Abstract: An in-situ linear flow proppant conductivity test cell is provided which allows a downhole fracturing operation to be accurately simulated under laboratory conditions. The test apparatus includes a housing, having pistons therein, a plurality of heating elements, and a packer with a plurality of ports therethrough. Core samples are inserted into the test apparatus and a proppant bed, such as a sand slurry, is introduced into the test cell between the core samples. An external press then provides pressure to the pistons simulating the overburden experienced downhole, while the heating elements simulate downhole temperatures. Pressure, differential pressure, flow rate temperature and fluid loss characteristics can then be measured through the plurality of ports within the packer.

Abstract: A fluid testing apparatus comprises a container for holding a fluid to be tested and a member disposed within the container so that the member is rotatable within a fluid to be tested within the container. The container has a wall defining a cavity into which the member extends. A magnetically responsive rotor is mounted on this end of the member. Immediately adjacent the outside surface of this wall, a plurality of stator poles are secured so that a field generated in the stator poles directly interacts with the rotor across the wall to rotate the member. The rotor and stator poles are preferably of a stepper motor.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump capable of operating at both high and low system pressures. The pump includes a housing with an elastomeric stator disposed therein. A rotor is rotatably and pumpingly disposed in a pumping chamber defined by the stator. A support member is disposed annularly between inner and outer portions of the stator, and the member bears longitudinally against an annular end portion of the stator and a facing annular shoulder in the housing such that deformation of the stator is prevented when high inlet pressures are present.

Abstract: An angular displacement indicating apparatus includes internal and external magnets disposed so that the external magnet tracks the internal magnet when a shaft to which the internal magnet is connected rotates. The external magnet is connected to a rotary variable differential transformer, for example, so that the external magnet moves from a null position in response to rotation of the internal shaft thereby causing the transformer to generate an electrical signal proportional to the angle of rotation of the shaft. Embodiments of the invention include external connecting mechanisms which can be moved to physically indicate the actual angle of deflection of the internal shaft.