Abstract: In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected into the an oil well such that the surface tension between a lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is a silicone resin which may be combined with other surfactants, in some embodiments.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing gas lift operations in the production of crude oil, a surfactant is injected into the an oil well such that the surface tension between a lift gas and the formation fluid being produced is reduced and/or a lift gas-formation fluid foam is formed. The reduction in surface tension and/or foam formation increases the efficiency of the lift gas for lifting the formation fluid to the surface. The surfactant is a silicone resin which may be combined with other surfactants, in some embodiments. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing drag in a fluid stream involves admixing the components of a drag reducer to form an incipient drag reducer and injecting the incipient drag reducer into the fluid stream wherein the drag reducer components are admixed at the site of the fluid stream.

Abstract: A system and method for supplying an additive into a well is disclosed that includes estimating injection rates for the additives and setting of one or more fluid flow control devices in the well based on a computer model. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a subsea well. The system includes a chemical injection unit and a controller positioned at a remote subsea location. The injection unit uses a pump to supply one or more selected additives from a subsea and/or remote supply unit. The controller operates the pump to control the additive flow rate based on signals provided by sensors measuring a parameter of interest. A one mode system includes a surface facility for supporting the subsea chemical injection and monitoring activities. In one embodiment, the surface facility is an offshore rig that provides power and has a chemical supply that provides additives to one or more injection units. In another embodiment, the surface facility includes a relatively stationary buoy and a mobile service vessel. When needed, the service vessel transfers additives to the chemical injection units via the buoy.

Abstract: A system is provided that monitors at the wellsite injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through wellbores and controls the supply of such additives from remote locations. The selected additive is supplied from a source at the wellsite into the wellbore via a suitable supply line. A flow meter in the supply line measures the flow rate of the additive through the supply line and generates signals representative of the flow rate. A controller at the wellsite determines the flow rate from the flow meter signals and in response thereto controls the flow rate of the additive to the well. The wellsite controller interfaces with a suitable two-way communication link and transmits signals and data representative of the flow rate and other parameters to a second remote controller. The remote controller transmits command signals to the wellsite controller representative of any change desired for the flow rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting blended crude oils comprising the steps of; (a) admixing a first crude oil with a second, different crude oil to form a crude oil admixture; (b) determining a first value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; (c) holding the admixture for a period of time at standard conditions; (d) determining a second value representing the content of unprecipitated asphaltenes in the admixture; and (e) either: (i) transporting the admixture if the second value is the same as or within a predetermined range of the first value; or (ii) taking remedial action to prevent asphaltene precipitation prior to transporting if the second value is outside a predetermined range from the first value. Also disclosed is a method for estimating the storage stability of stored crude oils and crude oil admixtures.

Abstract: Real time determination of the presence of emulsion in a formation fluid is accomplished using an optical probe, preferably an attenuated total reflectance probe. The determination can then be used to appropriately increase, decrease or leave unchanged the use of demulsification additives or other means to control emulsion formation. The method is particularly useful for free water knock-out separations, where a plurality of probes can be used to distinguish the location and/or volume of emulsion, or “rag”, layer and thereby to facilitate decantation of relatively pure oil and water fractions. It can also be effectively used in pipelines, and can optionally determine the degree of emulsification and trends toward emulsification or demulsification.

Abstract: A system monitors and controls the injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through a subsea well. The system includes a chemical injection unit and a controller positioned at a remote subsea location. The injection unit uses a pump to supply one or more selected additives from a subsea and/or remote supply unit. The controller operates the pump to control the additive flow rate based on signals provided by sensors measuring a parameter of interest. A one mode system includes a surface facility for supporting the subsea chemical injection and monitoring activities. In one embodiment, the surface facility is an offshore rig that provides power and has a chemical supply that provides additives to one or more injection units. In another embodiment, the surface facility includes a relatively stationary buoy and a mobile service vessel. When needed, the service vessel transfers additives to the chemical injection units via the buoy.

Abstract: A rigid braced art surface that will support sculptural objects, metal fasteners, foams, paints, plasters, and the like. The braced art surface consists of a rigid working surface supported by back bracing that runs horizontally, vertically, and diagonally, with corner supports. The resulting system of bracing, along with the permanent fastening of the surface to the bracing, results in a surface that is dimensionally stable, twist and warp resistant. As an braced art surface of rigid and strong construction, one can apply paint, scrape or cut, attach objects, or apply plasters and foams to it with no concern for compromising the structural integrity of the surface.

Abstract: A pair of generally superposed, elongated horizontal upper and lower jaw members are provided including rear ends tightly joined together and vertically divergent front ends equipped with inwardly projecting and opposing cutting edges is provided. A generally rectangular bail having upper and lower arms disposed above and below the front ends of the upper and lower jaw members is provided and includes upstanding opposite side arms interconnecting corresponding ends of the upper and lower arms. The lower arm is supported from the transverse midportion of the front end of the lower jaw member by mounting structure mounted for angular displacement about an upstanding axis and for angular displacement of the lower arm relative to the mounting structure about an axis substantially coinciding with the longitudinal center axis of the lower arm.

Abstract: A drill bit for use in mining, and in particular in rotative and percussion drilling action which includes a generally cylindrical body with a driving shank at one end and a transverse cutting insert at the other end. The body is hollow to conduct a suction force to the drilling area and side ports are formed in the body connected to the hollow center to draw in dust, chips and cuttings resulting from the drilling action. The shape and extent of the side ports is disclosed as 1/4 to 1/3 of the axial length of the body of the bit and circumferentially significantly increased with a shape which provides circumferential access to the ports as well as radial.