Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preventing gas hydrates formation in BOP fluids in deep water well operations that includes the step of adding at least 28% glycol by volume to a BOP fluid, whereby the hydrate phase equilibrium line shifts to the point where the operating conditions will not form a hydrate.

Abstract: Compositions of plant oil-based biodegradable crude oil thinning fluids are described having a performance especially suitable to reducing crude oil viscosity in extraction and retrieval operations. A method to recover oil from an oil well is described, comprising the steps of: a) providing a formulation comprising one or more terpenoid compounds, soy methyl esters, and glycol ether esters; b) introducing a first portion of the formulation into an oil well; and c) recovering a mixture from the oil well, where the mixture comprises at least a portion of the formulation together with oil from the oil well.

Abstract: Methods for reducing settling rates of proppants in fracturing fluids include injecting sufficient gas into the fluid to form bubbles that reduce proppant settling rates. Compositions including proppants made buoyant with gas bubbles.

Abstract: A phosphor and a light emitting device containing the phosphor are provided. According to an embodiment, the phosphor is expressed in a chemical formula of LxMyCz1Nz2:Aa where L is at least one of an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, Zn, Cd, Al, Ga, In, Ti, Ge, and Sn; M is at least one of B, Si, P, S, F, Cl, I, and Se; and A is at least one of an alkaline rare earth metal and the transition metal, and where 0<x?5, 0?y?5, 1?z1?10, 1?z2?10, and 0<a?1.

Abstract: A halide material, such as scintillator crystals of LaBr3:Ce and SrI2:Eu, with a passivation surface layer is disclosed. The surface layer comprises one or more halides of lower water solubility than the scintillator crystal that the surface layer covers. A method for making such a material is also disclosed. In certain aspects of the disclosure, a passivation layer is formed on a surface of a halide material such as a scintillator crystal of LaBr3:Ce of SrI2:Eu by fluorinating the surface with a fluorinating agent, such as F2 for LaBr3:Ce and HF for SrI2:Eu.

Abstract: A method for making a rare-earth oxyorthosilicate scintillator single crystal includes growing a single crystal from a melt of compounds including a rare-earth element (such as Lu), silicon and oxygen, a compound including a rare-earth activator (such as Ce), and a compound of a Group-7 element (such as Mn). The method further includes selecting an scintillation performance parameter (such as decay), and based on the scintillation performance parameter to be achieved, doping activator and Group-7 element at predetermined levels, or relative levels between the two, so as to achieve stable growth of the single-crystalline scintillator material from the melt.

Abstract: A liquid crystal element which comprises: a pair of substrates with electrodes, in which the substrates are arranged so as to face each other and at least one of the substrates is a transparent substrate; and a liquid crystal light adjusting layer which is disposed between the substrates and contains a composite containing a chiral nematic liquid crystal phase and a polymer resin phase, wherein the polymer resin phase contains a polymer compound having a specific repeating unit, and dielectric constant anisotropy of the chiral nematic liquid crystal phase is positive.

Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations enable a method for producing volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.

Abstract: A bitumen and heavy oil upgrading process and system is disclosed for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, an example of which is synthetic crude oil (SCO). The process advantageously avoids the waste attributed to residuum and/or petcoke formation which has a dramatic effect on the yield of hydrocarbon material generated. The process integrates Fischer-Tropsch technology with gasification and hydrogen rich gas stream generation. The hydrogen rich gas generation is conveniently effected using singly or in combination a hydrogen source, a hydrogen rich vapor from hydroprocessing and the Fischer-Tropsch process, a steam methane reformer (SMR) and autothermal reformer (ATR) or a combination of SMR/ATR. The feedstock for upgrading is distilled and the bottoms fraction is gasified and converted in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor. A resultant hydrogen lean syngas is then exposed to the hydrogen rich gas stream to optimize the formation of, for example, the synthetic crude oil.

Abstract: A method for improving efficiency of sponge absorption includes providing cold flash drum liquid to an inlet of a cold stripper to produce a cold stripper net overhead vapor stream rich in liquid petroleum gas, and separately providing hot flash drum liquid to an inlet of a hot stripper to produce a hot stripper net overhead vapor stream rich in hydrogen. The cold stripper net overhead vapor stream and the hot stripper net overhead vapor stream are separately routed to a sponge absorber to recover a liquid petroleum gas output stream using sponge oil. In particular, the cold stripper net overhead vapor stream and the hot stripper net overhead vapor stream are separately routed to the sponge absorber at different tray locations.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a fluid catalytic cracking process. The process can include a reaction zone operating at conditions to facilitate olefin production and including at least one riser. The at least one riser can receive a first feed having a boiling point of about 180° to about 800° C., and a second feed having more than about 70%, by weight, of one or more C4+ olefins.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for extracting sulfur compounds in a hydrocarbon stream. The process can include feeding a hydrocarbon stream containing sulfur compounds to a prewash zone containing an alkali, withdrawing a prewashed hydrocarbon stream from the prewash zone, and feeding the prewashed hydrocarbon stream to a mass transfer zone for extracting one or more thiol compounds from the prewashed hydrocarbon stream. Often, the mass transfer zone includes a hollow fiber membrane contactor.

Abstract: Recycle of an extract stream containing a contaminant is used to improve recovery of hydrocarbons in a contaminant removal process. At least a portion of an extract stream is recycled to a contaminant extraction zone and contacted with rich ionic liquid. Contaminants in the recycle extract stream are transferred to the rich ionic liquid.

Abstract: A method for recovering entrained ionic liquid from an immiscible phase containing droplets of ionic liquid is described. The method includes contacting the immiscible phase containing the droplets of ionic liquid with a scrubbing ionic liquid phase in a scrubbing zone. The immiscible phase containing the droplets of ionic liquid has a first level of droplets of ionic liquid. At least a portion of the droplets of ionic liquid are transferred to the scrubbing ionic liquid phase to form a recovered ionic liquid phase comprising the scrubbing ionic liquid and the transferred portion of the droplets of ionic liquid and a second immiscible phase having a second level of droplets of ionic liquid lower than the first level. The second immiscible phase is separated from the recovered ionic liquid phase.

Abstract: Integrated systems are provided for the production of higher hydrocarbon compositions, for example liquid hydrocarbon compositions, from methane using an oxidative coupling of methane system to convert methane to ethylene, followed by conversion of ethylene to selectable higher hydrocarbon products. Integrated systems and processes are provided that process methane through to these higher hydrocarbon products.

Abstract: A process for increasing the yields of light olefins and the yields of aromatics from a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process includes a first separation to direct the light components that are not reformable to a cracking unit, with the remainder passed to a second separation unit. The second separation unit extracts normal components from the hydrocarbon stream to pass to the cracking unit. The resulting hydrocarbon stream with reduced light ends and reduced normals is passed to a reforming unit.

Abstract: A process for increasing the yields of light olefins and the yields of aromatics from a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process includes a first separation to direct the light components that are not reformable to a cracking unit, with the remainder passed to a second separation unit. The second separation unit extracts normal components from the hydrocarbon stream to pass to the cracking unit. The resulting hydrocarbon stream with reduced light ends and reduced normals is passed to a reforming unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and chemical products for treating petroleum equipment wherein a fluid is flowing, preferably of the hydrocarbon type, and wherein treating is performed by establishing a closed or semi-closed flow circulation loop, during the normal production operations of the equipment. The treatment can refer to the cleaning of equipment, to yield improvement as compared to normal run conditions and/or to a reduction of coke formation and/or to coke removal on catalysts.

Abstract: An injector for co-feeding liquid and solid fuels into a gasifier is provided. The injector includes a body, a first member, and a second member. The body comprises a first channel for conveying a liquid fuel. The first member surrounds the body to define a second channel for pneumatically conveying a solid fuel. The second member surrounds the first member to define a third channel for conveying a fluid stream for dispersing the solid fuel. The liquid fuel is atomized before being mixed with the solid fuel. A method for co-feeding liquid and solid fuels is also presented.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the formation of hydrates within subsea or over-land pipeline systems. The compositions and methods include the use of organic salt solutions, such as an acetate salt solution, to precondition, treat, and/or dewater the pipeline systems, or employ the use of the organic salt solutions during other pre-commissioning operations. An effective concentration of an organic salt solution acts to reduce hydrates and/or inhibit hydrate formation within the pipeline systems.

Abstract: A method is provided involving reducing a pressure drop across a hydroprocessing reactor having a reactor feed and producing a hydroprocessing product, where the reactor feed includes a bio-oil feed and a hydrocarbon diluent; and the step of reducing the pressure drop comprises stopping or substantially reducing the bio-oil feed supplied to the reactor and supplying the hydrocarbon diluent to the reactor with a mass flux of at least about 1,000 lb/hr/ft2.

Abstract: Composite particles and a method of forming composite particles are described. The composite particles comprise at least one inorganic nanoparticle covalently bound to at least one inorganic microparticle with a linking compound. Lubricant compositions and sprayable dispersion compositions comprising composite particles are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for preparing estolides and estolide base oils from fatty acid reactants utilizing catalysts. Further provided herein are processes for preparing carboxylic esters from at least one carboxylic acid reactant and at least one olefin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixed ester of pentaerythritol or a mixed polyhydric alcohol and carboxylic acids; the mixed polyhydric alcohol consisting of pentaerythritol and dipentaerythritol represented by formula (I), and the carboxylic acids comprising 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoic acid and 2-propylheptanoic acid. The mixed ester exhibits excellent properties (e.g., miscibility with a refrigerant that comprises fluoropropene, low-temperature properties, oxidation stability, oxidation-hydrolysis stability, and lubricity) in a well-balanced manner while having the viscosity within the range required for a refrigerant oil, and may be used in an industrial lubricant (e.g., refrigerant oil) and the like.

Abstract: A novel, branched, saturated, primary fatty acid amide is disclosed. Application areas are as a slip and/or antiblocking agent or mold release agent. The branched, saturated, primary fatty acid has a formula R—CO—NH2 where R is a saturated, branched hydrocarbon chain having 11 to 23 carbon atoms, wherein at least 60% by weight of the R—CO—NH2 molecules have monoalkyl branches and less than 25% by weight of the R—CO—NH2 molecules have polyalkyl branches.

Abstract: The invention provides a grease composition containing a thickener and a base oil, wherein the base oil contains (a) a hydrocarbon oil extracted from Botryococcus braunii and/or (b) a hydrocarbon oil obtainable by hydrogenating the hydrocarbon oil (a).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a salt of a sulfurized alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic composition having a reduced content of unsulfurized alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound and its unsulfurized metal salt.

Abstract: Methods of lipid extraction from biomass, in particular wet algae, through conventionally heated subcritical water, and microwave-assisted subcritical water. In one embodiment, fatty acid methyl esters from solids in a polar phase are further extracted to increase biofuel production.

Abstract: A method and system for bio-oil recovery from biomass are provided which includes adding at least one separation aid to stillage that contains oil to form a treated stillage prior to centrifuging the stillage, and centrifuging the treated stillage in at least one centrifuge to separate at least a portion of the oil from the treated stillage. The separation aid can contain at least one lecithin and at least one oil and optionally at least one surfactant having an HLB value of at least 6. Treated stillage products are also provided which can contain the indicated separation aid and recovered oil.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of optimizing energy recovery from oilseeds. The methods disclosed provide at least the ability to swell oilseeds and disrupt the cell walls (hulls) without changing the functionality and quality of oil; the process integration of oil extraction and green coal production to maximize the energy recovery in the form of crude oil and green coal from oilseeds; and heat integration during processing stages including subcritical water pretreatment, oil extraction, and subcritical water carbonization to minimize the process heat requirement.

Abstract: A method of extracting recovering oil from vegetable material in which oil bearing material is heated and subjected to sonication at least one frequency above 400 kHz, removing a first yield of oil by decanting and subjecting the retained material to centrifugal separation to separate out a second yield of oil. Preferably the raw vegetable material is passed through a screw press and the obtained material is heated and subjected to the ultrasonic treatment and then allowed to settle for a predetermined period before decanting the oil layer. Preferably two frequencies above 400 kHz are used, one below 1 MHz and the second from 1 MHz. There are many potential transducers arrangements possible for producing standing waves.

Abstract: A method for the purification of lecithin, comprising the steps of: a. reducing the viscosity of lecithin to a viscosity of less than about 10 Pa·s; then b. mixing the lecithin with granulated active carbon; then c. separating the lecithin from the granulated active carbon and recover purified lecithin. Lecithin substantially free of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, and a food or feed product comprising said lecithin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separation of a processed vegetable fat (PVF), wherein said process comprises the steps of: in a distillation step (DIS), distilling the processed vegetable fat (PVF) into a distillate part (DPT) comprising stearic and oleic acid and/or esters thereof, and a distilled vegetable fat (DVF); in a first fractionation step (DFR), fractionating the distilled vegetable fat (DVF) into a first higher melting point fraction (FHF) being rich in tri-stearate triglycerides (StStSt, where St=stearic acid) and di-stearate diglycerides (StSt) and a first lower melting point fraction (FLF); and in a second fractionation step, fractionating the first lower melting point fraction (FLF) into a second higher melting point fraction (SHF) being rich in 1,3-distearyl-2-oleyl-triglycerides (StOSt, where O=oleic acid), and a second lower melting point fraction (SLF) being rich in 1-stearyl-2,3-dioleyl-triglycerides (StOO) and trioleate-triglycerides (OOO) in a solvent fractionation process (SF

Abstract: Compositions having a mixture of functional perfume components are provided. In one embodiment, the functional perfume components comprise iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl acetate. In one embodiment, the functional perfume component may be present in an amount from about 75% to about 100%, by weight of said mixture, wherein said composition is substantially free of a VOC.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition capable of imparting surface effects to a liquid by contacting the liquid with a partially fluorinated phosphate with an ammonium cation (NH2R1R2)+ wherein R1 and R2 are independently linear or branched organic groups containing at least one carboxylate moiety and one amino moiety, and optionally be substituted, interrupted, or both with oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen-containing moieties, or with cyclic alkyl or aryl moieties containing up to 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A solution for semiconductor wafer dicing is disclosed. The solution suppresses the adherence of contamination residues or particles, and reduces or eliminates the corrosion of the exposed metallization areas, during the process of dicing a wafer by sawing. The solution comprises at least one organic acid and/or salt thereof; at least a surfactant and/or at least a base; and deionized water, the composition has a pH is equal or greater than 4. The solution can further comprise, a chelating agent, a defoaming agent, or a dispersing agent.

Abstract: An aqueous fabric care composition having perfume micro-capsules. The smell provided by the freshly formulated composition and the same composition after storage has a limited character and intensity change. The composition has from about 0 wt % to about 5 wt % of anionic surfactant, from about 0 wt % to about 3 wt % of cationic surfactant, from about 0 wt % to about 3 wt % of a non-ionic surfactant, from about 0.01 wt % to about 15 wt % of perfume micro-capsules and water.

Abstract: A maintenance liquid for inkjet printers includes at least 50 wt % of at least one ether solvent according to Formula (I) or (II) with the wt % based on the total weight of the maintenance liquid: R1(CO)x(OR2)yOR3??Formula (I), and R4CO(OR5)zOCOR6??Formula (II), wherein R1, R4 and R6 independently represent an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 rand R5 independently represent an ethylene group or a propylene group; R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; x represents an integer of 0 or 1; y and z independently represent an integer of 1 to 4; and wherein the maintenance liquid contains no more than 25 ppm of peroxide expressed as hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A density measuring device is described having: a housing, internally defining a first chamber, designed to contain a fluid the density of which it is desired to measure, and housing, in a measurement operating condition, a float, designed to be immersed in the fluid; and an electronic circuit that detects a value of the density as a function of a thrust sustained by the float due to the effect of the fluid; the housing further defines a second chamber, designed to contain a filling gas and to house the float in a cleaning operating condition of the float, distinct from the measurement operating condition, for removing gas bubbles and/or solid particles that have adhered to an outer surface of the float during the measurement operating condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (7) for collecting particles and microorganisms present in ambient air, the device comprising a cyclone enclosure (8) for centrifuging air, the enclosure being of conical or frustoconical shape, external air inlet means (16) for admitting air into the enclosure (8), and air outlet means connected by coupling means (19, 20, 21) to air inlet filter means (4) of an individual motorized respiratory protection appliance (A).

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems for applying energy and/or a liquefaction promoting medium to a tissue of interest to generate a liquefied tissue sample. The liquefied tissue sample may be removed from the tissue of interest. Also described are compositions of the liquefaction promoting medium that may facilitate liquefaction, preserve liquefied tissue constituents, and/or enable delivery of molecules into tissues. The sample may include tissue constituents to provide for rapid tissue sampling, tissue decontamination as well as detection of analytes. One or more drugs may be delivered through or into the tissue of interest. Determination of tissue composition in the liquefied tissue sample can be used, e.g., for diagnosis or prognosis of diseases, evaluating bioavailability of therapeutic agents in different tissues following administration, forensic detection of drugs-of-abuse, evaluating changes in the tissue microenvironment following exposure to a harmful agent, and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating cells from a complex sample comprising the steps of: a) providing a complex sample, b) incubating said sample with: at least one chaotrope, a buffer and at least one detergent, c) isolating said cells from the resulting mixture by centrifugation or filtration.

Abstract: A method for designing or replicating a human or animal organ in the form of a functional model includes providing previously recorded structural-geometric data of the organ or organ part to be replicated, selecting reconstruction materials for the organ or organ part, allocating the structural-geometric data to the individually selected reconstruction materials, and carrying out a layered assembly by the model by successively applying site-selective assembly methods for at least one part of the reconstruction materials on the basis of an associated data set.

Abstract: Methods for producing substantially pure cultures of human neural retinal progenitor cells, forebrain progenitor cells, and retinal pigment epithelial cells are disclosed. In addition, the successful differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells through the major developmental stages of human retinogenesis is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating and/or reducing the severity of multiple sclerosis in a human, by administering autologous mesenchymal stem cell-derived neural precursors. Also described is an in vitro method for differentiating mesenchymal stem-cell derived neural precursor oligodendroglial and neuronal cell types.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the potential of Calebin A in inhibiting adipogenesis and applications thereof in obesity management. The present invention elucidates the potential of Calebin A to favorably modulate biochemical markers associated with obesity. Notable biomodulatory properties of Calebin A include inhibiting leptin production, increasing adiponectin expression and inhibiting local (adipocyte) and systemic inflammation caused by pro-inflammatory cytokines Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-?), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1?).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing an enriched population of mature, glucose-responsive insulin secreting cells, and for modulating insulin expression, activity and secretion in a subject.

Abstract: Methods and composition of induction of pluripotent stem cells and other desired cell types are disclosed. For example, in certain aspects methods for generating essentially vector-free induced pluripotent stem cells are described. Furthermore, the invention provides induced pluripotent stem cells and desired cell types essentially free of exogenous vector elements with the episomal expression vectors to express differentiation programming factors.