Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe an inline demulsification system (400, 430) including an inline flow conditioner (402,410) for separating a multiphase fluid into a liquid phase (420) and a gas phase (422), wherein the liquid phase (420) includes an emulsion; and an ultrasonic wave device (404), provided downstream from the flow conditioner (402, 410), including one or more ultrasonic probes (442) for emitting ultrasonic waves (452) towards the multiphase fluid, wherein the ultrasonic waves (452) demulsify at least a portion of the emulsion. Embodiments of the present disclosure also describe related systems and methods.

Abstract: Effective defoamer compositions contain two different aryl-substituted organopolysiloxanes and filler particles, and show high defoaming capability.

Abstract: A method includes: polishing a semiconductor wafer by a polishing device; measuring a form of the semiconductor wafer by a measuring device before a polished surface of the semiconductor wafer becomes hydrophilic; and setting polishing conditions for the polishing based on a measurement result of the form of the semiconductor wafer by a polishing condition setting unit.

Abstract: Controlling the formation of crystalline hydrates in various fluid systems, most notably, gas and oil transmission pipeline systems by contacting the systems with certain polymers or polymers associated with solid particles. The polymers useful are chelating polymers capable of interacting with charged gaseous molecules such as carbon dioxide, by removing the carbon dioxide, or more practically by scavenging for the carbon dioxide, to prevent the methane or ethane hydrate structures from forming since they require carbon dioxide to stabilize their structures.

Abstract: Where the loss of volatile organics during storage of high gravity oil is minimized by forming a flowable or pumpable gel in the high gravity oil, (and/or condensates and distillates), as they are introduced to a storage vessel, the gel is broken by the addition of a small amount of an amine/formaldehyde reaction product, which may be either a triazine or a mixture of non-triazine reaction products. The previously gelled hydrocarbon may then by more readily moved by draining or pumping into a pipeline.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing the volume of polystyrene foam wherein a foam reducing agent is applied to the foam, the foam reducing agent in some embodiments comprising a branched dibasic ester blend.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced, e.g. gels broken) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal base, an alkali earth metal base, ammonium base, and/or organic base compound, optionally with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkali earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium halide salt. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant may have its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil or corn oil affected with CaOH, MgOH, NaOH and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of nondendrimeric, high-functionality hyperbranched polyesters and polycarbonates which are obtainable by reacting (i) at least one aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic dicarboxylic acid (A2) or derivatives thereof, or organic carbonates (A2?) with (ii) at least one x-hydric aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic alcohol (Cx) which has more than two OH groups, where x is a number greater than 2, preferably from 3 to 8, more preferably from 3 to 6, even more preferably from 3 to 4 and especially 3, and (iii) at least one fatty acid amide alkoxylate (D) of saturated or unsaturated C2-C30 fatty acid amides with an average of from 1 to 40 alkylene oxide units as demulsifiers for splitting crude oil emulsions.

Abstract: A method for breaking the viscosity of an aqueous fluid gelled with a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) includes: providing an aqueous fluid; adding to the aqueous fluid, in any order, components comprising: a VES comprising a non-ionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, amphoteric surfactant or zwitterionic surfactant, or a combination thereof, in an amount sufficient to form a gelled aqueous fluid comprising a plurality of elongated micelles, an unsaturated fatty acid comprising a monoenoic acid or a polyenoic acid; or a combination thereof; and a plurality of metallic particles to produce a mixture comprising dispersed metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid. The method also includes dissolving the metallic particles in the gelled aqueous fluid to provide a source of metal ions and heating the gelled aqueous fluid to a temperature sufficient to cause the unsaturated fatty acid to auto-oxidize to products present in an amount effective to reduce the viscosity.

Abstract: A composition, such as a pigment dispersion or coating composition, includes a pigment and a wetting additive. The wetting additive includes a first agent and a second agent. The first agent has the following formula: X(AO)mH wherein X is a C6 to C16 branched chain, A is an alkylene group selected from the group of ethylene groups, propylene groups, butylene groups, and combinations thereof, and m is from about 3 to about 20. The second agent is different from the first agent and has the following formula: Y(A?O)nH wherein Y is a C6 to C16 linear chain, A? is an alkylene group selected from the group of ethylene groups, propylene groups, butylene groups, and combinations thereof, and n is at least about 3. The second agent has a triblock (A?O)p(EO)q(A?O)r configuration in the portion represented by (A?O)n, wherein A? is selected from the group of propylene groups, butylene groups, and combinations thereof and wherein p, q, and r are each independently at least 1.

Abstract: Formulation comprising hydrophobicized particles of silicon dioxide, mineral oil and one or more emulsifiers, where the hydrophobicized silicon dioxide is a fumed silicon dioxide, possesses a BET surface area of 200 to 300 m2/g, has on the surface of the particles O—Si—(CnH2n+1)3 groups, where n is 1 to 3 and where the (CnH2n+1) units are alike or different, has a carbon content of 1.5% to 5% by weight, based on the hydrophobic silicon dioxide, and is present in the formulation with a fraction of 0.05% to 5% by weight.

Abstract: Where the loss of volatile organics during storage of high gravity oil is minimized by forming a flowable or pumpable gel in the high gravity oil, (and/or condensates and distillates), as they are introduced to a storage vessel, the gel is broken by the addition of a small amount of an amine/formaldehyde reaction product, which may be either a triazine or a mixture of non-triazine reaction products. The previously gelled hydrocarbon may then by more readily moved by draining or pumping into a pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water.

Abstract: A preserving agent for temporarily storing used paint application tools, in particular paint brushes and paint rollers, is used by immersing at least the paint containing portion of the paint application tool therein. The preserving agent is a water based gel. An electrolyte is used for breaking up the gel afterwards. A device for temporarily storing used paint application tools, and a composite kit, including the device, the water based gel, and the electrolyte are included.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced, e.g. gels broken) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal base, an alkali earth metal base, ammonium base, and/or organic base compound, optionally with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkali earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium halide salt. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant may have its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil or corn oil affected with CaOH, MgOH, NaOH and the like.

Abstract: A viscous fluid, such as heavy crude oil which is too viscous to enable it to be pumped from a flowing phase of a reservoir into and along a pipeline for delivery to a refinery or other storage facility, may be contacted with a formulation to reduce its viscosity. The formulation comprises a polymeric material AA which includes —O—moieties pendent from a polymeric backbone thereof and said material is optionally cross-linked. In one embodiment, the formulation may comprise polyvinyl alcohol. In an alternative embodiment, the formulation may comprise a cross-linked polymeric material, such as cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol. After the viscous composition has been transported to a desired location, it may be separated from the other components.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkaline earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium salt and a water soluble base. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant has its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil reacted with a water soluble base such as NaOH, KOH, NH4OH, and the like with an alkali halide salt such as CaCl2, MgCl2, NaCl, NH4Cl and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a zwitterionic surfactant in combination with an ether sulphate or ether carboxylate surfactant in a water-based system as a drag-reducing agent. The combination has besides a high drag-reducing effect also a low sensitivity to hard water.

Abstract: An aqueous fluid having a viscosity greater than the viscosity of water is contacted with a water soluble material for a time and at a temperature sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the aqueous fluid to a value which is less than about 10 percent of the initial viscosity of the aqueous fluid. The water soluble material is an alkali metal peroxide or a combination of an alkali metal peroxide and a transition metal-containing compound.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of reducing the viscosity of a gelled fluid is provided. In one embodiment, a viscosity reducing microbe is disposed in a capsule and added to the gelled fluid. The gelled fluid may include a thickening agent adapted to increase its viscosity. Upon release from the capsule, the microbe begins to digest the thickening agent in the gelled fluid and/or releases enzymes that that breakdown the thickening agent.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one metal ion source and optionally at least one second source. An optional second source may be a chelating agent where at least one reducing agent source may be additionally optionally used. Another optional component with the metal ion source includes a second, different metal ion source. The breaking composition is believed to directly attack the VES itself, possibly by disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid, and/or possibly by changing the chemical structure of the VES to give two or more products.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-skinning compositions for use in manufacturing oil-based coating materials. The novel anti-skinning compositions are clear, homogeneous solutions of cyclohexanone oxime that can be prepared by dissolving cyclohexanone oxime in a suitable carboxylic acid or mixture of carboxylic acids. Suitable carboxylic acids include fatty acids, such as fatty acids of tall oil distillate. Surprisingly, the fatty acids are useful as delivery solvents over a useful range of temperatures and have desirable flash points. They are compatible with many oil-based coating materials. The anti-skinning compositions and manufacturing methods of the present invention are especially useful in the manufacture of oil-based paints containing metal carboxylate driers.

Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.

Abstract: A viscous fluid, such as heavy crude oil which is too viscous to enable it to be pumped from a flowing phase of a reservoir into and along a pipeline for delivery to a refinery or other storage facility, may be contacted with a formulation to reduce its viscosity. The formulation comprises a polymeric material AA which includes —O— moieties pendent form a polymeric backbone thereof and said material is optionally cross-linked. In one embodiment, the formulation may comprise polyvinyl alcohol. In an alternative embodiment, the formulation may comprise a cross-linked polymeric material, such as cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol. After the viscous composition has been transported to a desired location, it may be separated from the other components.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities affected (increased or reduced, e.g. gels broken) by the indirect or direct action of a composition that contains at least one fatty acid that has been affected, modified or reacted with an alkali metal base, an alkali earth metal base, ammonium base, and/or organic base compound, optionally with an alkali metal halide salt, an alkali earth metal halide salt, and/or an ammonium halide salt. The composition containing the resulting saponification product is believed to either act as a co-surfactant with the VES itself to increase viscosity and/or possibly by disaggregating or otherwise affecting the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant may have its viscosity broken with a composition containing naturally-occurring fatty acids in canola oil or corn oil affected with CaOH, MgOH, NaOH and the like.

Abstract: A flocculant, a manufacturing method therefor, and a flocculation method using the flocculant are provided such that a suspension of tap water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, industrial drainage water or other service water or drainage water can be easily, safely, and quickly treated. A flocculant made from a silicon colloidal solution for gelation through dilution and flocculating suspended matter in conjunction with the gelation.

Abstract: Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one metal ion source and optionally at least one second source. An optional second source may be a chelating agent where at least one reducing agent source may be additionally optionally used. Another optional component with the metal ion source includes a second, different metal ion source. The breaking composition is believed to directly attack the VES itself, possibly by disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid, and/or possibly by changing the chemical structure of the VES to give two or more products.

Abstract: A composition, such as a pigment dispersion or coating composition, includes a pigment and a wetting additive. The wetting additive includes a first agent and a second agent. The first agent has the following formula: X(AO)mH wherein X is a C6 to C16 branched chain, A is an alkylene group selected from the group of ethylene groups, propylene groups, butylene groups, and combinations thereof, and m is from about 3 to about 20. The second agent is different from the first agent and has the following formula: Y(A?O)nH wherein Y is a C6 to C16 linear chain, A? is an alkylene group selected from the group of ethylene groups, propylene groups, butylene groups, and combinations thereof, and n is at least about 3. The second agent has a triblock (A?O)p(EO)q(A?O)r configuration in the portion represented by (A?O)n, wherein A? is selected from the group of propylene groups, butylene groups, and combinations thereof and wherein p, q, and r are each independently at least 1.

Abstract: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.

Abstract: A bromine/nitro moiety linked into the backbone of an ester or other compound over a wide range of occurrence rates provides antimicrobial, bio-resistant and fungal resistant properties for metal working fluids (MWF)s and other coatings. The moiety can be have the bromo and nitro groups linked to the same or different carbon atoms. The present invention also relates to urethanes, urea, amides, imides, carbonates, ethers, siloxanes, and many other types of linkages essential to MWF bases.

Abstract: Unique abrasive materials that are in situ generated compositions of precipitated silicas and silica gels are provided. Such compositions exhibit different beneficial, particularly simultaneously high pellicle film cleaning properties and moderate dentin abrasion levels. Such a result thus accords the user a dentifrice that effectively cleans tooth surfaces without detrimentally abrading such surfaces. Furthermore, the produced abrasive materials also exhibit very high and desirable brightness properties that permit easy incorporation and utilization within dentifrices for aesthetic purposes. Encompassed within this invention is a unique method for making such gel/precipitated silica composite materials for such a purpose, particularly under high shear conditions, as well as the different materials within the structure ranges described above and dentifrices comprising such.

Abstract: Unique abrasive and/or thickening materials that are in situ generated compositions of precipitated silicas and silica gels are provided. Such compositions exhibit different beneficial characteristics depending on the structure of the composite in situ generated material. With low structured composites (as measured via linseed oil absorption levels from 40 to 100 ml oil absorbed/100 g composite), simultaneously high pellicle film cleaning properties and moderate dentin abrasion levels are possible in order to accord the user a dentifrice that effectively cleans tooth surfaces without detrimentally abrading such surfaces. Increased amounts of high structure composite materials tend to accord greater viscosity build and thickening benefits together with such desirable abrasion and cleaning properties, albeit to a lesser extent than for the low structure types.

Abstract: Precipitated silica comprising porous silica particles having a cumulative surface area for all pores having diameters greater than 500 ? of less than 8 m2/g, as measured by mercury intrusion, and a percentage cetylpyridinium chloride (% CPC) Compatibility of greater than about 55%. The precipitated silica product is especially well-adapted for use in dentifrices containing cetylpyridinium chloride, which do not attach to the low surface area silica product in a meaningful level and thus remain available for antimicrobial action. Processes for making the silica product are also provided.

Abstract: Methods suitable for selecting optimal defoamers for use in fermentation processes are described wherein the methods comprise: (a) determining an amount of each of two or more defoamers which provides a requisite dynamic surface tension of at most 50 mN/m at a particular frequency in a fermentation medium; and (b) selecting the defoamer which provides the requisite dynamic surface tension at the lowest amount. Methods for controlling foam by determining and adjusting dynamic surface tension are also described.

Abstract: It has been discovered that aminocarboxylic acids are effective breakers for polymer-gelled aqueous fracturing fluids, particularly in the temperature range between about 120° F. (49° C.) and about 280° F. (138° C.). The aminocarboxylic acids are believed to act directly on the polymer and not to any great extent or not to as an effective extent on a crosslinking agent, if present. The polymer may be a polysaccharide, and the aminocarboxylic acid may be selected from the group including, but not necessarily limited to, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4EDTA), tetrasodium propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4PDTA), trisodium hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4HEDTA), trisodium nitrilotriacetic acid (Na3NTA), salts of these acids, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: It has been discovered that fracturing fluid breaker mechanisms are improved by the inclusion of a polyol alone that directly degrades the polysaccharide backbone, and optionally additionally by removing the crosslinking ion, if present. That is, viscosity reduction (breaking) occurs by breaking down the chemical bonds within the backbone directly, rather than by merely removing the crosslinking ion, if present. The gel does not have to be crosslinked for the method of the invention to be successful, although it may be crosslinked. In one non-limiting embodiment, the polyol has at least two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms. In another embodiment, the polyols are monosaccharides such as glycerols and sugar alcohols, and may include mannitol, sorbitol, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, lactose, maltose, allose, etc. and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: It has been discovered that fracturing fluid breaker mechanisms are improved by the inclusion of a catalyzed polyol alone that directly degrades the polysaccharide backbone, and optionally additionally by removing the crosslinking ion, if present. That is, viscosity reduction (breaking) occurs by breaking down the chemical bonds within the backbone directly. The gel does not have to be crosslinked for the method of the invention to be successful, although it may be crosslinked. In one non-limiting embodiment, the polyol has at least two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms. In another embodiment, the polyols are simple sugars and sugar alcohols, and may include mannitol, sorbitol, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, lactose, maltose, allose, etc. and mixtures thereof. The catalyzing metal ion may employ a metal selected from Groups VIB, VIIB, VIII, IB, and IIB of the Periodic Table (previous IUPAC American Group notation).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for suppressing the foaming of an aqueous system which involves combining water and at least one defoamer composition which has a hydroxyl equivalent molecular weight of at least 4000 Da and a cloud point less than or equal to 30° C. in 1% aqueous solution. The high hydroxyl equivalent molecular weight defoamers of the present invention exhibit excellent defoaming properties at a low cloud point. Additionally, defoamers of the present invention exhibit defoaming properties which are better than those of defoamers having the same cloud point which are based on polyoxyalkylene copolymers prepared in the presence of potassium hydroxide. The superior defoaming properties of the defoamers of the present invention are particularly useful in the manufacture or processing of food items.

Abstract: Precipitated silica product having low surface area and enhanced flavor compatibility. The precipitated silica product is especially well-adapted for use in dentifrices containing cetylpyridinium chloride, which do not attach to the low surface area silica product in a meaningful level and thus remain available for antimicrobial action. Processes for making the low surface area silica product are also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating a micro-emulsion that can be used for removing the ink-accepting areas of a lithographic printing master is disclosed, which enables to recycle the water from the used micro-emulsion. The method comprises the heating of the micro-emulsion to a temperature above 50° C. thereby obtaining an aqueous phase and an organic phase and separating the aqueous phase from the organic phase.

Abstract: A process for preparing particles of a substance comprising contacting a first formulation including a first substance with a first solvent stream and a second solvent stream, thereby causing formation of particles of the first substance, wherein both the first and second solvent streams are in a non-supercritical state, and subjecting the resultant mixture to a separation process which causes separation of the first substance from the first and second solvent streams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel oil-in-water dispersions which comprise

Abstract: It has been discovered that aminocarboxylic acids are effective breakers for polymer-gelled aqueous fracturing fluids, particularly in the temperature range between about 120° F. (49° C.) and about 280° F. (138° C.). The aminocarboxylic acids are believed to act directly on the polymer and not to any great extent or not to as an effective extent on a crosslinking agent, if present. The polymer may be a polysaccharide, and the aminocarboxylic acid may be selected from the group including, but not necessarily limited to, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4EDTA), tetrasodium propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4PDTA), trisodium hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4HEDTA), trisodium nitrilotriacetic acid (Na3NTA), salts of these acids, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of dusting-preventive treatment in which a powder having dusting property is treated with fibril-forming PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) to impart non-dusting property thereto and the non-dusting property of the powder, after having been reduced during transportation, are economically and advantageously recovered or improved through a relatively simple step. The method comprises: a first dusting-preventive treatment step in which fibril-forming polytetrafluoroethylene is added to a powder having dusting property, and a compression/shear force is exerted to the mixture at a temperature in the range of 20 to 200° C. to thereby regulate powder so as to have a flow value of 150 mm to 200 mm; and a second dusting-preventive treatment step in which a compression/shear force is exerted again at a temperature in the range of 50 to 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a defoaming agent for use with polycarboxylate based admixtures for concrete. The defoaming agent is comprised of tributyl phosphate, an alkylaryl sulfonic acid metallic salt and a modified alkylpolyalcoxyester. Tributyl phosphate is a phosphate ester based defoamer and the modified alkylpolyalcoxyester is an air detraining agent. The alkylaryl sulfonic acid metallic salt is used as a hydrotrope to ensure that the tributyl phosphate and the modified alkylpolyalcoxyester react and do not separate.

Abstract: It has been discovered that fracturing fluid breaker mechanisms are improved by the inclusion of a catalyzed polyol alone that directly degrades the polysaccharide backbone, and optionally additionally by removing the crosslinking ion, if present. That is, viscosity reduction (breaking) occurs by breaking down the chemical bonds within the backbone directly. The gel does not have to be crosslinked for the method of the invention to be successful, although it may be crosslinked. In one non-limiting embodiment, the polyol has at least two hydroxyl groups on adjacent carbon atoms. In another embodiment, the polyols are simple sugars and sugar alcohols, and may include mannitol, sorbitol, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, lactose, maltose, allose, etc. and mixtures thereof. The catalyzing metal ion may employ a metal selected from Groups VIB, VIIB, VIII, IB, and IIB of the Periodic Table (previous IUPAC American Group notation).

Abstract: This invention provides phyllosilicates and polyfunctional dispersants which can be manipulated to selectively control the viscosity of phyllosilicate slurries. The polyfunctional dispersants used in the present invention, which include at least three functional groups, increase the dispersion and exfoliation of phyllosilicates in polymers and, when used in conjunction with phyllosilicate slurries, significantly reduce the viscosity of slurries having high concentrations of phyllosilicates. The functional groups of the polyfunctional dispersants are capable of associating with multivalent metal cations and low molecular weight organic polymers, which can be manipulated to substantially increase or decrease the viscosity of the slurry in a concentration dependent manner. The polyfunctional dispersants of the present invention can also impart desirable properties on the phyllosilicate dispersions including corrosion inhibition and enhanced exfoliation of the phyllosilicate platelets.

Abstract: A bromine/nitro moiety linked into the backbone of an ester or other compound over a wide range of occurrence rates provides antimicrobial, bio-resistant and fungal resistant properties for metal working fluids (MWF)s and other coatings. The moiety can be have the bromo and nitro groups linked to the same or different carbon atoms. The present invention also relates to urethanes, urea, amides, imides, carbonates, ethers, siloxanes, and many other types of linkages essential to MWF bases.

Abstract: It has been discovered that aminocarboxylic acids are effective breakers for polymer-gelled aqueous fracturing fluids, particularly in the temperature range between about 120° F. (49° C.) and about 280° F. (138° C.). The aminocarboxylic acids are believed to act directly on the polymer and not to any great extent or not to as an effective extent on a crosslinking agent, if present. The polymer may be a polysaccharide, and the aminocarboxylic acid may be selected from the group including, but not necessarily limited to, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4EDTA), tetrasodium propylenediaminetetraaoetic acid (Na4PDTA), trisodium hydroxyethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Na4HEDTA), trisodium nitrilotriacetic acid (Na3NTA), salts of these acids, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The method of preparing the porous material incorporating ultrafine metal particles comprises the following steps: (1) preparing surface-protected ultrafine metal particles by reducing metal ions in the presence of molecules such as dodecanethiol molecules; (2) immersing a wet gel in a solution of the ultrafine metal particles, thus forming an ultrafine metal particle/wet gel composite in which the ultrafine metal particles are incorporated in the wet gel; and (3) drying the ultrafine metal particle/wet gel composite to form a porous body.