Abstract: An asphalt blend used for paving is described. The blend contains polyethylene which has been modified by shearing action in the presence of an O-containing gas (such as oxygen or ozone). The blend has improved viscosity at high temperatures and reduced stiffness at low temperatures. A paving mix prepared using the asphalt blend has an improved Marshall Test Value (ASTM DI559), indicating that the paving mix should have a reduced tendency to become rutted under the load of traffic.

Abstract: A combination of a metal plate and a four layer paving system includes:(a) a metal plate;(b) a first primer layer, consisting of an elastomer modified asphalt;(c) an aggregate layer;(d) a second primer layer, consisting of an elastomer modified asphalt; and(e) a layer of asphalt pavement.The combination is resistant to delamination between the metal plate and the paving system. It may be utilized in applications which are subjected to the load of automotive traffic, such as bridge decking or the flooring of a parking garage.

Abstract: A process is provided for reducing the porosity/permeability of a subsurface geological formation. The process generally involves the precipitation of minerals from an aqueous system. The minerals are precipitated in the presence of microorganisms. The process may be suitably utilized to enhance the recovery of oil from oil reservoirs or to control the flow of a spilled contaminant in a reservoir.

Abstract: The tightener is designed for use with belts driving oil well pumps but of course may be used in other environments. It consists of a belt idler pulley journalled for rotation upon the distal end of a mounting arm which in turn is secured for selective rotation by the other end thereof to a mounting bracket. A spring loaded actuating arm rotates the mounting arm through an arc from a belt tensioned position to a belt untensioned position and vice versa and the actuating arm may be selectively held in the belt tensioned position. An adjustment is provided between the actuating arm and the mounting arm to preset the angle therebetween and thus the relationship of the pulley with the belt. The inner end of the mounting arm and upper end of the actuating arm are mounted on a center line between the upper and lower runs of the belt so that the device can be adjusted to engage the outer surface of either of the belt runs depending upon drive direction.

Abstract: Removal of particulate solids and water from petroleum crudes to bring the BS&W content of the crude within pipeline specifications is accomplished with the aid of a demulsifier comprising an anionic surfactant soluble in oil, a nonionic surfactant insoluble in water and dispersible in oil, and a cationic surfactant soluble in water, the anionic surfactant being in a major proportion, the nonionic and cationic surfactant being in lesser proportions.

Abstract: Petroleum crudes, particularly heavy oil crudes produced by thermal or other enhanced recovery procedures, are treated to break the water-in-oil emulsion and reduce the BS&W content by use of additives, advantageously ammonium bisulfite, which act upon inorganic sulfur contained in the crude.

Abstract: Particulate solids and water are removed from petroleum crude to bring the BS&W content of the crude within pipeline specifications by treating a blended and dewatered crude to destabilize the water-in-oil emulsion of the crude and providing in uniform distribution through the treated crude both produced water and an acid-reacting coagulating agent while maintaining the crude at a pH of at least 8, then maintaining the resulting treated crude at 52.degree.-88.degree. C. for at least a few minutes, separating the treated crude into at least an oil phase and a water phase, and recovering the oil phase as a clean blended crude oil having a BS&W content within pipeline specifications and in a yield significantly greater than that which can be recovered without use of produced water and coagulating agent.