Abstract: A new type of progressive cavity compressor is intended primarily for 3 to 10 ton vapor-cycle air conditioning systems. Major working section elements include a rotor, a stator, inlet ports, an outlet endplate, and outlet check valves. The helical rotor is driven in an eccentric orbital path inside the helical stator. In the preferred embodiment, the rotor and stator helices have varying (non-uniform) pitch in the working section. Rotor-stator running clearances are tight, to minimize leakage. Two outlet check valves regulate refrigerant discharge flow and pressure. Efficient compression is provided over a wide range of compression ratios, corresponding to a wide range of ambient temperatures in an air conditioning application. The invention can improve the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, especially at off-design conditions.

Abstract: A new type of progressive cavity compressor is intended primarily for 3 to 10 ton vapor-cycle air conditioning systems. Major working section elements include a rotor, a stator, inlet ports, an outlet endplate, and outlet check valves. The helical rotor is driven in an eccentric orbital path inside the helical stator. In the preferred embodiment, the rotor and stator helices have varying (non-uniform) pitch in the working section. Rotor-stator running clearances are tight, to minimize leakage. Two outlet check valves regulate refrigerant discharge flow and pressure. Efficient compression is provided over a wide range of compression ratios, corresponding to a wide range of ambient temperatures in an air conditioning application. The invention can improve the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems, especially at off-design conditions.

Abstract: A method of optimizing performance of a well system utilizes a neural network. In a described embodiment, the method includes the step of accumulating data indicative of the performance of the well system in response to variable influencing parameters. The data is used to train a neural network to model an output of the well system in response to the influencing parameters. An output of the neural network may then be input to a valuing model, e.g., to permit optimization of a value of the well system. The optimization process yields a set of prospective influencing parameters which may be incorporated into the well system to maximize its value.

Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.

Abstract: Methods are provided for downhole sensing and flow control utilizing neural networks. In a described embodiment, a temporary sensor is positioned downhole with a permanent sensor. Outputs of the temporary and permanent sensors are recorded as training data sets. A neural network is trained using the training data sets. When the temporary sensor is no longer present or no longer operational in the well, the neural network is capable of determining the temporary sensor's output in response to the input to the neural network of the permanent sensor's output.

Abstract: A method of optimizing performance of a well system utilizes a neural network. In a described embodiment, the method includes the step of accumulating data indicative of the performance of the well system in response to variable influencing parameters. The data is used to train a neural network to model an output of the well system in response to the influencing parameters. An output of the neural network may then be input to a valuing model, e.g., to permit optimization of a value of the well system. The optimization process yields a set of prospective influencing parameters which may be incorporated into the well system to maximize its value.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a slurry mixing and placing process, such as a cementing process, for an oil or gas well comprises identifying and measuring specific subprocesses and parameters thereof, statistically summarizing the parameters and creating a database thereof, and analyzing the statistically summarized parameters to identify or compare against process capabilities to reduce variation, thereby improving specific job performance and the overall process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for measuring the pressure of a gas within a sealed vessel. A sonic transducer is used to apply an oscillating force to the surface of the vessel. The frequency of the ultrasonic wave is swept through a range which causes resonant vibration of the gas in the vessel. A receiving transducer measures the amplitude of the resultant vibration at the vessel surface and reveals the resonant frequency of the gas as peaks in the amplitude of the sweep. The resonant frequency obtained depends upon the composition of the gas, its pressure and temperature, and the shape of the confining vessel. These relationships can be predetermined empirically so that the pressure inside the vessel can be calculated when the composition of the gas, its temperature, and shape of the confining vessel are known. The output of the receiver is fed into a computer which is programmed to calculate the pressure based upon these predetermined relationships which are stored in the computer.

Abstract: A method of discriminating between linear and nonlinear regions of measured data is based upon two hypotheses, one of which is a hypothesis that a response is merely a result of inherent randomness and the other of which is a hypothesis that the response is a result of a true nonlinear change greater than a value M. It is also based upon a relative cost between accepting the latter hypothesis when the former is true versus accepting the former hypothesis when the latter is true. A resulting probabilistic criterion (M/2)+(.sigma..sup.2 /M) [1n(P.sub.H0 /P.sub.H1)C] is graphically implemented for deriving offset values which can be used in a specific embodiment to construct tabular values defining linear/nonlinear regions from a presumed hypothetical straight line response.