Patents Assigned to Ecolab
  • Publication number: 20150322333
    Abstract: A composition including crosslinked expandable polymeric microparticles capable of hydrolysis at or below neutral pH and a method of modifying the permeability to water of a subterranean formation by introducing such compositions into the subterranean formation. This disclosure further relates to compositions and methods for the recovery of hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean reservoir or formation subjected to CO2 or CO2 Water Alternating Gas flooding at low pH and increases the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the subterranean formations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA, INC.
    Inventors: Pious V. Kurian, Mingli Wei, Kin-Tai Chang
  • Patent number: 9181499
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automated real-time monitoring and controlling desalting in a crude distillation unit. Crude oil and wash water are mixed by a pressure drop across a mix valve, thereby forming a crude oil/water phase stream. The crude oil/water phase stream is supplied into a desalter vessel, whereupon an emulsion forms at an interface between the crude oil and the water phase. The crude oil/water phase stream is contacted with a dosage of an emulsion breaker in an applied electric field. At least one property associated with the emulsion is measured using an emulsion level indicator. A total chlorine and a water percentage of the crude oil are measured. At least one of the pressure drop and the dosage of the emulsion breaker is adjusted substantially in real time in response to at least one of the measured properties, total chlorine, and water percentage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Mason, Sam Lordo, Michael Braden, Jeffrey Hubbard
  • Patent number: 9175405
    Abstract: Corrosion inhibitor compositions are provided that can include a mixture of one or more transition metals, one or more organic phosphates, one or more inorganic phosphates, optionally a dispersant, and hydroxyphosphono acetic acid and/or salts thereof. Methods of mitigating or inhibiting corrosion of housing or conduits containing aqueous mediums are also disclosed. The methods can include the steps of pretreating the metal conduit with a mixture of one or more transition metals, one or more organic phosphates, one or more inorganic phosphates, and hydroxyphosphono acetic acid, introducing an aqueous medium into the metal conduit, and injecting a mixture of one or more transition metals, one or more organic phosphates, one or more inorganic phosphates, and hydroxyphosphono acetic acid and/or salts thereof into the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jasbir S. Gill, Danilo Zim, Matheus Paschoalino
  • Publication number: 20150307817
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for improving safety and delivery of commercial application of cleaning compositions that include enzymes and other protein irritants. The methods reduce the mist and aerosolization of proteins so that inhalation and exposure to the same are reduced. According to the invention, when commercial pressurized sprayers are used to apply protein containing use cleaning compositions of up to 5 ppm protein, aerosolization is decreased to below 60 ng active protein per meter cubed. Applicants have also identified a specific metering tip/nozzle, dispense rate, and low pressure application of not more than 100 psi are critical to achieving the benefits of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Peitersen, Charles Allen Hodge, Terrence Phillip Everson, Stephen James Engel
  • Publication number: 20150307769
    Abstract: Methods for acid diversion in a hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation are disclosed. The methods include injecting an acid diversion agent comprising a water-soluble or dispersible branched polyhydroxyetheramine and injecting an acidic solution into a well which is in contact with the hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation. Preferably, the acid solution is diverted toward a zone of the formation that has a lower permeability to fluid than an adjacent zone. This process improves the permeability of the hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation to hydrocarbons, while decreasing the permeability of the formation to water or brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kin-Tai Chang, Eldon Dwyann Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 9169430
    Abstract: Methods for reducing fines migration in a porous subterranean reservoir. In certain aspects, the methods include introducing a composition including a water-soluble or dispersible branched polyhydroxyetheramine into the porous subterranean reservoir, maintaining a sufficient temperature in the porous subterranean reservoir for a period of time, adsorbing the composition onto a surface of the porous subterranean reservoir, and stabilizing at least a portion of the fines present in the porous subterranean reservoir. A treatment composition can be used and in certain aspects, the treatment composition can be a reaction product of bisphenol A, an ethanol amine, diethanol amine, and a monofunctionalized polyoxyalkyleneamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eldon Dwyann Dairymple, Kin-Tai Chang
  • Patent number: 9169164
    Abstract: Methods of coating seeds with polymers and seeds coated with such polymers are disclosed herein. The polymers can be phosphonates, sulfonates, polymers of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polysuccinic oligomers, acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, blends of acrylic acid/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide, blends of sulfomethylated acrylic acid/acrylamide with polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate, polymaleic acid, acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymers, polyacrylic acid, trimethylglycine hydrochloride, blends of polyaminopolyethermethylene phosphonate with trimethylglycine hydrochloride, and any combination or salt of such polymers. Methods of monitoring, determining, and controlling the concentration of scale inhibitors in an agricultural irrigation system are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jasbir S. Gill, Manian Ramesh, Dave Szymborski, William Morris
  • Patent number: 9167814
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including surfactant peroxycarboxylic acid, methods for making these compositions, and methods for reducing the population of a microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA, INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Lange, Junzhong Li
  • Publication number: 20150297055
    Abstract: A washing system for determining an operating state of a dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher (12), in particular wherein the dishwasher (12) comprises a dishwasher interface (14), a dispenser unit (26), in particular wherein the dispenser unit (26) comprises a dispenser interface (28), wherein the dispenser unit (26) is connected to the dishwasher (12) for dosing a detergent to the dishwasher (12), a logic unit (30), in particular wherein the logic unit (30) is connectable to the dishwasher interface (14) and the dispenser interface (28), and a current sensor (24) for measuring an electrical current consumed by the dishwasher (12), wherein the current sensor (24) is connected to the logic unit (30). By replacing costly water meters by a current sensor (24), the cost efficiency of the washing system (10) may be increased. In addition, the assembling and maintenance effort of the washing system (10) may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC
    Inventors: Dirk Kullwitz, Jeremy Nowak, Freek Schepers
  • Publication number: 20150291890
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for scavenging hydrogen sulfide and/or mercaptans from fluids. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of hydantoin compounds as a hydrogen sulfide or a mercaptan scavenger for hydrocarbon fluids, particularly for natural gas, crude oil, field oil, fuel oil, naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, slurry oil, gas oil, resid, refinery gas, coal gas, tar, asphalt, coke gas, ammonia synthesis gas, gas from a sulfurization plant, or industrial gas streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Juan M. Garcia, III
  • Publication number: 20150291462
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for addressing the problem of microorganism infestations and especially biocorrosion in slurry transporting pipelines. The method comprises treating pipeline fluid (especially plug fluid) with an oxidizing biocide in an amount higher than the oxidant demand of the pipeline and a non-oxidizing biocide in an amount less than 30% of the minimum necessary to sterilize the microbiological organisms. This treatment makes use of the unique characteristics of a slurry pipeline to eliminate microorganisms without harming the pipeline as would be expected by using an oxidizing biocide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Michael G. Strominger, Danilo Zim, Fabiane Cássia de Sá Aureliano
  • Patent number: 9157049
    Abstract: Alkaline or neutral viscoelastic cleaning compositions are disclosed which use non polymer thickening agents. According to the invention, cleaning compositions have been developed using viscoelastic surfactants in a neutral, acidic or alkaline cleaning formulations. These provide the dual benefit of thickening as well as an additional cleaning, thereby improving performance. Applicants have also identified several pseudo linking agents which when, used with viscoelastic surfactants provide viscoelasticity in alkaline cleaning compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Fuk-Pong Man, Michael Charles DeNoma, Yvonne Marie Killeen, Susan Maloney Viall
  • Publication number: 20150284663
    Abstract: Warewashing detergents suitable for dishwashing, immersion or dipping cleaning, and hard surface cleaning are disclosed for use on hard surfaces, including for example alkaline sensitive metals, such as aluminum or aluminum containing alloys. Alkaline compositions of a mixture of phosphono ethane carboxylates phosphono oligomers and methods employing the same are disclosed. The compositions eliminate the use of highly abrasive silicates, while retaining cleaning performance and corrosion prevention. The compositions according to the invention prevent the corrosive effect of highly alkaline compositions on aluminum or aluminum containing alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Altony J. Miralles
  • Patent number: 9150819
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method for treating a textile under industrial and institutional fabric care conditions to impart softness with reduced yellowing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a solid fabric conditioning composition and a method for treating a textile with a solid fabric conditioning composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Amanda L. Wetrosky, Caleb W. Jones, Charles A. Hodge, Erin J. Dahlquist, Amanda R. Blattner
  • Patent number: 9149814
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving a froth flotation type separation. The method involves adding a hydrocarbon reaction product to slurry to enhance the separation. The method is particularly effective with coal separation because it increases yield without increasing ash content of flotation concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Dmitri L. Kouznetsov
  • Patent number: 9149402
    Abstract: A cover 10 for keeping an air assisted patient transfer mattress sanitary is disclosed. The cover includes generally a top panel 12 connected to a bottom panel 14. The cover 10 includes at least one opening 24 to allow a mattress, such as an air assisted patient transfer mattress to be inserted and removed. The bottom panel 14 includes air passing means to pass air through from an air assisted patient transfer mattress onto a supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Alberto Gil Gomez, Michelle R. Wilson, Matthew S. Heinrich, Shelly Brackett
  • Publication number: 20150275634
    Abstract: A composition comprising an alcohol ether sulfonate and a quaternary ammonium salt is provided for use in methods of increasing recovery of crude oil from a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Duy T. Nguyen, Brian L. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20150272124
    Abstract: The antimicrobial composition of the present invention comprises a cationic active ingredient, a foam boosting surfactant, a foam boosting copolymer, a foam stabilizer, and a chelating agent. The present antimicrobial compositions are free of the antimicrobial agent triclosan (i.e., 2,4,4?-trichloro-2?hydroxy-diphenylether), have rapid cidal activity, provide stable copious foam and exhibit enhanced tissue (e.g. skin) compatibility as defined by an in vitro whole toxicology assessment method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Pedersen, Carter M. Silvernail, Kerrie E. Walters, Hilina Emiru
  • Patent number: 9144620
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a color indicator that signals when the concentration of an antimicrobial solution changes. In some embodiments, the color indicator is specific for changes in the concentration of an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compound in an antimicrobial solution. The color indicator can be incorporated into a variety of articles including towels, labels, containers, buckets, trays, sinks, spray bottles, liners for containers, buckets, sinks, or spray bottles, indicator wands or strips, and test kits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Balz, Kim R. Smith, Erik C. Olson, Sherri Tischler
  • Publication number: 20150267350
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing retention and drainage in papermaking processes using high molecular-weight, water-soluble polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Brett Brotherson, Peter E. Reed, Xiaojin Harry Li, William J. Andrews, Mingli Wei