Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of stabilizing high solid slurries, like kaolin slurries, the method comprises causticizing the sodium polycrylate or polyacrylic acid used in a dispersant blend to a pH of above 9. The method comprises a homogeneous dispersant blend of sodium carbonate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium silicate, and sodium hydroxide. This invention is also directed to a method of stabilizing high solid slurries, like kaolin slurries, by adding sodium polyacrylate at an acidic pH range or polyacrylic acid solution to the slurries: and adding a blend of soda ash and sodium silicate to the slurries.

Abstract: A telephony-based messaging system application is built for use by a particular customer. The application is stored on a computer readable medium and includes a set of modules, where each module comprises call flows, code and a Customization List. The Customization List includes one or more tables each having a list of names and a modifiable list of corresponding DTMF signal identifiers. With this architecture, the particular customer is permitted to change the mapping between caller-entered DTMF signals and the corresponding actions taken by the messaging system by modifying the list of DTMF signal identifiers, i.e., without modifying the call flows or code.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of stabilizing high solid slurries, like kaolin slurries, the method comprises causticizing the sodium polycrylate or polyacrylic acid used in a dispersant blend to a pH of above 9. The method comprises a homogeneous dispersant blend of sodium carbonate, sodium polyacrylate, sodium silicate, and sodium hydroxide. This invention is also directed to a method of stabilizing high solid slurries, like kaolin slurries, by adding sodium polyacrylate at an acidic pH range or polyacrylic acid solution to the slurries: and adding a blend of solid ash and sodium silicate to the slurries.

Abstract: A process for spectroscopic measurement of the emission of formaldehyde from refined wood products destined to be used in the manufacture of composite wood products such as medium density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, and plywood. The process employs near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to measure the absorption of light by the wood furnish; the level of absorption is then related to the formaldehyde emission and thickness swell of the finished wood panel. This process allows for real-time quantitative prediction of future formaldehyde emissions and thickness swell of a composite wood panel.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing leakage across a packer in a well, according to which a sensor is disposed in the well for sensing a characteristic of the packer such as vibrations, and a corresponding signal is outputted that is indicative of whether there is any fluid leakage across the device.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing leakage across a packer in a well, according to which a sensor is disposed in the well for sensing a characteristic of the packer such as vibrations, and a corresponding signal is outputted that is indicative of whether there is any fluid leakage across the device.

Abstract: A burner apparatus for burning petroleum products during well testing. The apparatus comprises a plurality of burner nozzles for mixing air, oil or other flammable hydrocarbon, and in some cases steam, and discharges the mixture for burning. Each module may have a plurality of burner nozzles, and a plurality of such modules may be connected together. Each burner nozzle has a body with an air inlet and a fluid inlet, a nozzle insert disposed in the body and having an air port in communication with the air inlet and a fluid port in communication with the fluid inlet. Sealing is provided between the nozzle insert and the body. The body may also have a steam inlet, and the nozzle insert may also have a steam port in communication with the steam inlet, for directing steam into the apparatus to increase the mixing energy and temperature, thereby facilitating atomization.

Abstract: A burner apparatus for burning petroleum products during well testing. The apparatus comprises a plurality of burner nozzles for mixing air, oil or other flammable hydrocarbon, and in some cases steam, and discharges the mixture for burning. Each module may have a plurality of burner nozzles, and a plurality of such modules may be connected together. Each burner nozzle has a body with an air inlet and a fluid inlet, a nozzle insert disposed in the body and having an air port in communication with the air inlet and a fluid port in communication with the fluid inlet. Sealing is provided between the nozzle insert and the body. The body may also have a steam inlet, and the nozzle insert may also have a steam port in communication with the steam inlet, for directing steam into the apparatus to increase the mixing energy and temperature, thereby facilitating atomization.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for a well testing or production facility system. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the invention discloses a method and apparatus to transfer crude oil from a separator to an oil pipeline, or alternatively, to a burner flare. The method includes collecting oil in a separator, and then transferring the oil to a first, second, and third pump cylinder. The oil is sequentially forced from the cylinders by high pressure gas, and after being drained, the cylinders are again filled with crude oil. The apparatus includes a separator, a first, second and third pump cylinder which will sequentially receive crude oil. Sensing means are associated with the pump cylinders for sensing the level of crude oil within the cylinders. A control system is utilized to cycle a high pressure gas or air into each of the cylinders in order to force the oil out of the cylinders.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of combusting crude oil produced during testing of a subterranean well includes a primary nozzle for atomizing and spraying the primary feed of crude oil into a combustion chamber; a combustion chamber for receiving and combusting the atomized primary feed and confining the combustion so that the primary feed is completely combusted in the combustion chamber; and an ignitor for igniting the combustion. A secondary nozzle may be located in the combustion chamber for atomizing and spraying a secondary feed of crude oil into the combustion chamber so that the heat of combustion of the primary feed will vaporize the secondary feed and heat the secondary feed above its ignition temperature so that it will completely combust on contact with air. A heat exchanger may be provided which uses the heat from the combustion chamber for preheating the crude oil before the crude oil is supplied to the primary or secondary nozzle.

Abstract: A surface valve with pressure energized seals and having gear actuation. The valve comprises a body with a rotating valve plate therein. The pressure energized seals provide sealing engagement between the valve plate and body. An actuation gear with a geared surface having a cam-shaped pitch line is positioned adjacent to the valve plate. An eccentrically rotated pinion gear is engaged with the actuation gear for providing rotation of the actuation gear and corresponding movement of the valve plate between open and closed positions thereof.

Abstract: A burner apparatus for burning hydrocarbons. The apparatus comprises a body defining a plurality of nozzle ports therein, each port facing in a different direction, a discharge nozzle disposed in each nozzle port, and a water ring assembly disposed around the body. Each nozzle is held in place by a retainer such that a first gap is defined therebetween, and a retainer nut is attached to the body adjacent to the retainer such that a second gap is defined between the retainer and the nut. This second gap acts as an air discharge orifice and is in communication with an air passage defined in the body. The water ring assembly comprises an outer ring and an inner ring which combine to define an annular water chamber therebetween. The water chamber is in communication with a plurality of notches in the outer ring which act as water discharge nozzles for directing a water stream toward the burning petroleum and air stream discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A burner nozzle for burning petroleum products. The burner nozzle includes a tube portion with a burner nozzle insert disposed therein. A nut is threadingly engaged with the tube portion to hold the insert in place. The insert has a substantially conical nozzle portion with an inlet portion extending substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nozzle portion. The inlet portion defines a plurality of inlet ports therethrough. The inlet ports are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and have an outlet end adjacent to an inner surface of the nozzle portion.

Abstract: A burner nozzle for petroleum products. The burner nozzle comprises a housing portion with a nozzle assembly disposed therein. In the nozzle assembly are an outer disc and an inner disc disposed in the outer disc. Helical ramps on the outer and inner discs define gaps or fluid flow orifices therebetween. A spring biases the ramp on the inner disc toward the ramp on the outer disc. Fluid pressure in the tube portion forces the ramps apart to increase the orifice size to maintain a relatively high fluid flow velocity through a wide flow rate range. Fluid is discharged from the orifices in a spiraling pattern and impinges a conical inner surface of a swirl chamber from which the fluid is discharged from the burner nozzle.

Abstract: A burner nozzle for burning petroleum products. The burner nozzle includes a fluid conduit with an air jacket disposed therearound such that a dead air space is defined therebetween to prevent fluid leakage from entering the air jacket. The burner nozzle comprises a replaceable air jetting assembly which provides an annular stream of air, either cylindrical or conical in configuration, which impinges the fluid stream exiting the nozzle for atomization thereof. The jetting assembly includes a replaceable and interchangeable jetting insert. A swirl chamber is provided in the fluid conduit to impart a swirling motion to fluid flowing therethrough. The swirl chamber is clamped in position on opposite sides thereof so that it is always in compression, thus allowing use of non-weldable materials. One embodiment has a variable air jetting orifice.