Abstract: A shock wave in a gas is modified by emitting energy to form an extended path in the gas; heating gas along the path to form a volume of heated gas expanding outwardly from the path; and directing a path. The volume of heated gas passes through the shock wave and modifies the shock wave. This eliminates or reduces a pressure difference between gas on opposite sides of the shock wave. Electromagnetic, microwaves and/or electric discharge can be used to heat the gas along the path. This application has uses in reducing the drag on a body passing through the gas, noise reduction, controlling amount of gas into a propulsion system, and steering a body through the gas. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for actively manipulating a primary fluid flow over a surface using an active flow control system including an active fluid flow device to provide lift enhancement and lift destruction. The method including the disposing of an active fluid flow device in the surface. The active fluid flow device is then operated to generate at least one of a steady blowing secondary fluid flow, a pulsed secondary fluid flow or an oscillating secondary fluid flow. While flowing the primary fluid over the surface to create a primary flow field, a secondary fluid flow is injected in an upstream direction and substantially opposed to the incoming primary fluid flow. The injecting of the secondary fluid flow in this manner provides for influencing of the primary flow field by manipulating a momentum of the secondary fluid flow to influence the incoming primary fluid flow and resultant lift.

Abstract: A sample fluid stream in a probe apparatus may be redirected in a redirection area, and a flowing gas sheet may be directed into the redirection area. Additionally, a conduit downstream of a probe nozzle may define a reverse taper (where the conduit is wider downstream), a lip for collecting droplets that have collected on conduit walls, and/or re-entraining gas directed at collected droplets. Focusing gas may focus the sample fluid stream away from the walls of the conduit. Such focusing gas may be at different temperatures for different sections of the conduit. For example, the focusing gas may be a lower temperature near the probe inlet, and may be at a higher temperature to act as drying gas farther downstream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus protecting a water distribution system from main breaks caused by sudden pressure spikes in the distribution system. A surge suppressor apparatus may include a surge suppressor tank. The surge suppressor tank may be a hollow, cylindrical container adapted to retain liquid. The surge suppressor apparatus may also include a tee pipe integrally formed to the suppressor tank. The tee pipe is sized so that it connects to an underground supply pipe. End caps may be integrally formed to the suppressor tank. The end caps create an airtight seal in the surge suppressor tank.

Abstract: An organic rankine cycle system includes a sensor for sensing a condition indicative of pressure within the system and a control which responsively provides heat to said system when the pressure within the system is sensed to be at a predetermined threshold, near ambient pressure, during periods in which the system is shut down or preparing to operate. Provision is also made to remove the heat from the system when the pressure therein rises to a predetermined higher pressure threshold.

Abstract: An anti-siphoning fuel system that includes a fuel inlet, a fuel tank, at least one fill tube or hose connecting the fuel inlet to the fuel tank such that fuel may flow from the fuel inlet to the fuel tank, and an anti-siphoning element or device coupled to the fill tube or hose that may be installed in existing boats or cars and obstructs a siphoning hose inserted in to the fill tube or hose from entering the fuel tank.

Abstract: Two-stage, sequential operation protective assemblies are provided, including a primary protective device (20) having an element (32) which shifts in response to operation thereof (preferably a rupturable burst member (35)), together with a secondary protective device (22). An actuating assembly (24) interconnects the primary and secondary protective devices (20, 22) and has an actuating cable assembly (28) preferably including a cable (94) and a frangible component (86). In certain embodiments, an operator (28) for the secondary device (22) may be provided which includes an actuator (106) carried by the cable (94). Upon operation of the primary protective device (20), the cable (94) and frangible component (86) are tensioned and translated in a first direction. The component (86) then severs, which causes operation of the secondary protective device (22).

Abstract: A water heating system having a system inlet pipe (1.002), a hot water delivery pipe (1.003) and a hot water return pipe (1.006) connected to a building hot water distribution network (1.024); the water heating system including one or more water heaters (1.001), the or each water heater having a heater inlet (1.022) and a heater outlet (1.023), a hot water return pipe (1.006) connected between the system inlet and delivery outlet via the building hot water distribution network to form a close loop hot water supply-return circuit; a pump (1.005) connected to circulate water through the hot water supply-return circuit whereby the pump can circulate water through one or more of the water heaters; a valve means (1.007) [a first non-return valve] adapted to prevent inlet water (water delivered to the system inlet) from flowing into the hot water return pipe or the building hot water distribution network.

Abstract: To provide a method and an apparatus for feeding a zinc gas superheated to a boiling point of zinc or higher at a controlled rate of feed. The method for feeding the zinc gas according to the invention includes a step for introducing melt zinc into a zinc gas evaporation apparatus, a step for generating the zinc gas from the melt zinc by inputting electric power corresponding to a rate of feed of the zinc gas to allow zinc to cause self-heating by high-frequency induction heating, a step for introducing the generated zinc gas into a gas heating apparatus, and a step for heating the zinc gas by resistance heating to form a superheated zinc gas. An apparatus for feeding the zinc gas according to the invention is applied to the method, and includes a zinc gas evaporation apparatus, a gas heating apparatus and a control apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a process and a system for solubilizing a surfactant in supercritical carbon dioxide that include providing a turbulent flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide into which the surfactant solubilizes and injecting the surfactant into the turbulent flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide to achieve a Jet Mixing Number of 0.01 to 1.0. In one or more embodiments, a pump provides turbulent flow to supercritical carbon dioxide moving through at least a portion of piping, and an injector associated with the piping conveys the surfactant through surfaces defining a port in the injector to inject the surfactant into the turbulent flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide so as to achieve the Jet Mixing Number of 0.01 to 1.0.

Abstract: A liquid aminoether acid gas absorbent which is subject to freezing in a cold climatic zone though which the aminoether is to be shipped is rendered freeze-resistant by mixing the aminoether with water prior to transport through the cold climatic zone; the aminoether/water mixture typically contains 10 to 40 weight percent water, based on the weight of the aminoether. The aminoether/water mixture can also be stored in the cold climatic zone without being externally maintained at a temperature above the inherent freezing point of the aminoether.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a photovoltaic greenhouse that has a frame structure including a plurality of upstanding walls and a roof structure supported by the frame structure. The greenhouse also includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells installed in the roof structure or walls. The photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into electricity by absorbing a predefined wavelength band of electromagnetic energy in the solar energy. The photovoltaic cells have different predefined infrared transmissivity properties to transmit infrared energy through each photovoltaic cell from outside the greenhouse to inside the greenhouse based on the respective photovoltaic cell's predefined infrared transmissivity property. The photovoltaic cells are distributed in the roof structure or walls in a pattern to heat ground locations within the frame structure to different temperatures in response to the infrared energy transmitted through the photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: The application of an optical beam redirects sheathed micro-fluidic flow without direct interaction with the sample. The hydrodynamic properties of the sheath are locally modified due to optical absorption and heating, resulting in a spatial shift of the sample flow. The technique can result in up to 100 ?m shift at peak flow velocities of 19 mm/sec.

Abstract: A method of transporting carbon dioxide and crude oil in a pipeline is disclosed. The method includes providing supercritical carbon dioxide and heavy or extra heavy crude oil produced from a subterranean reservoir. The crude oil is mixed with the supercritical carbon dioxide to form a mixture having a viscosity less than the viscosity of the crude oil prior to mixing. The mixture is transported in a pipeline from a first location to a second location. The pipeline is maintained at sufficient pressures and temperatures such that any unsaturated carbon dioxide remains in a supercritical state while the mixture is transported through the pipeline.

Abstract: A system for producing and transporting crude oil, comprising a well for producing the crude oil; a processing facility for processing the crude oil; and a pipeline traversing at least a portion of the distance between the well and the processing facility, wherein at least a portion of the pipeline travels through an atmosphere having a temperature less than 20° C., wherein the pipeline comprises a coating on an inner surface of the pipeline, and wherein the crude oil comprises a surfactant additive.

Abstract: An apparatus including a transfer conduit having a length and an opening therethrough; at least one thermally conductive compartment coupled to an exterior surface of the transfer conduit, the at least one thermally conductive compartment having a length dimension that extends over a portion of the length of the transfer conduit; a heating element disposed in a portion of the at least one thermally conductive compartment; and a thermally conducting material disposed in the thermally conductive compartment. A method including transferring a fluid through a transfer conduit including at least one thermally conductive compartment coupled to an exterior surface thereof, the at least one thermally conductive compartment including a heating element and a thermally conducting material disposed therein; and providing a power source to the heating element sufficient to increase the temperature of the thermally conductive compartment.

Abstract: A method for producing process vapor and boiler feed steam in a heatable reforming reactor for producing synthesis gas. The sensible heat of a synthesis gas produced from hydrocarbons and steam can be used so that two types of vapor are produced during the heating and evaporation of boiler feed water and process condensate. The method also includes a conversion of the carbon monoxide contained in the synthesis gas. The method includes an optional heating of the boiler feed water using the flue gas from the heating of the reforming reactor. The sensible heat of the synthesis gas and of the flue gas originating from the heating can be used more efficiently. The disadvantages from the flue gas heating, which are caused by the fluctuating heat supply in the flue gas duct, are avoided. A system for practicing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to the control and manipulation of fluidic species, for example, in microfluidic systems. In one set of embodiments, droplets may be sorted using surface acoustic waves. The droplets may contain cells or other species. In some cases, the surface acoustic waves may be created using a surface acoustic wave generator such as an interdigitated transducer, and/or a material such as a piezoelectric substrate. The piezoelectric substrate may be isolated from the microfluidic substrate except at or proximate the location where the droplets are sorted, e.g., into first or second microfluidic channels. At such locations, the microfluidic substrate may be coupled to the piezoelectric substrate (or other material) by one or more coupling regions. In some cases, relatively high sorting rates may be achieved, e.g., at rates of at least about 1,000 Hz, at least about 10,000 Hz, or at least about 100,000 Hz, and in some embodiments, with high cell viability after sorting.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an acousticaly actuated flow valve having temperature-sensitive reed valves thereon. The flow valve and reed valves are configured to impart acoustical energy into a fluid flowing through the flow valve and one or more fluids downstream of the valve, leading to increased mixing of the fluids. The reed valves are further configured to be temperature-sensitive, thereby allowing more fluid to flow through the flow valve as the result of a change in temperature.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a bubble-type micro-pump is provided. At least a bubble-generating unit is provided on the bubble-generating section. Because of the varied surface energies on the top of the bubble-generating section, the varied backfilling velocities of the fluid of the front end and the rear end cause fluid moving when a bubble vanishes. The top surface of the bubble-generating section is subjected to a particular surface treatment to form a surface energy gradient. Examples of surface treatment include sputtering a thin film with varied densities or thickness, radiating one or multi-layer thin films by a laser beam, etc.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fluid conditioning to reduce scaling, inactivate microbes, reduce surface tension, maintain fluid composition, and improve pumping are provided for use in treating crude petroleum, industrial water, agricultural water, municipal water supplies, or any fluid flow system and comprise electromagnets of variable control that can be powered or in which a current can be induced by a permanent magnet. Magnetic field direction and intensity can be selected depending on the nature of the fluid and in some embodiments, the field can be varied during operation, including pulsing and variably selecting one or more field directions and intensities, or combinations thereof, during operation. A non-magnetic fluid transfer conduit section has at least one conductor assembly mounted about the section. In one embodiment, the conductor assembly comprises a concentric, tilted double helix coil or multipole coil.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid-based device and method may include the use of magnetorheological (MR) fluid, a primary magnetic field to control the viscosity of the fluid, and a secondary magnetic field to reduce clumping of ferromagnetic particles.

Abstract: A normally open valve unit to close a channel, a microfluidic device equipped with the same, and a method of driving the valve unit are provided. The valve unit includes a valve substance including a phase transition material, a valve substance chamber which communicates with the channel and in which the valve substance is disposed, and a fusion structure formed in a section of the channel in which, wherein when the valve substance contained in the valve substance chamber is fused by applied energy and flows into the section of the channel in which the fusion structure is formed, and the valve substance is heated to melt the fusion structure and conduct fused bonding of the channel, thereby closing the channel.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a method passing one or more fluids through a compartment. The method may include collecting a liquid on a tray, passing a vapor through the compartment, and mixing the vapor with the liquid entering the compartment via at least one aperture to impart swirling to the vapor and liquid exiting the compartment. Also, the compartment can include or consist of an interior wall and an exterior wall, and generally the compartment at least partially forms rifling on the interior wall.

Abstract: Inhibiting gas hydrate formation while transporting hydrocarbon fluids may include providing a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor, adding the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor to a fluid capable of producing gas hydrates, and transporting the fluid that comprises the kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor. Generally a kinetic gas hydrate inhibitor may include a heterocyclic compound comprising nitrogen, e.g., poly(vinyl pyrrolidone).

Abstract: A method and system for reducing the visibility of a plume created at the outlet of an industrial process, where the industrial process expels hot, humid air into the outside air through an output area of an outlet and, as a result of the expelled air A coming into contact with the outside air E, a visible plume might otherwise be created. The method includes the steps of having an auxiliary air that is dryer than the process air and hotter than the outside air available and combining this auxiliary air with the hot, humid process air such that the auxiliary air forms a protective, insulating or sheathing layer of air around the process air. This combination of the process air with the auxiliary are is carried out after (i.e., downstream from) an extraction process or processes of the industrial process and in the atmosphere generally adjacent to the output area of the process outlet.

Abstract: Hydraulic drive and method for driving a pressure booster of a high-pressure apparatus. The hydraulic drive includes a pressure medium pump having one of a constant displacement pump and a pump conveying a constant volume per revolution, a servo motor coupled to drive the pump, and a controller structured to at least one of electrically control, regulate and switch the servo motor, which is arranged on at least one of a low pressure side and a high pressure side of the pressure booster.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus and processes for increasing fluidity of a flowing fluid. The apparatus may have a number of treatment chambers adapted to receive and pass the flowing fluid. In each treatment chamber a field is applied to the fluid. The fields may be parallel to the fluid's direction of flow, and may alternate in sequence. The fluidity of the fluid is increased through exposure to the fields.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a flow of a fluid using a multi-mode control algorithm is described. The method includes disengaging and engaging a feedback control loop that controls a valve of the mass flow controller based upon a rate of pressure change of the fluid. The method also includes calculating a valve position of the valve based on pressure measurements when the feedback control loop has been disengaged and characterization data that characterizes the mass flow controller, and determining, when the feedback control loop is first re-engaged, a difference between a measured flow rate and a flow set point. An adjustment to the characterization data is applied based upon the difference to improve an accuracy of the calculation of the valve position when the feedback control loop is disengaged again.

Abstract: A thermal switch has a first substrate, a thermally conductive region on the first substrate, a thermally insulative region on the first substrate adjacent the thermally conductive region, a second substrate arranged adjacent the first substrate, a droplet of thermally conductive liquid between the first and second substrate adjacent the thermally conductive region and the thermally insulative region, and an actuator arranged on one of the first or second substrates to cause the droplet to move between the thermally conductive region and the thermally insulative region on the first substrate.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for improving flow of a viscous fluid in a fluid transport conduit. The device includes a porous conduit having a passage through which the viscous fluid may pass between upstream and downstream sections of the fluid transport conduit and a casing member having a wall which extends around the porous conduit. The device is configured such that, when it is in situ, a fluid transfer chamber having at least one fluid inlet is defined between the casing member wall and porous conduit. A lubricating fluid may pass under pressure through the inlet(s) into the fluid transfer chamber and through the porous conduit into the passage to lubricate the flow of the viscous fluid being transported.

Abstract: The subject invention refers to the field of cavitation treatment of liquid medium as well as the medium having the density of water or other liquid phase exceeds 65-70% of total mass. Method of ultrasonic cavitation treatment of liquid medium is what the mode of acoustic cavitation is being simultaneously generated on two or several different frequencies, at that the mechanical vibration system—channel with rectangular cross-section, is made in the form of tandem membranes having different frequencies of fundamental harmonic of vibrations, generating of acoustic vibrations with formation of standing wave is performed in phase over against the channel, that in turn generate quasi-plane standing waves, corresponding with vibrations frequencies of the membranes, in the channel clearance.

Abstract: A method for transporting a heavy crude oil, includes the steps of mixing a heavy crude oil with water, a low molecular weight amine and salt at a mixing intensity of less than 300 rpm to produce an oil in water emulsion; transporting the oil in water emulsion to a destination; and adding an additional quantity of salt and heat to the oil in water emulsion to break the emulsion and produce a heavy crude oil phase which is at least 90% dehydrated.

Abstract: The present application provides a wet gas compression system for a wet gas flow having a number of liquid droplets therein. The wet gas compression system may include a pipe, a compressor in communication with the pipe, and a thermoacoustic resonator in communication with the pipe so as to break up the liquid droplets in the wet gas flow.

Abstract: A hot melt system includes a melt system, a feed system, a dispensing system, and a pump. The melt system melts the pellets to produce a liquid, and the pump delivers the liquid to the dispensing system. The feed system is coordinated with the operation of the pump to control the amount of pellets delivered to the melt system.

Abstract: A system for melting adhesive comprises a melter, a feed system, a pump, and a controller. The melter has a melting volume, and receives and melts adhesive. The feed system supplies unmelted adhesive to the melter, while the pump pumps melted adhesive from the melter. The controller directs the pump to pump melted adhesive at a throughput rate such that the ratio of the melting volume to the throughput rate is a dwell time less than a discoloration time of the adhesive. In some embodiments, the controller also directs the feed system to replenish adhesive in the melter as a function of adhesive level in the melter.

Abstract: Method for reducing loss of flow due to hydrate solids deposits and wax deposition in a pipeline without the aid of chemicals and system for transporting a flow of wellstream hydrocarbons containing water, using a main pipeline and a cold-flow reactor connected to the main pipeline or within or forming a part of the pipeline, wherein at least a portion of the wellstream is fed to the cold-flow reactor. Also provided is a method for preventing hydrate nucleation and growth in a pipeline and preventing hydrate agglomeration as well as for preventing wax deposition. The provided method eliminates the use of energized equipment for melting, grinding or scraping hydrate solids from inside of pipelines or flowlines. Generating dry hydrates to be mixed with main flow of a wellstream is also described.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve for a pressure container and which includes a manual shut-off of the valve, a stop, and an electromagnetic shut-off of the valve with a sealing element, a magnet coil, a tappet, and a spring element. When the magnet coil has been currentlessly switched and deactivated, the tappet pressed against the sealing element by the spring element presses the sealing element onto a second opening so as to suppress a fluidic connection from the pressure container. Also, when the magnet coil is activated, the tappet can be moved away from the sealing element as far as the stop, such that the fluidic connection can be released.

Abstract: A method for altering flow conditions in a pipe includes the steps of preparing a mixture of a surfactant, a co-surfactant and a carrier fluid; transporting the mixture to a pipe having inner flow surfaces and hydrocarbons adhered to the inner flow surfaces; and holding the mixture in the pipe for a period of time sufficient to form a water film over the inner flow surfaces and over the hydrocarbons adhered to the inner flow surfaces.

Abstract: The Invention directed to a method of reducing the increase m viscosity and the drop in the heat transfer coefficient that commonly occurs with quenching media which is repeatedly circulated through a hot reaction vessel. The method comprises adding a preserving composition to the quenching media. The composition comprises: a) high temperature polymerization inhibitor, b) a tar dispersant, and c) a viscosity reducer. The method allows the quenching media to remain effective longer than would otherwise be the case and thereby prevents problems associated with having to devote excessive resources for controlling heat recovery, viscosity increases, product downgrades or having to operate equipment at temperatures beyond their optimum performance designs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a process and a system for solubilizing a surfactant in supercritical carbon dioxide that include providing a turbulent flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide into which the surfactant solubilizes and injecting the surfactant into the turbulent flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide to achieve a Jet Mixing Number of 0.01 to 1.0. In one or more embodiments, a pump provides turbulent flow to supercritical carbon dioxide moving through at least a portion of piping, and an injector associated with the piping conveys the surfactant through surfaces defining a port in the injector to inject the surfactant into the turbulent flow of the supercritical carbon dioxide so as to achieve the Jet Mixing Number of 0.01 to 1.0.

Abstract: A microfluidic thermal bend actuated pressure pulse valve having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid, an outlet for outputting the flow of liquid, a meniscus anchor between the inlet and the outlet such that the flow from the inlet towards the outlet stops at the meniscus anchor where the liquid forms a meniscus, a movable member for contacting the liquid, and, a thermal expansion actuator for displacing the movable member to generate a pulse in the liquid to dislodge the meniscus such that the liquid flow towards the outlet resumes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of generating net fluid flow in a microfluidic network includes, with a fluid actuator integrated asymmetrically within a microfluidic channel, generating compressive and tensile fluid displacements that are temporally asymmetric in duration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for contacting a fluid stream with particulate solids are provided. The apparatus comprises a vessel having an upper portion and a lower portion and an inlet for receiving particulate solids and an outlet for discharging the particulate solids. An inner cone is coaxially positioned within an inverted truncated outer cone forming an annulus in the lower portion of the vessel. A truncated conical baffle is disposed within the lower portion of the vessel and at least partially above the inverted truncated outer cone and the inner cone. The truncated conical baffle has a downwardly and inwardly sloping wall with a lower portion thereof overlapping interiorly an upper portion of the inverted truncated outer cone. A plurality of guide tents are spaced apart in the annulus, each guide tent having sloped guide surfaces oriented to guide the flow of particulate solids into the outlet.

Abstract: A water-transporting line includes an integrated heater system for protection against frost and the appropriate connection, attachment and control elements. A self-heating water conduit segment is provided that has an integrated heating device, which device encloses the outer surface of the water conduit segment. The various segments may be connected mechanically and electrically using corresponding connecting elements.

Abstract: A thermal variation source (e.g., a heater or a heat sink) is used to induce a temperature gradient across an interior surface of a storage tank. The storage tank stores a working fluid (e.g., a fuel, and oxidizer, or a monopropellant) that may have pockets of gaseous-phase working fluid interspersed within liquid-phase working fluid, or vice versa. In the absence of gravity or other significant forces on the working fluid, the temperature gradient is sufficient to cause phase-separation of the working fluid and allow either the liquid-phase or the gaseous-phase working fluid to be withdrawn from the storage tank, as desired.

Abstract: For reducing the restart pressure of streams selected from waxy crude oils, water-in-crude emulsions and dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates, at least partially structured, a mechanic disturbance is applied, in flow-stop conditions, on the streams. The temperatures are lower than the WAT (Wax Appearance Temperature) for the waxy crude oils and water-in-crude emulsions. The temperatures are also lower than the forming temperatures of the hydrates and pressures higher than the forming pressure of the hydrates, for the dispersions of hydrocarbon hydrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a droplet manipulation method capable of manipulating a droplet only by magnetic-field manipulation without physical manipulation such as electric-field manipulation, and a droplet manipulation device with which such a method can be implemented. A droplet manipulation device for transporting a droplet in a droplet encapsulating medium, comprising: a container 4 which holds the droplet encapsulating medium; a droplet 12,13,14 composed of a water-based liquid; a gel-state droplet encapsulating medium 31 which is insoluble or poorly soluble in the water-based liquid; magnetic particles 8 included in the droplet composed of the water-based liquid; and means for applying a magnetic field to generate a magnetic field 61 to transport the droplet together with the magnetic particles. A method for manipulating a droplet in a droplet encapsulating medium held in a container, using the devise.

Abstract: A chemical composition and methods for use in the recovery of viscous oil and other desired hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs and from excavated material comprising oil sands or oil shale, and to remediate contaminated soil and subterranean reservoirs. Adding the composition to viscous oil renders it pipelineable by significantly reducing its viscosity. The chemical composition comprises an alkane, an ether, and an aromatic hydrocarbon. The composition is an organic solvent mixture that interacts highly favorably with non-polar hydrocarbons but is mostly immiscible with water and acts as a diluent, lowering the viscosity and raising the specific gravity of viscous oil. Additional water and heat are not required. Methods of using the composition in subterranean reservoirs and with excavated material including oil sands or oil shale and contaminated soil and subterranean reservoirs needing remediation, are highly efficient, economical, and reduce or eliminate adverse environmental consequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water.