Abstract: Apparatus for interconnecting a tubing string with downhole tool and for controlling the flow of fluid into a wellbore through the tubing string comprising an elongated body member and a resiliently deformable sleeve disposed around the body member and radially deformable to form a seal against the wellbore wall to seal off a zone of interest. The body member includes a passage for extension of a wireline cable from the tubing string to the downhole tool. An electric motor operated rotary plug valve is disposed in the apparatus body and is operable to be rotated to valve pressure fluid from the tubing string into an expansible chamber to cause the seal sleeve to deform to seal the wellbore. The valve member is movable to positions to relieve pressure fluid from the seal, to valve pressure fluid to the wellbore at an injection point below the seal and to block all ports.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrical logging in a mud-filled borehole by sensing redox potential and other formation characteristics. An elongated, tubular probe body contains reference and potential measuring electrodes which extend longitudinally thereof and are adapted to make external contact with the borehole fluid at the streamlined surface of the probe nose. The metal reference electrode member is immersed in an electrolyte-filled compartment separated from the external borehole fluid by a pressure-compensating diaphragm in the probe side wall, a fluid bridge with the mud of the borehole being established through a permeable ceramic wick. Probe design insures adequate mud flow past the electrodes in a nonturbulent state as the probe is lowered, thus eliminating clogging and providing good electrical contact. Alternate means are provided for maintaining a positive leak pressure regardless of borehole conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for the solution mining of a mineral from a subterranean formation. More specifically, the invention relates to an improved method which enhances significantly the recovery of a mineral from a subterranean formation via solution mining utilizing an injection and production well. The improvement comprises positioning an injection well in the reduced zone and a production well in the oxidized zone of a formation.

Abstract: Radioactive gaseous decay products emanating from a buried deposit of uranium or other radioactive ore migrate upwardly through the earth and are exhaled into the atmosphere. These products may be trapped at the surface in a series of low profile, dome-shaped plastic shelters 5 to 20 feet in diameter. Radiant energy permeating each shelter cover heats the soil beneath the enclosed surface area to accelerate the escape of gas through the soil. The air confined within the shelters is continuously recirculated over the exposed surfaces of a plurality of highly adsorbent discs. After equilibrium decay conditions are reached, the discs are analyzed to determine the radioactivity of the discs, which is proportional to the concentration of radioactive gas in the vicinity.

Abstract: A method for measuring the thermal conductivity of well casing in situ. The instrument consists of a probe several feet in length lowered into a well and decentralized so that it maintains contact with the casing wall. Two temperature sensors situated adjacent opposite ends of the probe are thermally insulated from an electrically heated intervening portion of the probe body. The probe is moved from one depth to another at a constant predetermined velocity, and the sensors continuously measure the temperature of the casing wall before and after passage of the heated probe portion thereover. The effective thermal conductivity of the casing is directly proportional to the flux applied by the heater and inversely proportional to the temperature change as the heater passes a point along the casing.

Abstract: A pulse of ultrasonic acoustic energy applied to an earth formation by means of a well logging tool initiates a first compressional formation pulse followed by a secondary pulse of lower amplitude and velocity traveling exclusively in the formation fluid. These two pulses are located, identified and quantized with cross-correlation techniques to give a direct indication of formation permeability, to identify accurately the nature of the formation fluid, and to provide a more accurate determination of formation porosity.