Abstract: This invention relates to treated geothermal brine compositions containing reduced concentrations of lithium, iron and silica compared to the untreated brines. Exemplary compositions contain concentration of lithium ranges from 0 to 200 mg/kg, concentration of silica ranges from 0 to 30 mg/kg, concentration of iron ranges from 0 to 300 mg/kg. Exemplary compositions also contain reduced concentrations of elements like arsenic, barium, and lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of implant related risk of revision, in particular implant related risk of revision not caused by an infection or metal on metal reaction. The present invention provides methods of diagnosing implant related risk of revision, use of kits for such diagnostic purposes and compositions for use in the treatment of implant related risk of revision, in particular implant related risk of revision not caused by an infection or metal on metal reaction.

Abstract: A reducing agent monomer for preparing a styrene-acrylic emulsion by an oxidation-reduction reaction at room temperature and a synthesis method thereof are disclosed. Maleic anhydride (MAH) and dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) are used as raw materials to synthesize the reducing agent monomer: 4-(2-(dimethylamino)ethoxy)-4-oxobut-2-enoic acid, and the synthesis method involves inexpensive easily-available raw materials, simple synthesis conditions, and easy purification. With the synthesized reducing agent monomer as a reducing agent, potassium persulfate (KPS) as an oxidizing agent, water as a dispersion medium, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as an emulsifier, and styrene, butyl acrylate (BA), and methylmethacrylate (MMA) as comonomers, free-radical microemulsion polymerization is conducted at room temperature to obtain a styrene-acrylic emulsion.

Abstract: A method and system for removing at least dissolved hydrogen sulphide or another targeted constituent from a feedstock is provided wherein the targeted constituent has a gas: liquid equilibrium. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of: contacting the feedstock in at least one stripping vessel with a stripping gas to produce a gas stream containing at least hydrogen sulphide gas; conveying the gas stream from the at least one stripping vessel to an oxidation reactor; contacting the gas stream with an oxidizing agent in the oxidation reactor so as to oxidize the at least hydrogen sulphide gas to produce sulphuric acid; and conveying the produced sulphuric acid from the oxidation reactor to the at least one stripping vessel so as to reduce a pH value of the feedstock within the stripping vessel.

Abstract: A method is described for selecting a treatment additive for aqueous systems, in which crystal habit modification properties are prioritized; for aqueously preparing a substantially poly-maleic additive through in-situ formation of maleic acid copolymer so that mono-carboxylic acids, non-ionic functional groups, and terminal hydroxyl groups are also formed during polymerization; and for applying such additives for treatment of aqueous systems. Treatment agents resulting from these processes are also described.

Abstract: Maleic anhydride homopolymer corrosion inhibitors, maleic acid homopolymer corrosion inhibitors, methods for preparing the same, and methods of inhibiting corrosion are provided. The corrosion inhibitors may exclude phosphorus and may contain a hydrolysate of a maleic anhydride homopolymer or a hydrolysate of a maleic acid homopolymer. The maleic acid homopolymer may include from about 2 to about 5 maleic acid repeating units and the maleic anhydride homopolymer may include from about 2 to about 5 maleic anhydride repeating units.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a polishing composition containing colloidal silica, pulverized wet-process silica particles, and a water-soluble polymer compound. According to at leaset one embodiment, the water-soluble polymer compound is a copolymer containing a structural unit derived from an unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acid and a structural unit derived from an unsaturated amide.

Abstract: Recovery of fluids from a subterranean formation during a well treatment operation is enhanced by injecting into the formation a treatment fluid comprising a sophorolipid.

Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cleaning solution which removes a dry etching residue on a surface of a semiconductor element that includes: (1) a material containing cobalt or a cobalt alloy or (2) a material containing cobalt or a cobalt alloy and tungsten; and a low-dielectric constant interlayer dielectric film. The cleaning solution contains 0.001-7 mass % of an alkali metal compound, 0.005-35 mass % of a peroxide, 0.005-10 mass % of an anti-corrosion agent, 0.000001-1 mass % of an alkaline earth metal compound, and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for treatment of wastewaters in a membrane bioreactor comprising a mixture of inorganic coagulants and organic water soluble polymer(s), wherein the inorganic coagulants are selected from iron and/or aluminium containing compounds and the organic water soluble polymers are selected from the group consisting of anionic, cationic, nonionic polymers, polysaccharides and polyphenolic compounds and any combination thereof. The present invention further relates to a method for treating of wastewaters in a membrane bioreactor, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing corrosion of equipment having a corrodible metal surface that contacts water in a hydrostatic system are provided. Compositions may include a liquid-phase corrosion inhibitor and vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor. Methods may include introducing into the hydrostatic system a liquid-phase corrosion inhibitor, vapor-phase corrosion inhibitor and/or a scaling inhibitor. A protective film can be formed on the corrodible metal surface.

Abstract: Dispersions of coal ash in water can be inhibited or prevented from scaling and simultaneously be inhibited or prevented from fouling by introducing thereto an additive blend that includes an anionic water-soluble polymer and a second polymer different from the anionic water-soluble polymer, where the second polymer is selected from the group consisting of copolymers and terpolymers having a plurality of hydrophobic groups.

Abstract: Methods for reducing aluminosilicate containing scale in an alumina recovery process involving treating an alumina recovery process equipment surface with a degradation-resistant scale inhibiting composition having high ionic strength prior to exposure to an alumina recovery process stream.

Abstract: Recovery of fluids from a subterranean formation during a well treatment operation is enhanced by injecting into the formation a treatment fluid comprising a sophorolipid.

Abstract: Cationic and silicon substituents are introduced into polysaccharides thereby producing modified polysaccharides cationically substituted by quaternary ammonium groups and having a charge density of about 0.1 to about 2.5 meq/g, and further substituted by siliconate groups such that the modified polysaccharide has a silicon content of about 300 to about 5000 ppm. The modified polysaccharides have application in industrial, home care and personal care surface modifying formulations.

Abstract: Methods for reducing aluminosilicate containing scale in a Bayer process involving treating a Bayer process equipment surface with a scale inhibiting composition having high ionic strength prior to exposure to a Bayer process stream.

Abstract: Antifreeze proteins having an ice-binding site, such as those derived from the Marinomonas primoryensis bacterium, may be used in additive compositions, fluid compositions, and methods for depressing the freezing point of the fluid compositions. The fluid composition may include the antifreeze protein and a base fluid, such as drilling fluids, servicing fluids, production fluids, completion fluids, injection fluids, refinery fluids, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Compositions for inhibiting the attachment of microbes to a biotic or abiotic surface are disclosed. The compositions include a carrier and an effective amount of an anti-adherent agent. The anti-adherent agents include Cyclopentasiloxane (and) Dimethiconol, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, Acrylates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Polyquaternium-22, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Polyquaternium-7, Acrylates/Aminoacrylates/C10-30 Alkyl PEG-20 Itaconate Copolymer and combinations thereof. Various delivery vehicles, such as wipes, may be used to deliver the composition to surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating liquid streams containing quaternary ammonium compounds. In particular, the invention and its various embodiments relate to the addition of certain chemicals, such as inulins and derivatives thereof, including, for example, carboxymethyl inulin with or without various degrees of substitution of carboxymethyl groups per monosaccharide unit, to a liquid stream containing quaternary ammonium compounds to reduce, eliminate, or sequester the quaternary ammonium compound in the liquid stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for treating liquid streams containing quaternary ammonium compounds. In particular, the invention and its various embodiments relate to the addition of certain chemicals, such as inulins and derivatives thereof, including, for example, carboxymethyl inulin with or without various degrees of substitution of carboxymethyl groups per monosaccharide unit, to a liquid stream containing quaternary ammonium compounds to reduce, eliminate, or sequester the quaternary ammonium compound in the liquid stream.

Abstract: Water-soluble polymers may be added to an aqueous system to inhibit or decrease scale deposition within the aqueous system. In a non-limiting embodiment, the water-soluble polymer(s) may be or include polymaleates, polyacrylates, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The treated aqueous system may include a decreased amount of scale deposition as compared to an otherwise identical aqueous system absent the water-soluble polymer(s).

Abstract: Corrosive effects arising during well treatment applications are inhibited and/or prevented by introducing into the well composition containing a corrosion inhibitor of a biosurfactant selected from glycolipids (other than sophorolipids and mannosylerythritol lipids), phospholipids; polyol lipids; lipoproteins, lipopeptides, ornithine lipids, carbohydrate-lipids, neutral lipids, aminoacid lipids, exolipids, liposan; siderolipids, protein polyamines diglycosyl diglycerides, fimbriae, saponified triglycerides and fatty acids. The composition may also contain a corrosion inhibitor intensifier.

Abstract: An alkaline detergent is described which includes the use of a copolymer in combination with an alkali metal hydroxide. The detergent maintains cleaning functions and also prevents hard water scaling, for example at application temperatures of between 145-180 degrees Fahrenheit and with a pH of 9.5 to about 13.

Abstract: Cationic and silicon substituents are introduced into polysaccharides thereby producing modified polysaccharides cationically substituted by quaternary ammonium groups and having a charge density of about 0.1 to about 2.5 meq/g, and further substituted by siliconate groups such that the modified polysaccharide has a silicon content of about 300 to about 5000 ppm. The modified polysaccharides have application in industrial, home care and personal care surface modifying formulations.

Abstract: A phosphorus-free corrosion and scale inhibitor used in circulating cooling water of central air conditioning is provided, which contains tourmaline, green corrosion and scale inhibitor, zinc salt and the like, wherein the content of the tourmaline is 5-500 g/t (calculated based on solid form); the content of the green corrosion and scale inhibitor is 5-50 g/t (calculated based on liquid form); and the content of the zinc salt is 0.2-0.8 g/t (calculated based on solid form), wherein the tourmaline includes dravite, schorlite, elbaite, manganese tourmaline, uvite or the like. The green corrosion and scale inhibitor contains any one, or two or three of polyaspartic acid, polyepoxysuccinic acid and polymaleic acid. Copper corrosion can be effectively inhibited by adding 0.2-2 g/t of benzotriazole (calculated based on solid form) into copper-containing devices. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the phosphorous-free corrosion and scale inhibitor used in circulating cooling water of central air conditioning.

Abstract: A terpolymerized corrosion and scale inhibitor used in circulating cooling water of central air conditioning, containing tourmaline, polyaspartic acid, polyepoxysuccinic acid, polymaleic acid, etidronic acid, zinc salt, and the like, wherein the content of the tourmaline is 5-500 g/t (calculated based on solid form); the content of polyaspartic acid, polyepoxysuccinic acid, polymaleic acid and etidronic acid is 2-60 g/t (calculated based on liquid form); and the content of the zinc salt is 0.2-0.8 g/t (calculated based on solid form), is provided. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the terpolymerized corrosion and scale inhibitor used in circulating cooling water of central air conditioning.

Abstract: Corrosive effects arising during well treatment applications are inhibited and/or prevented by introducing into the well composition containing a corrosion inhibitor of a sophorolipid or a mannosylerythritol lipid or a combination thereof. The composition may also contain a corrosion inhibitor intensifier.

Abstract: We have now discovered a novel process for the removal or extraction of metal species from a variety of solid, liquid or gas phase materials. Metal species may be removed by contacting the material suspected of containing one or more metals with a thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof for a period of time and under conditions effective far the sequestration of the metal species by the thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof. The thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof comprising sequestered metal species may then be separated and recovered from the treated material. Moreover, following the treatment of aqueous liquids or mixtures, or suspensions or dispersions of solids in aqueous liquids, the resultant thiolated fatty acid or ester thereof comprising the sequestered metal species is insoluble in water and forms a separate layer from the aqueous liquid phase, which layer may be readily removed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine cleaner to clean kitchen appliances, comprising an alkaline system and a complexing component to bind metals or metallic cations, wherein the complexing component comprises a combination of at least one element from each of the following groups of complexing agents or complexing aids: methyl glycine diacetic acid or polyaspartic acid or salts thereof; polyepoxysuccinic acid or salts thereof; and gluconic acid or gluconates. The invention also concerns the use of a combination of different complexing agents or complexing aids in an alkaline machine cleaner as well as the use of a machine cleaner in accordance with the invention to clean kitchen appliances, in particular in the commercial kitchen sector.

Abstract: A hyperbranched polyglycerol is employed as a process stabilization aid of pregnant liquor of a Bayer process of producing alumina from bauxite. The hyperbranched polyglycerol has a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: A method and chemical composition are provided which permit operation of evaporative cooling towers at increased cycles of concentration without formation of calcium scale. The method can include first determining the calcium hardness and total alkalinity of the makeup water, calculating the operating cycles of concentration using a formula developed for the specified chemical composition, then dosing the treated water to maintain a constant level of the chemical composition. The method permits scale-free operation of evaporative cooling towers at a minimum of two (2) cycles of concentration over existing technology.

Abstract: Selective scaling in water treatment systems in which desalination is performed is generally described. According to certain embodiments, the location of the formation of solid scale within a water treatment system is controlled by adjusting one or more system parameters, such as the temperature and/or flow velocity of a saline stream within the water treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides useful biodegradable and environmentally friendly cost effective methods for oil recovery and reclamation from oil spills and chemical spills. More particularly, methods to recover and reclaim hydrocarbons or hydrophobic substances in an aqueous environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method of inhibiting corrosion and calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate scaling in thermal and membrane desalination processes. The method includes adding a composition having an acrylic acid 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropyl sulfonic acid copolymer, combined with a synergistically effective amount of oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid to seawater or recirculation brine in a desalting process to produce water for drinking and industrial applications. The method also includes adding a composition including mono, bis, and oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid adducts to the desalting process.

Abstract: Treatment fluids for use in subterranean formations, particularly sandstone and other siliceous formations, may contain a source of fluoride ions to aid in mineral dissolution. In some cases, it may be desirable to generate the fluoride ions from a fluoride ion precursor, particularly a hydrofluoric acid precursor, such as a boron trifluoride complex. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a boron trifluoride complex, and a chelating agent composition, and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: The poly(zwitterion-alt-sulfur dioxide) copolymer includes a structural unit having the structural formula: The copolymer is made by cocyclopolymerizing 3-(N,N-diallyl,N-carboethoxymethylammonio)propanesulfonate with sulfur dioxide to obtain an intermediate polyzwitterion (PZ) copolymer, which is hydrolyzed to form the copolymer. The copolymer may be converted to a poly(electrolyte-zwitterion) by treatment with a base, such as sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method for controlling colloidal/amorphous silica scale deposition in an aqueous system is described, which comprises adding to the aqueous system an effective amount of a synergistic combination comprising: A) 10% to 90% by weight of at least one carboxylate polymer comprising units derived from one or more carboxylate monomers; and B) 90% to 10% by weight of at least one chelating agent, based on the total weight of said synergistic combination. The carboxylate polymer may be a homopolymer of (meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, or their salts, or a copolymer of one or more monomers selected from meth)acrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, and their salts and, optionally, one or more sulfonic-free ethylenically unsaturated monomers.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting scale formation and deposition from a feed stream passing through a membrane system is disclosed. The method comprises: (a) controlling the pH of said feed stream within the range between about 7.0 and about 8.2; (b) optionally controlling the temperature of said feed stream within the range between about 5° C. to about 40° C. when the membrane system is an RO system, a NF system, an ED system, an EDI system or a combination thereof; (c) optionally controlling the temperature of said feed stream within the range between about 40° C. and about 80° C. when the membrane system is an MD system; and (d) adding an effective amount of a scale inhibitor to said feed stream, said scale inhibitor comprises an AA-AMPS copolymer.

Abstract: Provided are a water-treating agent which includes a specific nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound and can exhibit the ability to inhibit the deposition of silica-based scale under wide ranges of water quality conditions and temperature conditions; and a method of treating water. The inhibitor for silica-based scale includes a nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound, the nonionic polymer being: a polymer formed by the reaction of an unsaturated double bond and including units derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylamide, N-substituted (meth)acrylamide and N-vinyl lactam; and/or one or more polymers having an ether group and selected from the group consisting of alkyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts, aliphatic monocarboxylic acid/polyalkylene oxide adducts, and polyvinyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting hydrates in a fluid comprising water and gas comprising adding to the fluid an effective hydrate-inhibiting amount of a composition comprising one or more copolymers of N-alkyl(alkyl)acrylamide monomers and one or more cationic monomers selected from acid and alkyl chloride quaternary salts of N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylates and N,N-dialkylaminoalkyl(meth)acrylamides.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to generating steam from water that contains dissolved organic compounds. The methods mix a polymerization inhibitor with the water prior to feeding the water into a steam generator. The polymerization inhibitor limits coupling of the dissolved organics under boiler conditions to mitigate fouling issues within the boiler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for obtaining a cellular fraction enriched with defined cells effective in promoting a defined cellular response from an in vivo cellular sample comprising: a collection tube for collecting a cell suspension (1), an anticoagulant portion (4), a portion of separation gel (3), a first collection syringe for collecting a cell depleted fluid (10), a second collection syringe for collecting the enriched cellular portion (11) and at least one needle (1O) for attaching to each syringe. The system is closable to the atmosphere, further wherein the cell suspension collection tube contains the gel (3) and the anticoagulant (4), the tube is adapted such that, when containing cell suspension and centrifuged after treatment yields separation fractions, a first fraction comprising cellular fluid (6), a second fraction comprises gel layer (3), a third fraction comprises enriched cellular portion (7) on top of the gel layer and a fourth fraction comprises a cell poor portion (8).

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the plugging of a conduit containing a flowable mixture comprising at least an amount of hydrocarbons capable of forming hydrates in the presence of water and an amount of water, which method comprises adding to the mixture an amount of a functionalized dendrimer effective to inhibit formation and/or accumulation of hydrates in the mixture at conduit temperatures and pressures; and flowing the mixture containing the functionalized dendrimer and any hydrates through the conduit wherein the functionalized dendrimer comprises at least one quaternary ammonium zwitterionic functional end group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cross-linked scale control agent particle comprising: a scale control agent and a cross-linker. The scale control agent is cross-linked by the cross-linker. The present invention is also directed to a cross-linked organic-based crystalline inhibitor particle comprising: an organic-based crystalline inhibitor and a cross-linker. The organic-based crystalline inhibitor is cross-linked by the cross-linker. The present invention is also directed to the use of cross-linkers which can also act as benefit agents and to the use of capping and extension agents which act as further benefit agents The present invention is further directed to a particle comprising more than one cross-linked active agents; the active agent may be a combination of a scale control agent and an organic-based crystalline inhibitor.

Abstract: Rheology modifying agents and methods of modifying the rheology of a slurry are disclosed, in addition to methods for the prevention of fouling. The slurry can be a lime slurry or a magnesium oxide slurry. The rheology modifying agent can be a low molecular weight anionic polymer, a high molecular weight polymer, a mixture of a low molecular weight anionic polymer and a high molecular weight polymer, a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a chelating agent, and a mixture of a chelating agent, a high molecular weight polymer, and a low molecular weight anionic polymer.

Abstract: A process for obtaining random copolymers from itaconic acid and/or isomers and sodium alkenyl sulfonates is by polymerization in an aqueous solution via free radicals at an acidic pH in the range from 1.0 to 3.5 and with a redox system as initiator. The copolymers can be used as calcium carbonate and calcium, strontium and barium sulfates mineral scale inhibitors and as dispersants of clays, iron oxides, calcium carbonate and strontium, barium and calcium sulfates. Random copolymers prevent and control damage in an oil reservoir, obstruction of water injection and crude oil production pipelines, and in production rigs due to mineral scale precipitation caused by high levels of salinity of the injection water and formation water. Random copolymers are tolerant to high concentrations of divalent ions, such as calcium, magnesium, strontium and barium, and can be added to the reservoir and to injection or production pipelines, treated water, sea water and water that is used as means of transportation.

Abstract: Methods for dispersing foulants are disclosed herein. Various effective dispersant compositions are also disclosed. The dispersant composition can include a silt dispersant and a hydrocarbon dispersant. Generally, the silt dispersant can be a homopolymer or a copolymer of one or more monomers, and the monomers can be one or more of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ?-halo acrylic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, vinyl acetic acid, allyl acetic acid, fumaric acid, ?-carboxylic acrylate, and their salts. The silt dispersant can also be a terpolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, and sulfonated acrylamide. The hydrocarbon dispersant can be a non-ionic surfactant or a nonylphenol or a nonylphenol ethoxylate, such as a high EO 9 Nonyl phenol resin. Also disclosed are methods for preventing or reducing fouling in equipment that contacts water used during a hydrocarbon production process.

Abstract: A surface active compound is supplied into contact with an oilfield production fluid that comprises a mixture of water and oil including water soluble organics. The surface active compound comprises at least one alkoxylate chain and at least one end group attached to each of the at least one alkoxylate chain. The surface active compound is supplied into the oilfield production fluid at a dosage rate that is effective to self-associate at interfaces between the water and oil and inhibit the water soluble organics in the oil from entering the water when the oilfield production fluid is depressurized.

Abstract: The scale inhibitors in a variety of aqueous systems, or a part or sample thereof, also including one or more dissolved interfering ions, are separated therefrom and analyzed, such scale inhibitors comprising a polymer containing at least one anionic functional group, e.g., a strong acid functional group or a phosphonate or phosphate ester, and such analysis including treating these aqueous systems with a cationic substrate or a free cation.

Abstract: A mercury remediation method and apparatus for reducing mercury levels in water to a nanogram per liter level that uses four treatment steps: (1) chelation; (2) oxidation; (3) reduction; and (4) air stripping, vapor/liquid separation. There is a fifth step in the process, which does not involve the wastewater. It is to scrub the stripper air of the volatile mercury in an off-gas adsorption unit or to condense volatile mercury in a cryogenic mercury trap.