Abstract: It is an object of the present invention, in the case of an apparatus in which a liquid containing material having a lower boiling point than that of the liquid is made to flow down along an external surface of a guide, during which time the lower boiling point material is evaporated, to provide a specific apparatus that can be operated stably for a prolonged period of time on an industrial scale such that not less than 1 ton/hr of the liquid is subjected to the evaporation, and furthermore to provide a specific industrial evaporation apparatus in which there are no problems due to degeneration caused by some of the liquid residing in the apparatus for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: An adjustable window cornice for attachment to a wall and overhanging a window assembly is provided. The adjustable window cornice includes an elongated member having a front end and a cornice pivotally mountable on a front end of the elongated member. The cornice is movable from a closed position to an open position through an arc of at least about 90 degrees.

Abstract: A vertically operating door includes a flexible panel comprising two pliable sheets of material with a layer of thermal insulation between the two. The door includes means for preventing or relieving undesirable air pressure conditions inside the panel. In some cases, a hose from a suction inlet of a blower extends into the space between the two sheets so that when the door is closed with the bottom of the panel resting upon the floor, the blower draws out excess air that happens to leak into the hollow interior of the panel. In other cases, air passageways are created to release or redistribute the excess air inside the panel. The door includes an inflatable seal that helps prevent frost from forming on the door panel's vertical guide tracks, thus the door is particularly suited for refrigerated cold storage rooms.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for a window blind includes a fixing member mounted to a head rail of the window blind, and a clamping member connected to a second end of a lift cord of the window blind. The clamping member includes a C-shaped ring portion normally compressively clamped around a protruded portion of the fixing member. When the second end of the lift cord is subjected to an exceeded downward load, the C-shaped ring portion is forced to separate from the protruded portion and accordingly disengages the lift cord from the head rail. Therefore, an accident possibly caused by a lift cord wound around and tightened against a child's neck may be avoided to ensure safe use of the window blind.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustment element for local adjustment of the circumference of a blind roller for a roller blind, said blind roller having a first end, and a second end between which the blind is wound, a blind roller surface, and an axis of rotation extending axially in relation to said blind roller, said adjusting element comprising an adjustment means adapted to be mounted in proximity to one of said ends and adapted to be displaced relatively to said blind roller surface. In accordance with the invention an adjustment member is configured to partly encircle the circumference of said blind roller and adapted to cooperate with said adjustment means in a way that said adjustment member upon activation of said adjustment means locally is displaced from said surface of said blind roller to thereby adjust said circumference.

Abstract: An arrangement of elements includes a plurality of edging elements and a plurality of components consisting of a flexible material, the edging elements being assembled to form a structure on which a component consisting of a flexible material is placed. The edging elements include assembly members whose ends are respectively fixed in recesses, and the arrangement of elements includes connection elements provided with assembly members which are complementary to those of the edging elements. A connection element can be connected to two consecutive edging elements, once the edging elements have been assembled together with a flexible component, so as to ensure the positioning of the two edging elements without the direct and rigid assembly of the adjacent ends of two edging elements, such that the adjacent ends of two edging elements are simply held by the connection elements.

Abstract: An improved bleaching process for bleaching pulp having at least one Eop stage or Ep stage which comprises subjecting the pulp to a Q stage in which the pulp is treated with a chelating agent at a pH of from greater than 2.5 to less than 7 followed by interstage washing prior to treating the pulp in the Eop or Ep stage. Q stage washing can be at any stage in the process provided that Q stage occurs prior to Eop or Ep stage. For example, Q stage washing may occur after brownstock washing at prior to any delignification stage. Q stage washing can also occur after earlier delignification stages or an oxygen delignification stage or a Do delignification stage. Q stage washing immediately preceding the Eop or Ep stage, or can be separated from these stages by one or more other stage.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for purifying wood pulp by caustic-borate extraction. The systems and method include a method for recovering both the caustic and borate compounds from the resultant hemicaustic effluent, so that they may be recycled and re-used. Efficient recovery of these components is enabled by a nanofiltration system that has one or more alkali-resistant nanofiltration membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface sizing compositions, methods for making such compositions, processes for sizing paper products using such compositions, and paper products which have been sized with such compositions. In particular, the invention relates to novel surface sizing compositions comprising rosin-based component and styrene-carboxylic copolymer.

Abstract: A procedure and arrangement to control the lamella of a headbox's lip channel, when the mass flow goes in the headbox (3) through the lip channel (2), in which case single mass flows are held separate from each other with the lamella (1) before the flows are united after the lamella. The lamella's dimensions, mechanical characteristics and/or dynamic characteristics are changed at least in the lamella's border area with an active structure, which is active and/or passive active tool and/or active and/or passive active material.

Abstract: Methods for dewatering a fiber suspension in a twin-wire press, having a lower wire and an upper wire, and a first and a second dewatering table, which supports the wires such that a dewatering space is defined by the wires, are disclosed. The wires transport the fiber suspension under compression of the wires by the dewatering tables, such that the fiber suspension is dewatered and forms a fiber web between the wires. A separate pressing force is applied against one of the wires, such that this wire presses the formed fiber web via the second wire against one of the dewatering tables and further dewaters the fiber web. The separate pressing force is adjusted such that a desired dryness of the fiber web leaving the dewatering tables is achieved. A twin-wire press is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a device are for compacting a web of endless fabric including a nonwoven. According to the method and device, the web of endless fabric is subjected to the following treatment steps: a) impinging the web of endless fabric with a pressurized liquid; b) sucking off liquid; c) squeezing off liquid; and d) drying the web of endless fabric.

Abstract: A woven fabric for a papermaking machine includes a textured sheet contacting surface having substantially continuous machine-direction ripples separated by valleys. The ripples are formed of multiple warp strands grouped together and supported by multiple shute strands of two or more diameters.

Abstract: Taught is a method for producing 700 MPa high strength weathering steel, comprising employing a thin slab casting and rolling technology, comprising (a) smelting at a charging temperature to produce molten steel, (b) refining said molten steel at a tapping temperature, (c) thin slab continuous casting of a casting billet, (d) soaking of said casting billet, (e) hot continuous rolling of said casting billet at a finishing temperature, (f) laminar cooling of said casting billet, and (g) coiling of said casting billet at a coiling temperature, wherein C is present in the molten steel in the range of from 0.03 to 0.07 percent by weight; Si is present in the molten steel in the range of from 0.3 to 0.5 percent by weight; Mn is present in the molten steel in the range of from 0.6 to 1.6 percent by weight; P is present in the molten steel in the range of less or equal to 0.04 percent by weight; S is present in the molten steel in the range of less or equal to 0.

Abstract: An aircraft electrical component cooling arrangement comprises at least one electrical component (40) housed in a body (38), for example an engine's electronic controller, characterised in that fuel is passed through the body (38) and directly over the component (40). Advantageously, this maintains a uniform temperature of the electronic components, protection against internal and external fire, ability to further miniaturise electrical components and/or combine units due to enhanced cooling effectiveness over convention air cooled systems.

Abstract: The present invention is an air/fluid cooling system. In one embodiment an apparatus for dissipating heat from a heat-generating device includes a base having a first side configured for thermal coupling to the heat-generating device, an air-based cooling path coupled to the base, for dissipating at least a portion of the heat via air, and a fluid-based cooling path coupled to the base, for dissipating at least a portion of the heat via a fluid. The air-based cooling path and the fluid-based cooling path may be operated simultaneously or individually to dissipate heat from the heat generating device and to allow access to the cooling system, for example for maintenance, repairs and upgrades.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with an external bypass is formed by a core portion including a plurality of stacked tubular members and a corrugated bypass tube positioned substantially parallel to the core portion. A first set of flow passages is defined within the tubular members for the flow of a first fluid therethrough, and a second set of flow passages is defined between adjacent tubular members as the tubular members are stacked together to form the core portion. A pair of external end plates is sealingly attached to transverse end wall portions of the stacked tubular members and to the ends of the bypass tube thereby forming the heat exchanger with an external bypass that comprises a single unit that can be brazed or joined together in a single operation.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for use in operating equipment having a plurality of subsystems in each of which one of a plurality of working fluids is utilized to provide selected operations with there being an air and working fluid heat exchanger providing controlled cooling to cool at least one of the plurality of working fluids in its corresponding subsystem. In addition, a coupling heat exchanger is also provided connected to two of the subsystems to pass there working fluids therethrough, including the subsystem with the air and working fluid heat exchanger, to allow one of the connected subsystems to aid in cooling the other.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus has a low profile extrusion with a plurality of micro tubes extended there through. The low profile extrusion is placed into thermal connection with heat producing components. A heat transfer fluid removes heat via an adiabatic process.

Abstract: The present invention is a MEMS-based two-phase LHP (loop heat pipe) and CPL (capillary pumped loop) using semiconductor grade silicon and microlithographic/anisotrophic etching techniques to achieve a planar configuration. The principal working material is silicon (and compatible borosilicate glass where necessary), particularly compatible with the cooling needs for electronic and computer chips and package cooling. The microloop heat pipes (?LHP™) utilize cutting edge microfabrication techniques. The device has no pump or moving parts, and is capable of moving heat at high power densities, using revolutionary coherent porous silicon (CPS) wicks. The CPS wicks minimize packaging thermal mismatch stress and improves strength-to-weight ratio. Also burst-through pressures can be controlled as the diameter of the coherent pores can be controlled on a sub-micron scale. The two phase planar operation provides extremely low specific thermal resistance (20-60 w/cm2).

Abstract: A hermetically sealed housing includes a plurality of inner walls extending radially from a central post to a circular outer wall, thereby defining a plurality of pie shaped chambers, each independently containing a refrigerant. At least one of the chambers is always in position to remove heat from an electronic device regardless of the orientation of the heat exchanger assembly. A plurality of side fins are disposed on the outer wall of the housing, and a plurality of top fins extend radially from a central axis (A) and are disposed on top of the housing. A wicking material is disposed on the interior of each chamber. A fan assembly is disposed on top of the top fins to blow air radially down into the fins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling apparatus which is easy to build and to fix it to electronic devices, superior in thermal conduction and heat dissipation, and possible to make thin the total configuration of the apparatus. The liquid cooling unit 9 and the air cooling unit 12 are formed in a unit. A heat absorption surface 19 of the liquid cooling unit 9 is contacted or bonded to the heat generation component such as the CPU and the heat generator, which have the largest power consumption and also locally generate heat within a small area in the box 2. In the liquid cooling unit 9, a liquid cooling pump 14 composed of an electromagnetic pump is arranged for circulating the coolant in the flow path 10. The heat generated by the heat generation components such as CPU 6, heat generator 7, and the like is thermally diffused with heat conduction into the whole liquid cooling unit 9 by circulating the coolant with the liquid cooling pump 14.

Abstract: The invention concerns a boiler condensation module, characterised in that it comprises a water/fume heat exchanger (E) and a closed circuit compression thermodynamic frigorific apparatus, said module (2) being communicated with a boiler (1) intercepting the flow of the fumes and the flow of the water, in order to subtract sensitive heat and vaporisation latent heat to the fumes of the boiler to yield the same as heat to the system water thus improving the combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A tube shield assembly for protecting tubes includes a guard, a securing member and a holding tooth, wherein welding is not required to secure the guard to the tube. The guard is axially elongated and can have a semi-cylindrical cross-section to define a main body portion. The securing member includes at least one pair of fastening clips to secure the guard to the tube. The fastening clips permit radial expansion and contraction of the tube and the tube shield assembly in response to, for example, temperature fluctuations. The holding tooth is a tooth-like protrusion between the tube shield assembly and the tube to which it is secured to prevent axial slippage of the tube shield assembly up or down the length of the tube.

Abstract: An integrated heat exchanger comprises a primary heat transfer zone and a secondary heat transfer zone integral to the primary heat transfer zone. The primary heat transfer zone comprises an ECS heat exchanger and the secondary heat transfer zone comprises a heat exchanger for a secondary system, such as an OBIGGS heat exchanger. The integrated heat exchanger reduces the negative impact that the OBIGGS heat exchanger has on the ECS heat exchanger by providing one ram face, thereby minimizing the flow disturbances associated with the OBIGGS heat exchanger. By integrating the OBIGGS and the ECS heat exchanger, the integrated heat exchanger reduces the negative impact of the pressure drop and heat load caused by the OBIGGS heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a vehicle air conditioning system is provided. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of heat exchanger registers adapted to transfer heat from an air flow passing thereby to a refrigerant flowing therethrough. The heat exchanger further includes a plurality of junction elements in fluid communication with the heat exchanger registers. Each of the junction elements is disposed between one of a pair of top collector lines and a pair of bottom connector lines of the heat exchanger registers. The junction elements have a hydraulic flow area that militates against pressure losses over the heat exchanger. A heat exchanger having an arrangement of three heat exchanger registers and a vehicle air conditioning system including the heat exchanger are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stacked-disc cooler for a motor vehicle comprising several discs (21-24) stacked on each other and connected together, in particular welded to each other, and a supply channel which passes through several discs and through which a cooling medium is introducible into the staked-disc cooler (1) and distributed on the individual discs. According to said invention, in order to obtain the improved staked-disc cooler (1), a valve device preventing the return of the cooling medium outside of the supplying channel (18) is mounted therein.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first header and a second header and a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending therebetween. Each heat exchange tube has an inlet end opening to one of the headers and an outlet opening to the other header. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end, each channel defining a discrete refrigerant flow path. The inlet end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes is positioned with the inlet opening to the channels disposed in spaced relationship with and facing an opposite inside surface of the header thereby defining a relatively narrow gap between the inlet opening to the channels and the facing opposite inside surface of the header. The gap may function either as a primary expansion device or as a secondary expansion device.

Abstract: A combined assembly of a fixing base and an angled heat pipe includes a fixing base and heat pipes. The fixing base has a plate body. The bottom surface of the plate body is formed with opening trough. An end of the opening trough is provided with a through hole penetrating through the plate body. The opening trough is formed with an enlarging portion. The width of the enlarging portion is larger than that of a mouth of the opening trough. The heat-releasing end penetrates out of the through hole, and the heat-absorbing end is accommodated in the opening trough. A portion of the heat-absorbing end abuts against the inner wall of the opening trough, while the exposed portion thereof is flush with the bottom surface of the fixing base.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat, multi-channel heat exchange tubes extending between spaced headers. Each heat exchange tube has its inlet end in fluid flow communication to an inlet header through a transition connector. The transition connector has a body defining a divergent flow path extending from an inlet opening in its inlet end to an outlet opening in its outlet end, and a tubular nipple extending outwardly from the inlet end of the divergent flow path through the wall of the inlet header. The tubular nipple defines a fluid flow path extending between the inlet end of the divergent flow path of the transition connector and the fluid chamber of the inlet header. The inlet header has a lateral dimension less then the lateral dimension of the heat exchange tube.

Abstract: A melting temperature adjustable metal thermal interface material (TIM) is provided. The metal TIM includes In, Bi, Sn, and Ga. A content of Ga ranges from 0.01 wt % to 3 wt %. The metal TIM has an initial melting temperature lower than 60° C. and has no element hazardous to the environment.

Abstract: A refrigerant system heat exchanger is characterized by improved airflow distribution through the use of at least one of the fans operating in the pulse width modulation or variable speed mode. Improved airflow distribution can be used to alleviate the effects of refrigerant maldistribution, enhance heat exchanger performance, prevent compressor flooding and improve comfort in the conditioned space.

Abstract: A control system can be used with a single control line to a subsurface safety valve. The operating piston is exposed to the flow tube between two blocks with near identical seals to make the piston insensitive to tubing pressure. A control system seal is carried by the piston in the upper block and a passage between the control system seal and the tubing pressure seal in the upper block communicates to a compressible fluid reservoir in the lower block that is also isolated from tubing pressure by a tubing pressure seal. Movement of the piston compresses the fluid in the reservoir. The reservoir can also include a spring to return the piston and the flow tube to a position to close the valve. A redundant system can be actuated if the primary system fails.

Abstract: Electronic time delay apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive or propellant system, which may be configured as a well perforating system includes an electronic time delay assembly comprising an input subassembly, an electronic time delay circuit, and an output subassembly. The input subassembly is activated by an external stimulus, wherein an element is displaced to activate an electronic time delay circuit. The electronic time delay circuit comprises a time delay device coupled with a voltage firing circuit. The electronic time delay circuit counts a time delay, and, upon completion, raises a voltage until a threshold firing voltage is exceeded. Upon exceeding the threshold firing voltage, a voltage trigger switch will break down to transfer energy is to an electric initiator to initiate an explosive booster within the output subassembly.

Abstract: Grease control head utilizing at least one ceramic insert for sealing around wireline, slick-line or braided wire while performing service operations in a well.

Abstract: This invention related to the geophysics, in particular, to geophysical methods of well survey, and can be applied for removal of wellbore liquid that fill the well, during the well logging process. This invention characterizes a filter for solid particles; which can be mounted at the suction side of submersible motor-driven pumps. A well filter for submersible motor-driven pump comprising an elongated housing in which a cylindrical filtering element is installed. At one end of the filtering element, a fixture for fastening the filter housing to the pump is mounted; at the other end, there is at least one fluid intake port. A shape-deformable sealing element is installed on the housing outer surface. The rigid structure of the sealing element creates problems with lowering the strainer to the well and may cause the damage of the said strainer. This damage creates leakage in the top part of the strainer. The way of resolving the engineering issue is development of a new design of the wellbore filter.

Abstract: A trigger device for setting a downhole tool includes a retaining member that restricts the downhole tool from setting until it is properly positioned within the well and a force acts upon an actuating member. The retaining member includes an extrudable material that extrudes through an orifice when the force acts upon the actuating member. The extrudable material is preferably one that moves at a known rate so that the amount of time necessary for the downhole tool to set is pre-determined.

Abstract: Pipe-in-pipe composite tubular structure having between layers a hardenable filling material associating the layers to enhance the structure mechanical performance mostly in collapse. Prior to harden the filling material, the composite tubular structure can be longitudinally deployable between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration, and has a radial dimension increasing between the folded configuration and the deployed configuration. Such structure is well fitted to be used in oil-well downhole structure and casings or underwater pipeline/flowline.

Abstract: A downhole plunger for oil and gas wells comprises an electronic ambient environmental sensor via a cargo bay. Although the sensor is preferably a downhole time, temperature, pressure and flow sensor, the device contemplates the use of any appropriate cargo to ascertain well conditions. The device can also be used to sample fluid. The sensor has a measured data memory.

Abstract: Nanoemulsion, macroemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor I, II or III phase behavior) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) improve the removal of filter cakes formed during hydrocarbon reservoir wellbore drilling with OBM. The macroemulsion, nanoemulsion, miniemulsion, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. In one non-limiting embodiment, the emulsion system (e.g. single phase microemulsion, nanoemulsion, or other emulsions) may be formed in situ (downhole) rather than produced or prepared in advance and pumped downhole. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced.

Abstract: Methods of gravel packing comprising providing a gravel packing fluid comprising a base fluid and substantially hydrated cement particulates, introducing the gravel packing fluid into a subterranean formation, and depositing at least a portion of the substantially hydrated cement particulates in the subterranean formation to form a gravel pack. Gravel packing fluids that comprise a base fluid, and gravel comprising substantially hydrated cement particulates. Methods of gravel packing and fracturing a subterranean formation comprising fracturing the subterranean formation so as to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation; introducing a fluid comprising a base fluid and substantially hydrated cement particulates through a well bore into the one or more fractures; and depositing at least a portion of the substantially hydrated cement particulates in the one or more fractures in the subterranean formation and in the well bore to form a gravel pack.

Abstract: A well completion assembly including apparatus for gravel packing and cementing in a single trip. An outer assembly comprises: a liner and screen; a valved gravel packing port; upper and lower valved cementing ports; and seal bores positioned below and above the gravel packing port and above and below the lower cementing port. An inner assembly includes: a crossover having an outer seal body and shifters to allow opening and closing of valves in the gravel packing and cementing ports. In one position, the crossover seal body mates with seal bores below and above the gravel packing port to allow flow of gravel packing slurry through the gravel packing port. In a second position, the crossover seal body mates with seal bores below and above the lower cementing port to allow flow of cement through the lower cementing port.

Abstract: A method of managing lost returns in a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes contacting a filter cake with a treating fluid to remove metallic weighting agents from the filter cake, wherein the filter cake is disposed on a face of a formation fracture in the wellbore. The method also includes contacting the filter cake with a proppant slurry, wherein the proppant slurry contacts the filter cake concurrently with the treating fluid or after the treating fluid contacts the filter cake. This method may include increasing the filter cake permeability and may utilize a barite removal agent, such as a chelation agent. At least one related wellbore management method is disclosed, which provides for creating a fracture in the wellbore and propping open the fracture to increase wellbore integrity to utilize higher weight drilling fluids and prevent fractures from forming further down the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of isolating hydrajet stimulated zones from subsequent well operations. The method includes the step of drilling a wellbore into the subterranean formation of interest. Next, the wellbore may or may not be cased depending upon a number of factors including the nature and structure of the subterranean formation. Next, the casing, if one is installed, and wellbore are perforated using a high pressure fluid being ejected from a hydrajetting tool. A first zone of the subterranean formation is then fractured and stimulated. Next, the first zone is temporarily plugged or partially sealed by installing an isolation fluid into the wellbore adjacent to the one or more fractures and/or in the openings thereof, so that subsequent zones can be fractured and additional well operations can be performed.

Abstract: A method of fracturing using deformable proppants minimizes proppant pack damage, without compromising the fracturing fluid's proppant transport properties during pumping, by use of deformable proppants. Selection of proppant is dependent upon the mechanical properties of the formation rock. The strength of the deformable proppant is dependent upon the modulus of the formation rock being treated such that the proppant is capable of providing, at the very least, a minimum level of conductivity in in-situ stress environments. The maximum elastic modulus of the deformable proppant is less than the minimum modulus of the formation rock which is being treated. The method is particularly applicable in fracturing operations of subterranean reservoirs such as those comprised primarily of coal, chalk, limestone, dolomite, shale, siltstone, diatomite, etc.

Abstract: Improved methods for stabilizing unconsolidated subterranean formation particulates and reducing permeability of a subterranean formation to water. Some methods describe methods of stabilizing unconsolidated subterranean formation particulates and reducing the permeability of water comprising providing a portion of a subterranean formation that comprises unconsolidated formation particulates; introducing a fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier into at least a portion of the subterranean formation so as to at least partially reduce the permeability of that portion of the subterranean formation to water; and, introducing a fluid comprising a consolidating agent into at least a portion of the subterranean formation so as to at least partially consolidate the unconsolidated formation particulates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cementing an annulus wellbore is described herein. The apparatus includes an internally radiused portion of a sleeve adapted for increasing the compressive strength of a compound for securing a valve in the sleeve. The internally radiused portion prevents the apparatus from leaking during operation. The apparatus is manufactured using one pass of a milling tool. The apparatus is run into a wellbore. A cementing operation in performed past the apparatus. The apparatus then prevents the cement from entering a downhole tubular.

Abstract: A well tool including swellable material and integrated fluid for initiating swelling. A well tool includes a swellable material and a reservoir for containing a fluid of a type which causes the swellable material to swell. A method of swelling a swellable material included in a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well; and then activating a fluid to cause swelling of the swellable material. A method of swelling a swellable material includes the steps of: providing the swellable material which is capable of swelling when contacted by a fluid; positioning the swellable material in an environment in which the swellable material is contacted by another fluid which does not cause the material to swell; and swelling the swellable material by contacting the swellable material with the first fluid while the swellable material remains in contact with the other fluid.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating lost circulation during the drilling of a well comprises the addition, at concentration ranging between about 0.5 and 6 pounds per barrel, of water-dispersible fibers having a length between about 10 and 25 mm, for instance glass or polymer fibers, to a pumped aqueous base-fluid including solid particles having an equivalent diameter of less than 300 ?m. The base-fluid with the solid particles can be the drilling fluid or a small-volume pill specially pumped for curing lost circulation.