Abstract: A process for producing 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzenesulfonic acid includes forming a solution of 1,3,5-tri-tert-butyl benzene in a solvent, exposing said solution to anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas, and reacting 1,3,5-tri-tert-butylbenzene with a sulfonating agent to form 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzenesulfonic acid. Said exposing of said solution to anhydrous hydrogen chloride gas is carried out before reacting said 1,3,5-tri-tert-butylbenzene with said sulfonating agent. The process also includes recovering said 3,5-di-tert-butylbenzenesulfonic acid.

Abstract: A saturated aqueous solution of caffeine extract (organic/synthetic) is applied to the filtering apparatus (paper coffee/espresso filter, Keurig cup filter, tea bag, or perforated mesh filter of the like) to achieve the desired and appropriate* level of caffeine infusion upon the preferred filtering device. The filtering mechanism is subsequently dried, packaged, and distributed as a means of providing a safe and controlled level of caffeine delivery to such beverages as coffee, tea, or caffeinated beverages of the like. The caffeine infused filter serves to transfer the water soluble caffeine additive to the consumer's preferred beverage by way of the desired preparation method (decoction, gravitational feed, pressurized percolation, drip, steeping, or methodology of the like). *Appropriate, as described above, refers to a recommended dosage of infused caffeine product as suggested by the manufacturer of the caffeine supplement.

Abstract: A device comprising multiple sliding sleeves actuated using same-sized balls has a resettable seat in an upper sliding sleeve and a non-resettable seat in a lower sliding sleeve. A dropped ball seats on the resettable seat forming a seal. Pressure applied from the surface shifts the resettable seat and an insert. Upon being shifted, the resettable seat releases the ball, which then moves downward to the lower sliding sleeve where the ball lands on the non-resettable seat and shifts the insert. After the first ball is released from the upper sliding sleeve, a biasing device shifts the insert whereby the seat is reset to catch the next ball. A second same-sized ball may then be dropped and land on the now reset first seat to further shift the first insert.

Abstract: A device and method that allows a gravel slurry to placed in a wellbore from the toe towards the heel to reduce the pressure acting upon the heel of the wellbore during the gravel placement operation. By reducing the pressure acting upon the heel gravel slurry may be placed in longer sections of the wellbore in a single operation.

Abstract: A device to allow a single ball size to actuate at least two downhole tools. Typically when a large number of ball actuated devices are run in a single well the total number of devices is limited by the increasing size of the balls required to actuate each sequential device. By having a mechanism that allows at least two tools to be actuated by each ball size the total number of ball actuated devices may be at least doubled.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided which can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a first and second support ring having one or more tapered wedges, a first and second expansion ring, and a sealing member disposed between the expansion rings and the support rings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized environmental attributes is disclosed, including a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a suitable model to determine the approximate change in the environmental attribute as a result of a human-caused change. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize the environmental attribute. Standardized environmental attributes may be compiled for trade and other standardized environmental attributes are placed in reserve.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided which can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a first and second support ring having one or more tapered wedges, a first and second expansion ring, and a sealing member disposed between the expansion rings and the support rings.

Abstract: A novel lateral connector receptacle or LCR is provided which functions to (1) provide means for running a lower completion into a well; (2) provide means for orienting a retrievable whipstock assembly and/or scoophead diverter; and (3) provides means for attaching an upper completion to a lower completion. The LCR includes an upper section having a latch thread and smooth seal bore which respectively threadably attaches to, and mates with seals from, an orientation anchor. A middle section of the LCR includes an orientation lug for mating with the orientation anchor and providing a fixed reference point to the retrievable whip stock and/or scoophead/diverter assembly; and a lower section includes an inner mating (e.g., profiled) surface for attachment to an appropriate run-in tool.