A composition of matter suitable for increasing the viscosity of liquids comprises tendrillar carbonaceous material (TCM) having a ultra low bulk density of less than about 0.1 g/cm.sup.3 and comprises intertwined tendrils having a diameter (number average) of from about 0.05 to about 0.2 micron and a length (number average) to diameter (number average) ratio greater than about 10, the tendrils comprising carbon fibers and an iron metal component dispersed throughout the carbon fibers as nodules that are intimately associated with and at least partially bonded to the carbon fibers, the tendrillar carbonaceous material comprising from about 0.1 to about 5% by weight iron. The TCM can be used as a viscosifier and for suspending solids in such applications as drilling muds, lubricating oils and greases. The TCM can be prepared by disproportionating carbon monoxide in the presence of iron contained in a blend of (1) previously formed TCM and (2) iron containing particles.
This invention concerns the addition of fibrous alumina material to a phosphor or phosphor mixture before fluidization as a means of increasing the cohesiveness of the phosphor or phosphor mixture. The increase in cohesiveness can be controlled by varying the concentration of the fiber in the mixture.
Barium sulfate having a specific crystal structure and optical characteristics is disclosed. The crystals have a plate-like structure of which the aspect ratio is 5-100 and the ratio of the square of the circumference of the plate and the area of the orthogonal projection plane is 20:1-150:1. In a preferred embodiment, a thin film of 25 .mu.m thickness with 20% by weight of the barium sulfate powder concentration has a scattering transmittance of 70% or greater and a total transmittance of 85% or greater. The cosmetic compositions to which the barium sulfate is incorporated exhibits excellent extendibility and adhesion to the skin and can effectively hide the spots or freckles on the skin. The cosmetic composition satisfies both the fine naked skin feeling and the skin covering effect, which have never been satisfied by conventional cosmetic compositions.
A wellbore fluid having a non-aqueous continuous liquid phase that exhibits an electrical conductivity increased by a factor in order of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.7 compared to conventional invert emulsion comprises from about 0.2% to about 10% by volume of carbon black particles and one or more emulsifying surfactant(s) selected from the class including nonionic emulsifiers of Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) less than about 12, and anionic surfactants wherein the counter-ion (cation) is any of alkali metal, ammonium, or hydrogen ions. This wellbore fluid can be used for drilling or completing a well and can be used for providing enhanced information from electrical logging tools, measurement while drilling, logging while drilling, geosteering and the like.
A system and method for separating oil from an oil tailing having water includes introducing the oil tailing within a chamber, and applying RF energy to the oil tailing at a temperature sufficient to convert the water to steam and to separate the oil from the tailing. The system allows removal of the water from the tailing followed by RF energy absorption by the tailing prior to substantial heat transfer to the surrounding mineral portion of the tailing. Among other advantages, the system produces tailings substantially devoid of oil, thereby allowing the tailing to be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The system is particularly advantageous for offshore drilling operations where storage and subsequent hauling of the oil tailings ashore for processing and disposal is expensive.
