Abstract: An anode slurry for cathodic protection to underground metallic structures, preferably for casings of hydrocarbon producing wells or water injecting/producing wells, comprising a granulated electrical conducting material as anode and optionally a granulated filler with high electrical conductivity (backfill). There is also disclosed a method for providing cathodic protection to underground metallic structures by injecting an anode slurry into the underground formation containing the metallic structures.

Abstract: Method to estimate the kerogen maturity of a rock containing organic material by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Significant changes in the XPS spectrum due to changes in C hybridization, particularly sp2 hybridization, allow to quantify kerogen maturity by comparison with an already known sample.

Abstract: A security device placed at a wellhead over a blowout preventer valve, which can be activated to catch a cable and/or a string of pipes upon a cut event or accident, preventing the fall of the same into the well, which includes: an upper horizontal plate and lower horizontal plate, vertically aligned, each having a circular central orifice for the passing of a string of pipes and/or a cable, and a cutout on the front part thereof, located between its front edge and the circular orifice; lateral support device, located between the upper and lower plates, that connect the plates together, delimiting an aperture at the front part of the device that together with the cutouts on the upper and lower plates form a front passage toward the inside of the device; at least two clamps driven by corresponding hydraulic cylinders, which are arranged at an acute angle with the vertical axis of the device; and a movable vertical plate arranged on the front part of the device between the lateral support means, pivotally conne

Abstract: Device and method for the detection and/or diagnosis of faults in a process, equipment and sensors used to measure and control variables of a process, either for single faults or multiple faults. The detection and/or diagnosis are performed on the basis of residual calculation between measured values and values calculated by a plurality of parallel linear models, built up from the existing correlations between the measured variables by the process sensors and by different equations that rule the process, such as mass and heat balances, quality relationships, etc. A fault in a model (i.e. the obtainment of a residual anomaly high by comparing the model estimation and the measurement), increases the probability that some of the parameters or faults associated to that model are failing. When all models in which a participating parameter fail or show a high probability of failure, the anomaly rate of said parameters is maximum.

Abstract: Automated measurement and oil well production control may be achieved by using a vertical separator, the discharge flow of which is continuously adjusted by setting the opening of a control valve, determined by the liquid level inside the separator. The automation of the control method allows real-time measurements of several process variables as well as reduced measurement times and also works as a safety layer for a production process. The control method is independent of well production and is therefore suited to controlling marginal wells.