Abstract: A desalination method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of reverse osmosis membrane discs at a depth in an ocean selected to provide a hydrostatic pressure; directing seawater through the membrane discs using the hydrostatic pressure; collecting the freshwater directed through the membrane discs; pumping the freshwater to a surface of the ocean; and then transporting the freshwater to land.

Abstract: A desalination method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of reverse osmosis membrane discs at a depth in an ocean selected to provide a hydrostatic pressure; directing seawater through the membrane discs using the hydrostatic pressure; collecting the freshwater directed through the membrane discs; pumping the freshwater to a surface of the ocean; and then transporting the freshwater to land.

Abstract: A method for fracking and completing a well (10) having a well bore (12) through a formation (14) includes the steps of: packer jack fracking the formation using a packer (22) to form a packer fractured formation (28), moving the packer (22) to seal the packer fractured formation (28), and hydraulically fracturing the packer fractured formation (28) by injecting a fracking fluid (30) through the packer (22). These steps can then be repeated through successive intervals (I1, I2) of the formation (14). To complete a new well, a perforated liner (16) can be placed in the well bore (12) to direct the fracking fluid (30) into the packer fractured formation (28). To complete an existing or a new well having a cemented liner (58), the packer jack fracking step can also be used to break apart the liner (58) and form at least one opening (64) to provide a flow path for the fracking fluid (30).

Abstract: A desalination system includes a membrane system submerged in the ocean at a depth selected to provide a hydrostatic pressure and a high pressure side for generating reverse osmosis (RO) to produce freshwater from seawater. The desalination system also includes a pumping system in flow communication with the membrane system configured to pump the freshwater to the surface and to provide a low pressure side for the reverse osmosis (RO), a transport system for transporting the freshwater to land, and a storage system for storing the freshwater on land. A desalination method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of reverse osmosis membrane discs at a depth in an ocean selected to provide a hydrostatic pressure; directing seawater through the membrane discs using the hydrostatic pressure; collecting the freshwater directed through the membrane discs; pumping the freshwater to a surface of the ocean; and then transporting the freshwater to land.

Abstract: A turbine-pump system bowl assembly for use with flowing liquid in a liquid conduit has an impeller subassembly that includes multiple axially abutting impeller members.

Abstract: A turbine-pump system adapted for use with well liquid that is displaceable within a well conduit. The turbine-pump system may include a bowl assembly; and a bowl support device fixedly attachable to the bowl assembly and selectively engageable with the well conduit for holding a portion of the bowl assembly in substantially axially, radially and rotationally fixed relationship with the well conduit.

Abstract: A turbine-pump system bowl assembly for use with flowing liquid in a liquid conduit has an impeller subassembly that includes multiple axially abutting impeller members.

Abstract: A turbine-pump system adapted for use with well liquid that is displaceable within a well conduit. The turbine-pump system may include a bowl assembly; and a bowl support device fixedly attachable to the bowl assembly and selectively engageable with the well conduit for holding a portion of the bowl assembly in substantially axially, radially and rotationally fixed relationship with the well conduit.

Abstract: A method for fracking and completing a well (10) having a well bore (12) through a formation (14) includes the steps of: packer jack fracking the formation using a packer (22) to form a packer fractured formation (28), moving the packer (22) to seal the packer fractured formation (28), and hydraulically fracturing the packer fractured formation (28) by injecting a fracking fluid (30) through the packer (22). These steps can then be repeated through successive intervals (I1, I2) of the formation (14). To complete a new well, a perforated liner (16) can be placed in the well bore (12) to direct the fracking fluid (30) into the packer fractured formation (28). To complete an existing or a new well having a cemented liner (58), the packer jack fracking step can also be used to break apart the liner (58) and form at least one opening (64) to provide a flow path for the fracking fluid (30).

Abstract: A method for fracking and completing a well having a well bore through a formation includes packer jack fracking the formation using a packer to form a packer fractured formation moving the packer to seal the packer fractured formation, and hydraulically fracturing the packer fractured formation by injecting a fracking fluid through the packer. These steps can then be repeated through successive intervals of the formation. To complete a new well, a perforated liner can be placed in the well bore to direct the fracking fluid into the packer fractured formation. To complete an existing or a new well having a cemented liner the packer jack fracking step can also be used to break apart the liner and form at least one opening to provide a flow path for the fracking fluid. A system includes a perforated liner and a packer configured to fracture and seal successive intervals.

Abstract: A method for fracking and completing a well having a well bore through a formation includes packer jack fracking the formation using a packer to form a packer fractured formation moving the packer to seal the packer fractured formation, and hydraulically fracturing the packer fractured formation by injecting a fracking fluid through the packer. These steps can then be repeated through successive intervals of the formation. To complete a new well, a perforated liner can be placed in the well bore to direct the fracking fluid into the packer fractured formation. To complete an existing or a new well having a cemented liner the packer jack fracking step can also be used to break apart the liner and form at least one opening to provide a flow path for the fracking fluid. A system includes a perforated liner and a packer configured to fracture and seal successive intervals.

Abstract: A flow control packer (FCP) includes a packer mandrel, and an inflatable element fixedly attached at each end to the mandrel. The inflatable element includes circumferential grooves and flow control grooves formed on an outside surface thereof configured to press against the inside diameter of a conduit to provide a flow resistant surface for controlling the flow rate of a fluid through the conduit. A system can include one or more flow control packers (FCP) configured to control fluid flow through different sections of the conduit.

Abstract: A flow control packer (FCP) includes a packer mandrel, and an inflatable element fixedly attached at each end to the mandrel. The inflatable element includes circumferential grooves and flow control grooves formed on an outside surface thereof configured to press against the inside diameter of a conduit to provide a flow resistant surface for controlling the flow rate of a fluid through the conduit. A system can include one or more flow control packers (FCP) configured to control fluid flow through different sections of the conduit.

Abstract: A flow and pressure control valve for injecting a fluid into a well, or for pumping the fluid out of the well, includes an outer housing, a mandrel within the outer housing, and a pressure element attached to the mandrel. The pressure element can be pressurized to move radially inward to constrict a longitudinally extending flow passage in the valve between the mandrel and the outer housing. In addition, the mandrel includes annular orifices, and channel segments along the outside diameter thereof, which form tortuous and circumferential flow paths through the valve. The annular orifices and channel segments are constructed to provide a desired frictional head loss, and to control the pressure and flow rate of the injected fluid to prevent cavitation and cascading. Pressurization of the pressure element can also be controlled to vary the tortuous flow path through the flow passage, or to seal the flow passage.

Abstract: An inflatable packer includes a packer mandrel and an inflatable element reinforced across its entire length and attached at each end to the packer mandrel. The inflatable element is formed of multiple layers of elastomeric material including reinforcing plies of an elastomeric base material reinforced with helically wound strands of a reinforcing material. The reinforcing strands are evenly spaced and parallel to one another and are oriented at a predetermined helical angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the packer. The helical angle and modulus of elasticity of the reinforcing strands can be selected to allow the inflatable element to expand by a predetermined amount even though its ends are fixed.

Abstract: A packer valve for regulating the fluid flow rate and pressure within a fluid conduit such as a well, includes a housing, and an inflatable packer element mounted on an elongated mandrel. The inside diameter of the housing is formed with an arrangement of annular grooves which circumscribe the inflatable packer element. The inflatable packer element is adapted to adjust an annulus between the housing and the inflatable packer element to provide complete shutoff of fluid flow or to provide a tortuous flow path for fluid flow within the annulus. The tortuous flow path causes a frictional pressure loss. The amount of the pressure loss is controlled by the inflation pressure of the inflatable packer element, by the shape of the annular grooves, and by the length of the inflatable packer element.

Abstract: A generally uniform diameter elongated barrel unit secured to the top of a well casing which provides a seat for a spool unit having spaced plates defining a flow directing central space to a lateral distributing pipe. The plates have peripheral sealing means engaging sealing rings of stainless steel material on the inside of the barrel unit. The apparatus may be arranged for use with either a turbine drive type pump having a ground level motor or a submersible pump. The spool unit is inserted into and may be withdrawn from the barrel unit by axial movement. A heavy flange is welded to the top of the barrel unit to provide a heavy duty work platform and motor mount or support for a cover.

Abstract: An improved packer apparatus used for isolating portions of a drill hole or the like while providing an inner passageway for fluid communication and/or access between selected areas within the hole. An improved head design providing for an inner passageway of relatively greater diameter and facilitating the use of adapters for multiple packer applications is disclosed. Novel inflation means for inflating a packer gland are described. An improved reinforced packer gland is also described.

Abstract: A generally uniform diameter elongated barrel unit secured to the top of a well casing which provides a seat for a spool unit having spaced plates defining a flow directling central space to a lateral distributing pipe. The plates have peripheral sealing means engaging sealing rings of stainless steel material on the inside of the barrel unit. The apparatus may be arranged for use with either a turbine drive type pump having a ground level motor or a submersible pump. The spool unit is inserted into and may be withdrawn from the barrel unit by axial movement. A heavy flange is welded to the top of the barrel unit to provide a heavy duty work platform and motor mount or support for a cover.

Abstract: A generally uniform diameter pipe secured to the top of a well casing providing a seat for a spool having spaced plates and a flow directing central space to a lateral distributing pipe, with the plates having peripheral sealing means against thin sealing seats on the inside of the pipe, and a central spool pipe arranged for either a turbine drive for a pump or a submerged pump. The spool being arranged for easy seating in or withdrawal from the outer pipe for service.