Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Solid concentrated fabric softener composition
    Patent number: 9969957
    Abstract: A solid fabric softening composition is disclosed which includes a quaternary ammonium fabric softening compound which is stabilized to form a solid with a mixture of a water soluble organic salt and a medium to long chain carboxylic acid. This stabilizing combination has been shown to effectively form a solid quaternary ammonium based fabric softening composition with up to as much as 70% by weight of quaternary ammonium compound. The formulations are stable at typical storage temperatures of up to 110° F. and provide fabric softening similar to and even superior to other traditional liquid formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Christensen, Joanna A. Pham, Jessica Bull
  • Method of reducing corrosion and corrosion byproduct deposition in a crude unit
    Patent number: 9969947
    Abstract: A method of optimizing system parameters in a crude unit to reduce corrosion and corrosion byproduct deposition in the crude unit is disclosed and claimed. The method includes measuring or predicting properties associated with the system parameters and using an automated controller to analyze the properties to cause adjustments in the chemical program to optimize the system parameters. Adjusting the system parameters effectively controls corrosion in the crude unit by reducing the corrosiveness of a fluid in the process stream and/or by protecting the system from a potentially corrosive substance. System parameter sensing probes are arranged at one or more locations in the process stream to allow accurate monitoring of the system parameters in the crude unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn L. Scattergood, Sam Ferguson
  • System employing ion exchange resin regenerated by acid
    Patent number: 9963361
    Abstract: Methods and systems for acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a water source use a treated, softened, acidic water source according to the invention. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Li Wen, Lylien Tan, Peter Voss, Mark Toetschinger
  • Process and system for dewatering oil sands fine tailings
    Patent number: 9963365
    Abstract: A dewatering process comprises dispersing an anionic polymer flocculant in a slurry comprising water and oil sands fine tailings to form flocs comprising fines bridged by the anionic polymer flocculant. A cationic polymer flocculant is subsequently dispersed in the flocculated slurry to further flocculate the flocs and form floc aggregates. The floc aggregates comprise flocs bridged by the cationic polymer flocculant. The floc aggregates are then compressed to remove water and form a dewatered compact. A system is also provided for the dewatering processes using inline mixtures and a filter press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Duttlinger, Jr., Anoop Chengara, Kimberly Jantunen Cross, Anthony G. Sommese
  • Alcohol hand sanitizer with improved dermal compatibility and feel
    Patent number: 9962323
    Abstract: Applicants have identified a critical skin benefit package that can be used in liquid alcohol sanitizing compositions that provides lower amounts of skin conditioners in combination with a specific ratio of different emollients that provide improved skin health with chronic repeated use. The package also provides improved skin feel with without a tacky residue upon drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Wegner, Cheryl A. Littau
  • Carbonyl functional inversion agents for water-in-oil latices and methods of use
    Patent number: 9957437
    Abstract: Water-in-oil latices of water soluble or dispersible polymers and methods of using the same are presented. The latices include carbonyl functional inversion agents that provide rapid and complete inversion of the latices under conditions wherein the water source used to invert the latex is provided at high temperature, or includes a high level of total dissolved solids, or is both high temperature and high total dissolved solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojin Harry Li, Anand Parthasarathy
  • Antimicrobial foaming compositions containing cationic active ingredients
    Patent number: 9956153
    Abstract: The antimicrobial foaming composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a cationic compatible surfactant, a foam booster, a foam structure enhancing agent, dermal adjuvants, and a carrier. The present antimicrobial compositions are free of the antimicrobial agents triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4?-trichloro-2?hydroxy-diphenylether) and lower alcohols. They are also free of anionic surfactants. The foaming compositions have rapid cidal activity, provide stable, copious foam, and exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Hilina Emiru, Cheryl A. Littau, Joseph R. Wegner, Daniel E. Pedersen, Mai Le, Amanda L. Wessinger
  • Use of quinone methides as antipolymerants for vinylic monomers
    Patent number: 9957209
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compounds and methods for inhibiting the radical polymerization of unsaturated compounds, particularly vinyl monomers. More particularly, it relates to the use of cinnamyl quinone methides to inhibit the polymerization of unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds (e.g., vinyl monomers) soluble in organic solvents, particularly hydrocarbon streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Masere, Ramon Colorado, Jr.
  • BLENDS OF POLYMERS AS WET STRENGTHENING AGENTS FOR PAPER
    Publication number: 20180112359
    Abstract: Resin systems and methods for making and using same are provided. The method for making a paper product can include contacting a plurality of pulp fibers with a resin system. The resin system can include a first polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resin and a second resin that can include a second polyamidoamine-epihalohydrin resin, a urea-formaldehyde resin, or a mixture thereof to produce a paper product. The first resin and the second resin can be sequentially or simultaneously contacted with the plurality of pulp fibers. The period for sequential addition between the first resin and the second resin is about 1 second to about 1 hour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Cornel Hagiopol, David F. Townsend, Clay E. Ringold, James W. Johnston, Robert McDonald, Metric M. Simpson, Frederick S. Potter
  • Fluorescent Polymers for Water Treatment
    Publication number: 20180111858
    Abstract: Novel fluorophores and their use as fluorescent tags for polymers used in wastewater treatment. The fluorophores are quaternary amine salts that can be used to synthesize fluorescent tagged polymers that are stable at varying pH, have significant water solubility, and may be fluorescent at wavelengths greater than 550 nm. The fluorophores readily undergo polymerization with vinylic monomers to form fluorescent tagged polymers with excellent incorporation of fluorophore into the polymer framework. The fluorescent tagged polymers are useful to monitor and optionally dose industrial wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tarun Kumar Bera, Deepak Jadhav, Kiran Phatangare, Trishul Artham, Jitendra Shah, Wesley Lamar Whipple, Winston Su, John David Morris, Paul Joseph Zinn
  • Wet end chemicals for dry end strength in paper
    Patent number: 9951475
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for increasing the dry strength of paper. The invention utilizes a tailored strength agent whose size and shape is tailored to fit into the junction points between flocs of a paper sheet. The strength agents is in contact with the slurry for just enough time to collect at the junction points but not so much that it can migrate away from there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Weiguo Cheng, Mei Liu, Gary S. Furman, Jr., Robert M. Lowe
  • Label removal solution for low temperature and low alkaline conditions
    Patent number: 9951302
    Abstract: According to the invention, the compositions and methods provide for the complete removal of synthetic glues or adhesives from a plurality of surfaces through the use of amide solvents in combination with surfactants, chelants, acidulants and/or additional bottle wash additives. Beneficially, the compositions and methods are suitable for use at lower temperatures, including below 35° C., and lower pH conditions, including from 5 to 10, from 6 to 9, and from 6 to 8, in comparison to conventional caustic-based adhesive removal compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Clinton Hunt, Jr., Kim R. Solomon, Ralf Krack
  • DEVICE TO SEPARATE WATER AND SOLIDS OF SPRAY WATER IN A CONTINUOUS CASTER, AND METHOD TO MONITOR AND CONTROL CORROSION BACKGROUND
    Publication number: 20180104624
    Abstract: A system and methods are disclosed for treating cooling fluid in a continuous metal casting process having a spray chamber. In some embodiments, the system includes a first compartment with an intermittently operable outlet (e.g., valve) with an open state and a closed state, for removing particulate matter, and a second compartment that receives particle-free fluid from the first compartment. The first compartment may be tapered, conical, funnel, pyramidal shape or otherwise narrowed shape to facilitate settling of the particles. One or more sensors measure at least one property of the particle-free fluid to determine the opened or closed state of the outlet and to adjust chemical additives for the cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the system and methods reduce corrosion in spray chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Laia More Roca, Ashraf Mohammed, Paloma Lopez Serrano, Andrew Edwin Lerrick, Peter de Graaf
  • Caustic free low temperature ware wash detergent for reducing scale build-up
    Patent number: 9944889
    Abstract: Caustic-free detergent compositions are provided. Detergent compositions including an aminocarboxylate, water conditioning agent, non-caustic source of alkalinity and water beneficially do not require the use of additional surfactants and/or polymers to provide suitable detergency and prevent scale build-up on treated surfaces. The detergent compositions are used with a sanitizer to employ the caustic-free detergent compositions are particularly suitable for use as low temperature ware wash detergents that beneficially reduce scale build-up. Methods of employing the caustic-free detergent compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erin Dahlquist Howlett, Steven E. Lentsch, Terrence P. Everson, Carter Martin Silvernail
  • Reducing aluminosilicate scale in the Bayer process
    Patent number: 9944534
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of inhibiting the accumulation of DSP scale in the liquor circuit of Bayer process equipment. The method includes adding one or more particular silane based small molecules to the liquor fluid circuit. These scale inhibitors reduce DSP scale formation and thereby increase fluid throughput, increase the amount of time Bayer process equipment can be operational and reduce the need for expensive and dangerous acid washes of Bayer process equipment. As a result, the invention provides a significant reduction in the total cost of operating a Bayer process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Everett C. Phillips, Timothy La, Kailas B. Sawant
  • Method and system for operating a CIP pre-flush step using fluorometric measurements of soil content
    Patent number: 9937535
    Abstract: A clean-in-place process may begin with a pre-rinse step in which soil (e.g., contaminants, residual product) is flushed from industrial equipment prior to circulating a cleaning agent through the equipment. To determine when the equipment has been suitably flushed, pre-rinse fluid exiting the industrial equipment and containing soil may be fluorometrically analyzed. A concentration of the soil is determined from fluorescent emissions emitted by the soil itself. Based on this information, the pre-rinse flushing process can be controlled, for example, to minimize water usage, maximize pre-rinse cleaning, or based on any other suitable metric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Erickson, Peter J. Fernholz
  • PREPARATION OF NEW STABLE HYDROGEN SULFIDE SCAVENGERS USEFUL IN BOTH WATER AS WELL AS OIL MEDIUM APPLICATIONS
    Publication number: 20180093941
    Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful in removing, lowering, or otherwise controlling hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans. The compositions and methods can be used in any industry where hydrogen sulfide poses problems, such as when dealing with crude oil based, natural gas based, and/or coal based products. In some embodiments, the compositions include one or more alkoxylated amino formaldehyde adducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Prakasa Rao Anantaneni, Ryan Matthew Harrington, David Tarverdi, Lawrence J. Karas, Ravindranath Mukkamala
  • Methods and Systems for Analyzing a Liquid Medium
    Publication number: 20180095043
    Abstract: Methods and systems for colorimetrically analyzing a liquid medium by analyzing chemical test strip images are provided. The liquid medium can be industrial water in an industrial water system. Image analyzing software carries out the analysis. The results of the analysis can be used to diagnosing a chemical treatment regimen of the industrial water system. A chemical test strip holder can be used to enhance reliability and repeatability of the imaging process and/or subsequent analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Walicki
  • Controlled dissolution solid product dispenser
    Patent number: 9931605
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for obtaining a solution from a solid product are disclosed. A solid product is housed in a dispenser. A liquid is introduced into the housing of the dispenser to interact with the solid product to form a solution. To control the concentration of the formed solution, the turbulence of the liquid introduced to the dispenser is controlled and adjusted either manually or on a real time basis to account for varying characteristics of either or both of the solid product and the liquid. The dispenser will adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain a formed solution within an acceptable range of concentration. The concentrated solution can then be discharged from the dispenser to an end use application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Carroll, John D. Morey, Andrew Schultz, Ryan Drake, John E. Thomas, Troy A. Anderson, Joshua J. Lanz
  • Metal silicate and organic deposit inhibitor/dispersant for thermal recovery operations of hydrocarbon fuels
    Patent number: 9932255
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for removing an organic deposit or for inhibiting deposition of deposit-forming comprising contacting a cleaning composition or an anti-coking composition with a surface. The surface can have an organic deposit or be susceptible to forming an organic deposit and the surface can be in contact with a liquid containing organics. The liquid can be produced from a thermal recovery system, and the surface can be an internal surface of a piece of steam-generating or vapor-generating equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Hoots, Edward Maharajh, Anthony G. Sommese, Timothy S. Keizer