The current design, hand-push tribometer widely used throughout the world has limitations previously outlined and operators have pressed for improvements both in operating convenience and, in particular, in controlling the operating regime that defines the values produced.
As for field application, oilfield engineers are mainly concerned about three issues: processing time, decision veracity, and operating convenience.
Since most of the oilfield engineers are not familiar with the theoretical bases of closed-loop reservoir management, integrated software is necessary to improve their operating convenience.
Fueling Jiffy Lube's growth over the last three decades has been the near disappearance of full-service gas stations, once popular for oil changes, as operators found it more lucrative to operate convenience stores than garages.
PANTRY INC., Sanford, N.C., a chain of independently operated convenience stores, agreed to buy 15 stores in two separate deals involving closely held companies.
Another law passed on Tuesday protects the rights of small-business owners who operate convenience stores under a franchise agreement with chaebols.
"One reason full-line vending machines have not swept the United States to date is that we have had a large population of entrepreneurial immigrants eager to operate convenience stores," said Timothy Sanford, editor of the trade journal Vending Times.
They operate convenience stores that update the old formula known as "Coke and smokes" by offering self-serve soda fountains and cappuccino bars, friendly service and, especially, fresh sandwiches ordered on a touch screen.
Alimentation Couche-Tard, which operates convenience stores, said yesterday it would buy 22 gas stations and shops in the Phoenix area from Shell Oil Products U.S. The stores would be converted to Couche-Tard's Circle K brand, while the gas pumps, currently selling Texaco fuel, will switch to the Shell brand, under the terms of the $33 million deal.
Under the terms of the deal, Couche-Tard, based in Laval, Quebec, will offer the shareholders of Statoil Fuel & Retail 53 Norwegian kroner, or $9.22, for each of their shares in the company, which operates convenience and gas stations across Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
The company also operates convenience stores/gas stations under the GetGo banner.
