. The cryogenic distillation tower may then be operated at a higher pressure and without the formation of solid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting flaws in the wall of a ferromagnetic pipe is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electromagnetic having poles in slideable contact with the surface of the wall of the ferromagnetic pipe to form a closed magnetic circuit and means for electrically connecting the coil of the electromagnetic to an input source of alternating current whereby a fluctuating magnetic field is induced generally axially through the wall of the pipe between the poles of the electromagnetic. The apparatus also comprises means adjacent the surface of the wall of the pipe between the poles of the electromagnet for sensing a leakage of the axial magnetic field therefrom and generating a signal corresponding to a sensed portion of the leakage. The apparatus further comprises means for electrically connecting the sensing means to a readable output device.

Abstract: A method for determining both connate water saturation and salinity in an oil-bearing reservoir with a single invasive well test is disclosed. In this method, a fluid, miscible with the reservoir oil and having the ability to dissolve a limited amount of the connate water where the solubility of the water in the fluid depends on the salinity of the water, is injected into a well penetrating the reservoir. The reservoir is then produced until oil breakthrough occurs. Samples of the produced fluids are analyzed for their water content. This water content is plotted as a function of the volume of fluids produced. The resulting curve is compared to similar curves generated by mathematical simulation.

Abstract: A side-entry sub for use in conjunction with wireline cable. The sub has a cable entry port provided with a self-closing valve for sealing the port upon withdrawal of the cable. In one embodiment, the self-closing valve is characterized by a housing member supporting a closure disc which is integrally molded with a resiliently deflectable support member having an elastic memory which biases the valve in the closed position. In an alternate embodiment, the self-closing valve comprises a ball valve, biased in the closed position by magnetic or spring means, and having a passageway through which the cable may pass. When the cable is inserted through the passageway, the ball valve is held in the valve open position. When the cable is removed from the passageway, the ball valve automatically closes.

Abstract: An improved process is described for the separation and recovery of substantially all the propane and heavier hydrocarbon components in a hydrocarbon gaseous feedstream. In this process, the vapor stream from a deethanizer is cooled to liquefaction and contacted with a vapor phase from the hydrocarbon gaseous feedstream. The contact takes place within a direct heat exchanger, and the resulting vapor fraction, which is essentially ethane and methane, is the gaseous product of the process.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to shear thickening fluids to prevent unwanted flow in wells penetrating subterranean formations. The shear thickening fluids comprise (1) a water swellable granular clay present in sufficient quantity so that, upon interaction with an aqueous phase, a stiff paste rapidly forms having a strength of at least 2000 lbs/100 ft.sup.2, (2) a nonaqueous phase comprising a hydrocarbon material and a surfactant, and (3) an aqueous phase comprising water and a watersoluble polymer. The granular clay and water-polymer solution are kept separated by the intervening hydrocarbon-surfactant composition, which is the continuous phase. The intervening oil phase prevents the interaction between the water-polymer phase and the granular clay and results in a stable, nonreacting, pumpable composite until such time as the granular clay is fragmented by application of a sufficiently high shear force.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting flaws in the threaded end of a ferromagnetic pipe is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for applying a magnetic force to produce a field generally axially through the threaded end of the pipe, first and second means adjacent successive crests of a thread for sensing a generally radial magnetic field and generating a first and second signal corresponding to the sensed magnetic fields, and means for differentially connecting the signals generated by said first and second sensing means, whereby a differential output signal is produced in response to a flaw between the crests of the thread being inspected. The apparatus also comprises means for helically rotating said sensing means to follow a path corresponding to the threads of the pipe, whereby the first and second signals vary with time.A method for detecting flaws in the threaded end of a ferromagnetic pipe is also disclosed.

Abstract: A production casing string is composed of an upper section and a smaller diameter lower section. The lower portion of the upper section forms upper and lower polished bore receptacles. The upper receptacle has an internal bore of larger diameter than the bore of the lower receptacle. A first annular shoulder is formed at the junction of the bores. A support shoulder is formed in the lower receptacle at the junction of the bore of the lower receptacle and the inner wall of the lower section. A hanger seat member is positioned on the support shoulder. An outer tubing string positioned in the production casing string has a reduced diameter stinger section provided with an annular external seal unit which sealingly engages the bore wall of the lower receptacle. A second annular shoulder is formed on the outer wall of the outer tubing string at the junction of the outer walls of the outer tubing string and the stinger section.