Abstract: A method and device for seismic exploration of an underwater subsurface zone using seismic receivers coupled with the bottom of the water mass. Acquisition units (1) comprising a spire (2) where seismic receivers (4) are arranged, a measuring compartment (5) for acquisition and storage of the data received by the receivers, as well as removable and selective floating devices (7) are used. The acquisition units (1) are launched and, under the effect of gravity, they attach to the bottom and couple the receivers with the underlying formations. The respective positions thereof are first detected, seismic acquisition operations are carried out using an underwater source so as to collect seismic data on the formation, then the floating devices (7) are actuated so as to bring all or part of acquisition units (1) back up to the surface or a data collection device (vehicle or passive collection unit) is lowered to the neighbourhood of the various units.

Abstract: A method and device for seismic exploration of an underwater subsurface zone using seismic receivers coupled with the bottom of the water mass. Acquisition units (1) comprising a spire (2) where seismic receivers (4) are arranged, a measuring compartment (5) for acquisition and storage of the data received by the receivers, as well as removable and selective floating devices (7) are used. The acquisition units (1) are launched and, under the effect of gravity, they attach to the bottom and couple the receivers with the underlying formations. The respective positions thereof are first detected, seismic acquisition operations are carried out using an underwater source so as to collect seismic data on the formation, then the floating devices (7) are actuated so as to bring all or part of acquisition units (1) back up to the surface or a data collection device (vehicle or passive collection unit) is lowered to the neighborhood of the various units.

Abstract: The invention si a multiphase flow metering method. The method includes a) determining at least two pressure values P1 and P2 for the different points A and B, and the value of the internal pressure Po of a device; and b) determining, from the values determined in step a) from the knowledge of the density of the gas phase and of the liquid phase and/or of the average value of the density of the multiphase medium in a slotted tube, from a relation connecting at least the following parameters: the level of the interface between the liquid phase and the gas phase and/or the volume ratio of the gas phase to the liquid phase (GLR) from pressure values P1, P2, Po, the total flow rate value Qt of the flowing multiphase medium and/or the flow rate qg, q1 of each of the phases.

Abstract: A progressive-cavity pump intended to impart energy to a fluid, includes at least a casing (1), a stator (2) and a rotor (3) arranged in the stator. The casing has at least two parts, a first part (2a) made of a material of low elasticity and a second part (2b) arranged between the inner wall (1a) of the housing and the first part 2(a), the second part (2b) being suited to apply and/or to maintain a stress &sgr; exerted by the first part (2a) on the rotor (3) in order to obtain the pressure gain required for the pumped fluid.

Abstract: A system for compressing a multi-phase fluid made up of at least one gaseous phase and at least one liquid phase, the system having at least one pair of pumping elements. The system includes an axial-flow pump P1 and a centrifugal pump P2 arranged after the axial-flow pump P1. The two elements are linked by an element which adjusts the fluid from the axial-flow pump to optimize the effect of the centrifugal pump.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a pair of rotatable devices each holding a plurality of metal shaping and/or cutting rollers, the rollers of one device meshing with rollers of the other device to produce specific designs or widths of material. This is made possible by merely selecting suitable rollers of both sets and when production of a specific metallic section of desired widths are terminated, other rollers are selected by rotating the rotatable devices. When suitable rollers have been selected they are locked in operating position and when another design or widths are required, the devices are unlocked, a selection is made, and the devices are again locked to produce the new metallic section or widths of material. The present quick automated tool changer, i.e.

Abstract: One-piece stud attachments support non-rigid insulation filling the cavities within a wall structure. Each attachment comprises two tongue portions perpendicular to each other. The first tongue portion is screwed or nailed on a wood stud, with the second tongue portion projecting into one of the cavities and penetrating the insulation to support it and prevent slippage thereof downwardly by gravity. The second tongue portion may have spikes, its free end twisted, or a forked free end to hook the insulation. The first tongue portion can also be formed with spikes penetrating the wood of the stud in order to increase the rigidity of fixation. Advantageously, the first tongue portion is made of a strip of metal sheet having its free end half folded over its other half to thereby form a U-shaped, first tongue portion which can be hooked into a hole of a metal stud.