Abstract: Neutral electrolytes, relatively neutral electrolytes, metal oxides, metal hydroxides and/or organic exothermic hydration chemicals may be hydrated with water at a controlled location in a subterranean formation to generate sufficient exothermic heat to at least soften and possibly melt and flow bitumen at or near the location. This controlled and localized heating would be useful in drilling through relatively thick bitumen or “tar” beds. In one non-limiting embodiment the exothermic hydration reaction does not generate appreciable amounts of gas. Alternatively, the exothermic reaction may be used to liberate hydrocarbons from gas hydrates in an embodiment where the evolution of gas is acceptable.

Abstract: Pumpable multiple phase vesicle compositions carry agents and components downhole or through a conduit, and controllably releasing them at a different place and time by breaking the compositions. In one non-limiting embodiment the pumpable multiple phase vesicles have a third phase containing a first phase which bears the agent to be controllably released. The first and third phases of the vesicles are separated by a surface active material bilayer that forms the second phase. The pumpable multiple phase vesicles may have internal and external phases that are both oil miscible, both aqueous miscible, or both alcohol miscible. The surface active material bilayer may be composed of compounds such as phospholipids, alkyl polyglycosides, gemini surfactants, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan trioleate, and many others. The agent may be released by one or more of a variety of mechanisms.

Abstract: A container for a strip (12) of light-sensitive material includes an elongated opening for withdrawing the material from the container. Strips (22) of light-locking material are provided on both sides of the opening, the strips being made from a napped and sheared woven fabric (12, 14). The fabric is dyed, dried, napped, sheared and heat set prior to preparation of the strips. A method of producing such a light-locking material is taught which includes steps of passing the woven fabric multiple times through napping and shearing operations to increase the pile density.