Abstract: A system and method for treatment of flowback water and produced water at an oil or gas wellhead includes a modular treatment facility that may be installed at a well site. The modular treatment facility includes separate and interchangeable modules that remove undesirable contaminants. The modules may be removed and replaced with similar modules when they are no longer effective at removing the contaminants. The spent modules may be transported to a regeneration center to be regenerated and transported back to a modular treatment facility.

Abstract: A drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a pressurization inlet configured to allow for pressurization of the cell body, a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The device also including a filter medium disposed in the cell body and a cleaning system disposed in the cell body and configured to clean the filter medium. Additionally, a method of testing a drilling fluid including injecting a drilling fluid into an automated testing cell, the automated testing cell having a filter medium. Furthermore, pressurizing the automated testing cell, forming a filter cake on the filter medium, and separating the drilling fluid into a filtrate and a residual drilling fluid. Additionally, transferring the filtrate to a filtrate collection vessel and determining a volume of filtrate in the filtrate collection vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. At least a portion of the exhaust gas from a combustor may be routed through a heat exchanger to produce the processing gas, the composition of which may be adjusted so that it contains approximately 1% oxygen or less. The subsequent condensation steps may be carried out in at least one cooled chamber having a sequence of critical orifices maintained at a negative pressure. Carbon sequestration steps may be performed wherein recovered carbon dioxide is delivered down the hole following the recovery of the hydrocarbonaceous products. Various physical parameters may be adjusted to vary the recovery of crude oil or other products or contaminants from the effluent gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for recovering hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from nonrubilized oil shale and oil/tar sands. One or more initial condensation steps are performed to recover crude-oil products from the effluent gas, followed by one or more subsequent condensation steps to recover additional, non-crude-oil products. The effluent gas is maintained under a negative pressure from the hole and through the initial and subsequent condensation steps. This provides numerous advantages, including the adjustment of various physical parameters during the extraction process. Such adjustment allows the ratio of oils types to be varied, the ratio of hydrocarbonaceous products to non-crude products to be varied, contamination control, and other disclosed advantages.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying natural gas from a well operating under vacuum conditions by extracting, storing and communicating it to a natural gas-fired piece of oil field equipment is provided. The apparatus has a pump associated with a pump jack for extracting natural gas. The apparatus communicates natural gas to a volume tank and stores it until it needed by a natural gas-fired piece of oil field equipment.

Abstract: The invention pertains to new processes and apparatuses which can effectively and efficiently convert heat contained in wellhead fluids comprising hydrocarbons to a useful energy source like electricity. The process generally comprises first producing a heat containing fluid comprising one or more hydrocarbons from a wellhead and then passing the heat containing fluid to one or more heat exchangers. The one or more exchanger exchange at least a portion of the heat contained in the heat containing fluid to a working fluid thereby producing a heated working fluid capable of converting energy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of stimulation fluid that involves passing a mixture of the stimulation fluid and reagents through a sectioned tank, each section having the means to agitate the mixture contained therein. Treated fluid is removed from a final settling section for reuse in oil and gas production operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods recover hydrocarbonaceous and additional products from oil/tar sands. The method includes the steps of forming a hole in a body of oil or tar sand, positioning an apertured sleeve within the hole to minimize fill-in of the sand, positioning a gas inlet conduit into the apertured sleeve, and introducing a heated, pressurized processing gas into the sleeve through the gas inlet conduit, such that the heated, pressurized processing gas penetrates into the sand through the apertures, thereby converting bitumen within the sand into hydrocarbonaceous products. The processing gas and hydrocarbonaceous products are withdrawn as effluent gas through the hole under relative negative pressure. A mesh screen may be supported between the apertured sleeve and the body of oil or tar sand.

Abstract: Separators and shakers are disclosed with real time monitoring of screen condition; killing apparatus for killing living things in fluid flowing from a separator or shaker; and/or heating apparatus for heating material fed to or flowing from a separator or shaker. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 38 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A system for pumping multiphase fluids includes a phase separator (14), a gas-gas jet pump (30) and a liquid pump (36). The phase separator (14) receives a LP multiphase fluid and separates a LP gas phase and a LP liquid phase from the LP multiphase fluid. The gas-gas jet pump (30) receives the LP gas phase from the phase separator (14) and a HP gas supply from a sustainable gas source, and has an outlet providing outlet gas at a pressure higher than that of the LP gas phase. The liquid pump (36) receives the LP liquid phase from the phase separator (14), and has an outlet providing outlet liquid at a pressure higher than that of the LP liquid phase.

Abstract: Reformer and method for producing hydrogen and steam where steam is used for steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. Steam is injected into a hydrocarbon-containing reservoir. Hydrocarbons are extracted from the reservoir along with produced water. Hydrogen is produced in a catalytic steam hydrocarbon reformer. Combustion product gas from the reformer is used to generate wet steam in a once-through steam generator from produced water recycled from the reservoir. The wet steam is used for the steam-assisted extraction of heavy hydrocarbons. The reformer has a heat exchanger section where a heat exchanger is suitable for processing the produced water by once-through steam generation and is suitable for mechanical cleaning.

Abstract: A settling system may be used to separate and/or remove solid particles, such as sand, from fluids produced by wells. The container of the settling system may be cleaned without need for manned-entry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a cuttings dryer, a pump, and a transfer line fluidly connecting the cuttings dryer and the pump, the transfer line having a fluid inlet for receiving a fluid. Furthermore, the system for slurrifying drill cuttings including a storage vessel fluidly connected to the pump for storing a slurry. Additionally, a method for slurrifying drill cuttings including drying drill cuttings in a cuttings drying to produce dry cuttings and combining a fluid with the dry cuttings to produce a slurry. Furthermore, the method includes mixing the slurry and the dry cuttings in a mixing pump and transferring the slurry to a storage vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly recovery of bitumen aims at recovering unconventional oil in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way that has the potential of eliminating the need of natural gas currently employed for steam production and power generation. The system and method aims at providing low temperature steam for the stimulation of the formation by means of solar radiation. In addition, the system and method provides a novel solution for hydrogen production that does not employ reforming of natural gas. Furthermore, the use of thermoelectric devices in combination with low temperature steam can be employed to power an electrolysis plant to generate the hydrogen necessary to produce synthetic oil.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replace the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An environmentally and economically more efficient petroleum production/refining/utilization system for managing carbon emissions at all stages of the petroleum lifecycle is provided. The system of the current invention integrates the release of carbon from refined low value, high polluting petroleum products such that those sources of carbon may be utilized in a manner beneficial to the efficiency and environmental footprint of the overall petroleum processing lifecycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.

Abstract: A method for producing alkylated hydrocarbons is disclosed. Formation fluid is produced from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. The liquid stream is fractionated to produce at least a second gas stream including hydrocarbons having a carbon number of at least 3. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are introduced into an alkylation unit to produce alkylated hydrocarbons. At least a portion of the olefins in the first gas stream enhance alkylation. The alkylated hydrocarbons may be blended with one or more components to produce transportation fuel.

Abstract: A mobile drilling waste management system including a trailer having at least one centrifuge and a solids catch tank receiving solids separated from drilling fluid by one or more of the centrifuges. And a method of reclaiming drilling fluid including pumping drilling fluid contaminated with solids onto a trailer, separating the contaminant solids from the drilling fluid with at least one centrifuge located on the trailer, directing the contaminant solids to a solids catch tank located on the trailer, and pumping the drilling fluid off of the trailer.

Abstract: A device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. Motor valves are in the liquid line and in a gas line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates the gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve.

Abstract: During an Extended Well Test or Early Floating Production at an offshore hydrocarbon production site, where oil and gas hydrocarbons are produced by a production vessel, applicant stores the natural gas as pressured gas in a storage tank and occasionally transfers the pressured gas to a shuttle vessel which carries the gas to a site where it is used, as by pumping it into a natural gas pipeline. The transfer of natural gas to the shuttle can be accomplished by pumping it through a conduit extending between the vessels to a second tank on the shuttle, or can be accomplished by moving a gas-filled tank on the production vessel to the shuttle.

Abstract: A system and method for separating solids from return fluids in well drill-out, flow back, well-test, and other production operations. Solids are collected in a filter comprising a perforate inner tube inside a solid outer tube with an annulus therebetween. The fluid stream from the well enters the filter through the inner tube so that the solids are captured inside and the filtrate flows out through the annulus. The filtrate is passed though a flow back line to a flow back tank. As needed, the solids are removed from the inner tube into a debris tube without interrupting the fluid flow through the filter. Chokes are included for equalizing the pressure along the flow path as the debris is moved from the filter to the debris tube and from the debris tube into to a debris pit so that dramatic changes in pressure are avoided.

Abstract: A mixer for use in a transmission pipeline and a wellbore fluids pipeline having a mixing device. The pipeline extends from a well head to a processing facility. The mixer perturbs the flow into a non-laminar state. Mixer embodiments include a body having a cone shaped leading edge and a hemi-spherical end. Other embodiments include a double cone having a series of helical fins on the trailing end of the double cone and fins extending perpendicular to the pipeline axis having a triangular cross section. The fins may be staggered with a mix of vertically and horizontally orientations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The gas-liquid separator separates a variable multi-phase flow of gas and liquid in a gas dominated flow and a liquid dominated flow. The separator includes a housing which encloses a separation chamber, an inlet port for feeding the multi-phase flow into the separation chamber, a liquid outlet port for discharging the liquid dominated flow from the separation chamber and a gas outlet port provided at a position above both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port for discharging the gas dominated flow from the separation chamber. Both the inlet port and the liquid outlet port are positioned adjacent to an elongated lower bottom wall of the housing and define a flow direction into the and out of the separation chamber approximately aligned along the bottom wall, wherein the separation chamber extends above the bottom wall in between the inlet port and the liquid outlet port.

Abstract: A method for processing hydrocarbons recovered from a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method includes: feeding a stream including water, sand, and heavy hydrocarbons produced from a subterranean formation to a separation vessel; concurrently in the separation vessel: heating the stream components to an elevated temperature to reduce a viscosity of the heavy hydrocarbons; and separating the sand, the heavy hydrocarbon, and the water to form a water fraction, a hydrocarbon fraction, and a sand fraction comprising sand and at least one of water and heavy hydrocarbons; and recovering the water fraction from the separation vessel; recovering the hydrocarbon fraction from the separation vessel; and withdrawing the sand fraction from the separation vessel. Also disclosed are apparatus suitable for performing the above described method.

Abstract: Formation testing which may involve circulating mud in a pipe string from a mud pit through a port in the pipe string to a downhole diverter sub, wherein the pipe string is suspended in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, operating a downhole pump to pump formation fluid from the formation, wherein the formation fluid comprises gas, and mixing the pumped formation fluid with circulated mud such that a proportion of the pumped formation gas in the circulated mud is maintained below a threshold value.

Abstract: A method of treating liquid, particularly an oil/water mixture, in an oil well pipe, wherein a radio frequency propagating electrical field is established in the liquid in the pipe cause the formation of seed crystals or scale-forming material in the liquid, on which seed crystals asphaltenes and/or paraffin waxes in the liquid are deposited so that they are carried through the pipe with the liquid in preference to being deposited on the pipe wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a well using a gas are disclosed herein. A compressed lift gas can be provided to a well to obtain a production stream. The production stream can be separated to obtain the product and a recycle gas stream. The recycle gas stream can be immediately recompressed for use as lift gas, or separated to form a lift gas stream, and a power stream containing natural gasses from the well. The lift gas stream is recycled for use as lift gas, while the power stream can be transported and/or collected for sale, recycled for use as lift gas, or consumed as power for the compressor, based on measurements obtained throughout the system, coupled with practical and economic variables. By supplementing or replacing generated lift gas and/or an external power source with natural gas from the well, the present systems and methods can become self-contained after start-up.

Abstract: An in-line flow separator (1) comprises an uphill section (2) of pipeline which, in use, carries a gravitationally stratified flow of a first liquid (3) and a second denser liquid (4). The second liquid (4) forms a sump (5) extending uphill from the foot of the uphill section (2), and an interface between the first and second liquids on the uphill section is inclined from the horizontal. An extraction port (6) in the pipeline extracts the second liquid from the sump.

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retrofitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A forward osmosis water transfer system is disclosed which recycles water from an incoming wastewater stream into an outgoing dilute process brine stream. The system includes a saturated brine stream, a first portion of which is diverted to form a saturated process brine stream and a second portion of which is diverted to at least one forward osmosis membrane. The at least one forward osmosis membrane moves water from the incoming wastewater stream into the incoming diverted saturated brine stream thereby creating an outgoing concentrated wastewater stream and the outgoing dilute process brine stream.

Abstract: A process for injecting water into a subterranean petroleum-bearing formation for petroleum recovery, said method comprising: a) positioning a selective membrane (14) between an aqueous solution (18) and formation water (20) having a higher solute concentration than the aqueous solution (18), such that water passes across the membrane (14) by osmosis to dilute the formation water (20), b) injecting the diluted formation water (22) into the petroleum-bearing formation, c) recovering formation water from the petroleum-bearing formation, and d) using at least a portion of the recovered formation water in step a).

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: A device (53) comprises an enclosure (63) and means (65, 67) for circulating a drilling mud in the enclosure (63). The inventive device is also provided with means (69) for introducing a gas carrier into the enclosure (63), which comprises a pipe (113) provided with a unit (121) for adjusting the gas carrier flowrate. The device (53) comprises a gas extracting pipe (71) open into the enclosure (63). The gas introducing means (69) comprise a sensor (123) for measuring a pressure at a point located downstream of the adjusting unit (121) and means (117) for controlling the flowrate of the gas carrier injected through said adjusting unit (121) according to the difference between a pressure measured by the sensor (123) and a determined gas extraction pressure.

Abstract: A method and system for producing steam for extraction of heavy bitumen including the steps of mixing carbon or hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel is crude oil, vacuum residue, asphaltin, petcoke or coal. The oxidation gas includes oxygen, oxygen enriched air or air-combustion of the mixture under high pressure and high temperature. The fuel is mixed with low quality contaminated water containing organics and inorganics. The liquid phase transferred to a gas phase includes steam and carbon dioxide, wherein solids are separated from the gas phase. The gas phase is mixed with saturated water to scrub the remaining solids and produce saturated steam. The solid rich water is recycled back for combustion. The saturated steam super-heated dry steam and gas mixture is send to an enhanced oil recovery facility for injection into an underground reservoir.

Abstract: A system for producing oil and/or gas from an underground formation comprising a first array of wells dispersed above the formation; a second array of wells dispersed above the formation; wherein the first array of wells comprises a mechanism to inject a miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation into the formation while the second array of wells comprises a mechanism to produce oil and/or gas from the formation for a first time period; and wherein the second array of wells comprises a mechanism to inject a remediation agent into the formation while the first array of wells comprises a mechanism to produce the miscible enhanced oil recovery formulation from the formation for a second time period.

Abstract: A power engine natural gas compressor system to optimize the extraction of natural gas from a reservoir and related gathering systems. The system is controlled by a distributed control system, which is a computer readable program, and allows for humane machine interface allowing for a more efficient use of the available power supply resulting in increased efficiency. Through the use of an integrated control system the present invention achieves a precise control of the overall operation of the system, which would be impossible to achieve through manual manipulation. The system of the present invention is a system capable of multiple functions with minimal losses with respect to efficiency. Different from the compressors found in the market the system uses a sophisticated process and control system, and is constructed and arranged in such a way that someone with little to no training can operate and maintain it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow divider promoting separation, the flow divider comprising an inlet, at least one dividing fin, and two or more outlets. According to the present invention a pipeline leading to the inlet is sufficiently long to promote at least a degree of separation of a fluid that is carried through the pipeline and that initially is mixed, the lighter constituents flowing through a top section of the pipeline, and the heavier constituents flowing through a bottom section of the pipeline, wherein the at least one dividing fin is/are arranged either vertically and/or horizontally in order to divide the flow into two or more smaller flow streams downstream of the flow divider.

Abstract: A fluid distribution apparatus including a housing configured to receive a drilling material and direct the drilling material onto a separatory surface; and a damper coupled to the housing and configured to distribute a flow of the drilling material onto the separatory surface is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for recovering hydrocarbons from a reservoir includes separating air into a nitrogen-rich gas and an oxygen-rich gas, oxidizing a hydrocarbon fuel with at least part of the oxygen-rich gas to produce steam and a CO2-rich gas, injecting at least part of the steam through an injection well into the reservoir to heat the hydrocarbons, purging the injection well with at least part of the nitrogen-rich gas, and injecting at least part of the CO2-rich gas into the reservoir containing the heated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method of treating a formation fluid includes providing formation fluid from a subsurface in situ heat treatment process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrocarbons, hydrogen or mixtures thereof. Molecular oxygen is separated from air to form a molecular oxygen stream comprising molecular oxygen. The first gas stream is combined with the molecular oxygen stream to form a combined stream comprising molecular oxygen and the first gas stream. The combined stream is provided to one or more downhole burners.

Abstract: An electric plasma arc apparatus and method produces nitrogen compounds, solely using ambient air extracted in proximity to the apparatus. The nitrogen compounds are brought into contact with a water processing system, forming nitrate on-site. Hydrogen sulfide present in the water processing system is removed, and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing nitrate into the system, whereby denitrifying microorganisms, using the nitrate, outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide. Nitrate ions generated in the water processing system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms can enhance oil recovery by means of microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing a well using a gas are disclosed herein. A compressed lift gas can be provided to a well to obtain a production stream. The production stream can be separated to obtain the product and a recycle gas stream. The recycle gas stream can be immediately recompressed for use as lift gas, or separated to form a lift gas stream, and a power stream containing natural gasses from the well. The lift gas stream is recycled for use as lift gas, while the power stream can be transported and/or collected for sale, recycled for use as lift gas, or consumed as power for the compressor, based on measurements obtained throughout the system, coupled with practical and economic variables. By supplementing or replacing generated lift gas and/or an external power source with natural gas from the well, the present systems and methods can become self-contained after start-up.

Abstract: A choke for removing large diameter particulate matter from an oil or natural gas well includes a housing having a chamber with an integral solids receptacle. The chamber is in communication with a flow stream outlet and a flow stream inlet. The flow stream inlet is located below the flow stream outlet. The flow stream inlet directly adjoins the integral solids receptacle in the chamber. The choke includes a solids removal outlet located below the flow stream inlet in communication with the chamber for flowing particulate from the chamber when actuatedby a user. The choke includes a needle disposed in a bonnet connected to the chamber above the flow stream inlet for controlling the flow stream from the flow stream inlet to the flow stream outlet by engaging a choke face of a seat with the needle.