Abstract: The invention provides a foam control formulation in the form of a microemulsion, the formulation comprising: (a) from S to 70% w/w of primary surfactant, this surfactant having an HLB of from 1 to 12 and/or a cloud point of from 20 to 70° C.; (b) from 2 to 40% w/w of water-insoluble organic carrier liquid; and (c) water. Also provided is the use of this formulation to prevent and/or reduce foam in a fluid system, or as a processing aid to control foam production in a fluid system. The formulation may be used in an aqueous fluid system, such as an oilfield.

Abstract: Dual phase compositions for treating a hydrocarbon stream are disclosed, wherein the dual phase compositions are colloidal micellar solutions with an aqueous phase and an oil phase. Methods are also disclosed for reducing emulsions in a hydrocarbon stream by contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a dual phase composition.

Abstract: A microchannel structure including a dispersed-phase introduction channel which communicates with a dispersed-phase introduction inlet; a continuous-phase introduction channel which communicates with a continuous-phase introduction inlet; a discharge channel which communicates with a discharge outlet; a fine-particle formation channel; and a plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction which are microchannels; wherein one end of the fine-particle formation channel in a fluid traveling direction communicates with the continuous-phase introduction channel whereas the other end thereof communicates with the discharge channel; and wherein a side part of the dispersed-phase introduction channel and side part of the fine-particle formation channel communicate via the plurality of branch channel for dispersed-phase introduction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for controlling the stability or the droplets sized of simple water-in-oil emulsions, wherein a di-block or tri-block copolymer is used. A block is a hydrophilic block, the other block is a hydrophobic block. The invention concerns also a stabilized water-in-oil emulsion.

Abstract: A composition of a microemulsion including a mixture of a combination of surfactants and co-surfactants, an oil phase and an aqueous phase is described. In addition, a method for the advanced recovery of heavy oils is described which includes the steps of injecting a bank containing a microemulsion composition, injecting a bank of a polymer solution, and injecting water. The microemulsion composition can be applied in arenitic and carbonatic reservoirs, containing oils with API below 22.3° API, in both onshore and offshore fields.

Abstract: Provided is an emulsified composition for diluting a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof. Also provided is a novel cancer vaccine composition or specific CTL inducer that efficiently induces CTL irrespective of the type of cancer antigen peptide when mixing the emulsified composition for dilution and a water phase comprising a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof. The present invention relates to an emulsified composition for diluting a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof, comprising a particular ester, a particular surfactant, a particular emulsifier, and a water phase. The present invention also relates to a cancer vaccine composition or specific CTL inducer obtained by freshly diluting and mixing a water phase comprising a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof with the emulsified composition for dilution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an emulsion comprising an organic discontinuous phase which is distributed throughout a continuous aqueous phase, wherein the organic phase comprises, a) an organic solvent which is a liquid at 25° C. and/or, b) an organic phase stabilising material that comprises hydrophobic moieties and is a material which is more soluble in the organic phase than the aqueous phase, and the emulsion further comprises an encapsulated fragrance, said fragrance is encapsulated in microparticles. The present invention also relates to personal care compositions comprising emulsions containing encapsulated fragrances for improved fragrance delivery. The present invention also relates a method of use that comprises application of an effective amount of a liquid or solid personal care composition comprising an emulsion that contains a fragrance encapsulated in microparticles to at least one part of the body.

Abstract: Fluids and associated methods useful in subterranean applications are provided. More particularly, methods of reducing drill string sticking are provided, which include: providing a spotting fluid composition comprising a water insoluble external phase fluid, a water soluble internal phase fluid, and an ether carboxylic acid emulsifying agent; introducing the spotting fluid to the vicinity of a desired portion of a drill string; and allowing the spotting fluid to interact with a portion of material surrounding the desired portion of the drill string spotting fluid. Compositions are provided that may be useful in subterranean applications for addressing, among other things, drill string sticking problems. Additional optional components may be used, such as viscosifiers, weighting agents, and wetting agents.

Abstract: Fluids and associated methods useful in subterranean applications are provided. Compositions are provided that may be useful in subterranean applications for addressing, among other things, drill string sticking problems. More particularly, spotting fluid compositions are provided having a water insoluble external phase fluid; a water soluble internal phase fluid; and an ether carboxylic acid emulsifying agent. Additional optional components may be used, such as viscosifiers, weighting agents, and wetting agents.

Abstract: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.

Abstract: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.

Abstract: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.

Abstract: The invention provides water-in-oil emulsions containing (a) 12-21% by weight of polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, (b) 4-7% by weight of a hydrogenated ethoxylated castor oil, (c) 25-35% by weight of mineral oil, (d) 20-30% by weight of further oil substances (e), 3-5% by weight of hydrotropes, (f) 3-4% by weight of metal soaps and (g) 10-30% by weight of water, based on the overall composition. The emulsions are useful for finishing textiles and papers.

Abstract: Heavy oil emulsions, comprising decant oils and No. 6, No. 5 and No. 4 oils, and water are stabilized by adding certain saccharide-based esters. Preferably, the saccharide-based esters are naturally-occurring saccharide esters such as gallotannins, saponin, red gum, and the like.

Abstract: A crude oil simulant is disclosed that is an emulsion of an organic continuous phase, an aqueous dispersed phase, and an emulsifier. To enhance the biodegradability rate of the simulant various strains of bacteria can be added to the aqueous phase. Nutrients can be added to the aqueous phase to increase activity of the bacteria. The components of the simulant of the invention can be mixed under high shear conditions such as 1,000-12,000 reciprocal minutes. The emulsion based oil simulants can be prepared on-site and can be readily tailored to simulant a wide variety of crude oils under various conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for treating subterranean formations. A treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous liquid, and a degradable surfactant derived from a degradable polymer is provided. Also provided are emulsified treatment fluids and foamed treatment fluids that comprise degradable surfactants derived from degradable polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating subterranean formations. A method, that comprises providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid, and a degradable surfactant derived from a degradable polymer; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedstock composition for increasing the efficiency of atomization in hydrocarbon processing that includes a water-in-hydrocarbon oil emulsion including a non-ionic surfactant capable of stabilizing the emulsion and having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of greater than about 12. The emulsion includes water droplets of about 5 to about 10 microns in diameter, the droplets being dispersed substantially uniformly in the hydrocarbon oil phase. These surfactants are capable of stabilizing the water-in-hydrocarbon oil emulsion under relevant temperature and pressure conditions for hydrocarbon processing. The inventive feedstock composition provides a metastable water-in-oil emulsion where expanding water vapor explodes under spray conditions where the system pressure is released, demolishing a larger oil droplet and producing smaller oil droplets.

Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous compositions comprising, as well as water, 75% to 90% by weight of alkyl polyethylene glycol ether sulfates which are a mixture of compounds of formula (1) R1—O—(CH2—CH2—O)x—SO3M??(1) where R1 is a branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 14 carbon atoms and at least one tertiary carbon atom, x is from 3 to 15, M is an alkali metal ion or an ammonium ion, with compounds of formula (2) R2—O—(CH2—CH2—O)y—SO3M???(2) where R2 is a linear alkyl or alkenyl group having 8 to 14 carbon atoms, y is from 3 to 15, M? is an alkali metal ion or an ammonium ion, wherein the mixing ratio of compounds of formulae (1) and (2) is chosen such that the compounds of formula (1) comprise at least 10% by weight and at most 99% by weight of the total amount of compounds of formulae (1) and (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable emulsion of an immiscible fluid and of an aqueous phase having a determined pH value. The emulsion is optimized in that it comprises an ionic surfactant and a polyampholytic polymer whose charge depends on the pH value. The respective amounts of surfactant and of polymers are determined according to the charges. Stabilization or destabilization of the emulsion is adjusted by controlling the pH value. The invention also relates to a method of stabilizing and destabilizing an emulsion comprising a surfactant combined with an ampholytic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water-based drilling mud for utilization in the drilling of oil wells comprising an aqueous phase wherein the aqueous phase contains an oil soluble polymer in the form of a gel as a fluid loss reducer. The subject invention further reveals a method of lubricating a drilling bit during the drilling of a well which comprises circulating a water-based drilling mud in the vicinity of the drilling bit wherein the water-based drilling mud is comprised of an aqueous phase, and wherein the aqueous phase contains an oil soluble polymer in the form of a gel as a fluid loss reducer.

Abstract: Improved fuel compositions and fuel additive packages are disclosed which serve to increase the combustion efficiency of conventional fuels while reducing the level of CO2 emissions generated upon the combustion of the fuels. The fuels may be essentially water-free hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline or diesel fuel, or may be in the form of hydrosols. The additive packages of the invention include sorbitan oleate, a polyoxyethylene alcohol, an alkylene glycol, and an amine.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a water-based drilling mud for utilization in the drilling of oil wells comprising an aqueous phase wherein the aqueous phase contains an oil soluble polymer in the form of a gel as fluid loss reducer. The subject invention further reveals a process for preparing an oil soluble polymer fluid loss control agent comprising the steps of dissolving at least one polymer in a hydrocarbon oil to form a clear solution or a gel, adding an emulsifier to the solution or the gel, and keeping the mixture under conditions of agitation until a clear creamy mixture is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. In particular, the invention includes emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water and alkoxylated triazine surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: Fuel made from an emulsion between water and a liquid hydrocarbon and polymeric surfactant, used to stabilize the emulsion, obtainable by (a) reacting (i) at least one polyolefin oligomer functionalized with at least one group deriving from a dicarboxylic acid, or a derivative thereof; and (ii) at least one polyoxylalkylene having linear oxyalkylene units, the polyoxyalkylene being linked to a long-chain alkyl group optionally containing at least one ethylenic unsaturation; and (b) reacting the product of step (a) with (ii) at least one nitrogen compound selected from monoamines, polyamines and quaternary ammonium hydroxides. The fuel has high stability over time, without forming carbonaceous deposits adhering to metal surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsions which remain perfectly stable over time, prepared from an emulsifier comprising at least one polyglycoside, i.e. polypentoside with or without pohexoside, in which the aliphatic radical has 16 to 18 carbon atoms, and at least one fatty alcohol having 12 to 22 carbon atoms; a process for stabilizing the emulsions; and an emulsifying agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to fine emulsions comprising at least one W/O emulsifier and at least one hydrophilic component, and to a process for their preparation. The fine emulsions are obtainable by converting a W/O preemulsion comprising at least one W/O emulsifier into an O/W fine emulsion by adding at least one hydrophilic component and, where appropriate, changing the temperature. Suitable W/O emulsifiers are preferably sorbitol esters. The fine emulsions are preferably spray emulsions for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing W/O emulsions having crosslinked water-swollen polymers dispersed therein, by aftertreatment with a redox initiator system to reduce the residual monomer content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable cold-mix water-in-oil emulsions and methods for preparing such emulsions. The cold-mix water-in-oil emulsions comprise oil (i.e., an emollient), water and an emulsification system comprising a quaternary ammonium-based low HLB emulsifier and optional co-emulsifiers. The emulsions are useful in preparing finished cosmetic compositions in the form of lotions, gels, or sprays, which provide improved moisturization, skin feel, skin care, and/or appearance benefits and/or reduced greasiness, with excellent rub-in and absorption characteristics. Also disclosed are cold-mix water-in-oil sunscreen emulsions and methods for preparing such sunscreen emulsions. The emulsions of the instant invention are generally capable of being substantially completely emulsified and stable at about 25° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fatty acid esters composition of a polyglycerine containing more than 70% of a fatty acid monoester which is defined by a specified analysis method, a process for the preparation thereof, a process for the preparation of a highly-purified fatty acid esters composition of a polyglycerine, and a highly-purified fatty acid esters composition of a polyglycerine having an oxirane oxygen concentration of below 100 ppm which is defined by a specified analysis method. The fatty acid esters compositions of a polyglycerine are useful as additives for a variety of food-stuffs, additives for a variety of thermoplastic resins, and as additives for a variety of cosmetics or detergents.

Abstract: An organic solvent-less O/W type emulsion having an excellent stability for storage and water-dilution is produced by a specific process in which (1) a mixture of (a) water with (b) an oily substance selected from oily effective materials and oily liquid materials, the oily substance and water being capable of forming an interface therebetween, (c) a high molecular weight surfactant and (d) a low molecular weight surfactant is stirred at a temperature of 40.degree. C. or less, to provide an O/W type emulsion; (2) the emulsion is heated to gel the emulsion; (3) the gel is heated to phase invert from O/W to W/O; (4) the W/O emulsion is cooled to a temperature below the gelling temperature; and (5) the resultant O/W emulsion is further stirred, and optionally in or after the cooling step (4), a particulate solid substance or an aqueous suspension thereof is mixed with the emulsion.

Abstract: Surfactant compositions for wellbore operations consisting essentially of a first surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyglycosides containing alkyl groups containing an odd number of carbon atoms from about 9 to about 13 carbon atoms and a second surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyglycosides containing alkyl groups containing from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms and a third surfactant selected from the group consisting of linear ethoxylated alcohols containing from about 8 to 12 carbon atoms and from about 2 to about 8 ethylene oxide groups and a method for formulating such surfactant compositions.

Abstract: An aqueous composition and a method of applying an aqueous composition to a surface in which the surface active properties of the composition are improved through addition of a new class of surfactants based on the trans isomers of olefinic diols having the formula: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 is the same or a different C1 to C9 linear or branched alkyl group and the total number of carbons atoms in the olefinic diol is between 12 and 17. The compounds are useful in lowering the equilibrium surface tension of aqueous organic compositions; for example, those used in coatings, inks and adhesives.