Abstract: A floating pier structure comprising a floating platform, an anchored base, and an articulated, parallelogram linkage structure pivotably connecting the platform to the base so that the platform will remain substantially level on the surface as water conditions change. The linkage is also pivoted to the base so that the platform can be swung into shore without disassembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a heat exchange system in the earth. A curve hole is formed in the earth having a substantially constant radius of curvature and is cased to form a cased flowpath therethrough. The apparatus used for forming the hole is comprised of a trailer having a frame on which a plurality of drill pipe supports are pivotably mounted. A curved drill pipe is supported by said supports and is connected at one end to a pressurized drilling fluid source. The pipe is fed into the earth and the fluid exiting from the leading end cuts a hole in advance of the pipe. When the pipe has been fed completely through the earth and the leading end breaks the surface, the fluid is stopped and a casing is connected through an adaptor to the leading end of the pipe. The pipe is then withdrawn through the hole to draw the casing through the hole. The annulus between the casing and the hole is filled with a particulate heat conductive material as the pipe is withdrawn.

Abstract: Method and system for measuring properties of fluids, particularly of reservoir fluids involved in enhanced oil recovery, comprising a pair of high pressure cells, each one of the cells having a floating piston therein which separates the respective cell into a fluid analysis chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber. Means are provided for selectively controlling the amount of pressure applied to the hydraulic fluid chamber of each cell, whereby the pressure of the fluid under analysis is defined. Means are also provided for interconnecting the fluid analysis chambers of each cell whereby fluid under analysis may be selectively passed between the cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a heat exchange system in the earth. A curve hole is formed in the earth having a substantially constant radius of curvature and is cased to form a cased flowpath therethrough. The apparatus used for forming the hole is comprised of a trailer having a frame on which a plurality of drill pipe supports are pivotably mounted. A curve drill pipe is supported by said supports and is connected at one end to a pressurized drilling fluid source. The pipe is fed into the earth and the fluid exiting from the leading end cuts a hole in advance of the pipe. When the pipe has been fed completely through the earth and the leading end breaks the surface, the fluid is stopped and a casing is connected through an adaptor to the leading end of the pipe. The pipe is then withdrawn through the hole to draw the casing through the hole. The annulus between the casing and the hole is filled with a particulate heat conductive material as the pipe is withdrawn.

Abstract: A method for determining the CO.sub.2 minimum miscibility pressure (MMP) is disclosed which comprises filling a coiled capillary tube with oil at a predetermined temperature T.sub.1 and an initial predetermined pressure P.sub.1 less than the CO.sub.2 MMP. Carbon dioxide is injected into the capillary tube at a fixed flow rate F.sub.1 to displace the oil while maintaining the temperature of the oil at T.sub.1 and the pressure at P.sub.1. The pressure drop across the capillary tube and the volume of carbon dioxide injected is constantly measured. The pressure difference versus volume of carbon dioxide injected data is plotted and the pressure drop .DELTA.P.sub.1 at the point of inflection where the second derivative goes from a negative value to a positive value is determined graphically. The previous steps are repeated while maintaining T.sub.1 and F.sub.1 constant at a different pressure P.sub.2 less than the CO.sub.2 MMP and .DELTA.P.sub.2 at the inflection point of pressure versus volume of CO.sub.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for mixing a gaseous oxidant (e.g., oxygen) and a lixiviant (e.g., an aqueous carbonate solution) at a downhole location before the oxygen-saturated lixiviant is injected into a formation to be leached. The invention involves establishing a mixing zone in the well by positioning a mixing means, comprising a housing, in the well at the downhole location. Lixiviant is flowed down the well and through a restrictive opening in the housing to substantially increase the flow velocity of the lixiviant. At the same time, gaseous oxidant is fed to the housing and is trapped therein by the increased velocity of the lixiviant and by packing material in said housing. The lixiviant flows through the trapped oxidant which, in turn, dissolves into the lixiviant to saturate same. Additional packing material is provided in the housing to remove undissolved oxidant from the saturated lixiviant before it is injected into a formation to be leached.