Abstract: A method for decomposing an asphaltene particle includes contacting the asphaltene particle with an intercalating agent and separating an asphaltene molecule from the asphaltene particle to decompose the asphaltene particle. Dispersing an asphaltene particle includes functionalizing the asphaltene particle and contacting the asphaltene particle with a solvent to disperse the asphaltene particle. Such asphaltene particle decomposition and dispersal can be used in a method for improving oil recovery that includes disposing a reagent in an oil environment; contacting an asphaltene particle with the reagent; decomposing the asphaltene particle to produce decomposed asphaltene; and displacing the decomposed asphaltene to improve oil recovery.

Abstract: A method for decomposing an asphaltene particle includes contacting the asphaltene particle with an intercalating agent and separating an asphaltene molecule from the asphaltene particle to decompose the asphaltene particle. Dispersing an asphaltene particle includes functionalizing the asphaltene particle and contacting the asphaltene particle with a solvent to disperse the asphaltene particle. Such asphaltene particle decomposition and dispersal can be used in a method for improving oil recovery that includes disposing a reagent in an oil environment; contacting an asphaltene particle with the reagent; decomposing the asphaltene particle to produce decomposed asphaltene; and displacing the decomposed asphaltene to improve oil recovery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the single phase integrity of a deep well formation sample that is removed to the surface comprises a vacuum jacket insulated single working cylinder divided by two free pistons into three variable volume chambers. The intermediate chamber is pre-charged with a fixed quantity of high pressure gas. Wellbore fluid freely admitted to one end chamber bears against one free piston to further compress the gas. The formation sample is pumped into the other end chamber to first, displace the wellbore fluid from the first end chamber and, sequentially, to further compress the gas to preserve the sample phase state upon removal to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the single phase integrity of a deep well formation sample that is removed to the surface comprises a vacuum jacket insulated single working cylinder divided by two free pistons into three variable volume chambers. The intermediate chamber is pre-charged with a fixed quantity of high pressure gas. Wellbore fluid freely admitted to one end chamber bears against one free piston to further compress the gas. The formation sample is pumped into the other end chamber to first, displace the wellbore fluid from the first end chamber and, sequentially, to further compress the gas to preserve the sample phase state upon removal to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the single phase integrity of a deep well formation sample that is removed to the surface comprises a vacuum jacket insulated single working cylinder divided by two free pistons into three variable volume chambers. The intermediate chamber is pre-charged with a fixed quantity of high pressure gas. Wellbore fluid freely admitted to one end chamber bears against one free piston to further compress the gas. The formation sample is pumped into the other end chamber to first, displace the wellbore fluid from the first end chamber and, sequentially, to further compress the gas to preserve the sample phase state upon removal to the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous analysis and/or modification of the vapor pressure characteristics of a hydrocarbon stream includes: liquid/gas separation chamber; constant flow liquid influent means; liquid level sensing means; temperature control means; constant pressure gaseous effluent means; liquid effluent means having a flow rate responsive to liquid level sensing means; and influent and effluent flow metering means. Means for sensing composition of gaseous effluent, and manifold means responsive to said composition for variable blending of differing liquid hydrocarbon streams, may also be provided. Influent may be heated or cooled prior to entering the separation chamber.In the preferred embodiment, liquid influent rate is substantially constant. Temperature and pressure, which pressure may be made sub-atmospheric by vacuum means, are selected and maintained.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an elongated tubular body having, in longitudinally consecutive array, a sample chamber, a pressurized gas reservoir, and an evacuate reservoir. A piston, having at least two pressure activated seals disposed in opposition, is longitudinally movable in the sample chamber. An elongated spool having a longitudinal bore and outer circumference lands and grooves, is longitudinally slidable between seated bores disposed in longitudinally opposite sides of the pressurized gas reservoir thereby providing on activation a unitary means for establishing a specific sequence of liquid and gas transfer between said chambers and reservoirs.The apparatus is prepared for use by positioning of the piston proximal to a checked influent valve, charging the distal end of the sample chamber with an incompressible fluid, charging of the pressurized gas chamber with a compressible gas, and charging of a time delay apparatus. The apparatus is then lowered in the earth bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous analysis and/or modification of the vapor pressure characteristics of a hydrocarbon stream includes: liquid/gas separation chamber; constant flow liquid influent means; liquid level sensing means; temperature control means; constant pressure gaseous effluent means; liquid effluent means having a flow rate responsive to liquid level sensing means; and influent and effluent flow metering means. Means for sensing composition of gaseous effluent, and manifold means responsive to said composition for variable blending of differing liquid hydrocarbon streams, may also be provided. Influent may be heated or cooled prior to entering the separation chamber.In the preferred embodiment, liquid influent rate is substantially constant. Temperature and pressure, which pressure may be made sub-atmospheric by vacuum means, are selected and maintained.