Abstract: A method for wellbore perforation in which a section of the wellbore to be perforated is isolated and purged of wellbore fluid to provide a clear path for laser beam transmittal. A laser beam emitter in the purged wellbore section transmits a laser beam pulse from the laser beam emitter to a target area of a sidewall and formation lithology of the purged wellbore section, thereby altering a mechanical property of a material of the sidewall and formation lithology and producing material debris. A liquid jet pulse of a liquid is transmitted immediately following termination of the laser beam pulse to the target area, thereby removing the material debris from the target area. This cycle is then repeated until the desired perforation depth has been achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting light through a light absorbing medium in which a light transmissive fluid column or channel contiguous with the light absorbing medium is formed in the light absorbing medium. The light is introduced into a light inlet end of the column of light transmissive fluid, whereby the light is transmitted in the column of light transmissive fluid through the light absorbing medium until exiting a light outlet end of the column. The invention has applicability to the field of fiber optics and downhole applications of lasers, such as for wellbore drilling and completion activities.

Abstract: A method for wellbore perforation in which a section of the wellbore to be perforated is isolated and purged of wellbore fluid to provide a clear path for laser beam transmittal. A laser beam emitter in the purged wellbore section transmits a laser beam pulse from the laser beam emitter to a target area of a sidewall and formation lithology of the purged wellbore section, thereby altering a mechanical property of a material of the sidewall and formation lithology and producing material debris. A liquid jet pulse of a liquid is transmitted immediately following termination of the laser beam pulse to the target area, thereby removing the material debris from the target area. This cycle is then repeated until the desired perforation depth has been achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting light through a light absorbing medium in which a light transmissive fluid column or channel contiguous with the light absorbing medium is formed in the light absorbing medium. The light is introduced into a light inlet end of the column of light transmissive fluid, whereby the light is transmitted in the column of light transmissive fluid through the light absorbing medium until exiting a light outlet end of the column. The invention has applicability to the field of fiber optics and downhole applications of lasers, such as for wellbore drilling and completion activities.

Abstract: Processes for chemical conversion of volatile organic compounds to value added products using multiphasic membrane reactors are described. More particularly the multiphasic materials comprising two or more phases bound to one another which in the form of a solid state membrane demonstrate an ability to selectively convey electrons, hydrogen and oxygen between different gaseous mixtures. Characteristics of such multiphasic materials provide independent, controllable, counter-current transport of hydrogen, electrons and oxygen.

Abstract: Preparation, structure, and properties of non-homogenous solid systems, which in the form of a solid state membrane demonstrate an ability to selectively convey electrons, hydrogen and oxygen between different gaseous mixtures, and their uses, are described. Multiphasic systems of the invention comprising two or more phases bound to one another, and at least one of the bound phases demonstrates an ability to selectively convey hydrogen, another phase demonstrates an ability to selectively convey oxygen ions between different gaseous mixtures, and one or more phase demonstrates electronic conductivity.

Abstract: Composite joints for gas-tight members that exhibit different coefficients of thermal expansion are disclosed. Broadly, apparatus of the invention provides composite joints which include a girdle of a resilient material disposed between mating surfaces of a high strength metallic member and a nonmetallic member in an arrangement wherein a difference in fluid pressures across the joint provides compressive force upon the girdle through tapered mating surfaces thereby improving resistance to fluid leakage. Composite joints of the invention are particularly useful for joining a high strength weldable metallic conduit and a gas-tight ceramic member having a tubular structure, closed at one end, with a tapered mating surface at a distal end thereof contiguous with a portion of the girdle. Processes beneficially using joints in accordance with the invention include converting methane gas into value-added-products, for example, production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen.