Patents by Inventor Michael L. Braden

Michael L. Braden 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: 11807830
    Abstract: Surfactants capable of releasing and/or dissolving polymers to form water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer solutions are disclosed. In addition, polymer compositions containing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising the surfactant are provided and can be used, for example, in methods of dissolving a polymer. Also disclosed are detergent compositions and methods of cleaning articles and/or membranes using the surfactants herein. These surfactants and polymer compositions can be used in various industries including for water clarification, papermaking, sewage and industrial water treatment, drilling mud stabilizers, and enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Dhawan, Carter Martin Silvernail, Sukhwan Soontravanich, Keith Allen Monk, Michael L. Braden, Paige Mary Owens, Kerrie Elizabeth Walters, Ali Marie Bichler, Izabela A. Owsik, David Myers
  • Publication number: 20230116790
    Abstract: Surfactants capable of releasing and/or dissolving polymers to form water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer solutions are disclosed. In addition, polymer compositions containing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising the surfactant are provided and can be used, for example, in methods of dissolving a polymer. Also disclosed are detergent compositions and methods of cleaning articles and/or membranes using the surfactants herein. These surfactants and polymer compositions can be used in various industries including for water clarification, papermaking, sewage and industrial water treatment, drilling mud stabilizers, and enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Ashish Dhawan, Carter Martin Silvernail, Sukhwan Soontravanich, Keith Allen Monk, Michael L. Braden, Paige Mary Owens, Kerrie Elizabeth Walters, Ali Marie Bichler, Izabela A. Owsik, David Myers
  • Patent number: 11414626
    Abstract: Surfactants capable of releasing and/or dissolving polymers to form water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer solutions are disclosed. In addition, polymer compositions containing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising the surfactant are provided and can be used, for example, in methods of dissolving a polymer. Also disclosed are detergent compositions and methods of cleaning articles and/or membranes using the surfactants herein. These surfactants and polymer compositions can be used in various industries including for water clarification, papermaking, sewage and industrial water treatment, drilling mud stabilizers, and enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Dhawan, Carter Martin Silvernail, Sukhwan Soontravanich, Keith Allen Monk, Michael L. Braden, Paige Mary Owens, Kerrie Elizabeth Walters, Ali Marie Bichler, Izabela A. Owsik, David Myers
  • Patent number: 11167257
    Abstract: Surfactants capable of releasing and/or dissolving polymers to form water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer solutions are disclosed. In addition, polymer compositions containing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising the surfactant are provided and can be used, for example, in methods of dissolving a polymer. These surfactants and polymer compositions can be used in various industries including for water clarification, papermaking, sewage and industrial water treatment, drilling mud stabilizers, and enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Ashish Dhawan, Wesley L. Whipple, Pious Kurian
  • Patent number: 11142713
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nonylphenol-free alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resins and processes for making alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resins. The invention also relates to methods of breaking emulsions of oil and water comprising the dosing of an effective amount of an emulsion breaker composition into a stable emulsion to destabilize the emulsion, wherein the emulsion breaker composition comprises an alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Omer Gul, Michael L. Braden, Ashish Dhawan
  • Publication number: 20200172831
    Abstract: Surfactants capable of releasing and/or dissolving polymers to form water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer solutions are disclosed. In addition, polymer compositions containing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising the surfactant are provided and can be used, for example, in methods of dissolving a polymer. Also disclosed are detergent compositions and methods of cleaning articles and/or membranes using the surfactants herein. These surfactants and polymer compositions can be used in various industries including for water clarification, papermaking, sewage and industrial water treatment, drilling mud stabilizers, and enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Ashish Dhawan, Carter Martin Silvernail, Sukhwan Soontravanich, Keith Allen Monk, Michael L. Braden, Paige Mary Owens, Kerrie Elizabeth Walters, Ali Marie Bichler, Izabela A. Owsik, David Myers
  • Publication number: 20200102513
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nonylphenol-free alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resins and processes for making alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resins. The invention also relates to methods of breaking emulsions of oil and water comprising the dosing of an effective amount of an emulsion breaker composition into a stable emulsion to destabilize the emulsion, wherein the emulsion breaker composition comprises an alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Omer Gul, Michael L. Braden, Ashish Dhawan
  • Publication number: 20190202962
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to nonylphenol-free alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resins and processes for making alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resins. The disclosure also relates to methods of breaking emulsions of oil and water comprising the dosing of an effective amount of an emulsion breaker composition into a stable emulsion to destabilize the emulsion, wherein the emulsion breaker composition comprises an alkoxylated 4-(alkyloxy)phenol/aldehyde resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Ashish Dhawan, Jonathan Masere
  • Publication number: 20190201858
    Abstract: Surfactants capable of releasing and/or dissolving polymers to form water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer solutions are disclosed. In addition, polymer compositions containing a water-in-oil emulsion comprising the surfactant are provided and can be used, for example, in methods of dissolving a polymer. These surfactants and polymer compositions can be used in various industries including for water clarification, papermaking, sewage and industrial water treatment, drilling mud stabilizers, and enhanced oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Ashish Dhawan, Wesley L. Whipple, Pious Kurian
  • Patent number: 10023812
    Abstract: A method of removing metals and amines from crude oil comprising adding an effective metal removing amount of one or more hydroxycarboxylic acids selected from lactic acid and malic acid and salts thereof to said crude oil; adding wash water to said crude oil; mixing said crude oil, acid and wash water to form an emulsion; and resolving said emulsion into an aqueous phase and crude oil having a reduced metals content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Juan M. Garcia, III, Samuel A. Lordo, Michael L. Braden
  • Publication number: 20180002613
    Abstract: A method of removing metals and amines from crude oil comprising adding an effective metal removing amount of one or more hydroxycarboxylic acids selected from lactic acid and malic acid and salts thereof to said crude oil; adding wash water to said crude oil; mixing said crude oil, acid and wash water to form an emulsion; and resolving said emulsion into an aqueous phase and crude oil having a reduced metals content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA Inc.
    Inventors: Juan M. Garcia, III, Samuel A. Lordo, Michael L. Braden
  • Patent number: 9790438
    Abstract: A method of removing metals and amines from crude oil is provided. The method includes adding an effective metal removing amount of one or more hydroxycarboxylic acids selected from lactic acid and malic acid and salts thereof to the crude oil; adding wash water to the crude oil; mixing the crude oil, acid and wash water to form an emulsion; and resolving the emulsion into an aqueous phase and crude oil having a reduced metals content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Juan M. Garcia, III, Samuel A. Lordo, Michael L. Braden
  • Patent number: 9267082
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method of removing mercury bearing species from a hydrocarbon containing fluid. The method comprises the steps of: i) adding dithiocarbamate polymer to the fluid in an amount such that the number of mercury bonding sites on the polymer exceeds the amount of mercury atoms by at least 10% and ii) removing the mercury bearing dithiocarbamate polymer with a water/oil separation device. The invention relies upon an unexpected reversal in the solubility of dithiocarbamate polymer at very high concentrations. Because of the high solubility the polymer remains within the water phase of the hydrocarbon fluid and can be removed without the need for cumbersome precipitation methods and complicated solid liquid separation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: NALCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Samuel A. Lordo
  • Publication number: 20130334102
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method of removing mercury bearing species from a hydrocarbon containing fluid. The method comprises the steps of: i) adding dithiocarbamate polymer to the fluid in an amount such that the number of mercury bonding sites on the polymer exceeds the amount of mercury atoms by at least 10% and ii) removing the mercury bearing dithiocarbamate polymer with a water/oil separation device. The invention relies upon an unexpected reversal in the solubility of dithiocarbamate polymer at very high concentrations. Because of the high solubility the polymer remains within the water phase of the hydrocarbon fluid and can be removed without the need for cumbersome precipitation methods and complicated solid liquid separation devices. As a result, the invention allows mercury contaminated crude oil to be easily rid of its mercury with easy to use equipment already present in a typical oil refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Samuel A. Lordo
  • Patent number: 8524074
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method of removing mercury bearing species from a hydrocarbon containing fluid. The method comprises the steps of: i) adding dithiocarbamate polymer to the fluid in an amount such that the number of mercury bonding sites on the polymer exceeds the amount of mercury atoms by at least 10% and ii) removing the mercury bearing dithiocarbamate polymer with a water/oil separation device. The invention relies upon an unexpected reversal in the solubility of dithiocarbamate polymer at very high concentrations. Because of the high solubility the polymer remains within the water phase of the hydrocarbon fluid and can be removed without the need for cumbersome precipitation methods and complicated solid liquid separation devices. As a result, the invention allows mercury contaminated crude oil to be easily rid of its mercury with easy to use equipment already present in a typical oil refinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Samuel A. Lordo
  • Publication number: 20130043166
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards a method of removing mercury bearing species from a hydrocarbon containing fluid. The method comprises the steps of: i) adding dithiocarbamate polymer to the fluid in an amount such that the number of mercury bonding sites on the polymer exceeds the amount of mercury atoms by at least 10% and ii) removing the mercury bearing dithiocarbamate polymer with a water/oil separation device. The invention relies upon an unexpected reversal in the solubility of dithiocarbamate polymer at very high concentrations. Because of the high solubility the polymer remains within the water phase of the hydrocarbon fluid and can be removed without the need for cumbersome precipitation methods and complicated solid liquid separation devices. As a result, the invention allows mercury contaminated crude oil to be easily rid of its mercury with easy to use equipment already present in a typical oil refinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Samuel A. Lordo
  • Publication number: 20110068049
    Abstract: A method of removing metals and amines from crude oil comprising adding an effective metal removing amount of one or more hydroxycarboxylic acids selected from lactic acid and malic acid and salts thereof to said crude oil; adding wash water to said crude oil; mixing said crude oil, acid and wash water to form an emulsion; and resolving said emulsion into an aqueous phase and crude oil having a reduced metals content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Juan M. Garcia, III, Samuel A. Lordo, Michael L. Braden
  • Publication number: 20020179538
    Abstract: Methods for treating raw water using polyamphoteric polymer coagulants are provided. The amphoteric polymers can be added to the raw water separately or together with metal salt based coagulants. The amphoteric polymer coagulants can be added to the raw water, before and after the clarification unit operation, prior to filtration. The methods of the present invention can be used in a variety of different raw water treatment applications, such as raw water used in municipal drinking water treatment facilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Brian S. Johnson, Christine A. Staples, Michael L. Braden
  • Patent number: 5961838
    Abstract: Processes for removing color from a paper mill waste effluent and for removing color from a textile plant waste effluent utilizing an amphoteric copolymer/polyamine combination are described. A preferred amphoteric copolymer is poly(dimethylaminoethylacrylate methyl chloride quaternary salt/acrylic acid) and a preferred polyamine is a polymeric reaction product of epichlorohydrin and dimethylamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Braden, Richard E. Metzgar, Jitendra T. Shah
  • Patent number: 5554298
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method of preventing deposition of oil on steel mill scale particles comprising adding from about 1 part per million to about 500 parts per million of an amine acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer to mill flume water. Once the copolymer is added, deposition of oil onto scale particles is prevented. The recovered mill scale has less than 2% oil by weight on the scale, making it suitable for recycle to the steelmaking process. Oil and water are subsequently separated with a greater percentage of oil being recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Kochik, David A. Picco, Michael L. Braden, Kristine S. Salmen