Patents by Inventor Stuart N. Milligan

Stuart N. Milligan 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).

  • Publication number: 20230375143
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230287255
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicant: Liquidpower Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart N. MILLIGAN
  • Patent number: 11692119
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Stuart N. Milligan
  • Patent number: 11453627
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to methods for purifying alpha-olefins. The alpha-olefins may be used to form drag reducing agents for improving flow of hydrocarbons through conduits, particularly pipelines. In one implementation, a method of increasing alpha-olefin content is provided. The method includes providing an olefin feedstock composition having an alpha-mono-olefin and at least one of a diolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin and/or a triolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin. The method further includes contacting the olefin feedstock composition with ethylene in the presence of a catalyst composition including an olefin metathesis catalyst. The method further includes reacting the olefin feedstock composition and ethylene at metathesis reaction conditions to produce an alpha-olefin product comprising the alpha-mono-olefin and alpha-olefins having fewer carbon atoms than the alpha-mono-olefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Stuart N. Milligan
  • Publication number: 20220099255
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210332286
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventor: Stuart N. MILLIGAN
  • Publication number: 20210261707
    Abstract: A flow improver comprising a plurality of core-shell particles that can be formed by emulsion polymerization. The core of the core-shell particles can include a drag reducing polymer, while the shell of the particles can include repeat units of a hydrophobic compound and an amphiphilic compound. The flow improver can demonstrate increased pumping stability over conventionally prepared latex flow improvers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Wayne R. DREHER, JR., Kenneth W. SMITH, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Timothy L. BURDEN, William F. HARRIS, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Wolfgang KLESSE, Gerold SCHMITT, John WEY
  • Patent number: 11084969
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart N. Milligan
  • Patent number: 11028210
    Abstract: A flow improver comprising a plurality of core-shell particles that can be formed by emulsion polymerization. The core of the core-shell particles can include a drag reducing polymer, while the shell of the particles can include repeat units of a hydrophobic compound and an amphiphilic compound. The flow improver can demonstrate increased pumping stability over conventionally prepared latex flow improvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Dreher, Kenneth W. Smith, Stuart N. Milligan, Timothy L. Burden, William F. Harris, Ray L. Johnston, Wolfgang Klesse, Gerold Schmitt, John Wey
  • Publication number: 20200284398
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER, JR.
  • Publication number: 20200199044
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to methods for purifying alpha-olefins. The alpha-olefins may be used to form drag reducing agents for improving flow of hydrocarbons through conduits, particularly pipelines. In one implementation, a method of increasing alpha-olefin content is provided. The method includes providing an olefin feedstock composition having an alpha-mono-olefin and at least one of a diolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin and/or a triolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin. The method further includes contacting the olefin feedstock composition with ethylene in the presence of a catalyst composition including an olefin metathesis catalyst. The method further includes reacting the olefin feedstock composition and ethylene at metathesis reaction conditions to produce an alpha-olefin product comprising the alpha-mono-olefin and alpha-olefins having fewer carbon atoms than the alpha-mono-olefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventor: Stuart N. MILLIGAN
  • Patent number: 10633306
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to methods for purifying alpha-olefins. The alpha-olefins may be used to form drag reducing agents for improving flow of hydrocarbons through conduits, particularly pipelines. In one implementation, a method of increasing alpha-olefin content is provided. The method includes providing an olefin feedstock composition having an alpha-mono-olefin and at least one of a diolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin and/or a triolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin. The method further includes contacting the olefin feedstock composition with ethylene in the presence of a catalyst composition including an olefin metathesis catalyst. The method further includes reacting the olefin feedstock composition and ethylene at metathesis reaction conditions to produce an alpha-olefin product comprising the alpha-mono-olefin and alpha-olefins having fewer carbon atoms than the alpha-mono-olefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: LiquidPower Specialty Products Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart N. Milligan
  • Publication number: 20190256761
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to a drag reducing agent (DRA) for improving flow of crude oils having high asphaltene content through pipelines. The DRA is a terpolymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 6 degrees Celsius or below. The terpolymer is formed by a first monomer, a second monomer, and a third monomer. The first and second monomers are chosen based on the glass transition temperatures of corresponding homopolymers. The glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the first monomer is at least 120 degrees Celsius higher than the glass transition temperature of the homopolymer formed with the second monomer. The DRA comprised of the terpolymer formed with the second monomer produces softer solids and fewer solids due to the low glass transition temperature of the terpolymer. The softer solids are more easily handled by the pump to keep the injection system clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventor: Stuart N. MILLIGAN
  • Publication number: 20190242529
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular, weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Zhiyi BAO, Stuart N. MILLIGAN, Michael OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. JOHNSTON, Timothy L. BURDEN, Kenneth W. SMITH, William F. HARRIS, Wayne R. DREHER
  • Patent number: 10370502
    Abstract: A drag reducing composition comprising at least one non-polyalphaolefin polymer having an average particle size in the range of from about 5 to about 800 micrometers. The non-polyalphaolefin polymer can initially be formed via emulsion polymerization. The initial polymer particles can then be at least partially consolidated and then reduced in size and suspended in a carrier fluid. The resulting drag reducing composition can be added to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to decrease the pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid through a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Burden, Ray L. Johnston, William F. Harris, Kenneth W. Smith, Wayne R. Dreher, Stuart N. Milligan
  • Publication number: 20180346830
    Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to methods for purifying alpha-olefins. The alpha-olefins may be used to form drag reducing agents for improving flow of hydrocarbons through conduits, particularly pipelines. In one implementation, a method of increasing alpha-olefin content is provided. The method includes providing an olefin feedstock composition having an alpha-mono-olefin and at least one of a diolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin and/or a triolefin having an equal number of carbon atoms to the alpha-mono-olefin. The method further includes contacting the olefin feedstock composition with ethylene in the presence of a catalyst composition including an olefin metathesis catalyst. The method further includes reacting the olefin feedstock composition and ethylene at metathesis reaction conditions to produce an alpha-olefin product comprising the alpha-mono-olefin and alpha-olefins having fewer carbon atoms than the alpha-mono-olefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Stuart N. MILLIGAN
  • Publication number: 20180156390
    Abstract: The process begins by obtaining a first batch of monomers selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight equal to or less than butyl methacrylate. A second batch of monomers is then selected from a group of acrylates with a molecular weight greater than butyl acrylate and/or methacrylate with a molecular weight greater than butyl methacrylate. A mixture is then prepared by mixing the first batch of monomers and the second batch of monomers, wherein the second batch of monomers are greater than 50% by weight of the mixture. Finally, the mixture is polymerized to produce a drag reducing polymer. The drag reducing polymer is capable of imparting drag reducing properties in liquid hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: ZHIYI BAO, STUART N. MILLIGAN, MICHAEL OLECHNOWICZ, Ray L. Johnston, Timothy L. Burden, Kenneth W. Smith, William F. Harris, Wayne R. Dreher
  • Publication number: 20180118893
    Abstract: A drag reducing composition comprising at least one non-polyalphaolefin polymer having an average particle size in the range of from about 5 to about 800 micrometers. The non-polyalphaolefin polymer can initially be formed via emulsion polymerization. The initial polymer particles can then be at least partially consolidated and then reduced in size and suspended in a carrier fluid. The resulting drag reducing composition can be added to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to decrease the pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid through a conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy L. BURDEN, Ray L. JOHNSTON, William F. HARRIS, Kenneth W. SMITH, Wayne R. DREHER, JR., Stuart N. MILLIGAN
  • Patent number: 9783644
    Abstract: A drag reducing composition comprising at least one non-polyalphaolefin polymer having an average particle size in the range of from about 5 to about 800 micrometers. The non-polyalphaolefin polymer can initially be formed via emulsion polymerization. The initial polymer particles can then be at least partially consolidated and then reduced in size and suspended in a carrier fluid. The resulting drag reducing composition can be added to a hydrocarbon-containing fluid to decrease the pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of the hydrocarbon-containing fluid through a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY POWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Burden, Ray L. Johnston, William F. Harris, Kenneth W. Smith, Wayne R. Dreher, Jr., Stuart N. Milligan
  • Patent number: 9784414
    Abstract: A process for preparing a drag reducing polymer which is to be added to a liquid hydrocarbon. The liquid hydrocarbon has an asphaltene content of at least about 3 weight percent and an API gravity of less than about 26°. The drag reducing polymer can comprise the residues of a monomer having at least one heteroatom. Treatment of the liquid hydrocarbon with the drag reducing polymer allows a reduction in pressure drop associated with turbulent flow of the liquid hydrocarbon through a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: LIQUIDPOWER SPECIALTY PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Zhiyi Bao, Stuart N. Milligan, Michael Olechnowicz, Ray L. Johnston, Timothy L. Burden, Kenneth W. Smith, William F. Harris, Wayne R. Dreher