Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting hydrocarbon gas from drilling fluid samples utilizes microwave energy as the source for heating a sample, containing water, sufficiently to cause the extraction of the hydrocarbon gases therefrom. Either a batch or a continuous operation can be realized using this method.

Abstract: An improved gas trap for mud logging is vertically mounted such that its lower end is constantly beneath the surface of mud flowing in a tank. The mud is drawn into the housing where it is agitated to release the entrained gases which are drawn off for measurement. The spent mud is returned to the tank through a mud exit port and related pipe to a point below the level of the mud and remote from the mud intake to the gas trap. This gas trap is insensitive to mud level changes and is relatively free of maintenance requirements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring fluid flow through a drilling string in order to detect a wash-out or a restriction. The apparatus includes circuitry for sensing the rate of pumping of a fluid, circuitry for sensing the pressure of the fluid being pumped, a function generator to process a pressure signal and a pump rate signal and generate a fluid flow indication signal, circuitry to actuate an alarm, and an alarm. The method includes sensing the pumping rate, sensing the pressure, and generating a fluid flow indication signal that gives an indication of the relationship between the pumping rate and pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for synthesizing compositions containing trioctahedral smectite-type clays which contain fluorine within their layer lattices. In particular, the invention provides a process for synthesizing compositions having mole ratios of Li, Na, Mg and Si, expressed as oxides, and F of:aLi.sub.2 O : bNa.sub.2 O : cMgO : dF : 8SiO.sub.2 (I)where 0.ltoreq.a<1.2, 0.ltoreq.b<0.6, 4.75.ltoreq.c<7, 0<d<4, o.ltoreq.a+b<1.4, and 5.5<a+b+c<8, and where c.gtoreq.6 when a+ b= 0.

Abstract: This invention provides a gellant which is a synthesized complex of a fluorine-containing trioctahedral smectite-type clay and an amorphous occluded phase selected from the group consisting of lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, lithium oxide, sodium oxide, magnesium oxide, and mixtures thereof, the gellant having mole ratios of Li, Na, Mg and Si, expressed as oxides, and F of:aLi.sub.2 O:bNa.sub.2 O:cMgO:dF:8SiO.sub.2 (I)where 0.25.ltoreq.a<1.1, 0.ltoreq.b<0.60, 4.75<c<5.85, 0.5<d.ltoreq.3.5, 0.60.ltoreq.a+b<1.25, and 6.0 <a+b+c<6.65.

Abstract: Catalysts of wide utility, e.g., for hydrocarbon conversion, are prepared by calcining at 500.degree.C. to 800.degree.C. a septechlorite precursor prepared by hydrothermal synthesis, and which may be characterized as a charge-balanced 1:1 trioctahedral phyllosilicate in which the divalent metal ions may be nickel, magnesium, cobalt, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, or mixtures thereof, and the trivalent metal ions may be aluminum, chromium, iron, or mixtures thereof, in relative proportions as set forth in the specification and claims.