Abstract: A method of making surfactants from lignin is disclosed by reducing lignin in the presence of a metal oxide or iron based catalyst in an organic hydrogen donor solvent to produce lignin phenol and subjecting the lignin phenol to one or a combination of several reactions such as alkoxylation, alkylation, sulfonation, sulfation, alkoxysulfation, and sulfomethylation. The lignin surfactants so produced can be employed in a surfactant system to recover oil from underground formations.

Abstract: A subsea multiphase fluid separation system and method are disclosed which provide for efficient and reliable remote separation operation at deep and ultra deep water depths including depths of ten thousand feet or more. The system is preferably of modular construction wherein the modules are secured in a single frame to be lowered as a unit to the seabed. The system utilizes reliable cyclonic operation. The sequence of process steps is designed to make the system more efficient as compared to surface separating systems and thereby permit a more compact size as is desirable for subsea operation. The method of operation includes up to five basic process steps with the initial step in one embodiment including cyclonically separating solids. In a presently preferred embodiment, the cyclonic solids separator is sized to eliminate solids greater than fifty microns. A second stage is directed to cyclonically removing bulk gas from the liquid in either a cyclone or auger separator.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a mixed gas-oil stream through a wellbore wherein at least a portion of the gas is separated from the stream downhole and is compressed (e.g. using a SPARC) before both the compressed gas and the remainder of the stream is brought to the surface through separate flowpaths. The system includes a string of tubing which provides the flowpath for the remainder of the stream while the annulus, formed between the tubing string and the wellbore provides the flowpath for the compressed gas.

Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from the phreatic zone, also known as the saturation zone, or groundwater. The technique preferably involves gas sparging while slowing down the sparging process by placing packing balls into the eductor tube. A preferred embodiment of the system is comprised of a means for supplying gas to the lower extent of a well which induces a flow of groundwater and gas bubbles up the well. The system may also contain a conduit within the well which extends below the water table The conduit has a lower fluid-permeable section which is located below the water table and an upper fluid-permeable section which is adjacent to the water table the system may further comprise an eductor tube contained in the conduit which extends from the top extent of the conduit to the saturation zone. Packing balls may be located between the eductor tube and the means for supplying gas to the lower extends of the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy which employs the use of a bore of a well wherein the well has pressurized gas and the apparatus includes a gas trapping member rotatably disposed adjacent the well bore and having a drive shaft fixedly connected thereto, the gas trapping member has a plurality of gas trapping pockets radially peripherally disposed thereon and is disposed in a manner such that as the gas passes from a high pressure zone of the well bore toward a lower pressure zone of the well bore gas is trapped in at least one of the trapping pockets aiding rotation of the gas trapping member. An electric generator is operably connected to the drive shaft such that as the drive shaft rotates, the electric generator generates power. Further, the invention includes a wind turbine operably disposed adjacent the well which is operably connected to an air compressor which is operably connected to an air line which extends into the well having a terminal end in the high pressure zone for emitting air therein.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for remediation of soil, vapor and groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons. The system is ideally suited for easy integration into a mobile remediation unit that uses a liquid ring vacuum pump to extract a contaminated mixture from a sub-surface formation and direct it into a separator, which also serves to shield the high-flow vacuum pump from non-gaseous phases of the contaminated matter that would otherwise reduce its efficiency. Cooling systems are employed to render the unit more independent and self-contained, and an automatic vent and low-shear pump-down cycle is used to transfer liquid phases to fractionation subsystems with minimal emulsification.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a production stream containing a substantial amount of sand for continuously separating and disposing of the sand by re-injecting the sand into a subterranean formation. The production stream is flowed through a separator (e.g. hydrocyclone) which separates the sand from the stream. The sand is continuously discharged from the separator into an accumulator which, in turn, feeds the sand into an eductor in which, to form a slurry. The slurry is then re-injected into a subterranean formation, thereby continuously disposing of the sand.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a wellbore plugged with deposits of heavy hydrocarbons and finely-divided inorganic solids by circulating a surfactant composition containing an alkyl polyglycoside, an ethoxylated alcohol, a caustic and an alkyl alcohol through the wellbore with a coiled tubing.

Abstract: A skid mounted first and second stage centrifuges, each being provided with an input pump. Drilling mud is delivered to the first pump, the first stage and then into a tank for storing temporarily the liquids separated from the mud. The heavier weight components are segregated, stored and later added back to the liquid discharge of the second stage to provide an output stream of drilling mud having a specified weight for use in drilling. The lighter weight components are removed at the second stage and are discarded to clean the mud. A control system provides for operation and control without overloading.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of producing a stream of hydrocarbons and water from a wellbore and separating the stream into a hydrocarbon-rich stream and a water-rich stream that can be reinjected into the wellbore from which it was produced. The method involves producing a production stream from production tubing in the wellbore to a separator located at least partially above the wellbore, separating the production stream into a water-rich stream and an oil-rich stream, reinjecting the water-rich stream into the wellbore from which it was produced; and maintaining separation of the water-rich stream from the production stream.

Abstract: A method for producing a heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation through a wellbore, transporting the heavy crude oil to a market location and converting the heavy crude oil into a product distillate hydrocarbon stream and by-products such as heat, steam, electricity and synthesis gas by separating distillable components of the heavy crude oil by distillation and solvent deasphalting and converting the asphaltic residual portion of the heavy crude oil in a fluidized bed to at least one of heat, steam, electricity or synthesis gas. The method also produces diluent hydrocarbons useful as a separate product, a distillable hydrocarbon stream or a diluent for use in the production and transportation of the heavy crude oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sustaining optimum fluid entrainment conditions in a contaminant extraction well is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention includes a central controller which communicates with a pressure detector and an aspiration control source that are connected to a contaminant extraction well. The central controller causes aspiration air to flow into or out of the extraction well based upon the vacuum level that has been measured by the pressure detector. This system enables the vacuum to be maintained at a predetermined level, and allows the well to operate as changes occur in the groundwater content of the area in which the well is operating.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recovering hydrocarbon from a hydrocarbon producing well is provided. The apparatus comprises a two stage compression-assisted annular flow in which a first compression means is connected to a production tubing to flow gas and liquids, and optionally a second compression means is connected to a tubing/casing annulus to flow gas at a relatively unrestricted flow rate. The production tubing comprises a mixing means in the producing formation. Optionally, the tubing/casing annulus comprises a sealing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing an amount of a waste component present in a hydrocarbon fluid produced from an earth formation via a wellbore formed in the earth formation, the hydrocarbon fluid flowing in a stream of fluid through the wellbore. The method includes the steps of: a) inducing at least part of the amount of the waste component to move into a second fluid present in the stream of fluid as the stream flows through the wellbore; and b) separating the second fluid with the at least part of the amount of the waste component included therein, from the hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: A method of loading and treatment of a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon mixture produced on an offshore production platform, a production vessel or a well installation when producing oil and gas from a reservoir, wherein the mixture is supplied to a gas treatment vessel (12) via a buoy loading system comprising a buoy (14) of the STL/STP type, and is treated on board the vessel (12) for producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) or an LPG mixture stored in tanks on the vessel. Simultaneously with the supply of the hydrocarbon mixture, oil is also supplied to the vessel (12) via the same buoy (14), the buoy including a multi-course STP connector, the oil being transferred directly from the STP connector via a pipeline (23) and an unloading means (25) on the vessel (12) to a tanker (13) for storage and transport of the supplied oil.

Abstract: An integrated process is disclosed for treating, at the surface, production fluids recovered from the application of in situ hydrovisbreaking to heavy crude oils and natural bitumens deposited in subsurface formations. The production fluids include virgin heavy hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons converted via the hydrovisbreaking process to lighter liquid hydrocarbons, residual reducing gases, hydrocarbon gases, and other components. In the process of this invention, the hydrocarbons in the production fluids are separated into a synthetic-crude-oil product (a nominal butane to 975.degree. F. fraction with reduced sulfur, nitrogen, metals, and carbon residue) and a residuum stream (a nominal 975.degree. F.+ fraction). Partial oxidation of the residuum is carried out to produce clean reducing gas and fuel gas for steam generation, with the reducing gas and steam used in the in situ hydrovisbreaking process.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the in situ conversion and recovery of heavy crude oils and natural bitumens from subsurface formations using either a continuous operation with one or more injection and production boreholes, which may include horizontal boreholes, or a cyclic operation whereby both injection and production occur in the same boreholes. A mixture of reducing gases, oxidizing gases, and steam are fed to downhole combustion devices located in the injection boreholes. Combustion of the reducing gas-oxidizing gas mixture is carried out to produce superheated steam and hot reducing gases for injection into the formation to convert and upgrade the heavy crude or bitumen into lighter hydrocarbons. Communication between the injection and production boreholes in the continuous operation and fluid mobility within the formation in the cyclic operation is induced by fracturing or related methods.

Abstract: A method and a system for offshore production of liquefied natural gas, wherein natural gas is supplied from an underground source to a field installation for gas treatment. The gas is transferred in compressed form from the field installation to an LNG tanker. The transfer takes place via a pipeline surrounded by sea water. The compressed gas is supplied to a conversion plant which is provided on the LNG tanker and is arranged to convert at least a part of the gas to liquefied form, and the liquified gas is transferred to storage tanks on board the tanker. When the storage tanks on the LNG tanker are filled up, the pipeline is disconnected from the LNG tanker and connected to another, similar tanker. The pipeline is permanently connected to a submerged buoy which is arranged for introduction and releasable securement in a submerged downwardly open receiving space in the tanker, and which is provided with a swivel unit for transfer of gas under a high pressure.

Abstract: A Vertical Combined Production Facility, or gas-well production system, in which the separation of each phase (hydrocarbon gas, hydrocarbon liquids, and produced water), dehydration of natural gas, removal of minute traces of water from the hydrocarbon liquids, and polishing of produced water, are performed in a single pressure vessel. Additionally, the pressure vessel is installed in a vertical configuration such that the pressure vessel shell also serves as the structural support for a small deck and helideck. Additionally, the inlet heating of the well flow-stream is accomplished by a heat exchanger installed in the dehydration/regeneration heater (reboiler).

Abstract: A method an apparatus for transforming volatile compounds from the liquid to vapor phase is disclosed. Specifically, a method and apparatus for transforming liquid phase soil contaminants to vapor phase contaminants through application of a vacuum is disclosed. A method and apparatus for connecting two or more phase transforming apparatus'is also disclosed.

Abstract: A positive pressure oil well production package, comprising a separator vessel connectable to an oil well head and a pressure tight storage vessel connected to receive fluid from the separator via a conduit. First and second vapour outlets connected to a gas disposal system are provided for the separator vessel and pressure tight storage vessel respectively. A weir in the pressure tight storage vessel separates the pressure tight storage vessel into first and second compartments. The weir has a lip over which oil may spill from the first compartment into the second compartment. An oil removal port is provided in the second compartment of the pressure tight storage vessel. The conduit has a discharge end and the conduit extends into the first compartment with the discharge end terminating at or above the lip of the weir.

Abstract: Heavy crude oil is recovered and processed at a refinery through (a) a distillation zone(s), (b) a solvent deasphalting unit (c ) a high pressure air partial oxidation gasifier to produce a CO-rich gas mixture including hydrogen, (d) a shift reactor and (e) a purification step to produce 99.9% pure hydrogen. The hydrogen is used to treat a deasphalted oil fraction and distillate hydrocarbon fractions obtained from the crude oil. The process is considered integrated in the sense that the purified hydrogen recovered from the heavy crude oil is used to treat hydrocarbons recovered from the same crude oil.

Abstract: A system for recovering liquid hydrocarbons from hydrates on an ocean floor includes a vessel, a positioning subsystem coupled to the vessel for holding the vessel in a desired location over a hydrate formation, a hydrate recovery subsystem coupled to the vessel for delivering hydrates from an ocean floor to the vessel and separating gas from hydrates removed from an ocean floor, a gas conversion subsystem coupled to the hydrate recovery subsystem for converting gas to liquids, and a storage and removal subsystem. Excess energy from the gas conversion subsystem is used elsewhere in the system. A method of recovering hydrates from an ocean floor is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing fluid and gas flow in a recovery includes an upstream flow line communicably connected at one end to the well in a manner to receive fluid and gas therefrom, a fluid and gas separator communicably connected to another end of the upstream flow line in a manner to receive fluid and gas flow therefrom, a downstream sales flow line communicably connected to the fluid and gas separator in a manner to receive gas flow therefrom and having a restricted region therein, a pressure differential control operably disposed in the downstream sales line for comparatively sensing pressure differential in the downstream sales line about the restricted region, and a control valve operably disposed in the upstream flow line and operably controllably connected to the pressure differential control in a manner to permit regulated flow through the upstream flow line at a predetermined amount in response to the sensed pressure differential. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a heavy crude oil from a subterranean formation through a wellbore and converting the heavy crude oil into a product distillate hydrocarbon stream and at least one of heat, steam, electricity and synthesis gas by separating distillable components of the heavy crude oil by distillation and converting the residual portion of the heavy crude oil in a fluidized bed to at least one of heat, steam, electricity or synthesis gas. The method also produces diluent hydrocarbons useful in the production and transportation of the heavy crude oil.

Abstract: This invention is comprised of a method and apparatus for increasing fluid flow from weak geothermal wells that marginally or cannot, on its own, flow into a production gathering system by passive use of squandered energy inherent in a strong well geothermal well. The apparatus is comprised of a venturi-like nozzle called an eductor and associated piping connected to both the weak and the strong wells and the production gathering system. The method utilizes the eductor apparatus to harness some of the energy from strong well to induce fluid flow from the weak well by reducing the flowing back-pressure for the weaker well.

Abstract: A method and a system for offshore production of liquefied natural gas, wherein natural gas is supplied from an underground source (4) to a subsea production plant (1). The gas is transferred under a high pressure directly from the production plant (1) to an LNG tanker (6), the transfer taking place through a pipeline (5) surrounded by sea water and causing the temperature of the high pressure gas to be lowered to a desired low temperature. This gas is supplied to a conversion plant (12) provided on the LNG tanker (16) and arranged for converting at least a part of the gas to liquid form, and the liquefied gas is transferred to storage tanks (17) on board the vessel (6).

Abstract: Systems and techniques for remediation of soil, vapor and groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons. The system is ideally suited for easy integration into a mobile remediation unit that uses a liquid ring vacuum pump to extract a contaminated mixture from a sub-surface formation and direct it into a separator, which also serves to shield the high-flow vacuum pump from nongaseous phases of the contaminated matter that would otherwise reduce its efficiency. Cooling systems are employed to render the unit more independent and self-contained, and an automatic vent and low-shear pump-down cycle is used to transfer liquid phases to fractionation subsystems with minimal emulsification.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid-handling system for use in underbalanced drilling operations. The system includes a first vessel which acts as a four phase separator. The first vessel includes a first stage for separating solids. Oil and gas are separated at a second stage. A pressure sensor provides signals to a pressure controller, which modulates a gas flow valve coupled to the vessel for discharging gas from the first vessel. The pressure controller maintains the pressure in the first vessel at a predetermined value. An oil level sensor placed in the first vessel provides a signal to an oil level controller. The oil level controller modulates an oil flow valve coupled to the vessel to discharge oil from the first vessel into a second vessel. Water is discharged into a third vessel. Water from the third vessel is discharged via a water flow control valve, which is modulated by a level controller as a function of the water level in the third vessel.

Abstract: Oil well production fluid composed of oil and water and containing in excess of 100 ppm water soluble petroleum carboxylates in anionic form dissolved in the water is treated by acidifying the fluid to a pH of 6.0 or lower with a combination of a strong organic acid and a strong mineral acid and then is intimately mixed. The oil and water are separated one from the other. The content of the water soluble organics in the water is thereby substantially transferred to the oil phase. In a second aspect of the invention, water used to extract corrosive compounds to render the oil suitable for fueling gas turbine power plants is acidified to a pH of 6.0 or lower and is thereafter intimately mixed with fuel oil.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for reducing the tendency of hydrates in a fluid comprising at least water, a gas and a paraffin oil to agglomerate, by addition of a mixture of at least two organosoluble additives, namely at least one polyisobutene-polyethyleneglycol block copolymer and at least one copolymer of an alkyl (meth)acrylate and a nitrogen-containing monomer. These organosoluble copolymers are generally introduced at an overall concentration of 0.05% to 5% by weight with respect to the water present in the medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recovering hydrocarbon from a hydrocarbon producing well is provided. The apparatus comprises a two stage compression-assisted annular flow in which a first compression means is connected to a production tubing to flow gas and liquids, and a second compression means is connected to a tubing/casing annulus to flow gas at a relatively unrestricted flow rate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for separating coarse and ultrafine solids from a liquid stream to produce a substantially dry solids discharge and a clarified liquid. Apparatus is provided comprising a combination of a settling tank, a plurality of filter screens spaced along an endless link-chain conveyor, a screen vibrator and directed air streams. In operation, coarse solids settle preferentially to the tank bottom. Ultrafines solids remain in suspension. Relatively coarse filter screens are conveyed from a point outside the tank to traverse a prolonged path through the liquid. Ultrafine solids are captured on the screens, by filtering the liquid through an ever finer build-up of filter cake. The relatively large number of passes of the screens through the liquid provides effective filtering of suspended solids. Further, the screens dredge settled solids from the tank bottom.

Abstract: Ground peanut hulls in the range of -150 to 250 standard size mesh are mixed with a viscosifier and added to a fluid for circulation in a borehole during drilling, completion and workover operations. Below 250 standard sieve mesh the ground peanut hulls are distributed in a range down to 700 standard sieve mesh, with some of the ground peanut hulls having a size less than 700 standard sieve mesh.

Abstract: A method for increasing the production of methane from a subterranean coal formation penetrated by an injection well and a production well by producing methane from the coal formation via the production well; passing a portion of the methane to a synthesis gas generation zone wherein at least a portion of the methane is reacted with an oxygen-containing gas to produce a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen; passing a major portion of the mixture to a hydrocarbon synthesis zone wherein the carbon monoxide and hydrogen are reacted to produce heavier hydrocarbons and a tail gas comprising nitrogen and carbon dioxide; separating a major portion of the tail gas from the hydrocarbons and recovering the hydrocarbons as a product stream; injecting at least a portion of the tail gas into the coal formation through the injection well. The methane may be obtained from a single well or a plurality of wells operated to produce the methane by a huff and puff process.

Abstract: A separation system for use with wells drilled for the purpose of producing hydrocarbons where the primary drilling fluid is air or mist. The separator system includes a horizontal separation tube connected to an exhaust line so that it will receive the exhaust mixture created during the drilling of the well. The separator tube has separator inlet liquid ports defined along the length of the tube. Dump outlet ports are also defined along the length of the tube. Separator liquid is injected into the tube and the solid and liquid components of the exhaust mixture along with the separator liquid will pass out of the tube through the dump outlet ports into a receiving tank. The gas component of the exhaust mixture passes through the separator tube into a secondary separator.

Abstract: A method of treating and disposing of waste water containing salt, such as the brine that results from production of oil and/or gas wells, which includes introducing the waste water into a reverse osmosis unit to produce concentrated brine, and passing the concentrated brine through a combustion heat evaporator wherein said combustion heat is generated in a submerged combustion evaporator or exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine to power a waste heat evaporator to produce a further concentrated brine. The concentrated brine from the combustion heat evaporator can then be mixed with a liquid such as the waste water that is introduced into the reverse osmosis unit. The resulting product can then be injected into a subterranean formation for purposes of disposal. The method allows the volume of the waste water to be significantly reduced while also increasing the salt concentration of the waste water.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for remediation of soil, vapor and groundwater contaminated with hydrocarbons. The system is ideally suited for easy integration into a mobile remediation unit that uses a liquid ring vacuum pump to extract a contaminated mixture from a sub-surface formation and direct it into a separator, which also serves to shield the high-flow vacuum pump from non-gaseous phases of the contaminated matter that would otherwise reduce its efficiency. Cooling systems are employed to render the unit more independent and self-contained, and an automatic vent and low-shear pump-down cycle is used to transfer liquid phases to fractionation subsystems with minimal emulsification.

Abstract: A method for separating emulsified oil from water in petroleum production is disclosed. Low molecular weight polymers of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methyl chloride and benzyl chloride quaternary salt have good activity as reverse emulsion breakers for freeing oil tied up as a oil-in-water emulsion. The polymer reverse emulsion breakers are preferably prepared and used as aqueous solutions to obviate the need for inversion techniques and the use of hydrocarbon compatibilizers and surfactants as required for a latex polymer.

Abstract: Oil well production fluid composed of oil and water and containing in excess of 100 ppm water soluble petroleum carboxylates in anionic form dissolved in the water is treated by acidifying the fluid to a pH of 6.0 or lower with a combination of a strong organic acid and a strong mineral acid and then is intimately mixed. The oil and water are separated one from the other. The content of the water soluble organics in the water is thereby substantially transferred to the oil phase. In a second aspect of the invention, water used to extract corrosive compounds to render the oil suitable for fueling gas turbine power plants is acidified to a pH of 6.0 or lower and is thereafter intimately mixed with fuel oil.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting corrosion on metal surfaces and downhole equipment and above surface separation equipment from a mixture of brine and crude oil extracted from underground formations. The method comprises the injection on a periodic basis of an effective amount of an oxime compound having the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl groups of one to eight carbons or aryl groups. In addition to functioning as a corrosion inhibitor for the metal surfaces in contact with the mixture, the oxime compound is less susceptible to neutralization by contact with acidic species, and is less likely to emulsify the brine and crude oil mixture brought to the surface.

Abstract: A system for receiving an effluent stream of liquids and gases from a vacuum extraction system is disclosed. The system uses the water separated from the effluent stream by a knock out pot to cool recirculating water, provide seal water and/or provide make up water to a liquid ring vacuum pump that provides the suction for vacuum extraction. In a preferred embodiment, a heat exchanger uses cool water from a knock out pot to condense vapors and uses the warm water exiting the liquid ring vacuum pump to reheat the vapor stream, raising its temperature and thus lowering its relative humidity, resulting in more efficient contaminant removal by vapor treatment systems. The knock out pot also preferably includes a free contaminant recovery system that collects and transfers liquid contaminants that separate from the water collected in the knock out pot due to a difference between the contaminant density and the density of water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a well by varying its downhole pressure. A vacuum is applied to the top of a single string of tubing in a cased wellbore to encourage the formation of free gas at the bottom of the tubing string. The resulting free gas entrains reservoir liquids proximate the inlet opening in the tubing bottom and reduces the pressure gradient in the tubing thus maximizing fluid flow rates to the surface. To further enhance production rates in the event that reservoir gas/oil ratios are too low, supplemental gas volumes may be delivered to the well casing/tubing annulus.

Abstract: A process for contaminant removal from the ground or ground water involves employing a simple "dry" vacuum device (100) to apply a vacuum to a conventional well (60) for the recovery and separation of vapor contaminants, "free product", and contaminated water. The process employs a staged separation system for separation of the liquid phases, removal of contaminants from water, and vapor separation. The staged separation system allows the use of an "off the shelf" centrifugal (26) pump for effluent discharge. The process introduces additional dispersed air bubbles into the contaminated water which will aid in removal of contaminants. The process alternately employs a hydrophobic filter (56) to recover large amounts of "free product".

Abstract: A process is described for the pretreatment of a pressurized natural gas which is saturated with water and contains hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide (H.sub.2 S) from a producing well. At least a portion of the natural gas (1) is brought into contact with at least a portion of recycled liquid condensate (2) in a cyclone (5). The vapor phase (6), containing H.sub.2 S and hydrocarbons, is cooled in zone (20), condensed and separated in separator (3). A gas (30) which is enriched in methane and depleted in H.sub.2 S is recovered while the condensate (8) is recycled to cyclone (5) after preheating if necessary. A water-containing liquid effluent (7) which is enriched in H.sub.2 S and depleted in hydrocarbons is recovered from the bottom of cyclone (5). This is reintroduced into the well (10).

Abstract: A fluid extraction device to remove fluid contaminants from the vadose zone of unsaturated subsurface area by selectively evacuating liquid and gas therefrom comprising a lower well screen assembly coupled to a vacuum source through an upper fluid conduit structure including a fluid flow control to separately extract liquid and vapor from the vadose zone and a fluid flow indicator to separately monitor the flow of liquid and vapor through the upper fluid conduit structure.

Abstract: The present invention is for a subsea hydrocarbon recovery device comprising a means for separating a composite hydrocarbon stream into a gas and liquid stream and independent means for recovering each stream. The device is comprised of a separator, a gas recovery pipeline and a liquid recovery system. The separator separates a composite hydrocarbon stream from a well into vapor and liquid phases. The liquid hydrocarbon recovery system is comprised of a circulating loop into which the liquid hydrocarbon stream is introduced for recovery. The liquid steam flows through a pressure increasing device into a circulating loop which brings the recovered hydrocarbon to the surface. Physical parameters of the circulating liquid can be controlled to prevent or eliminate paraffin accumulations.

Abstract: A system is provided for disposal of gaseous hydrocarbons produced from an undersea well, which minimizes the gas disposal cost. The system includes a polymerization station (80) mounted on an anchored floating vessel arrangement (12), which converts the gas to a liquid hydrocarbon that is stored and then transported by a shuttle tanker (52) to a refinery. The liquified gas can be mixed with liquid hydrocarbons originally obtained from the undersea well, both in the shuttle tanker and in storage tanks on the anchored vessel arrangement. Sea water can be used to create steam for the polymerization process.

Abstract: Additives are usually diluted before they are added to a geothermal brine processing stream. It has been found that one preferred diluent is the conditioned steam condensate produced after power generation in the geothermal plants. One class of additives beneficially diluted by the conditioned steam condensate are crystal structure modifiers. When it is diluted with the steam condensate, the heat-sensitive crystal structure modifier is prevented from being degraded by the heat of the brine so that when blended with the geothermal brine the crystal structure modifier can perform its function of inhibiting the precipitation of alkaline earth salts.

Abstract: An undersea integrated repressurization system includes a first undersea separator (1) on the sea bottom (2) at which output from one or more wells (A, B, C and D) is collected with gas flowing through a low pressure gas line (3) to production platform (4) and oil flowing to a repressurization well (5). A power gas line (6) extends from compressor (7) on production platform (4) for injection of gas into the lower end of a pipe adjacent the bottom of the repressurization well (5), through an opening (8) whereby the oil and gas rise through the pipe to a second undersea separator (9) on the sea bottom (2). The separated oil then enters oil pipeline (10) along which the oil flows and the separated gas enters a high pressure gas pipeline (11) which carries the gas, both leading to a production platform (4).