Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor comprising two reaction zones and processes for the production of alkenes from alkanes. A first reaction zone includes a combustion catalyst, and a second reaction zone comprises a heating zone in thermal contact with the first reaction zone. One process comprises generating heat and an effluent by the combustion of a fuel with oxygen in the first reaction zone; passing an alkane feed through the heating zone of the second reaction zone such that the alkane feed absorbs a sufficient amount of the heat generated in the first reaction zone to initiate the conversion of alkanes to alkenes in the second reaction zone. In other embodiments, the effluent comprises oxygen, and the second reaction zone excludes a catalyst; alternatively, the effluent is substantially free of oxygen, and the second reaction zone comprises a supplemental oxygen feed and may or may not include a catalyst.

Abstract: Catalysts and methods useful for the production of olefins from alkanes via oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) comprise at least one base metal and copper with an optional promoter. The catalyst preferably comprises a base metal and a copper-modified Groups 8, 9, or 10 metal on a support comprising alumina, zirconia, or mixtures thereof. Copper is preferably present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 1.0 percent by weight of the total catalyst weight. The base metal preferably comprises manganese, chromium, gold, their corresponding oxides, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for drilling a well below a body of water as disclosed which includes injecting into the well, at a depth below the water surface, a liquid having a lower density than a density of a drilling mud producing a mixture of drilling mud and low-density liquid in the well. The mixture of drilling mud and low-density liquid is withdrawn from an upper end of the well. The drilling mud and the low-density liquid are separated, with at least a portion of the separated low-density liquid returned to the depth below the water surface and at least a portion of the separated drilling mud returned to an upper end of the drill string.

Abstract: A method of installing tubular conduits (e.g. casing, liners, sand screens) into a highly deviated borehole. A lower plug is attached at one end of a portion of a tubular conduit. This end is inserted into a borehole. After insertion of the length of conduit intended to be buoyancy-aided into the borehole, an inflatable plug insert is attached at the upper end. The inflatable plug has a built-in valve designed to enable fluid communication between the buoyancy-aided tubular section and the insertion string. A pump is attached to the built-in valve and the fluid within the section intended to be buoyancy-aided is removed, after which the built-in valve is closed. The buoyancy provided by the evacuated section enables insertion of the tubular conduit into boreholes greatly deviated from the vertical, reducing running drag and the risk of the tubular becoming differentially stuck.

Abstract: A method for drilling a well below a body of water as disclosed which includes injecting into the well, at a depth below the water surface, a liquid having a lower density than a density of a drilling mud producing a mixture of drilling mud and low-density liquid in the well. The mixture of drilling mud and low-density liquid is withdrawn from an upper end of the well. The drilling mud and the low-density liquid are separated, with at least a portion of the separated low-density liquid returned to the depth below the water surface and at least a portion of the separated drilling mud returned to an upper end of the drill string.