Discontinuous Phase Primarily Inorganic Liquid (e.g., Water-in-oil Emulsion, W/o) Patents (Class 516/21)
  • Patent number: 9993019
    Abstract: A method for providing particles of encapsulated flavorants or chemesthetic agents comprises forming an emulsion comprising: (i) a first aqueous solution, comprising one or more polysaccharides; and (ii) a hydrophobic additive; atomizing said emulsion in an atomizer into droplets; introducing said droplets into a second aqueous solution, comprising one or more metal cations, to form particles comprising one or more cross-linked polysaccharides and said additive encapsulated therein; and removing said particles from said second aqueous solution and drying said particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Zeng, Shuzhong Zhuang, Georgios D. Karles
  • Patent number: 9890423
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of making polymer particles, said methods including the steps of: making an aqueous gel reaction mixture; forming an emulsion having dispersed aqueous phase micelles of gel reaction mixture in a continuous phase; adding an initiator oil comprising at least one polymerization initiator to the continuous phase; and performing a polymerization reaction in the micelles. Further, the initiator oil is present in a volume % relative to a volume of the aqueous gel reaction mixture of between about 1 vol % to about 20 vol %. The disclosure also relates to methods of making nucleic acid polymer particles having the same method steps and wherein the aqueous gel reaction mixture includes a nucleic acid fragment, such as a primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Light, Barnett B. Rosenblum
  • Publication number: 20150125931
    Abstract: A method processes a stable emulsion having components from whole-cell biotransformations such as cells, soluble cell components, organic solvents and/or water. In this connection, the emulsion, which is stable after the biotransformation, is mixed with further parts of organic phase, and subsequently the mixture is continuously stirred until a catastrophic phase inversion of the emulsion takes place while mixing; subsequently, this phase-inverted mixture is transferred to a settling container, where the phases of the emulsion separate from one another and can be separated from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET DORTMUND
    Inventors: Christoph BRANDENBUSCH, Gabriele SADOWSKI, Bruno BUEHLER, Jonathan A. COLLINS
  • Publication number: 20150111863
    Abstract: Non-spherical liquid droplets comprising a liquid, an internal solid material defining the shape of the droplet, a benefit agent, and methods of making non-spherical liquid droplets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Patrick Thomas SPICER, Marco CAGGIONI, Jessica LENIS-ABRIL, Alexandra Victoria BAYLES
  • Publication number: 20150080273
    Abstract: The invention provides a foam control formulation in the form of a microemulsion, the formulation comprising: (a) from S to 70% w/w of primary surfactant, this surfactant having an HLB of from 1 to 12 and/or a cloud point of from 20 to 70° C.; (b) from 2 to 40% w/w of water-insoluble organic carrier liquid; and (c) water. Also provided is the use of this formulation to prevent and/or reduce foam in a fluid system, or as a processing aid to control foam production in a fluid system. The formulation may be used in an aqueous fluid system, such as an oilfield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kevan Hatchman, Gareth Collins, Chris Jones
  • Patent number: 8980958
    Abstract: A method for producing an emulsion is provided. At least a fluid to be processed that forms continuous phase and a fluid to be processed that forms dispersed phase are mixed in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged to be opposite to each other so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, whereby the emulsion having variation coefficient of 0.3 to 30% in a particle size distribution is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: M. Technique Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Enomura
  • Publication number: 20150073061
    Abstract: We describe a method of layer-by-layer deposition of a plurality of layers of material onto the wall or walls of a channel of a microfluidic device, the method comprising: loading a tube with a series of segments of solution, a said segment of solution bearing a material to be deposited; coupling said tube to said microfluidic device; and injecting said segments of solution into said microfluidic device such that said segments of solution pass, in turn, through said channel depositing successive layers of material to perform said layer-by-layer deposition onto said wall or walls of said channel. Embodiments of the methods are particularly useful for automated surface modification of plastic, for example PDMS (Poly(dimethylsiloxane)), microchannels. We also describe methods and apparatus for forming double-emulsions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Cambridge Enterprise Limited
    Inventors: Wolfgang Andreas BAUER, Wilhelm T.S. HUCK, Martin FISCHLECHNER
  • Patent number: 8975302
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of making polymer particles, said methods including the steps of: making an aqueous gel reaction mixture; forming an emulsion having dispersed aqueous phase micelles of gel reaction mixture in a continuous phase; adding an initiator oil comprising at least one polymerization initiator to the continuous phase; and performing a polymerization reaction in the micelles. Further, the initiator oil is present in a volume % relative to a volume of the aqueous gel reaction mixture of between about 1 vol % to about 20 vol %. The disclosure also relates to methods of making nucleic acid polymer particles having the same method steps and wherein the aqueous gel reaction mixture includes a nucleic acid fragment, such as a primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David Light, Barnett Rosenblum
  • Patent number: 8900444
    Abstract: A solvent that reversibly converts from a hydrophobic liquid form to hydrophilic liquid form upon contact with water and a selected trigger, e.g., contact with CO2, is described. The hydrophilic liquid form is readily converted back to the hydrophobic liquid form and water. The hydrophobic liquid is an amidine or amine. The hydrophilic liquid form comprises an amidinium salt or an ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Queen's University at Kingston, GreenCentre Canada
    Inventors: Philip G. Jessop, Lam N. Phan, Andrew J. Carrier, Rui Resendes, Dominik Wechsler
  • Patent number: 8841352
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a method for producing compound semiconductor particles in which monodisperse compound semiconductor particles can be prepared according to the intended object, clogging with products does not occur due to self-dischargeability, a large pressure is not necessary, and productivity is high. In producing compound semiconductor particles by separating and precipitating, in a fluid, semiconductor raw materials, the fluid is formed into a thin film fluid between two processing surfaces arranged so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, and the semiconductor raw materials are separated and precipitated in the thin film fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: M Technique Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Enomura
  • Publication number: 20140243434
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method including providing a nano-environment; and confining heavy or light water in the nano-environment such that at least one water cluster forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: HydroElectron Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Price-Gallagher, Keith Johnson
  • Patent number: 8815958
    Abstract: A skin cosmetic in which the emulsion stability can be ensured by adding a volatile hydrocarbon oil to a water-in-oil-type emulsion composition containing a non-volatile silicone oil, and which has an excellent non-oily sensation upon application. Specifically disclosed is a water-in-oil-type emulsion skin cosmetic which is characterized by comprising (A) 3 to 25% mass of a volatile hydrocarbon oil, (B) 0.1 to 15% by mass of a non-volatile silicone oil, (C) 0.1 to 1% by mass of a polyethylene glycol mono- or di-isostearate having 4 to 12 oxyethylene groups, (D) 0.1 to 5% by mass of a polyoxyethylene-polydimethylsiloxyethyl-dimethicone copolymer, and (E) an organically-modified clay mineral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Sasaki, Takayuki Omura
  • Patent number: 8716214
    Abstract: In a fragrance and/or aroma composition for the targeted release of fragrances and/or aromas in the form of a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) dispersion, in which lipid-based nanoparticles are present which are stabilized by an emulsifier monolayer, one or more membrane layers or other auxiliaries, the fragrances and/or aromas are included in the nanoparticles and/or in the emulsifier monolayer or the membrane layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: OTC GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Dahms, Andreas Jung, Holger Seidel
  • Publication number: 20140083909
    Abstract: Dual phase compositions for treating a hydrocarbon stream are disclosed, wherein the dual phase compositions are colloidal micellar solutions with an aqueous phase and an oil phase. Methods are also disclosed for reducing emulsions in a hydrocarbon stream by contacting the hydrocarbon stream with a dual phase composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Cato Russell McDaniel, Kurt Jason Ginsel, Karl Douglas Kuklenz
  • Patent number: 8609737
    Abstract: A process for preparing an emulsion is disclosed comprising: injecting a first liquid as dispersed phase liquid through a central inlet of a microchannel system with a cross junction geometry chip and injecting a second liquid as continuous phase liquid through the outer cross inlet, which continuous phase liquid does not instantly mix with said injected first liquid prior to the cross junction, wherein the flow rate QC of the continuous phase in cubic meters per second is given by Q C = f × A ? ? ? ? d , where A is the exit area of the microchannel in square meters, ? the interfacial tension between the first liquid and the second liquid in Newtons per meter and ?d the viscosity of the dispersed phase in Pascal-seconds, characterized in that f is in the range from 0.04 to 0.25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
    Inventors: Robin Bruijn De, John Van Der Schaaf, Narendra Patil, Jaap Schouten
  • Patent number: 8580715
    Abstract: A composition comprising a fluorinated pyridinium cationic compound of formula (I) wherein Rf is R1(CH2CH2)n—, R1 is a C7 to C20 perfluoroalkyl group interrupted by at least one catenary oxygen atom, each oxygen bonded to two carbon atoms, n is an integer of 1 to 3, and R is H, C1 to C5 linear or branched alkyl, or C1 to C5 linear or branched alkoxy, having surfactant properties for lowering surface tension in an aqueous medium or solvent medium, and for use as a foaming agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Sheng Peng, Allison Mary Yake, Cheryl Lynn Iaconelli
  • Patent number: 8574669
    Abstract: A fine polymer particle production method includes producing an emulsion in a liquid prepared by dissolving and mixing a polymer A and a polymer B in organic solvents in which a solution phase composed primarily of the polymer A and a solution phase composed primarily of the polymer B are formed as separate phases, and bringing it into contact with a poor solvent for the polymer A to precipitate the polymer A. This method serves for easy synthesis of fine polymer particles with a narrow particle size distribution and the method can be effectively applied to production of highly heat-resistant polymers that have been difficult to produce with the conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Itaru Asano, Yuji Echigo, Hiroshi Takezaki
  • Patent number: 8551907
    Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Intevep, S.A.
    Inventors: Pedro Pereira, Guaicaipuro Rivas, Jose Cordova, Francisco Granadillo, Roger Marzin, Bruno Solari, Luis Zacarias
  • Patent number: 8524173
    Abstract: A microchannel structure including a dispersed-phase introduction channel which communicates with a dispersed-phase introduction inlet; a continuous-phase introduction channel which communicates with a continuous-phase introduction inlet; a discharge channel which communicates with a discharge outlet; a fine-particle formation channel; and a plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction which are microchannels; wherein one end of the fine-particle formation channel in a fluid traveling direction communicates with the continuous-phase introduction channel whereas the other end thereof communicates with the discharge channel; and wherein a side part of the dispersed-phase introduction channel and side part of the fine-particle formation channel communicate via the plurality of branch channel for dispersed-phase introduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Maho Yamanaka, Akira Kawai, Koji Katayama, Hiroki Takamiya
  • Patent number: 8431620
    Abstract: Process for the preparation of a water-in-oil or oil-in-water nanoemulsion wherein the dispersed phase is distributed in the dispersing phase in the form of droplets having a diameter ranging from 1 to 500 nm, comprising: 1) the preparation of a homogeneous water/oil blend (I) characterized by an interface tension lower than 1 mN/m, comprising water in an amount of 30 to 70% by weight, at least two surface-active agents having a different HLB, selected from non-ionic, anionic, polymeric surface-active agents, said surface-active agents being present in such a quantity as to make the blend homogeneous; 2) the dilution of the blend (I) in a dispersing phase consisting of oil or water with the addition of a surface-active agent, selected from non-ionic, anionic, polymeric surface-active agents, the quantity of the dispersing phase and surface-active agent being such as to obtain a nanoemulsion having a HLB different from that of the blend (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignees: ENI S.p.A., Polimeri Europa S.p.A.
    Inventors: Lucilla Del Gaudio, Thomas Paul Lockhart, Alessandra Belloni, Rossella Bortolo, Roberto Tassinari
  • Patent number: 8425748
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described that include electrokinetic pumping an emulsion comprising an ionic fluid and a nonpolar fluid to promote flow of the ionic fluid by electro-osmotic flow and drag the nonpolar fluid by viscous drag forces. In some examples, the electrokinetic pump may be utilized to deliver one or more reagents within a fluidic reactor system, such as a micro-scale reactor system. In some additional examples, a reagent may be dissolved in the nonpolar fluid of a first emulsion and pumped through the electrokinetic pump to a mixing channel to allow the reagent of the first emulsion to react with a reagent of second emulsion to form a reactive product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Seth Adrian Miller
  • Patent number: 8409594
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide solid compositions comprising an oil-in-water emulsion that have sufficient hardness and good feel when used, and can sufficiently exhibit the physiological functions of an electrolyte. A solid composition is obtained by preparing an oil-in-water emulsion by combining a solid oil (A), a liquid oil (B), a surfactant (C), a polyhydric alcohol (D), an electrolyte (E), and water (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Shinohara, Fumiki Harano, Shinji Tsujimoto, Isamu Saeki
  • Publication number: 20130046030
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to emulsions, and more particularly, to double and other multiple emulsions. Certain aspects of the present invention are generally directed to the creation of double emulsions and other multiple emulsions at a common junction of microfluidic channels. In some cases, the microfluidic channels at the common junction may have substantially the same hydrophobicity. In one set of embodiments, a device may include a common junction of six or more channels, where a first fluid flows through one channel, a second fluid flows through two channels, and a third or carrying fluid flows through two more channels, such that a double emulsion of a first droplet of the first fluid, contained in a second droplet of the second fluid, contained by the carrying fluid, flows away from the common junction through a sixth channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicants: BASF SE, President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Assaf Rotem, David A. Weitz, Adam R. Abate, Christian Holtze
  • Publication number: 20130035405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods to increase the output of a high quality product from the precipitation liquor crystallization process exemplified through the aluminum hydroxide recovery processes such as the Bayer process. The invention is a method of increasing the size of precipitates from a liquor. The invention in one embodiment relates to the use of a crystal growth modifier compositions added to the precipitation process to increase the particle size distribution of the precipitated alumina trihydrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: NALCO COMPANY
    Inventor: Nalco Company
  • Patent number: 8362092
    Abstract: The present invention provides an organic/inorganic compositive dispersant and a method for producing the same. The compositive dispersant comprises a complex of inorganic clay and an organic surfactant. The compositive dispersant is produced by reacting inorganic clay with the organic surfactant in a solvent to generate a complex. The inorganic clay is layered or platelet. The organic surfactant is an anionic surfactant such as alkyl sulfates, a nonionic surfactant such as octylphenol polyethoxylate and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, or a cationic surfactant such as fatty (C12˜C32) quaternary ammonium salts and fatty (C12˜C32) quaternary ammonium chlorides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Jiang-Jen Lin, Wei-Ting Chen, Yen-Chi Hsu, Chih-Wei Chiu
  • Patent number: 8357724
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for controlling the stability or the droplets sized of simple water-in-oil emulsions, wherein a di-block or tri-block copolymer is used. A block is a hydrophilic block, the other block is a hydrophobic block. The invention concerns also a stabilized water-in-oil emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Sophie Deroo, Mikel Morvan
  • Patent number: 8262880
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described that include electrokinetic pumping an emulsion comprising an ionic fluid and a nonpolar fluid to promote flow of the ionic fluid by electro-osmotic flow and drag the nonpolar fluid by viscous drag forces. In some examples, the electrokinetic pump may be utilized to deliver one or more reagents within a fluidic reactor system, such as a micro-scale reactor system. In some additional examples, a reagent may be dissolved in the nonpolar fluid of a first emulsion and pumped through the electrokinetic pump to a mixing channel to allow the reagent of the first emulsion to react with a reagent of second emulsion to form a reactive product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Seth Adrian Miller
  • Patent number: 8178102
    Abstract: Provided is an emulsified composition for diluting a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof. Also provided is a novel cancer vaccine composition or specific CTL inducer that efficiently induces CTL irrespective of the type of cancer antigen peptide when mixing the emulsified composition for dilution and a water phase comprising a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof. The present invention relates to an emulsified composition for diluting a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof, comprising a particular ester, a particular surfactant, a particular emulsifier, and a water phase. The present invention also relates to a cancer vaccine composition or specific CTL inducer obtained by freshly diluting and mixing a water phase comprising a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof with the emulsified composition for dilution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignees: Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., NOF Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Saito, Yusuke Okawa
  • Patent number: 8178584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-in-oil emulsified composition containing a sphingosine represented by the following formula (1): (R1 represents a hydrocarbon group optionally having a substituent; Y represents methylene, methine or O; X1, X2 and X3 each represent H, OH or acetoxy group; X4 represents H, acetyl group or the like; R2, R3 each represents H, OH or the like; R represents H, amidino group or the like; and a stands for 2 or 3), (B) a C6-30 fatty acid, and (C) an oil component. This water-in-oil emulsified composition has excellent stability and provides a good feeling to skin upon use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Okubo, Yumiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8143318
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which at least two separate phases can be mixed to prepare an emulsion is disclosed. Specifically, at least one phase is a dispersed phase and one phase in a continuous phase. The treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which the phases flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port, respectively, to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the phases within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Wenzel, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, David William Koenig, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Shiming Zhuang
  • Patent number: 8075998
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydrocarbon-free aqueous creams of organosilicon compounds, their preparation and their use. The hydrocarbon-free water-in-oil creams of organosilicon compounds comprise the components: (A) one or more C1-C20-alkyl-C1-C6-alkoxysilanes (A1), alkoxy-containing organopolysiloxanes (A2) and/or organopolysiloxanes (A3) which comprise, in addition to other organosiloxane units, siloxane units which bear Si—C-bonded radicals containing basic nitrogen, with the proviso that the amine number of the organopolysiloxane is at least 0.01, (B) one or more emulsifiers and (C) water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Evonik Goldschmidt GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Schmuck, Roland Sucker
  • Patent number: 8048829
    Abstract: Fluids and associated methods useful in subterranean applications are provided. Compositions are provided that may be useful in subterranean applications for addressing, among other things, drill string sticking problems. More particularly, spotting fluid compositions are provided having a water insoluble external phase fluid; a water soluble internal phase fluid; and an ether carboxylic acid emulsifying agent. Additional optional components may be used, such as viscosifiers, weighting agents, and wetting agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Jay P. Deville
  • Patent number: 8048828
    Abstract: Fluids and associated methods useful in subterranean applications are provided. More particularly, methods of reducing drill string sticking are provided, which include: providing a spotting fluid composition comprising a water insoluble external phase fluid, a water soluble internal phase fluid, and an ether carboxylic acid emulsifying agent; introducing the spotting fluid to the vicinity of a desired portion of a drill string; and allowing the spotting fluid to interact with a portion of material surrounding the desired portion of the drill string spotting fluid. Compositions are provided that may be useful in subterranean applications for addressing, among other things, drill string sticking problems. Additional optional components may be used, such as viscosifiers, weighting agents, and wetting agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventor: Jay P. Deville
  • Patent number: 8043996
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) introducing into the underground formation a micellar dispersion comprising water, one or more organic acid precursors, one or more surfactants and, optionally, one or more salts, co-surfactants and/or organic liquids that are not organic acid precursors; and (b) allowing (i) the micellar dispersion to solubilize hydrocarbons, emulsions or water blocks present in the underground formation, and (ii) at least a portion of the organic acid precursor to hydrolyze in-situ to produce sufficient organic acid to substantively dissolve acid soluble material present in or adjacent to filter cakes or other damage in the underground formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Cleansorb Limited
    Inventor: Ralph Edmund Harris
  • Patent number: 8039422
    Abstract: An acid-in-oil emulsion having a corrosion inhibitor as the external phase has been found to prevent downhole corrosion when acidizing carbonate formations to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Ali A. Al-Zahrani
  • Patent number: 8017562
    Abstract: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Brine-Add Fluids Ltd.
    Inventors: David P. Horton, Ioan Ghesner
  • Patent number: 8013022
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment medical device useful in the storage, processing and extended shelf life of perishable products, especially pharmaceutical, food and biological products. Particular biological materials processed according to the present methods are human blood and blood products (RBCs). Also disclosed are processes for preserving food, pharmaceutical and biological products for long-term storage and extended shelf life employing a process that reduces the hydration level of the material to less than native hydration levels of the specific product. The invention further provides stabilized biological products, such as in the form of glassified beads, prepared using a two-phase system according to the described processes that may be rehydrated and prepared for clinical use, and having essentially no loss of biological and/or pharmacological activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph DeAngelo, David Needham, Carroll Jones
  • Patent number: 7972996
    Abstract: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Brine-Add Fluids Ltd
    Inventors: Ioan Ghesner, David P. Horton
  • Patent number: 7947632
    Abstract: Phosphate esters useful for gelling hydrocarbons in combination with a metal source are disclosed along with methods of preparation of the phosphate esters. Fouling in oil refinery towers has been attributed due to distillation of impurities present in phosphate esters used to gel hydrocarbons for oil well fracturing. The improved method of preparation of the phosphate ester results in a product that substantially reduces or eliminates volatile phosphorus, which is phosphorus impurities that distill up to 250° C., and increases the high temperature viscosity of the hydrocarbon gels formed using the phosphate esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Brine-Add Fluids Ltd.
    Inventors: David P. Horton, Ioan Ghesner
  • Patent number: 7939470
    Abstract: An invert emulsion drilling fluid, and a method for the use thereof in drilling wellbores, with good rheological properties at high temperatures and pressures. One embodiment of the drilling fluids are free of organophilic clays and lignites, free of calcium chloride, and comprise an alcohol in the internal phase, a quaternary ammonium emulsifier, and argillaceous solids. In one embodiment, the alcohol is a glycerol, a polyglycerol, or a mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the base oil for the emulsion is a paraffin and/or mineral oil. The drilling fluids provide good lubricity and high rates of penetration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Vikrant Bhavanishankar Wagle, Shadaab Syed Maghrabi
  • Patent number: 7915203
    Abstract: A new class of secondary emulsifying agents for use in inverted mud and other inverted system is disclosed and method for making and using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Clearwater International, LLC
    Inventors: Olusegun Matthew Falana, Arthur T. Gilmer, Edward Marshall
  • Publication number: 20110039951
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a method including providing a nano-environment; and confining heavy or light water in the nano-environment such that at least one water cluster forms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: HYDRO ELECTRON VENTURES
    Inventors: Matthew Price-Gallagher, Keith Johnson
  • Patent number: 7879915
    Abstract: The invention provides water-in-oil emulsions containing (a) 12-21% by weight of polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, (b) 4-7% by weight of a hydrogenated ethoxylated castor oil, (c) 25-35% by weight of mineral oil, (d) 20-30% by weight of further oil substances (e), 3-5% by weight of hydrotropes, (f) 3-4% by weight of metal soaps and (g) 10-30% by weight of water, based on the overall composition. The emulsions are useful for finishing textiles and papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cognis IP Management GmbH
    Inventors: Jorg Sorns, Rolf Kawa, Stephen Eichhorn, Andrea Urban
  • Patent number: 7875653
    Abstract: An emulsion comprising (a) more than about 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the lipid phase of the emulsion, of one or more polar and/or moderately polar lipids which exhibit an interfacial tension towards water of less than about 30 mN/m and (b) one or more 1,2-alkanediols having about 4 to about 8 carbon atoms and exhibiting a Ig pow of from about ?1 to about +3. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Svea Behrens, Uta Meiring, Andreas Clausen, Andreas Bleckmann, Jens Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20100331187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to physically stable oil dispersions. It also relates to a method for activating bentones that are designed for use with a low polarity organic systems. It also relates to physically stable oil dispersions comprising said activated bentone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SYNGENTA CROP PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventors: Kirsty Jane Williams, Johathan Mark Richards
  • Patent number: 7838467
    Abstract: Single phase microemulsions improve the removal of filter cakes formed during drilling with oil-based muds (OBMs). The single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the deposited filter cake. Optionally, an acid capable of solubilizing the filter cake bridging particles may also be used with the microemulsion. In one non-limiting embodiment the acid may be a polyamino carboxylic acid. Skin damage removal from internal and external filter cake deposition can be reduced. In another optional embodiment, the single phase microemulsion may contain a filtration control additive for delaying the filter cake removal, destruction or conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas A. Jones, David E. Clark, Lirio Quintero
  • Patent number: 7781379
    Abstract: Methods are provided including methods of treating a well bore with drilling fluids comprising organophilic clays treated with quaternary ammonium surfactants having at least two amide linkages. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: providing a drilling fluid comprising a nonaqueous phase and an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having at least two amide linkages; and placing at least a portion of the drilling fluid into the well bore. In other embodiments, the methods comprise combining an organophilic clay with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having at least one amide linkage to form a mixture, and combining the mixture with a fluid comprising a nonaqueous phase to form a drilling fluid. Additional methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7772287
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for rapidly producing an emulsion and microcapsules in a simple manner is provided wherein a dispersion phase is ejected from a dispersion phase-feeding port toward a continuous phase flowing in a microchannel in such a manner that flows of the dispersion phase and the continuous phase cross each other, thereby obtaining microdroplets, formed by the shear force of the continuous phase, having a size smaller than the width of the channel for feeding the dispersion phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Japan Science & Technology Agency
    Inventors: Toshiro Higuchi, Toru Torii, Takashi Nishisako, Tomohiro Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20100179230
    Abstract: The present invention provides microsphere manufacturing method and apparatus capable of stable obtaining microspheres of a desired size and reducing facility cost. According to the method and the apparatus, to manufacture microspheres made of a second liquid in a first liquid, the first liquid is supplied into a first channel to flow therein and the second liquid is supplied to an intermediate part of the first channel through a second channel. The supply velocities of the first and second liquids are set such that the second liquid closes the first channel and the closing part of the second liquid is cut off due to a pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side to form microspheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel,Ltd.)
    Inventors: Hiroyuki BAN, Koji NOISHIKI, Kazuto OKADA, Seiichi YAMAMOTO
  • Patent number: 7749945
    Abstract: An invert emulsion fluid system and a method of performing petroleum recovery operations using an invert emulsion fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Tao Xiang