Patents by Inventor Michael J. Murcia
Michael J. Murcia 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).
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Patent number: 11953458Abstract: A method for characterizing a process fluid comprising applying electrical power to a first resistance temperature detector (RTD) in contact with a fluid to increase the temperature of the first RTD; allowing the first RTD to cool toward a fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the first RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; applying electrical power to a second RTD in contact with the fluid to increase the temperature of the second RTD; allowing the second RTD to cool toward the fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the second RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; comparing the thermal characteristics of the first and second RTD to determining one or more characteristics of the fluid based; and performing a corrective action. The first RTD has a first coating and the second RTD has a second coating different than the first coating.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Alexander P. Mantis, Craig W. Myers
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Publication number: 20240044794Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods, compositions, and apparatus for accurately detecting the presence and amounts of contaminants in wastewater. The method comprises the steps of adding to a volume of wastewater at least one tracer molecule, observing the tracer for indications of particular contaminants, conducting at least one second form of contamination detection, and interrelating the two measured properties to identify the specific composition of the contamination. Using a tracer molecule allows for the detection of otherwise hard to detect oils and grease. Use of the second method however compensates for tracer interfering contaminants and allows for more accurate readings. The invention includes feeding of functional chemicals in response to the detections and conducting the detections online and continuously.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Michael J. Murcia, Prasad Y. Duggirala
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Publication number: 20230314015Abstract: The method of improving an evaporative performance of a porous evaporative media in a cooling system that utilizes water evaporation for heat transfer, the method comprising contacting the porous evaporative media with a nonionic surfactant, optionally in combination with an antiscalant.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Zhangzhang Yin, Shawn Michael Dalke, Michael J. Murcia, Bingzhi Chen, Robert M. Lowe
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Patent number: 11639883Abstract: A filtration apparatus and methods of installing, using, and retracting the same. A filtration apparatus includes a compression gland, a ball valve, and a filter pipe. A distal portion of the filter pipe has one or more filtration holes. The filtration apparatus may be installed in a process pipe and the distal portion of the filter pipe may be disposed within the process pipe. The filter pipe can be easily retracted from the process pipe without interruption of the industrial process. The filtration apparatus can be automatically cleaned by compressed air or water.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Darlington Mlambo, David R. Szymborski, David P. Workman, Michael J. Murcia
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Publication number: 20230127399Abstract: The disclosed systems and method for evaluating the integrity of media pads within an adiabatic cooling system includes at least one media compartment containing at least one media coupon that is representative of at least one of the media pads. The system is adapted to be fluidly coupled to a source of representative process water and to provide such water to the at least one media compartment. A source of airflow fluidly is also coupled to the at least one media compartment. The flow of representative process water and airflow to the media coupon within the media compartment simulates the operation of the adiabatic cooling system. The at least one media coupon may then be analyzed as representative of media pads within the adiabatic cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Zhangzhang Yin, Robert M. Lowe, Shawn Michael Dalke, Michael J. Murcia, Joshua Michael Minney, Michael J. Lesniak, Matthew McMullen
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Publication number: 20220099604Abstract: Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2021Publication date: March 31, 2022Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Aseet Mukherjee
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Publication number: 20220018772Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods, compositions, and apparatus for accurately detecting the presence and amounts of contaminants in wastewater. The method comprises the steps of adding to a volume of wastewater at least one tracer molecule, observing the tracer for indications of particular contaminants, conducting at least one second form of contamination detection, and interrelating the two measured properties to identify the specific composition of the contamination. Using a tracer molecule allows for the detection of otherwise hard to detect oils and grease. Use of the second method however compensates for tracer interfering contaminants and allows for more accurate readings. The invention includes feeding of functional chemicals in response to the detections and conducting the detections online and continuously.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: Michael J. Murcia, Prasad Y. Duggirala
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Patent number: 10934189Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for coagulating and clarifying produced waters for use as boiler feed waters, for example for the generation of steam. The methods and compositions are especially useful for treatment of produced waters from steam-injection methods of tertiary oil recovery such as steam-assisted gravitational drainage. Disclosed are compositions comprising a first copolymer having a high molecular weight and bearing a low molar cationic charge and a second copolymer having a lower molecular weight and bearing a high molar cationic charge. The compositions are suitable for addition as coagulants to produced waters that have been treated by warm lime softening. Also disclosed are methods of treating produced waters from steam-injection oil recovery for use as boiler feed waters to generate steam in such steam injection methods.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2017Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Jason R. Burney, Michael J. Murcia
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Patent number: 10816490Abstract: Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Aseet Mukherjee
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Patent number: 10816285Abstract: Fluid flow systems can include one or more thermoelectric devices in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more thermoelectric devices can be operated in a temperature control mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more thermoelectric devices can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the thermoelectric device(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on thermoelectric devices operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at various locations in the system, such as at a use device or in a flow vessel. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to remove deposits, or to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia
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Publication number: 20200292478Abstract: A method for characterizing a process fluid comprising applying electrical power to a first resistance temperature detector (RTD) in contact with a fluid to increase the temperature of the first RTD; allowing the first RTD to cool toward a fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the first RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; applying electrical power to a second RTD in contact with the fluid to increase the temperature of the second RTD; allowing the second RTD to cool toward the fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the second RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; comparing the thermal characteristics of the first and second RTD to determining one or more characteristics of the fluid based; and performing a corrective action. The first RTD has a first coating and the second RTD has a second coating different than the first coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Alexander P. Mantis, Craig W. Myers
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Publication number: 20200150010Abstract: A filtration apparatus and methods of installing, using, and retracting the same. A filtration apparatus includes a compression gland, a ball valve, and a filter pipe. A distal portion of the filter pipe has one or more filtration holes. The filtration apparatus may be installed in a process pipe and the distal portion of the filter pipe may be disposed within the process pipe. The filter pipe can be easily retracted from the process pipe without interruption of the industrial process. The filtration apparatus can be automatically cleaned by compressed air or water.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2020Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Darlington Mlambo, David R. Szymborski, David P. Workman, Michael J. Murcia
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Patent number: 10571372Abstract: A filtration apparatus and methods of installing, using, and retracting the same. A filtration apparatus includes a compression gland, a ball valve, and a filter pipe. A distal portion of the filter pipe has one or more filtration holes. The filtration apparatus may be installed in a process pipe and the distal portion of the filter pipe may be disposed within the process pipe. The filter pipe can be easily retracted from the process pipe without interruption of the industrial process. The filtration apparatus can be automatically cleaned by compressed air or water.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Darlington Mlambo, David R. Szymborski, David P. Workman, Michael J. Murcia
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Publication number: 20190234893Abstract: Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Aseet Mukherjee
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Publication number: 20190204224Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods, compositions, and apparatus for accurately detecting the presence and amounts of contaminants in wastewater. The method comprises the steps of adding to a volume of wastewater at least one tracer molecule, observing the tracer for indications of particular contaminants, conducting at least one second form of contamination detection, and interrelating the two measured properties to identify the specific composition of the contamination. Using a tracer molecule allows for the detection of otherwise hard to detect oils and grease. Use of the second method however compensates for tracer interfering contaminants and allows for more accurate readings. The invention includes feeding of functional chemicals in response to the detections and conducting the detections online and continuously.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Murcia, Prasad Y. Duggirala
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Patent number: 10295489Abstract: Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Aseet Mukherjee
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Patent number: 10197824Abstract: A method of obtaining or maintaining optical transference into deaerated liquid in contact with a light transference medium is disclosed. The method comprises applying ultrasonic energy at a wavelength (?) into deaerated liquid in contact with a light transference medium. The ultrasonic energy at wavelength (?) originates at a distance (d) from an optical signal transmitted into the light transference medium. The distance (d) may be defined by a formula based on the wavelength (?) of the ultrasonic energy.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.Inventors: Peter D. Hicks, Hui Li, Michael E. Bradley, Michael J. Murcia, Joe L. Schwartz
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Publication number: 20180245865Abstract: Fluid flow systems can include one or more thermoelectric devices in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more thermoelectric devices can be operated in a temperature control mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more thermoelectric devices can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the thermoelectric device(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on thermoelectric devices operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at various locations in the system, such as at a use device or in a flow vessel. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to remove deposits, or to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia
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Publication number: 20180105442Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for coagulating and clarifying produced waters for use as boiler feed waters, for example for the generation of steam. The methods and compositions are especially useful for treatment of produced waters from steam-injection methods of tertiary oil recovery such as steam-assisted gravitational drainage. Disclosed are compositions comprising a first copolymer having a high molecular weight and bearing a low molar cationic charge and a second copolymer having a lower molecular weight and bearing a high molar cationic charge. The compositions are suitable for addition as coagulants to produced waters that have been treated by warm lime softening. Also disclosed are methods of treating produced waters from steam-injection oil recovery for use as boiler feed waters to generate steam in such steam injection methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2017Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Jason R. Burney, Michael J. Murcia
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Publication number: 20180073996Abstract: Fluid flow systems can include one or more resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) in contact with the fluid flowing through the system. One or more RTDs can be operated in a heating mode and a measurement mode. Thermal behavior of the one or more RTDs can be analyzed to characterize a level of deposit formed on the RTD(s) from the fluid flowing through the system. Characterizations of deposition on RTDs operated at different temperatures can be used to establish a temperature-dependent deposition profile. The deposition profile can be used to determine if depositions are likely to form at certain locations in the fluid flow system, such as at a use device. Detected deposit conditions can initiate one or more corrective actions that can be taken to prevent or minimize deposit formation before deposits negatively impact operation of the fluid flow system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2016Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Mita Chattoraj, Michael J. Murcia, Aseet Mukherjee