Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for the large-scale (preferably under cGMP or cGLP standards) preparation of micron-sized or submicron-sized particles including pharmaceutical or biologic active agents. The systems and methods include a cryogenic cooling system including a novel shroud that enhances the cooling effects thereby reducing product loss and increasing product yields.

Abstract: A process for preparing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) which includes step of melting solid PBT oligomer having an IV of between 0.13 and 0.17 dL/g and a CEG of between 90 and 180 mmol/kg; and further step of the PBT oligomer polycondensation; wherein the polycondensation process is carried out continuously using a melt tank for melting oligomers, one or more reactors for post-condensation processing, and one or more finishing reactors to increase molecular weight. The resulting PBT has an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of between 0.5 and 1.3 dl/g and a carboxylic end group (CEG) concentration of between 1 and 75 mmol/kg.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycarbonate polymerization process comprises interfacially polymerizing a carbonate compound and dihydroxy compound in the presence of an interfacial catalyst to form a polycarbonate and adding a viscosity reducing agent and a transesterification catalyst to polycarbonate upstream of a first filter to form an adjusted polycarbonate. The first filter can be replaced with a replacement filter and the adjusted polycarbonate can be introduced to the replacement filter. The flow can be diverted to a replacement filter. The process further comprises reducing the addition rate of the viscosity reducing agent and the transesterification catalyst until the addition rate is 0 mol/hr.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a polycarbonate polymerization process comprises interfacially polymerizing a carbonate compound and dihydroxy compound in the presence of an interfacial catalyst to form a polycarbonate and adding a viscosity reducing agent and a transesterification catalyst to polycarbonate upstream of a first filter to form an adjusted polycarbonate. The first filter can be replaced with a replacement filter and the adjusted polycarbonate can be introduced to the replacement filter. The flow can be diverted to a replacement filter. The process further comprises reducing the addition rate of the viscosity reducing agent and the transesterification catalyst until the addition rate is 0 mol/hr.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a continuous process for preparing PBT from PBT oligomer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a hydraulic barrier at an interface between high and low permeability regions that may exist in high permeability-contrast subterranean formations. These systems and methods may include providing injection and/or production wells that are completed within the high and/or low permeability regions, supplying a pore throat blocking agent to an interface between the high and low permeability regions, and forming the hydraulic barrier at the interface. The pore throat blocking agent may be sized to substantially flow through the high permeability region while being substantially blocked, or occluded, from the low permeability region. In some embodiments, the hydraulic barrier may be greater than one acre (0.4 hectare) in area. In some embodiments, the subterranean formation may include an oil reservoir. In some embodiments, the high and/or low permeability formations may be swept concurrently and/or independently to remove oil from the oil reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a hydraulic barrier at an interface between high and low permeability regions that may exist in high permeability-contrast subterranean formations. These systems and methods may include providing injection and/or production wells that are completed within the high and/or low permeability regions, supplying a pore throat blocking agent to an interface between the high and low permeability regions, and forming the hydraulic barrier at the interface. The pore throat blocking agent may be sized to substantially flow through the high permeability region while being substantially blocked, or occluded, from the low permeability region. In some embodiments, the hydraulic barrier may be greater than one acre (0.4 hectare) in area. In some embodiments, the subterranean formation may include an oil reservoir. In some embodiments, the high and/or low permeability formations may be swept concurrently and/or independently to remove oil from the oil reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of forming a multifunctional polymer film by plasma discharge by providing one or more monomers to a plasma discharge reactor, wherein the one or more monomers comprising one or more functional groups; polymerizing the one or more monomers into a multifunctional polymer; and forming a polymer film from the multifunctional polymer on a surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of making and encapsulating one or more active agents in a chemical vapor deposition layer to enhance the stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for delivery of an enteric coated active agent generally resistant to disintegration in an neutral environment having one or more active agents encapsulated by a polymer coating formed by chemical vapor deposition of one or more monomers on the one or more active agents to form a chemical vapor deposition polymer coating that controls the release of the one or more active agents in the gastrointestinal tract.