Abstract: Recovery of an insoluble polymeric sulfur species from the reaction solution of a hydrogen sulfide conversion process is enhanced by adding a sulfur debonding agent to the hydrogen sulfide conversion reaction solution either at the outset of the process or after conversion of the hydrogen sulfide. Conversion of the hydrogen sulfide initially produces a soluble complex having the polymeric sulfur bound therein. The sulfur debonding agent breaks the soluble complex to produce a free insoluble polymeric species readily separable from the reaction solution by conventional physical means to obtain the desired sulfur product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for studying the conditions under which multiple condensed phases form during production, transportation, and processing of crude oil and other organic liquids. The sample temperature and pressure are controlled, and changes in fluorescence and/or electrical conductance or conductivity occurring within the sample due to formation of multiple condensed phases are detected. The measurements are made using a cell containing the liquid sample at elevated temperature and pressure. The cell has a generally cylindrical housing and separate means for visually inspecting a liquid sample which is present within the cell, controlling the temperature of the liquid sample, controlling the pressure of the liquid sample, detecting fluorescence changes occurring within the sample, and determining the electrical conductivity of the sample.

Abstract: A system for measuring the physical characteristics of a hydrocarbon places a reference hydrocarbon cell in thermal contact with a sample cell containing an unknown hydrocarbon. A near infrared spectrum measurement is taken of both the cells. Measurement data from the sample cell is adjusted by the measurement data from the reference cell, and the adjusted measurement data is evaluated by a model to predict the characteristics of the sample. The model is built from a teaching set of hydrocarbons having known physical characteristics and the reference hydrocarbon. Each of the teaching set hydrocarbons is measured and then adjusted by a measurement of the same reference hydrocarbon, and the adjusted measurements are used to build the model.

Abstract: A conformance improvement treatment process is provided for reducing the permeability of a higher-permeability zone in a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation which is in fluid communication with a lower-permeability zone of the formation. The process includes preparing a gel precursor solution at the surface, injecting the solution into a wellbore penetrating the formation, placing the solution in the higher-permeability zone and gelling the solution therein. In situ gelation of the solution results in substantial permeability reduction to the higher-permeability zone. A specific gel precursor solution is utilized which contains a gelling agent and a polymer formed from at least two distinct monomers wherein the first monomer has a relatively faster, yet controlled, rate of hydrolysis and the second monomer has a relatively slower rate of hydrolysis. Gelation of the solution is delayed until a substantial number of carboxylate groups are formed in situ on the polymer.

Abstract: A beta-alanine-type branched partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide is added to an aqueous injection fluid to increase the viscosity of the fluid. The polymer resists plugging of the wellbore face and/or matrix pores and is brine tolerant when injected into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: A beta-alanine-type branched partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide is added to an aqueous injection fluid to increase the viscosity of the fluid. The polymer resists plugging of the wellbore face and/or matrix pores and is brine tolerant when injected into a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon mixtures containing 1-80% wax, e.g. shale oil, can be transported in a pipeline by distilling the mixture into an overheads fraction and a bottoms fraction, cooling the overheads fraction to a temperature above its pour point, but to a temperature sufficiently low so that when it is admixed with the bottoms fraction, the composite temperature of the mixture will be at or below the temperature at which the mixture is to be transported, and admixing the overheads fraction with the bottoms fraction (at a temperature above that at which wax crystals form) while imparting to the mixture a shear rate less than about 20 sec.sup.-1 to form a pumpable slurry. The slurry is preferably transported in a pipeline at conventional temperatures.