The short hop communication link includes a sensor module (125) positioned downhole from a motor (100) in a well. The module (125) includes sensors that monitor operational, directional and environmental parameters downhole and provide an electrical data signal indicative thereof. Sensors may also be positioned in the drill bit (50) for obtaining parameters related to the bit, and communicating data signals reflecting the sensed parameters to the sensor module (125). The sensor module (125) includes a transceiver, with an annular antenna (25), for transmitting electromagnetic sensor data signals to a point above the motor (100). A control module (40), which also includes a transceiver with an annular antenna (37), is located above the motor (100), and receives the electromagnetic signals from the sensor module (125) reflecting the sensed parameters. In addition, the control module (40) is capable of transmitting command signals to the sensor module (125) requesting data regarding desired parameters. The command module (40) connects to a host module (10) which orchestrates all measurement-while-drilling components downhole. The host module (10) connects to a mud pulser (35) for transmitting desired data to the surface for real-time processing. The sensor module (125) is strategically placed within a removable, interchangeable sub (200) below the motor (100), or alternatively, within an extended driveshaft (400) of the motor (100), while the sensor antenna (25) is located on an exterior shoulder of the sub (200) or driveshaft (400). The sensor module (125) and an associated battery pack (55) reside within a pressure container (99) which forms pan of a current return path from the sensor antenna (25) to the circuitry within the sensor module (125).

Short hop communication link for downhole mwd system

The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for initiating and sustaining an oxidation reaction. A fuel, such as natural gas or hazardous waste, is introduced into a reaction zone within a pressurized containment vessel. A permeable liner is placed within the containment vessel and around the reaction zone. An oxidizer, preferably oxygen, is mixed with a carrier fluid, such as water, and the mixture is heated and pressurized to supercritical conditions of temperature and pressure. The supercritical oxidizer-carrier mix is introduced to the reaction zone gradually and uniformly, over a comparatively large area, by forcing it radially inward through the permeable liner and toward the reaction zone. A means and method for cooling the exhausted by-products and using them as a cleansing rinse are disclosed.

Supercritical oxidation reactor

The present invention relates to a novel aqueous-phase oxidizer and solids separator reactor. More particularly, the invention relates to a two zone pressure vessel in which precipitates and other solids fall or are sprayed from a supercritical temperature super zone into a lower temperature sub zone. The feed material may consist of various waste products which are subsequently oxidized in the super zone of the pressure vessel. The resultant brine or slurry which is found at the lower temperature sub zone of the vessel is removed via a pipe and disposed of accordingly.

Method for solids separation in a wet oxidation type process

In the processes for treating municipal sewage and storm water containing biosolids to discharge standards, biosolids, even after dewatering, contain typically about 80% water bound in the dead cells of the biosolids, which gives biosolids a negative heating value. It can be incinerated only at the expense of purchased fuel. Biosolids are heated to a temperature at which their cell structure is destroyed and, preferably, at which carbon dioxide is split off to lower the oxygen content of the biosolids. The resulting char is not hydrophilic, and it can be efficiently dewatered and/or dried and is a viable renewable fuel. This renewable fuel can be supplemented by also charging conventional biomass (yard and crop waste, etc.) in the same or in parallel facilities. Similarly, non-renewable hydrophilic fuels can be so processed in conjunction with the processing of biosolids to further augment the energy supply.

Slurry dewatering and conversion of biosolids to a renewable fuel

A method and apparatus for effecting accelerated chemical reactions at elevated temperatures and pressures including wet oxidation of materials in waste streams. An influent waste stream or first reactant is directed through a long tubular coil within a containment vessel with a second reactant being added to the influent. The flow rates for the gas and liquid components of the waste stream are set to cause plug or slug flow of the waste stream through the tubular coil. The curvature of the coil tends to induce a secondary flow in the liquid such that the liquid tends to travel in a spiral thereby providing more intimate mixing of the reactants; and the containment vessel may be partitioned to form a series of successive compartments to permit different temperature gradients to be applied to successive sections of the tubing coil across its length. Alternatively, a tube in tube construction for the tubular coil permits counter current heat exchange betwen the waste stream within the inner tube and the returning stream. Multiple injection and extraction points are provided along the path of the tubular coil to permit gas, liquid or solid reactants to be added or extracted as desired. The tubular coil provides an excellent environmental container for the reaction stream and is extremely suitable for temperature control to permit continuous heat input, autogenic operation and continuous heat extraction.

Method and apparatus for controlled chemical reactions

Processes are provided for accomplishing wet oxidation using a reaction zone wherein the gas phase (oxygen) is allowed to pass therethrough at a flow rate independent of the liquid phase (waste water) flow rate so that more oxygen can be supplied to a given volume of waste water than is possible for a conventional reactor of the equivalent size. A high efficiency wet oxidation is provided by which the process technology can be practiced either in a single stage or multistage. The reactor is directed to operate at temperatures ranging from about 350° to 600° F. at pressures ranging from about 800 to 2200 psig and the reactor provides a gas phase/liquid phase separation feature.

Wet oxidation system employing phase separating reactor

Heat exchange means and method for a continuous wet oxidation apparatus for treating organic waste sewage employing a reactor within which the sewage is treated in the presence of heat, includes handling the influent by means providing a continuous hydraulic circuit for the passage of waste sewage to the reactor, such influent means comprising in series a holding tank communicating downstream with a high pressure pump acting to drive the influent through a low pressure heat exchanger a high pressure heat exchanger and then through an inlet into the reactor, and means for handling effluent from the reactor providing a continuous hydraulic circuit for the passage of treated liquid from the reactor and having in series an outlet and passage from the reactor to conduct hot effluent through the high pressure heat exchanger from which the passage leads to a throttling device and thence to and through the low pressure heat exchanger to a second throttling device and therefrom to a disposal point. The influent waste sewage conducted from the holding tank to the reactor is preheated by heat from the effluent liquid in two stages, comprising a first stage at low pressure and a second stage at high pressure.

James W. Van Kirk

Papers

Wet oxidation system employing phase separating reactor

Heat exchange method for wet oxidation systems