Abstract: A method for improving the productivity of a well by separating and disposing of at least a portion of the water which is produced from a subterranean producing formation. The water is allowed to separate from the produced fluids under the influence of gravity while in the wellbore. The separated water is then disposed without removing it from the wellbore by flowing it into a subterranean disposal formation which has a pressure less than that of said producing formation. Preferably, the well is completed with an inclined wellbore which significantly aids in the gravity separation of the water from the produced fluids (e.g. hydrocarbons).

Abstract: Methods for vacuum extraction of contaminants from subsurface media which involves vacuum withdrawal through a conduit, of vaporized contaminant, assisted by a tube for allowing air bubbles to flow through the liquid-phase hydrocarbon zone thereby causing enriched hydrocarbon vapors to be extracted through the vacuum applied to the conduit.

Abstract: A downhole gas-liquid separator for multiphase fluid producing wells includes a tubular member with a spiral baffle disposed therein and a duct including an inlet disposed adjacent the discharge end of the spiral baffle. Fluid flow into the separator undergoes substantial gas and liquid separation by centrifugal forces imposed on the liquid as it progresses through the spiral flowpath. Gas is drawn off at the discharge end of the spiral baffle and discharged into the wellbore annulus while liquid and a small amount of gas pass on through the separator and the production tubing to the surface. The spiral baffle may be disposed in the wellbore between the distal end of the production tubing string and the point of entry of gas and liquid into the wellbore. The separator may include a retrievable tubular body inserted in a ported nipple interposed in the tubing string.

Abstract: The filter of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by separating gas and solid particulate matter from liquid as the wellbore fluid passes through the filter. The apparatus comprises a solid tube encased in a perforated tube which extends beyond the end of the solid tube. A top cap is attached to one end of each tube and holds the tubes concentric to each other. A bottom cap is attached to the end of the perforated tube which extends beyond the solid tube. An annulus is defined by the inner surface of the perforated tube and the outer surface of the solid tube. The top cap has a bore extending therethrough which is in fluid communication with the solid tube. The filter is generally used in conjunction with a low volume pump located adjacent to and in fluid communication with the top cap. As the pump operates, wellbore fluid is drawn through the perforations of the perforated tube into the annulus between the perforated and solid tubes.

Abstract: An arrangement for removing impurities from ground water and surrounding ground region has a wall shaft driven to a contaminated region and provided with at least locally permeable well shaft, a separating wall subdividing the well shaft into two well shaft regions which are sealed from one another, a device for removing impurities arranged in the well shaft so that ground water passes through the device, a tube provided with a feed pump and extending through the separating wall, and an opening provided in one of the well shaft regions to communicate the one well shaft region with the tube, wherein the tube has a tube portion extending through the opening and accommodating an additional feed pump.

Abstract: A method of producing high water-cut gas via in situ water-disposal. Initially, a well is drilled and cased. The casing is perforated at an upper gas producing interval. Next, a tubing is run down through the casing and its lower end is perforated so as to fluidly communicate with a lower non-productive interval. The tubing is also perforated at a location below the producing interval and a production packer is placed between the casing's lower end and the tubing thereby forming an annulus. A slidable sleeve is positioned in the annulus to selectively open and close perforations on the tube side of the annulus. As gas is produced, water separated from the gas collects in the annulus and falls through perforations in the tubing where it is disposed of in the non-productive interval.

Abstract: A device for pumping a fluid of high viscosity containing a gas and a liquid phase which includes a pump connected to a lower end of a tubular string at the bottom of a well and a device for separating free gas from the liquid phase and for injecting a thinner into the fluid to reduce the viscosity. Injection of the thinner is effected at fluid inlet ports of an inlet device for separating the free gas via a pipe leading to the surface of a geological formation in which the well is positioned. Also, a pumping method using the device involves injecting the thinner into the fluid of high viscosity near an inlet of the pump.

Abstract: A skimmer assembly for use in a well has a shielded float/filter assembly with a hydrophobic/oleophilic filter element, which permits selective passage of lighter than water liquids, such as oil or other hydrocarbons, to the inlet of a pumping assembly. The pumping assembly is provided with two pumps: a lower pump for pumping the lighter than water liquid to the surface of the earth, and an upper pump for pumping water in the well to the surface of the earth. Each pump is operated by a common logic valve, to which compressed air is supplied and which regulates the application of compressed air to the upper side of a diaphragm in each pump. The lower side of the diaphragm is forced upwardly by means of a spring arranged within the pumping volume of the pump housing and a backing plate positioned just below the diaphragm. A bias spring between the backing plate and a centrally located inlet valve function to close the valve from the inlet to the pump.

Abstract: A device for monitoring and collecting toxic wastes in underground reservoirs, with no moving parts, is disclosed herein. A pollutant/water separator is supported interior to an outer chamber for protection which is ventilated for communication therethrough. The lower portion of such chamber forms a collection chamber for collected toxins to which still more chambers may be added in modular fashion for greater storage capacity and increased intervals between servicing. The ventilation array is preferably arranged so as to not to permit communication until the assembled device is weighted, and to retain a buoyancy chamber above such array so as to further support such device and to exclude water from the top of the separator without any mechanical seals. By elimination of hydrocarbon-based adhesives, proper selection of materials, and the use of triply-sealing mechanical connections, all chances for the monitoring device to contaminate pure wells and to cause false positive indications are eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating solid particles from well fluids in the bore hole including a separator or separation device (34) adjacent the lower end of a tubing string (14) positioned within a perforated casing (10). The separator device (34) includes concentric tubular members (44, 46) defining an annulus (60) therebetween. A spiral guide (62) is positioned in the annulus (60) about the inner tubular member (46) below perforations (54) in the outer tubular member (44) and extends about the inner tubular member (46) for around a complete turn or 360 degrees. A helical motion is imparted to the well fluids received through the perforations (54) and solid particles settle downwardly within the vortex or swirl chamber (79) below the inner tubular member (46). The liquid separated from the solid particles is pumped by a downhole pump (18) upwardly through the inner tubular member (46).

Abstract: A well pumping system for pumping a fluid having a liquid and a gas is disclosed which system includes a well casing and a production tube set within the well casing so as to define an annular space between the production tube and the well casing, the production tube including a shoe comprising a hollow tubular article having a substantially cylindrical wall defining a first flow passage, a second flow passage being formed within the wall of the shoe, the first flow passage having a first inlet for the liquid and a first outlet to the annular space, the second flow passage having a second inlet for the gas and a second outlet to the production tube, whereby the liquid is produced through the annular space and the gas is produced through the production tube. The pumping system preferably includes a pump for pumping the liquid to the first inlet, and a rod string for actuating the pump, the rod string being disposed within the production tube, whereby the rod string is substantially isolated from the liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel apparatus and method for removing liquid contaminant from a well to decontaminate a contaminated aquifer. The apparatus includes a pump capable of moving water and contaminant from below ground surface to a location above ground surface, a motor connected to drive the pump and means connected to power the motor. A water and contaminant inlet are located between the pump and the motor to accept inward flow of water and contaminant to the pump. An outlet pipe connects to the pump and extends above ground surface. A sleeve surrounds the inlet and connects between the inlet and the motor and has an opening to receive water and contaminant. The sleeve is sized to slide in and out of the well and is larger than the outlet pipe. The sleeve creates an annular space around the outlet pipe to permit passage of water and contaminant from the open end to the inlet.

Abstract: A down-hole separator for a production well drilled in a producing formation has a first tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being adapted for connection to an end of a production tubing of the production well, an outer annular space being defined between the first tube and a casing string of the production well; a second tube, having a smaller diameter then the first tube, and being disposed within the first tube, an inner annular space being defined between the second tube and the first tube, the second tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end being turned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the second tube and communicating with the outer annular space, the inlet end passing sealingly through the second end of the first tube to communicate with the producing formation, the first tube having perforations at a point below the outlet end of the second tube to allow communication between the outer annular space and the inner annular space.

Abstract: An automatic pumping system for removal of floating contaminants and oil and gasoline seepage from water wells. A vertically reciprocating cone-shaped member, like an inverted funnel, is moved between positions above and below the water surface. As it submerges, the inverted funnel collects the floating product within its circumference and transfers it to a collection space surrounding the cone. In the upper position, this collection space is sealed so that air may be blown into it while the collected product is driven out through a pickup tube to a collection sump for ultimate disposal. A second embodiment incorporates a hydraulic pumping system which operates in synchronism with the contamination collection and disposal system to create a cone of depression which draws the floating product into the space covered by the circumference of the reciprocating cone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for pumping a two-phase gas/liquid mixture in an extraction well (11) whose initial gas percentage is greater than approximately 40% by volume, characterized in that it consists:in reducing the percentage of free gas to below 40% by the use of at least a first centrifugal separating module (3, 4);in cooling the drive motor by means of an annular flow of the mixture emerging from the first separating module (3, 4) around the motor (9), the proportion of gas in the said mixture having been brought down to below 40% in order to increase its heat capacity and its speed of passage around the motor;in reducing to below approximately 10% the percentage of gas by volume by the use of at least a second centrifugal separating module (14);in pumping the fluid thus obtained by means of a centrifugal pump (16) driven by the motor (9).

Abstract: A sampling device for sealed positioning within the casing of a well contains a stripping chamber for stripping a ground water sample of its volatile compounds at or near the point of collection. In one embodiment, the stripping chamber includes a piston which is raised above the top surface of the sample to create a head space, and an injector for injecting inert gas into the sample, causing the volatile compounds to be released into the head space, whereupon they exit the chamber via a vapor outlet duct leading out of the well. In a second embodiment, the stripping chamber includes a tube having a sidewall formed of a semi-permeable membrane, and an injector which injects an inert gas into the bore of the tube. The device may also include a sensor mounted within the stripping chamber, and a valve for directing a calibration gas into the chamber.

Abstract: A method of recycling or destroying the components of viscous oil well drilling mud and saltwater which includes reducing the mud to an aqueous slurry; separating and collecting the useable hydrocarbons from the slurry by evaporation or chemical action; injecting deleterious substances including saltwater into an environmentally approved injection well; and or forming fertilizer pellets from remaining dehydrated solids.

Abstract: An arrangement drives volatile impurities from ground water and ground through which it flows by producing a negative pressure in a well shaft extending to a region of a contaminated ground water by supplying a gas in an air chamber arranged above a water level in the well shaft. The arrangement includes partitions separating a well shaft region with a water permeable shaft wall for water suction from the ground and a well shaft region for resupply of the water into the ground. The partitions are formed as a pipe. A suction pump is arranged in the water suction region of the shaft and has an outlet, and a closed water receiving chamber is arranged underneath a nozzle body. The outlet of the suction pipe is connected with the water receiving chamber.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for removing hydrocarbons or other lighter than water pollutants from a water table by drilling a well to a depth below the surface of an underground water table; positioning a vessel having a negative buoyancy in fluid in the well; positioning an inlet into the vessel at a location below the surface of hydrocarbons floating on the surface of the water table and above the interface between the upper surface of the water and the lower surface of the hydrocarbon material; establishing a low liquid level in the vessel; establishing a high liquid level in the vessel; positioning the inlet to a pump in the vessel below the low liquid level; energizing the pump to remove liquid from the vessel when fluid reaches the high liquid level and deenergizing the pump when the surface of the liquid reaches the low liquid level but above the pump inlet.

Abstract: A recirculating gas separator for a submersible well pump includes a rotary gas separator for separating liquid to be directed to the pump from a gas. The separator includes a separating chamber, a well fluid inlet upstream of the separating chamber, and a liquid discharge outlet downstream of the separating chamber. A recirculating system recirculates a portion of the liquid discharged from the discharge outlet back to the separating chamber so that a gas-to-liquid ratio in the separator is substantially lower than a gas-to-liquid ratio of well fluid entering the well fluid inlet. Thus, the submersible well pump with the recirculating gas separator can successfully pump wells having substantially higher gas-to-liquid ratios than can be accomplished with prior devices.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating two-phase flow segregation during wet steam injection in a vertical injection well wherein a compartmentalized tray of variable depth is utilized. This tray traps a liquid phase of the steam near each perforation. A hole within the tray allows steam to pass through to a lower level in the well. In this manner, the liquid phase is held up near the perforations. Steam and water thus pass into the formation uniformly at each perforation. The degree of segregation may be controlled by the tray's depth. A deeper tray allows more water to be trapped near the upper perforations. A shallow tray favors segregation within the wellbore. More than one tray can be used.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery process is described wherein oil is recovered from a depleted water-wet formation by the application of a gas to the formation. The flow of gas through the formation causes oil droplets to spontaneously form an oil film on connate water, which is extruded and discharged from the pores. The films pass through the formation under the influence of gravity, gradually accumulating more oil to form an oil mass which enters the producing well bore. A sem-permeable membrane may be used to prevent the inert gas from entering the well bore from the formation.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is removed from a water-in-oil emulsion by treatment of the emulsion with sulfur dioxide to convert the hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur. The elemental sulfur formed is distributed between the oil phase and the aqueous phase of the emulsion.

Abstract: A simple device for collecting an oil sample from a well in a clean manner includes a generally cylindrical casing, an inlet tube connected at one end to a wellhead and at the other end to the casing near the top end for introducing an oil sample into the casing tangentially, so that heavy oil is forced outwardly against the interior of the casing and flows downwardly to the bottom thereof, a valved bottom inlet in the casing for discharging oil therefrom to a sample bottle, and a top outlet with a steel wood filter therein for discharging gas separating from the oil through the top wall of the casing.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide is scavenged from a feedstock comprising crude oil and hydrogen sulphide by adding a compound of general formula ##STR1## to the feedstock. R is an alkyl group containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or an alkyl aryl group wherein the alkyl moiety contains 1 to 18 carbon atoms and L is a leaving group.Preferred scavengers include acetic anhydride and triacetamide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing organic liquids from water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wick of hydrophobic material which absorbs organic liquids and drains the absorbed liquid into a containment vessel. The collected organic liquid can be easily removed from the containment vessel.

Abstract: There is claimed a method for isolating intake beds in drill holes (wells), wherein a cement slurry is pumped into a drill pipe string from a well mouth and flash setting and thickening of the cement slurry is ensured once it has left the drill pipe string and a separated phase of lower density is directed to the well mouth via an annular space of the well above a lost circulation zone. A device for carrying same into effect is also claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or absence of selected contaminants. A low pressure sink is provided to ensure proper flow of volatiles rapidly to the surface and to prevent contamination of adjacent soil blocks or cylinders during treatment.

Abstract: Oil contaminated ground water is purified by immersing one pump into the oil layer in the underground formation and another pump into the water layer in the underground formation and pumping the oil and water into, respectively, an oil storage tank and an oil/water separator. The water being pumped into the oil/water separator contains small amounts of emulsified oil which is separated from the water in the separator and forwarded to the oil storage tank. The water from the separator is passed through a series of filters to remove any trace amounts of oil present in the water so that the oil level in the purified water does not exceed 0.9 parts per billion.

Abstract: An in-well separator and recovery device for liquids which are heavier than water. A closed top container in the well circulates liquid through it, drawing liquid into its lower region and deflecting the liquid downward so that the heavier liquid settles to the bottom of the container from where it is pumped to the surface. Water is pumped from the top of the container directly back into the well. The pumps are controlled by sensing the water to pollution interface in the container and shutting down each pump before it pumps the inappropriate liquid.

Abstract: Method and installation for the production of hydrocarbons from a mixture of said hydrocarbons with an aqueous phase by use of a reinjection unit (7), and a separation unit (8) and with regulating the reinjection rate as a function of the content of hydrocarbons (16,15) in the aqueous phase.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide is scavenged from a feedstock comprising crude oil and hydrogen sulphide by adding a compound of general formula: ##STR1## to the feedstock. X and Y are carbon or nitrogen atoms and the interatomic bond is triple or double as appropriate. Any two or more of R.sup.1 -R.sup.4 are organic groups containing electronegative functional groups. The remaining two or less of R.sup.1 -R.sup.4 are hydrocarbyl groups, hydrogen atoms or zero.Preferred scavengers include di-isopropylazo dicarboxylate and dimethylacetylene dicarboxylate.

Abstract: An offshore marine structure and method, which structure includes a leg supported deck which holds hydrocarbon fluid processing equipment above the water's surface, and includes vertically aligned conductor guides. A self supporting fluid separator is positioned in said marine structure to receive a multi-phase stream of a hydrocarbon fluid from one or more wells. An upper segment of the fluid separator is slidably registered in vertically aligned conductor guides. A lower segment of the separator is embedded in the sea floor and operably engaged with said upper segment. A conductor riser is adjacently positioned by conductor guides in the marine structure to receive hydrocarbon liquid from the fluid separator. Discrete liquid, and combined vaporous flows are then conducted to the processing equipment for further handling.

Abstract: In a device for separating and extracting components having different densities from an effluent as applicable in particular to the separation of oil and water in crude oil, a single pump has the function of sucking the effluent into a separator and maintaining a pressure of higher value than the highest pressure which is necessary for extraction of one of the components. At least one regulator is provided for regulating the delivery of the lower-density component and at least one regulator is provided for regulating the delivery of the other component.

Abstract: Production of pertroleum deposits in which water is mixed with the hydrocarbons. The quality of separation is controlled by incorporating within a packer (200) a regulated valve (100) which receives the flow of reinjection water after its separation in a unit (7), the water passing into a fluorescence analyzer (4). The results of the measurement are transmitted to a microprocessor unit (12) which produces a signal which actuates a hydraulic pump (9), which in its turn, actuates the valve (100). Separation of water from the hydrocarbons at the bottom of the well and control of the quality of the separation are effected before the reinjection of the water in a subterranean deposit zone (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the gravitational separation of hydrocarbons and water discharged from a production formation of a subterranean well. The well casing is extended downwardly beyond the production zone to a water absorbing zone of the subterranean well. A mixture of hydrocarbons and water flows into the interior of the casing through perforations disposed adjacent the production zone. A fluid collection chamber is provided either exteriorly or interiorly of the casing perforations permitting the hydrocarbons to rise to the top of any water. The water flows downwardly, or is forcibly pumped downwardly to the water absorbing formation and is absorbed in such formation. If the fluid pressure of the formation is not sufficient to force the hydrocarbons to the surface of the well, any conventional pump may be mounted in the well casing to effect the pumping of the separated hydrocarbons to the well surface.

Abstract: Test recovery of crude oil by injection of a heat carrier into the oil stum is effected by generating thermal energy in the crude oil deposit or at a location at which a well enters this deposit by carrying out a catalytic methanization reaction and transferring the resulting heat to the heat carrier which can be steam or an inert gas. The heat carrier then is introduced into the crude oil stratum and increases the mobility of the crude oil.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the removal of liquid hydrocarbons from ground water in perforated well casings consists of a plurality of pump chambers and a control system which is powered by compressed air. The pump chambers are positioned above a liquid hydrocarbon recovery device which is positioned in the well casing at the oil/water interface. The pump chambers are evacuated, causing the ground water and the liquid hydrocarbons to be drawn into separate chambers through respective check valves. The pump chambers are then pressurized with air to push out the water and liquid hydrocarbons through check valves in the chamber discharge conduits, thereby removing the fluids from the well casing.

Abstract: A two pump skimmer system for recovery of lighter-than-water hydrocarbons from water wells. A water pump is used to depress the water table and a contaminant pump is used to remove the hydrocarbons. The pumps are located in individual chambers which are interconnected, with the water chamber below the hydrocarbon chamber and with limited one-way flow into the water chamber. Both pumps are independently controlled by sensors in the upper chamber to assure that each pumps only the proper liquid.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus for analyzing the annulus effluent of a producing well. The apparatus is designed to measure the flow rate of the annulus effluent, sample the annulus effluent and determine the quantities of each of the various phases of the annulus effluent. The apparatus is preferably mounted on a mobile vehicle and comprises a means for measuring the flow rate of the annulus effluent, a liquid vapor separator to split the annulus effluent into streams of entrained liquid and vapor, a separator to split the entrained liquid into the phases of oil and water, a sampling loop for extracting a sample of annulus effluent vapor which contains a condensor and a separator for splitting the fluid into its various phases, a means for measuring the amounts of all of the phases of the annulus effluent, and a means to record the data gathered. The apparatus is very useful in determining whether a producing well should be shut-in, worked over or left to produce "as is".

Abstract: A jet pump system that is portable on a truck or equipment skid and transportable from well to well and useable from the truck or equipment skid for the lowering and withdrawal of the jet pump down and up from a well with coiled pipe and coiled return line. In one version the coiled pressure fluid pipe and coiled return line are strapped together at intervals as the pump is being lowered and the pipe and line fed down the well with the pipe being the primary support for the lowered pump, the return line and the pipe itself. In another version a motor cable reel unit lowers and raises cable that is strapped at intervals to both the pipe and the return line as a support for the lowered pump, the return line and the pipe.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in recovering a first fluid from a mixture of fluids in a confined space, comprising a collector for the mixture, separator means for receiving the mixture from the collector and for separating the first fluid from the mixture, means for expanding the volume of the residual fluid of the mixture, and means for feeding the expanded fluid into the confined space thereby to provide sufficient pressure within the confined space to force uncollected mixture into the collector and then to the separator means.

Abstract: A method for recovering a desired fluid hydrocarbon from an underground porous formation having a bottom impermeable to the fluid hydrocarbon and containing the hydrocarbon and at least one other fluid having a specific gravity different from the hydrocarbon, comprising the steps of forming an excavation having a portion thereof below the porous formation; forming a plurality of openings extending from the portion of said excavation into said porous formation; inserting collection means into the porous formation through the openings to separately collect the hydrocarbon and the at least one other fluid; collecting a quantity of the at least one other fluid; circulating the collected at least one other fluid from the porous formation to a point below the porous formation and at least one time back through the porous formation to wash the hydrocarbon therefrom and to form, in the porous formation, a pool of the hydrocarbon and a substantially separate layer of the at least one other fluid; regulating the height

Abstract: A novel gas lift apparatus is described which is particularly useful for the dewatering of gas wells in which the gas pressure is low or for the lifting of oil from wells when mixed oil and gas are produced. Water or oil is allowed to collect in the tubing above the valve of the apparatus. Sensors provide indications of the water level or the hydrostatic head within the tubing, and of the gas pressure in the casing. The outputs of the sensors are fed to an electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic controller which at a predetermined differential pressure opens the valve. Alternatively, a timer can be used to energize the valve at a predetermined time.

Abstract: For low pressure gaseous wells, an oil/gas separator is mounted at the end of a production string to provide a continuous upwardly spiralling separating velocity to the oil/gas entering the tool in order to separate outwardly at least sufficient gas to reduce gas lock in the sucker rod pump mounted in the production string. The oil/gas separator of this invention includes a separation chamber having a continuously upwardly spiralling ramp and an internal collection tube to collect the separated gas and move the gas upwardly and out of the tool and into the annulus of the oil well. The method of this invention is practiced by directing an oil/gas mixture from a producing zone in a helical direction to impart centrifugal separating velocity at varying levels to the mixture to cause gas to separate from the mixture.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a method for analyzing the annulus effluent of a producing well in a steam flood and using the information derived therefrom to determine whether to workover the production well for greater production, whether to allow the well to continue producing "as is", or whether to shut-in the annulus or the tubing production and approximately when the well should be worked over or shut-in.

Abstract: Apparatus for skimming an overlying non-conductive lighter liquid from an underlying conductive heavier liquid in a two-liquid body which are particularly applicable for recovering oil and/or gasoline from a well. A skimmer designed to float in the two-liquid body contained in the well includes a closed cylindrical float, a hollow cylindrical skirt installed over a portion of one end of the float and permanently attached to the float. The end of the skirt surrounding the float is open to the lighter liquid. Spaced-apart liquid level controls are positioned on the skirt for sensing the liquid/liquid interface level. The other end of the skirt is connected to a pump for removing lighter liquids collected in the skirt. Means operated by the controls turn the pump off and on in response to higher and lower levels, respectively, of the two-liquid interface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of ridding objectionable hydrogen sulfide gases from well water before pumping the water from the well is provided, wherein the water at the water table level in the well is aerated, causing turbulence in the well water, and facilitating the escape of hydrogen sulfide gases to the atmosphere.The apparatus (10) for ridding hydrogen sulfide gases from well water comprises means (16) for pumping well water (19) under pressure to a water delivery system of an edifice (30, 33), additional means (38) associated with the pumping means (16) for delivering a relatively small portion of the well water under pressure to the well water (19) in the well (12) to cause turbulence in the water to facilitate the escape of hydrogen sulfide gases from the well water, and further means (13) to vent the freed hydrogen sulfide gases to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing gaseous hydrocarbons from formations comprising solid hydrocarbon hydrates located under either a body of land or a body of water. The vast natural resources of such hydrocarbon hydrates can thus now be economically mined. Relatively warm brine or water is brought down from an elevation above that of the hydrates through a portion of the apparatus and passes in contact with the hydrates, thus melting them. The liquid then continues up another portion of the apparatus, carrying entrained hydrocarbon vapors in the form of bubbles, which can easily be separated from the liquid. After a short startup procedure, the process and apparatus are substantially self-powered.

Abstract: In situ (subsurface) methods and devices are described for releasing gaseous hydrocarbons and steam from solution in water or brine, from captured bubbles in formation pores, and from hydrate deposits. With geopressured brines the volume of the brine is reduced so that its volume is less than the sandstone pore volume which holds the brine; at this point the reservoir creates a gas cap of methane and steam which can be produced. Gas caps are formed in natural domes, artificial domes are developed, down-hole engines and pumps are powered both by in situ forces and by surface-generated forces; all are described.