Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste-water disposal system for use in a gas recovery well penetrating a subterranean water-containing and methane gas-bearing coal formation. A cased bore hole penetrates the coal formation and extends downwardly therefrom into a further earth formation which has sufficient permeability to absorb the waste water entering the borehole from the coal formation. Pump means are disposed in the casing below the coal formation for pumping the water through a main conduit towards the water-absorbing earth formation. A barrier or water plug is disposed about the main conduit to prevent water flow through the casing except for through the main conduit. Bypass conduits disposed above the barrier communicate with the main conduit to provide an unpumped flow of water to the water-absorbing earth formation. One-way valves are in the main conduit and in the bypass conduits to provide flow of water therethrough only in the direction towards the water-absorbing earth formation.

Abstract: A retractable anchoring device for a sonde to be lowered into a well for logging purpose, is adapted to rigidly position the sonde at a preselected depth. The device comprises pivotable anchoring arms adapted to apply against the wall of the well a substantially constant force produced by associated jacks actuated by driving means so as to apply to the respective arms forces which are limited by specific valves therefor in the hydraulic circuit feeding of the jacks.

Abstract: An improved control line blow out preventer valve is provided, having a fluid pressure chamber interposed in a control line extending from a surface control panel to a downhole safety valve in a subterranean well. Axially spaced inlet and outlet openings are provided in the pressure chamber and a piston is reciprocally mounted intermediate the inlet and outlet openings. A sealing plug carried by the piston cooperates with a seal surrounding the inlet opening. A bypass passage through the piston mounts a check valve which permits free fluid flow in the direction from the control panel to the subsurface safety valve but only a restricted fluid flow in the opposite direction. A check valve is mounted in the outlet passage to prevent fluid flow from the subsurface safety valve to the control panel. A fusible link normally maintains this check valve off its seat so that it does not close until the occurrence of an elevated temperature caused by fire.

Abstract: An automatic oil well control and monitoring system is disclosed which controls energization of a motor for an oil well pump jack. A first timer intermittently energizes the pump motor so that fluid flows from the well. A total pumping time clock is energized, as is an oil pumping time clock. If the pump begins to pump water, then a probe senses the water rather than oil, and this causes cessation of the oil pumping time clock energization and de-energization of a green indicator lamp. Upon pump-off of the well, a switch sensing fluid flow from the well is opened and the pump motor is de-energized. If no fluid is produced from the well after a time period following initial motor energization, a second timer is actuated to indicate a malfunction condition and a red light is illuminated. Also, the control circuit is continuously energized to maintain a lockout of the pump motor starter.

Abstract: An intermittent well controller is disclosed. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the controller, in conjunction with sensors indicative of well conditions, controls the delivery of lifting gas to the well. The controller is intended to be installed at a remote location where the equipment is normally provided with no commercially available electrical power and is battery operated. The battery operated controller is normally switched off nearly all the time. Moreover, the controller incorporates a battery sensitive indicator which signals an alarm in the event that terminal voltage of the battery cells drops below a specified level to provide a warning for service personnel on their next trip to the well that the batteries should be replaced. Further, the device utilizes a computer with a memory not subject to erasure when the equipment is switched off. The device is cycled on for a short interval of time, typically just a few microseconds. The duty cycle is thereby far less than 1%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a high pressure thermal vapor stream of water vapor and combustion gases for recovering heavy viscous petroleum from a subterranean formation, wherein the method includes directing high pressure combustion gases into a partially water-filled vapor generator vessel for producing therein a high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases, and thereafter injecting high quality steam into the high pressure stream of water vapor and combustion gases within the vapor generator vessel to increase the steam-to-combustion gas ratio of the discharge stream produced within the vapor generator vessel, and thereafter flowing the discharge stream into a subterranean formation for enhanced recovery of viscous petroleum therefrom.

Abstract: An improved method for cleaning a water well by creating a pulsating action at the lower inlet end of the well casing. The well casing is sealed to form a generally airtight enclosure. A water level sensing probe is placed within and extends generally throughout the casing. A vacuum is formed in the well casing by pumping the air therefrom which raises the water column within the casing to a predetermined height. The water level sensing probe signals the height of the water column as it rises within the casing. The vacuum is destroyed upon the water column reaching a predetermined height and the weight of the descending water column forces the water outwardly through the casing openings and into the surrounding strata.

Abstract: Apparatus for production of liquid from wells such as petroleum wells includes well pipe that extends from the surface downwardly to the level of liquid standing within the well. A string of production tubing is positioned within the well pipe with the annulus between the production tubing and well pipe defining gas supply means that is interconnected with a source of compressed gas. At the lower portion of the production tubing is located aspirator means having a gas injection element defining a gas jet passage which is in communication with the gas supply annulus. The gas injection element is oriented to direct an upwardly flowing jet of pressurized gas which is directed into the lower restricted portion of a venturi that extends upwardly from the aspirator means into the production tubing. The aspirator means also defines a liquid flow passage that is in communication with liquid standing within the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for generation of steam in a borehole for penetration into an earth formation wherein feedback preheater means are provided for the fuel and water before entering the combustor assembly. First, combustion gases are conducted from the combustion chamber to locations in proximity to the water and fuel supplies. Secondly, both hot combustion gases and steam are conducted from the borehole back to the water and fuel supply. The water used for conversion to steam is passed in a countercurrent manner through a plurality of annular water flow channels surrounding the combustion chamber. In this manner, the water is preheated, and the combustion chamber is cooled simultaneously, thereby minimizing thermal stresses and deterioration of the walls of the combustion chamber. The water is injected through slotted inlets along the combustion chamber wall to provide an unstable boundary layer and stripping of the water from the wall for efficient steam generation.

Abstract: Control apparatus for preventing inadvertent operation of the drawworks of a drilling rig upon closure of an associated blowout preventer, the drawworks being at least partially operated by air from an air source connected thereto by an air conduit. The control apparatus may comprise control components for connection to the air conduit and movable from a first mode, in which air is permitted to communicate with the drawworks through the air conduit, and a second mode, in which air is prevented from communicating with the drawworks. Also included are monitor components for connection to the blowout preventer and the control components for sensing whether the blowout preventer is in opened or closed positions and initiating movement of the control components to the second mode upon movement of the blowout preventer to the closed position.

Abstract: A system for chemical treatment of producing oil wells has automatically actuated valves operated by a control circuit. The control circuit causes the system to automatically switch the well from production to treatment status without shutting down. After a predetermined treatment period, wherein well fluids mixed with treatment chemical are recirculated throughout the well, the control circuit causes the system to change state and switch to production status. One embodiment of a means for pumping the treatment chemical into the well includes a continuous pump actuated by the mechanism of the well pump, and which includes two electrically actuated valves. The control circuit automatically operates the valves to cause treatment chemical to be injected into the well when desired, then changes the position of the valves so that the chemical which is continuously being pumped will return to the storage tank in a continuous stream.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a technique for radio frequency heating of hydrocarbonaceous earth formations in which a high power radio frequency transmitter is impedance matched to a transmission line including a plurality of conductors at least partially embedded in the formation to be heated. The impedance matching may be effected by a "T" network having three variable reactances. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, continuous variations of impedance, of the type encountered during the heating of the formation, may be matched in unambiguously defined Smith chart regions by varying two of the three reactances to minimize reflected power from the transmission line.

Abstract: A casing vacuum system which applies a controlled vacuum to the space within the casing of an oil well in order to maintain the gas pressure in the well within a certain range and thereby improve the recovery of petroleum from the well. A preferred embodiment of the casing vacuum system utilizes a vacuum pump (10) driven by a motor (18) to provide a vacuum. A water accumulator (14) protects the vacuum pump from water damage. A condensate accumulator (16) collects the gas drawn from the well and condenses a portion of it into liquid hydrocarbons. A mercury vacuum switch (30) maintains the gas pressure in the well within the optimum range for recovery of petroleum by stopping the vacuum pump when the pressure is near the lower end of the optimum range and starting the vacuum when the pressure is near the higher end of the optimum range.

Abstract: A controller for well installations which responds to external signals originating from system monitors. This response may be modified by operator inserted delays or may be utilized to carry out a SET function wherein all signals are rejected until an externally derived RESET signal is received. A priority protocol is provided with respect to the SET and RESET functions. The circuit of the controller is housed within a circuit housing which includes a polymeric seal and operates in conjunction with a sealed keypad. This circuit housing is incorporated within a principal housing and a positive pressure is maintained within that principal housing to assure the integrity thereof.

Abstract: A control and recorder system for a blowout preventer for providing a record of operation and status of the various components of the blowout control system at periodic times and after a function operation. The system monitors various functions such as whether the accumulator pump is running, the open and close status of the various rams, bypass, annular, flow line, kill line and choke line as well as various pressures, such as in the annular, the accumulator and the manifold, flow measurements of various fluids in the system and provides alarms for various parameter values. Control and status information may be transmitted through fiber optic cables between various control stations at the rig floor, accumulators and remote locations for avoiding interference by electrical noises or radio frequencies and providing a safety link through hazardous gas areas.

Abstract: A check/relief valve intended for use in an inflatable packer system. The valve comprises a hollow cylindrical longitudinally extending inner member surrounded by a spring loaded relief piston and a spring loaded check valve poppet, all surrounded by a hollow longitudinally extending outer member.

Abstract: A well testing assembly includes a pressure limiter located between a downhole pump and an inflatable packer. The pressure limiter includes a housing having first and second housing parts and having an inflation passage disposed therein for communicating a discharge of the downhole pump with the inflatable packer. A clutch is connected between the first and second housing parts. A biasing spring biases the clutch toward an engaged position. A piston is operatively associated with the clutch and communicated with the inflation passage for overcoming the biasing spring and moving the clutch to a disengaged position at a predetermined fluid pressure level within the inflation passage.

Abstract: In a control system for delivery of steam at a predetermined pressure to the head of an oil well for use in an open orifice bottom hole heater, a boiler, remote from the well head, is connected by a steam delivery line through a series of valves with a steam pipe extending downwardly into the well to the orifice location near the bottom. In the steam delivery line is a main valve, downstream of which is a pressure regulator and upstream of which is a back pressure regulator. A sensing pressure line from the pressure regulator taps into the delivery line near the well head and a control line from the pressure regulator connected with the main valve control. A back pressure line from the back pressure regulator connects with the delivery line near the boiler and a control line from the back pressure regulator connects with the main valve control.

Abstract: A thermal recovery system for a subterranean well includes an electric heater located immediate the bottom of the well which cyclically receives electric power generated at the well surface. A pump directs a stream of pressurized fluid, such as water, through a conduit to a solenoid valve located at the bottom of the well. The solenoid valve senses electric power application relative to the heater and directs the stream of pressurized water to one of two fluid circuits. When electric power is supplied to the heater, the solenoid valve directs the fluid stream into the heater. The heater thermally stimulates the well and is cooled by the water which is heated and exhausted to thermally stimulate the well. When electric power is not supplied to the heater, the solenoid valve directs the pressurized water to a turbine for driving a production pump. In an alternate embodiment, both the heater and the production pump are operated continuously and the fluid stream is divided between the turbine and the heater.

Abstract: A method and control apparatus are disclosed for maintaining a measured parameter of an environment in a closed-loop system within a range of the desired level for that parameter, to an accuracy greater than that of the parameter measuring device in the closed-loop system. The control apparatus periodically receives measurement readings of the parameter to be controlled from a sensor, having a fixed measurement accuracy. An adjustable length memory stores a historical value of changes between the periodically obtained parameter measurements that have occurred over a predetermined length of time. The control apparatus and method generates a control signal for regulating a prime mover acting on the environment which affects the measured parameter, by combining the historical value change data stored in the memory with the difference between a current parameter measurement and the desired parameter value.

Abstract: An applicator for applying chemical treating fluid to equipment, such as pump-sucker rod equipment, being run into a well includes a housing capable of being mounted on a wellhead and having an opening to permit passage of the equipment therethrough. A series of circumferentially spaced apart nozzles are arranged in the housing for directing flow of the chemical radially onto said equipment. Valve means are provided for controlling the flow of the chemical to the nozzles. A movable actuator which operates the valve means has a first position at which flow of the chemical through the valve is prevented and a second position at which flow of the chemical through the valve is permitted. The actuator includes spring means for urging the actuator to the first position thereof and means supported on the housing, which is responsive to the weight of the suspended equipment in the well to move the actuator to the second position thereof.

Abstract: Production equipment for oil and gas wells has features that allow accumulated liquid to be removed from the well without the need for a low pressure system. This equipment also isolates the perforations from accumulated liquid back pressure, even if there is insufficient hole depth below the perforations. The well has a tubing string located inside the casing, with the tubing in contact with the accumulated liquid. Both the tubing and the casing are connected to the sales line. Periodically, both the casing and tubing are shut-in, allowing formation pressure to build up in the casing. Then the tubing is opened to the sales line to discharge its accumulated liquid, it being driven by the higher formation pressure that has built up. To isolate the perforations from accumulated liquid, a standpipe is mounted in the casing above the perforations by a packer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to optimize and control the production of an oil well which is being artificially produced by gas-lift techniques. The invention is suitable for use with either continuous or intermittent gas-lift operation and can be used with a combination of both. The temperature of the fluid at the wellhead is sensed and used to determine the injection parameter values to optimize well production. In one embodiment, a process control unit is programmed according to the inventive method to interpret the temperature data and to control the gas control valve to optimize production.

Abstract: A technique for recovering natural gas from geopressured brines contained in a first aquifer in which the brine is conveyed from the high pressure geopressured aquifer to an underground chamber at lower pressure at a location remote from the geopressured aquifer, the lower pressure within the chamber causing the gas to be released from the brine after entry into the chamber. The released gas is conveyed from the chamber to a suitable gas outlet for use while the brine within the chamber by virtue of its pressure is conveyed to a second upper level discharge aquifer at a location remote from the chamber.

Abstract: A system for automatically opening and closing a valve located in a fluid delivery line of a gas well for starting and stopping the pumping action of the well when the pressure in the well is sufficient to enable gas and oil to be pumped therefrom. A pivotally mounted beam is engaged at opposite ends by a pair of pistons which are operatively connected to and actuated by the pressure in the well casing and in the well delivery tube, respectively. One end of the beam operates a first valve which is located in a pressure line communicating with the delivery line control valve for opening and closing the control valve. The beam opens the first valve when the pressure differential between the well casing and delivery tube reaches a preset, predetermined amount through the action of the pistons on the beam. Opening of the first valve also operates a third piston which sets a mechanical timer for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A portable system for early detection of leaks from suspect piping fittings, for example, as used on the "Christmas tree" portion of a gas well provides an encapsulating bladder which sealably encapsulates the suspect fitting and collects leaks from the fitting. The apparatus provides, in the preferred embodiment, a bladder which can encase any suspect portion of the Christmas tree (or like piping system), such as for example, the choke jacket or other like fittings where maximum turbulence occurs as when gas or oil mixed with sand flows through the fitting. In the preferred embodiment, the collection of a leak within the bladder causes a regulator to operate a control valve and halt the flow of gas, oil, or like flowing material through the piping system of which the suspect fitting is a part. The system can be applied to any other similar existing and operating piping arrangement where the detection of leaks from suspect fittings is desirable.

Abstract: A method and system for dewatering gas wells on an intermittent, cyclical, period which operates to eject water from the well without loss of gas from the well, or inordinate shut down delays. The said method and system for dewatering gas wells includes time controlled valves and the pressure differential between the tubing and the casing to periodically dewater the well, without the ususal loss of gas.

Abstract: A device for and method of sensing conditions in a well bore by positioning a radioactive source adjacent the surface of the well bore for emitting a radioactive signal across the well bore. A means for detecting the radioactive signal is positioned opposite the radioactive source and electrical means are mounted with the detecting means for electrically measuring the intensity and frequency of occurrence of each detected signal. An electrical signal is provided by the electrical means for indicating the presence or absence of drilling fluids and/or the density of such fluids at the surface of the well bore.

Abstract: An electro-pneumatic or electro-hydraulic safety system for shutting in a well or the like in the event of unusual pressure conditions in the production line of the well. The safety system includes a pressure transducer (30) which senses the flowline pressure and provides a corresponding electrical signal to a digital controller (34). When the signal applied to the controller is outside of a preset range defined between low and high settings of the controller, a control circuit deenergizes a solenoid valve which bleeds fluid from a fluid actuator in order to close a surface safety valve (10). Once the safety valve has closed, the controller is latched out of service and must be manually reset before the safety valve can be opened. For protection of a subsurface safety valve (155), the safety system provides a time delay between opening of the subsurface valve and opening of the surface valve and also between closing of the surface valve and closing of the subsurface valve.

Abstract: A plunger lift system used in wells having a tubing string disposed within casing. An improved plunger catcher and trip assembly is provided within the wellhead to hold the plunger in its upper position while lift gas escapes from the tubing string through the wellhead and formation fluids form a new slug in the lower end of the tubing string. The new system incorporates a conventional mechanical timer or controller to allow simple adjustments to obtain the most efficient product rate from each individual well. The controller determines the time interval during which lift gas is injected into the annulus between the casing and tubing and the time interval during which the plunger is held within the wellhead by the catcher and trip assembly.

Abstract: A method for assembling an ignition system for in situ combustion operation to recover petroleum from a well in a subterranean reservoir, and an ignition system for an elongated combustion chamber suspended from a hollow electrical cable and which cable supplies both electrical means and fuel gas to the chamber. Air inlet ducts in the walls of the air inlet cylinder receive air from the annular space between the hollow cable and the wellbore tubing. An electrical ignitor is temporarily energized automatically or responsive to a thermocouple detecting no burning in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. The ignitor is responsive to the thermocouple detecting burning in the combustion chamber for extinguishing the ignitor. The thermocouple is thus responsive to a flameout for re-energizing the ignitor either manually or automatically such that burner operation is interrupted only momentarily.

Abstract: A method for the insertion of shear degradable aqueous polymer solutions in a polymer thickened flood wherein a series of pumps are used in a multi-branch system, while reducing shear degradation while maintaining pressure and rate control within any branch of said multibranch system comprising utilizing hydraulic drivers for the pumps wherein the hydraulic power source for the drivers is controlled (a) by a pressure sensing loop such that a selected preset pressure will not be exceeded by any branch of the injection system, and (b) by a rate proportioning control loop whereby the injection rate in the various branches of the multi-branch system will be maintained in a given proportion to one another regardless of rate changes in a designated master branch or in the total injection stream.

Abstract: A multistage gas generator for use in a borehole for recovering hydrocarbons from the subsurface formations. The gas generator has an upper end and a lower restricted outlet. A pilot stage is located at the upper end and a plurality of spaced apart intermediate stages are located between the pilot stage and the lower restricted outlet. Hydrogen and oxygen are fed to the pilot stage for ignition. Oxygen is fed to a first intermediate stage and hydrogen and oxygen are fed to each of the other intermediate stages for injection into the gas generator. Excess hydrogen from the pilot stage is burned in the zone of the first intermediate stage and hydrogen and oxygen of each succeeding stage is ignited by the preceeding stage. Water for cooling purposes also is fed to each intermediate stage. Downhole valves selectively controllable from the surface are provided for the pilot stage and each of the intermediate stages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device adapted to be fitted on a pipe end as an emergency device for shutting off fluid flowing out through the pipe under pressure, and is especially intended for use in drilling or extraction plants for oil. This device comprises two interconnected units provided with a throughpassage and includes means for guiding the device into position over the effluent fluid jet to permit pulling the device onto the pipe end, a means which senses the device as it achieves engagement with the pipe end and is adapted to branch off fluid from the jet at this moment, and cylinder-piston means or the like adapted to be actuated by such branched-off pressure fluid and arranged to act, on one hand, on clamping means for retaining the device to the pipe end and, on the other hand, on valve means for closing the throughpassage.

Abstract: Well pumping method and apparatus by means of which the liquid level and, correspondingly, the hydrostatic pressure, in a bore hole or well casing, is controlled by means of a vertically adjustable sump for receiving liquid from the bore hole or casing before it is pumped to the surface, the sump having therein a pump which is actuated by the liquid level in the sump so that liquid cannot rise in the bore hole or casing above the top or inlet of the sump, as the liquid enters the sump at this point and is pumped to the surface from the sump, the operation being such that the liquid level in the bore hole or casing is controlled by vertically positioning the sump so that the height of the column of liquid in the casing or borehole above the point where liquid is coming from the formation can be maintained at a minimum with consequent increase in the differential hydrostatic pressure between that in the well bore and that in the formation in the direction of the well bore, enabling the maximum rate of liquid en

Abstract: A novel method for stimulating the flow of oil from the pay zone of a formation traversed by a bore hole which involves the conversion of liquid water into high pressure steam in situ in heat transfer proximity to the pay zone. A novel oil tool adapted to be lowered and suspended within the bore hole in proximity to the pay zone having an external elongated shell within which is contained means for the in situ generation of steam. The casing may be adapted to generate steam internally and allow that steam to pass through the shell and into contact with the pay zone at a predetermined high pressure, or to superheat highly pressurized water and allow it to pass through an orifice in the shell, at which time it immediately flashes to high pressure steam and disperses into the area of the pay zone. A novel electrical control system for the operation, regulation and malfunction-detection of the oil tool from the ground surface.

Abstract: A wireline retrievable, subsurface tubing safety valve that is opened and held open by the transmission of electric current from the surface. Interruption of the current supply results in automatic closure of the valve. The device includes a pressure equalizing valve which enables the valve to be opened against a high differential pressure.

Abstract: A gas generator for use in a borehole for generating steam and other hot gases for use in recovering hydrocarbons or other fluids from underground formations. The gas generator comprises a housing forming a chamber with a combustion zone at one end and a restricted outlet at the other end. A second zone is located downstream of the combustion zone and a gas and water mixing zone is located between the second zone and the restricted outlet. The generator has a cooling annulus surrounding the chamber with passages leading from the annulus to the gas and water mixing zones. Methane is burned in the combustion zone with just enough oxygen to maintain the flame temperature below the decomposition temperature of methane to convert substantially all of the carbon to carbon monoxide and to form hydrogen. In the second zone, the carbon monoxide and hydrogen are burned with an additional supply of oxygen to increase the temperature and to form carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: A controller system for a flowing gas well utilizing battery powered solid state production and cycle time-out circuitry. In addition to expanded cycle interval capabilities, the system permits a broad range of automated controls over well production through the continuous monitoring of and reaction to such parameters as casing pressure, tubing string pressure, plunger elevation, sales line pressure and flow rate, as well as liquid level monitoring within separation and storage facilities. The solid state circuitry incorporates such features as liquid crystal readout, battery voltage level monitoring and automatic reset at the commencement of each timing cycle. Motor valve actuation is provided by electromagnetic actuation of a controller mounted shuttle piston valve.

Abstract: For in situ combustion operation to recover petroleum from a well in a subterranean reservoir, an ignition system for an elongated combustion chamber suspended from a hollow electrical cable and which cable supplies both electrical means and fuel gas to the chamber. Air inlet ducts in the walls of the air inlet cylinder receive air from the annular space between the hollow cable and the wellbore tubing. An electrical ignitor is temporarily energized automatically or responsive to a thermocouple detecting no burning in the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. The ignitor is responsive to the thermocouple detecting burning in the combustion chamber for extinguishing the ignitor. The thermocouple is thus responsive to a flameout for re-energizing the ignitor either manually or automatically such that burner operation is interrupted only momentarily.

Abstract: A method for initiating an in situ combustion operation for heating a well to recover petroleum from a subterranean reservoir in the well comprises lowering an elongated combustion chamber suspended from a hollow electrical cable with an air supply tube therearound which supplies electricity, fuel gas, and air to the combustion chamber, mixing an air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, and igniting the air-fuel mixture with an ignitor responsive to the thermocouple detecting burning in the combustion chamber for providing an automatic, reliable, and flame-out proof method for initiating heat deep in the well.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for insuring oil well treatment as with a corrosion inhibitor, for example, with a precise slug of a chemical on a regular basis comprising, briefly, repeatedly and precisely ejecting precisely spaced apart consecutive predetermined slugs of a chemical to the oil well by operating a first valve responsive to a first timer, and repeatedly and precisely ejecting a predetermined precise slug of a flush liquid behind each chemical slug by operating a second valve responsive to a second timer for insuring oil well chemical treatment on a regular basis as scheduled and for eliminating personnel time required for manually flushing each chemical slug throughout the oil well for an extended period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus in which a casing pipe closed at both its ends extends from the surface of the earth into a formation producing geothermal brine. The casing pipe contains a string of pipe of lesser diameter extending through the closed ends of the casing pipe thereby forming an annular conduit between the pipes. The casing pipe contains openings that are located to be situated in the upper portion of the producing formation. The string of pipe is open at its lower end, is terminated at its upper end outside the casing pipe with a means for controlling flow, and contains a means for separating brine from vapor. The means for separating brine from vapor has means for discharging liquid into the annular conduit and for passing vapor into the portion of the string of pipe downstream of the separating means.

Abstract: A novel method for stimulating the flow of oil from the pay zone of a formation traversed by a bore hole which involves the conversion of liquid water into steam in situ in heat transfer proximity to the pay zone. A novel oil tool adapted to be lowered and suspended within the bore hole in proximity to the pay zone having a closed casing or shell within which is contained means for the in situ generation of steam, with the casing being provided with valve means whereby the steam thus generated can pass through the shell and into contact with the pay zone. A novel electrical control system for the operation, regulation and malfunction-detection of the oil tool from the ground surface.

Abstract: The amount of proppant in a formation fracturing foam is significantly increased by the disclosed method and apparatus.

Abstract: A system for maintaining well bore fluid level to increase oil well production. The fluid level is monitored by a down hole pressure sensing device which relays the fluid level information to the surface by acoustical transmissions where, based on the information received, the speed of the pumping is varied to maintain an optimum fluid level.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated subsea test tree is disclosed for placement in a blowout preventer stack position on a sea floor above an oil well wherein fluid pressure from one side a set of rams is directed to a first side of a ball valve operating piston, and fluid pressure on the second side of said operating piston is directed to an area on the other side of the set of rams. By closing the rams and applying fluid pressure to the one side of the rams, the ball valve is moved from the closed to the opened position. Tandem ball valves are disclosed, each of which are hydraulic pressure operated to open, and spring operated to close such that the ball valves close when pressure on either side of the blowout preventer rams is equalized. A quick release is also disclosed which operates to release a stinger from a conduit leading to the surface when pressure is applied to one side of a second set of closed rams above the pressure which exists in the annulus exterior of the quick release mechanism.

Abstract: The blow-out preventer takes the form of a four-way fitting arranged to be substituted for the conventional three-way fitting in a pumping well head between the pipe string and upper stuffing box. The four-way fitting includes a spring-biased ball which will be ejected to the central portion of the fitting should the polished rod break or otherwise be ejected, the resulting oil flow urging the ball against the under entrance portion of the stuffing box to block oil flow until such time as the normal Radigan valve can be closed.

Abstract: A normally open shutdown system for a high pressure gas well is disclosed which comprises a pressure-operated motor valve, a pressure sensor, and a pressure regulator, all on a conduit installed in the high pressure line leading from the gas well.

Abstract: A method and means for chemically treating water wells to increase the production thereof. Liquid chemical, usually acid, is initially placed in the well through the water discharge conduit of the well head or pump apparatus at the upper end thereof. Compressed air is initially forced downwardly into the interior of the column pipe in the casing to sense the depth of the water therein so that pressure sensitive gauges in the circuitry may be set according to the water depth. Compressed air is then forced downwardly into the column pipe to force some of the water outwardly therefrom into the water bearing formation. A combustible mixture of air and gas is then introduced into the upper end of the column pipe and ignited so that the force of combustion expels the water and acid in the casing outwardly through the slits in the well casing into the water bearing formation.