Abstract: A system for crude oil desalting and dehydration includes a separation vessel defining a cavity extending along a central axis having a substantially-vertical orientation. The separation vessel comprises a first distributor configured to distribute a mixture within the cavity of the separation vessel, and a second distributor configured to distribute a wash fluid within the cavity of the separation vessel. The mixture comprises crude oil, water, dissolved salts, free salts, or combinations thereof, and the wash fluid comprises an aqueous fluid. The first distributor is disposed within the cavity below the second distributor, and an interface level controller is configured to detect an interface between an oil phase and an aqueous phase and to maintain the interface within a predetermined range within the cavity.

Abstract: A system for crude oil desalting and dehydration includes a separation vessel defining a cavity extending along a central axis having a substantially-vertical orientation. The separation vessel comprises a first distributor configured to distribute a mixture within the cavity of the separation vessel, and a second distributor configured to distribute a wash fluid within the cavity of the separation vessel. The mixture comprises crude oil, water, dissolved salts, free salts, or combinations thereof, and the wash fluid comprises an aqueous fluid. The first distributor is disposed within the cavity below the second distributor, and an interface level controller is configured to detect an interface between an oil phase and an aqueous phase and to maintain the interface within a predetermined range within the cavity.

Abstract: A system for crude oil desalting and dehydration includes a separation vessel defining a cavity extending along a central axis having a substantially-vertical orientation. The separation vessel comprises a first distributor configured to distribute a mixture within the cavity of the separation vessel, and a second distributor configured to distribute a wash fluid within the cavity of the separation vessel. The mixture comprises crude oil, water, dissolved salts, free salts, or combinations thereof, and the wash fluid comprises an aqueous fluid. The first distributor is disposed within the cavity below the second distributor, and an interface level controller is configured to detect an interface between an oil phase and an aqueous phase and to maintain the interface within a predetermined range within the cavity.

Abstract: Improved, micronutrient-supplemented polymeric seed coatings are provided which include at least one polyanionic polymer in combination with respective amounts of Zn, Mn, and Cu micronutrients. Preferably, the coatings comprise polyanionic polymers having a backbone comprising dicarboxylic repeat units with Zn, Mn, and Cu bound to the backbone. The most preferred polymers contain maleic and itaconic repeat units, optionally with sulfonate repeat units. The invention also provides a method of treating seeds using the coatings, and coated seed products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering glycol from a process stream comprising glycol, water, dissolved salts, and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Improved, micronutrient-supplemented polymeric seed coatings are provided which include at least one polyanionic polymer in combination with respective amounts of Zn, Mn, and Cu micronutrients. Preferably, the coatings comprise polyanionic polymers having a backbone comprising dicarboxylic repeat units with Zn, Mn, and Cu bound to the backbone. The most preferred polymers contain maleic and itaconic repeat units, optionally with sulfonate repeat units. The invention also provides a method of treating seeds using the coatings, and coated seed products.

Abstract: Improved, micronutrient-supplemented polymeric seed coatings are provided which include at least one polyanionic polymer in combination with respective amounts of Zn, Mn, and Cu micronutrients. Preferably, the coatings comprise polyanionic polymers having a backbone comprising dicarboxylic repeat units with Zn, Mn, and Cu bound to the backbone. The most preferred polymers contain maleic and itaconic repeat units, optionally with sulfonate repeat units. The invention also provides a method of treating seeds using the coatings, and coated seed products.

Abstract: Water soluble polymeric compositions are provided including at least one polyanionic polymer component (e.g., a copolymer containing maleic and itaconic repeat units), and at least one high molecular weight component selected from copolymers different than the polyanionic polymer and preferably having dicarboxylic repeat units, and a cellulose or cellulose derivative. The compositions are preferably substantially free of hydrocarbons and can be used to coat solid fertilizers in order to reduce fines.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid formulations contain one or more anionic polymers, a high concentration of boron compounds, and a boron dispersant or solvent. The compositions are operable to maintain the boron content thereof in stable dispersion for at least 72 hours. The dispersant or solvent is selected from saturated aliphatic diols, glycols, hydroxyl-rich compounds, alpha-hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Preferred polymers include dicarboxylic repeat units and optional sulfonate repeat units. The formulations have heretofore unattainable high boron contents, and are useful in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: A solid-state streak camera having photodetectors configured to receive energy from an event and convert the energy to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is presented on a conductive path that has two or more capacitors spaced along the conductive path, the capacitors configure to accept and hold capacitor charge. The capacitor charge represents the energy from the event received by the photodetectors and the location of the capacitors along the conductive path correlates to time of the receipt of the energy on the photodetector. Analog to digital converters convert the capacitor charge to digital values and a memory stores the digital values as data associated with the photodetector that generated the data. Reliable and constant results or obtained and high resolution may be obtained with a two-dimensional photodetector array.

Abstract: Improved, low-cost agricultural products are provided comprising respective amounts of humic acid and a polyanionic polymer. The products may be mixed with or applied to fertilizers to enhance plant uptake of nutrients. The polyanionic polymer preferably includes maleic and itaconic repeat units, and optionally sulfonate repeat units.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Novel polyanionic polymers including families of repeat units, such as maleic, itaconic, and sulfonate repeat units. The polymers are at least tetrapolymers and may be in the acid form or as partial or complete salts. The polymers may be synthesized using free radical initiators in the presence of vanadium compounds. The polymers have a variety of uses, particularly in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Improved animal feeds and/or waters are provided, which include amendments comprising one or more copolymer salts serving to reduce volatilized ammonia derived from the excrement of animals. The copolymers are preferably water soluble and have substantially equimolar amounts of maleic and itaconic moieties.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the treatment of livestock or poultry confinement facilities equipped with manure collection zones (e.g., a manure pit or litter), in order to reduce and mitigate the effects of gaseous ammonia within the facility. The treatment involves application of an aqueous mixture including a partial calcium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer and a partial ammonium salt of a maleic-itaconic copolymer. Preferably, the amount of the partial calcium salt copolymer is greater than the amount of the partial ammonium salt copolymer. The treatment methods provide prompt and lasting reductions in gaseous ammonia within the confinement facility.

Abstract: Water soluble polymeric compositions are provided including at least one polyanionic polymer component (e.g., a copolymer containing maleic and itaconic repeat units), and at least one high molecular weight component selected from copolymers different than the polyanionic polymer and preferably having dicarboxylic repeat units, and a cellulose or cellulose derivative. The compositions are preferably substantially free of hydrocarbons and can be used to coat solid fertilizers in order to reduce fines.

Abstract: Improved, low-cost agricultural products are provided comprising respective amounts of humic acid and a polyanionic polymer. The products may be mixed with or applied to fertilizers to enhance plant uptake of nutrients. The polyanionic polymer preferably includes maleic and itaconic repeat units, and optionally sulfonate repeat units.