Abstract: A method and apparatus for organic waste treatment are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of adding a sorbent to a waste product to form a fluid matrix which may then be subjected to a compressive force to dewater the matrix. Thermal desorption and pasteurisation of the matrix may then be carried out. The sorbent added is draff, which may be obtained as a by-product from various industries, including the distillation of spirits. The apparatus comprises generally a dewatering compressor, but may also include a thermal desorption unit, which may thermally dewater the matrix and pasteurise it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of liquid purification and the subsequent production of useful by-products. A variety of liquids may be purified by the method and apparatus, including water and hydrocarbon mixtures/sludges. The method of treating waste products comprises the steps of adding an absorbent to the waste product to form a absorbed solid, semi-solid or fluid matrix, the matrix being then subjected to an increase in temperature. The apparatus comprises a material inlet, a heated generator tube, one or more outlets being connected with the heated generator tube, and a material outlet.

Abstract: A Y-tool is configured for use with a pumping system that includes an electric submersible pump and bypass tubing. The Y-tool includes a slave valve assembly that controls access to the bypass tubing. The Y-tool also includes a master valve assembly driven by pressure from the electric submersible pump and a linkage assembly connected between the master valve assembly and the slave valve assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool operatively associated with a downhole pump for use in artificial lift applications comprises a body having a throughbore forming an axial flow passage and a plurality of lateral ports forming a lateral flow passage, a valve seat for co-operating with a valve member and a sleeve member. In use, the downhole tool is run into a borehole, such as an oil and/or gas production well borehole, as part of a tubing string, the downhole tool being configured to permit selective axial passage of fluid through the downhole tool while lateral passage of fluid is prevented, the downhole tool being operable to move from the first, closed, configuration to the second, open, configuration in response to the activation event to divert fluid through the lateral flow passage into an annulus between the downhole tool and the borehole.

Abstract: A Y-tool is configured for use with a pumping system that includes an electric submersible pump and bypass tubing. The Y-tool includes a slave valve assembly that controls access to the bypass tubing. The Y-tool also includes a master valve assembly driven by pressure from the electric submersible pump and a linkage assembly connected between the master valve assembly and the slave valve assembly.