Patents by Inventor Karthik N

Karthik N has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11807810
    Abstract: The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery by, for example, enhancing traditional acid treatments. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly approaches to enhancing oil recovery. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more concentrated acids that work in synergy with a combination of one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents to stimulate the flow of oil from a formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Karthik N. Karathur, Jonathan Rogers
  • Publication number: 20230332038
    Abstract: The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery by, for example, enhancing traditional acid treatments. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly approaches to enhancing oil recovery. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more concentrated acids that work in synergy with a combination of one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents to stimulate the flow of oil from a formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: SEAN FARMER, KEN ALIBEK, KARTHIK N. KARATHUR, JONATHAN ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20230322556
    Abstract: The subject invention provides safe, environmentally-friendly, compositions and methods for extracting minerals and/or metals from ore. More specifically, the subject invention provides for bioleaching using a composition comprising one or more biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and/or microbial growth by-products. In specific embodiments, the composition comprises biosurfactant-producing yeasts and/or their growth by-products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: SEAN FARMER, KARTHIK N. KARATHUR
  • Publication number: 20230272263
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions comprising concentrated acids, solvents and surfactants, as well as their use in improving oil and/or gas production. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise biological components, such as microorganisms and/or their growth by-products. The subject invention can be used to dissolve, disperse and/or emulsify paraffin precipitates and/or deposits; prevent and/or inhibit paraffin deposition; remove scale deposits via enhanced acid treatments; remove rust deposits and prevent corrosion associated therewith; inhibit bacterial growth and/or biofilm formation; and to enhance oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Tyler DIXON, Jonathan ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20230220270
    Abstract: The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery from an oil-bearing subterranean formation. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Anthony NERRIS
  • Publication number: 20230159814
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for simultaneously enhancing oil recovery, improving the quality of oil and gas through reduction in sulfur-containing compounds, and preventing and/or reducing corrosion of oil and gas production equipment. A multi-functional composition is provided comprising an antimicrobial biosurfactant component, a first ammonium salt, and ammonium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the efficiency of the composition is further enhanced by the addition of a chelating agent, a phenol (e.g., carbolic acid or phenolic acid), and/or an H2S scavenger. In some embodiments, the composition is further enhanced for use in cold climates by the addition of an antifreeze mixture comprising one or more of a second ammonium salt, sodium chloride and glycerol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Kent ADAMS, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Alibek MOLDAKOZHAYEV, Anthony NERRIS
  • Publication number: 20230134060
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and refining efficiency by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. In preferred embodiments, the microbe-based products comprise biochemical-producing yeast and growth by-products thereof, such as, e.g., biosurfactants. The subject invention can be used to remediate rag layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in water-oil emulsions. Furthermore, the subject invention can be used for remediating solid impurities, such as sand, scale, rust and clay, in produced water, flow-back, brine, and/or fracking fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Kent ADAMS, Karthik N. KARATHUR
  • Patent number: 11608465
    Abstract: The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery from an oil-bearing subterranean formation. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Karthik N. Karathur, Anthony Nerris
  • Patent number: 11549067
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and refining efficiency by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. In preferred embodiments, the microbe-based products comprise biochemical-producing yeast and growth by-products thereof, such as, e.g., biosurfactants. The subject invention can be used to remediate rag layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in water-oil emulsions. Furthermore, the subject invention can be used for remediating solid impurities, such as sand, scale, rust and clay, in produced water, flow-back, brine, and/or fracking fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Kent Adams, Karthik N. Karathur
  • Patent number: 11549053
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing oil recovery from low permeability subterranean formation using three mechanisms: repressurization; reduction of interfacial tension; and increased permeability. The subject compositions comprise a chelating agent, a biosurfactant, a carbonate or bicarbonate salt, water, and a pH adjusting substance, which when applied to an oil-bearing formation according to the methods of the subject invention, allow for controlled release of carbon dioxide within the formation without complicated machinery or gas-producing microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Andrew R Lefkowitz, Karthik N Karathur, Martin R Shumway, Alibek Moldakozhayev
  • Patent number: 11549052
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for simultaneously enhancing oil recovery, improving the quality of oil and gas through reduction in sulfur-containing compounds, and preventing and/or reducing corrosion of oil and gas production equipment. A multi-functional composition is provided comprising an antimicrobial biosurfactant component, a first ammonium salt, and ammonium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the efficiency of the composition is further enhanced by the addition of a chelating agent, a phenol (e.g., carbolic acid or phenolic acid), and/or an H2S scavenger. In some embodiments, the composition is further enhanced for use in cold climates by the addition of an antifreeze mixture comprising one or more of a second ammonium salt, sodium chloride and glycerol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Kent Adams, Karthik N. Karathur, Alibek Moldakozhayev, Anthony Nerris
  • Publication number: 20230002684
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil well production and increase the value of heavy crude oil. Specifically, the subject invention provides cultivated yeast products, which can be applied to oil and/or oil and gas production equipment to improve production and increase the economic value of heavy crude oil by, for example, upgrading heavy oils and/or converting heavy hydrocarbon substances, such as asphalts, asphaltenes, tars, bitumens and/or petcokes into lighter hydrocarbon substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Kent ADAMS, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Anthony NERRIS
  • Publication number: 20220372364
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions comprising solvents and surfactants, as well as their use in improving oil and/or gas production. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise chemical or synthetic solvents and/or surfactants. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise biological components, such as microorganisms and/or their growth by-products. The subject invention can be used to dissolve, disperse and/or emulsify paraffin precipitates and/or deposits; prevent and/or inhibit paraffin deposition; remove rust deposits and prevent corrosion associated therewith; inhibit bacterial growth and/or biofilm formation; and to enhance oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Tyler DIXON, Karthik N. KARATHUR
  • Publication number: 20220340807
    Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for recovering oil from oil sands. The present invention can also be used for reducing the viscosity and/or increasing the API gravity of oil. In specific embodiments, the invention utilizes compositions comprising biochemical-producing microorganisms and microbial growth by-products, such as biosurfactants, as well as cavitation, to enhance oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Karthik N. KARATHUR
  • Patent number: 11479711
    Abstract: The invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for reducing the viscosity of crude oil using microorganisms and/or biosurfactants produced by microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Sharmistha Mazumder, Kent Adams, Tyler Dixon, Yajie Chen, Karthik N. Karathur, Nicholas Callow, Blake Ott, Anthony Nerris
  • Patent number: 11473007
    Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for degrading polymers used in fracking operations to enhance the recovery of oil and gas. Specifically, the compositions and methods utilized microorganisms and/or their growth by-products to degrade polymers, such as PGA, PLA and PAM, used in fracking wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Kent Adams, Karthik N. Karathur
  • Patent number: 11447684
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a three-part method for increasing the amount of oil recovered from an oil well, the method comprising (1) paraffin removal; (2) gas release; and (3) plugging. The combination of parts provides for enhanced oil recovery over an extended period of time, for example two weeks or longer. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention utilizes microorganisms and/or their growth by-products, as well as other environmentally-friendly compounds, to enhance oil recovery by removing paraffin deposits from a well and providing controlled production of carbon dioxide in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Karthik N. Karathur, Andrew R. Lefkowitz, Anthony Nerris, Tyler Dixon, Alibek Moldakozhayev, Martin R. Shumway
  • Patent number: 11441082
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil well production and increase the value of heavy crude oil. Specifically, the subject invention provides cultivated yeast products, which can be applied to oil and/or oil and gas production equipment to improve production and increase the economic value of heavy crude oil by, for example, upgrading heavy oils and/or converting heavy hydrocarbon substances, such as asphalts, asphaltenes, tars, bitumens and/or petcokes into lighter hydrocarbon substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Kent Adams, Karthik N. Karathur, Anthony Nerris
  • Patent number: 11434415
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions comprising solvents and surfactants, as well as their use in improving oil and/or gas production. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise chemical or synthetic solvents and/or surfactants. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise biological components, such as microorganisms and/or their growth by-products. The subject invention can be used to dissolve, disperse and/or emulsify paraffin precipitates and/or deposits; prevent and/or inhibit paraffin deposition; remove rust deposits and prevent corrosion associated therewith; inhibit bacterial growth and/or biofilm formation; and to enhance oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Anthony Nerris, Tyler Dixon, Karthik N. Karathur
  • Publication number: 20220259484
    Abstract: The subject invention provides multi-functional biochemical compositions, as well as their use in enhancing oil recovery by, for example, enhancing traditional acid treatments. Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the subject invention are operationally-friendly, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly approaches to enhancing oil recovery. More specifically, in preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides a multi-functional composition for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) comprising one or more concentrated acids that work in synergy with a combination of one or more surfactants, one or more chelating agents, and one or more solvents to stimulate the flow of oil from a formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Jonathan ROGERS