Abstract: The steam valve includes a fast-acting control valve and stop valve acting against a valve seat in a steam flow passage in a closed position. An outlet passage below the valve seat has transition walls therebetween, affording a smooth, continuous flow past the seat into an outlet whereby head losses are reduced. An annular screen about the valve has support structure recessed in the walls of the inlet to reduce flow blockage and vortex formation. A balance chamber disposed above the control valve has a bleed hole for equalizing steam pressure in the balance chamber and steam valve which inhibits depressurization of the balance chamber and facilitates fast closing of the control valve. Buttress threads interconnect the control valve stem and the control valve head to preclude binding of those parts due to oxide buildup.

Abstract: A combined control/stop valve assembly for use in steam cycle plants which include at least one steam turbine, the valve assembly including a butterfly valve having a valve plate pivotable about a first axis, and a stop valve located downstream and adjacent the butterfly valve, the stop valve having a cylindrical strainer with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the strainer having a solid portion facing the butterfly valve.

Abstract: The use of a dextrin as the carbon source for achieving a complete nutrient medium capable of sustaining microbial activity in subterranean formations is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for sustaining microbial activity in subterranean formations which comprises introducing as a microbial nutrient, an organic phosphate, This process may include the sequential injection of sources of individual nutrient components which are deficient in said subterranean formation, whereby the injected phosphorus source is an organic phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for injecting microbial nutrients into a subterranean formation wherein microorganism are provided a phosphorus nutrient source, and said phosphorus nutrient source into said formation under acid conditions.

Abstract: A novel process for sustaining microbial activity in subterranean formations which comprises introducing as a microbial nutrient, a scale inhibitor. This process may include the sequential injection of sources of individual nutrient components which are deficient in said subterranean formation, whereby the injected phosphorus source is selected from the group consisting of an organic phosphate and an organic phosphonate.

Abstract: A novel process for sustaining microbial activity in subterranean formations which comprises introducing as a microbial nutrient, a phosphite salt. This process may include the sequential injection of sources of individual nutrient components which are deficient in said subterranean formation, whereby the injected phosphorus source is selected from the group consisting of a phosphite salt and a phosphorous acid.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery process comprising injecting into an oil-bearing formation a sacrificial agent to adsorb on and occupy active sites of the formation matrix and introducing into the formation microbial cells or agents which produce metabolic products in-situ thereby enhancing oil displacement from the formation.