Abstract: A water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion which is stable even with a high water content is provided. The water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion is obtained by a three-phase emulsification using a reverse vesicle of an amphiphilic compound as an emulsifier. As the amphiphilic compound, a sucrose fatty acid ester is preferable, and a sucrose fatty acid ester with an HLB value of 6-12 is more preferable. The reverse vesicle can be prepared by mixing an amphiphilic compound with a non-polar solvent. The water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion can be formed by using the prepared mixture containing the reverse vesicle as an oil phase and adding water thereto for emulsification. As the non-polar solvent, an alicyclic hydrocarbon solvent such as cyclohexane is preferable. The reverse vesicle preferably has a particle diameter of not more than 1 ?m.

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.

Abstract: A process for producing enzymes structures includes providing an emulsion of droplets of a first liquid phase dispersed in a second liquid phase. The one liquid phase is a hydrophilic phase, while the other liquid phase is a hydrophobic phase which is immiscible with the hydrophilic phase. Enzyme molecules are located at or within interfacial boundaries of the droplets and the second liquid phase. The enzyme molecules of the respective droplets are cross-linked so that individual enzyme structures, which are stable and in which the enzymes are immobilized with a majority of active sites of the enzymes being orientated either internally or externally, are formed from individual droplets.

Abstract: Methods for the formation of colloidal suspensions. The method includes combining an aqueous substance with a second substance that is normally immiscible with the aqueous substance, to form a mixture, and before, during or after the combining removing dissolved gases from one or both of the aqueous and second substance, whereby the aqueous and second substances mix and form a colloidal suspension. The methods for the formation of colloidal suspensions include methods for the formation of emulsions as well as particulate dispersions. The methods used to form the colloidal suspensions in accordance with the present invention produce colloidal suspensions that are stable for periods from an hour to several weeks in the absence of surfactants or stabilizing agents.

Abstract: Diesel oil-based invert emulsion drilling fluids having fragile gel properties and improved performance. Methods are also disclosed for drilling, running casing, cementing, and/or producing hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A crude oil simulant is disclosed that is an emulsion of an organic continuous phase, an aqueous dispersed phase, and an emulsifier. To enhance the biodegradability rate of the simulant various strains of bacteria can be added to the aqueous phase. Nutrients can be added to the aqueous phase to increase activity of the bacteria. The components of the simulant of the invention can be mixed under high shear conditions such as 1,000-12,000 reciprocal minutes. The emulsion based oil simulants can be prepared on-site and can be readily tailored to simulant a wide variety of crude oils under various conditions.

Abstract: Single phase microemulsions improve the removal of filter cakes formed during drilling with invert emulsions. 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.

Abstract: A lubricant in the form of a water or oil insoluble solvent in oil emulsion is described where a base (soluble or dispersible in said oil-insoluble solvent or water) is present in the dispersed phase. These lubricants are beneficial in various applications such as internal combustion engines where the oil needs enough basicity to neutralize any inorganic acids generated by sulfur present in the fuel.

Abstract: A method for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid is disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such method. The method employs a drilling fluid comprising a fragile gel or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluid is especially advantageous for use in deep water wells because the fluid exhibits minimal difference between downhole equivalent circulating density and surface density notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluid, the fluid makes an environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluid. The fluid preferably contains no organophilic clays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of novel polyesters that are prepared by crosslinking polyglycerol and dimer acid. The nature of the water loving polyglycerol group as well as the fact that a C-36 fatty diacid is used in preparation of the products results in unique products.

Abstract: A method and a device for making a dispersion or an emulsion (41) from at least two fluids known to be unmiscible, the fluids constituting a dispersed phase (40) and a dispersing phase (44), the dispersed phase (40) being driven through a porous body (24) into the dispersing phase (44). The invention is characterized in that the porous body (24) is vibrated by a mechanical, electrical or magnetic excitation.

Abstract: The present teachings provide emulsions using ionic liquids for separation of biomolecules and related methods, compositions, and devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing an emulsified aqueous hydrocarbon solution comprising, providing a liquid hydrocarbon stream at a particular temperature and a separate water stream, mixing the water stream with a surfactant at a predetermined ratio, raising the pressure of the hydrocarbon stream to a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of steam at the temperature, spraying the water into the hydrocarbon stream at a pressure greater than that of the hydrocarbon stream in a pre-mix chamber; and passing the pressurized hydrocarbon-water mixture through a static mixing chamber.

Abstract: Methods for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid are disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such methods. The methods employ drilling fluids comprising fragile gels or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluids are especially advantageous for use in offshore wells because the fluids exhibit minimal differences between downhole equivalent circulating densities and surface densities notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluids, the fluids make environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluids.

Abstract: Methods for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid are disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such methods. The methods employ drilling fluids comprising fragile gels or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluids are especially advantageous for use in offshore wells because the fluids exhibit minimal differences between downhole equivalent circulating densities and surface densities notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluids, the fluids make environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluids.

Abstract: Methods for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid are disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such methods. The methods employ drilling fluids comprising fragile gels or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluids are especially advantageous for use in offshore wells because the fluids exhibit minimal differences between downhole equivalent circulating densities and surface densities notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluids, the fluids make environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluids.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing inorganic spheres having a substantially uniform particle size with high productivity. In a process for producing inorganic spheres, which comprises a step of injecting an alkaline aqueous liquid containing an inorganic compound into a laminar flow of an organic liquid containing a surfactant through micropores to form a W/O type emulsion, and a step of solidifying droplets of the aqueous liquid containing an inorganic compound in the W/O type emulsion by an acid to form inorganic spheres, as the organic liquid, one which is brought into contact with an acid in a state of the W/O type emulsion or after separated from the W/O type emulsion, or one which is brought into contact with the aqueous liquid and then separated and recovered, is used.

Abstract: Long-chained polymer compounds are useful to viscosify aqueous brine fluids so that they can function as drilling fluids, completion/workover fluids, fracturing fluids, agricultural products, cleaning compounds, etc. These polymers may be hydrated with a microemulsion or lactescent emulsion prior to being added to the target fluid. The rate and completeness of hydration by this method are controlled and improved. In one non-limiting embodiment the microemulsion includes a polar hydrocarbon component, a nonpolar hydrocarbon oil, a small amount of water, a surfactant and optionally a co-surfactant.

Abstract: The present method for producing a high stability, low emission, invert fuel emulsion composition comprises blending additives having a surfactant package with a hydrocarbon petroleum distillate fuel in an in-line blending station to create a composition. The surfactant package includes a primary surfactant, a block copolymer, and a polymeric dispersant, and the hydrocarbon petroleum distillate fuel is a continuous phase of the emulsion. The method also comprises blending purified water with the composition in a second in-line blending station to produce a second composition and aging the second composition in a reservoir to produce an aged composition and passing the aged composition through a shear pump to a storage tank.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for making an emulsion. The process comprises: flowing a first liquid through a process microchannel, the process microchannel having a wall with an apertured section; flowing a second liquid through the apertured section into the process microchannel in contact with the first liquid, the first liquid forming a continuous phase, the second liquid forming a discontinuous phase dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for making an emulsion. The process comprises: flowing a first liquid through a process microchannel, the process microchannel having a wall with an apertured section; flowing a second liquid through the apertured section into the process microchannel in contact with the first liquid, the first liquid forming a continuous phase, the second liquid forming a discontinuous phase dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable emulsion of an immiscible fluid and of an aqueous phase having a determined pH value. The emulsion is optimized in that it comprises an ionic surfactant and a polyampholytic polymer whose charge depends on the pH value. The respective amounts of surfactant and of polymers are determined according to the charges. Stabilization or destabilization of the emulsion is adjusted by controlling the pH value. The invention also relates to a method of stabilizing and destabilizing an emulsion comprising a surfactant combined with an ampholytic polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water-in-oil emulsion composition comprising: (A) an emulsifying silicone elastomer of a particular formula which contains cross-linking and wherein the structure contains a C3-45 alkyl group and a polyoxyalkylene group; (B) an alkyl substituted silicone emulsifier of a particular formula wherein the structure contains a C3-45 organic group and a polyoxyalkylene group; and (C) an aqueous carrier.

Abstract: Improved fuel compositions and fuel additive packages are disclosed which serve to increase the combustion efficiency of conventional fuels while reducing the level of CO2 emissions generated upon the combustion of the fuels. The fuels may be essentially water-free hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline or diesel fuel, or may be in the form of hydrosols. The additive packages of the invention include sorbitan oleate, a polyoxyethylene alcohol, an alkylene glycol, and an amine.

Abstract: Drilling, completing or workover of a well, particularly an oil and/or gas well, is carried out using a fluid which includes a continuous phase including an ester of the formula (I): (R2)p-Ph-(CH2)m—COO-(AO)n-R1 where R1, AO, n, m, Ph, R2 and p have defined meanings and particularly where the esters are alkyl or alkenyl benzoate esters. These esters are beneficial by having a range of viscosities, especially extending to low viscosities, and attractive toxicological and environmental profiles for use in drilling, completion and/or workover of wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system. In particular, the invention includes emulsion compositions comprising hydrocarbon fuel, water and alkoxylated triazine surfactants for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions (a) having a water phase content of at least 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsions, (b) in which the lipid phase comprises at least one lipid with a viscosity of less than 15 mPa·s (at 25° C.), which has a spreading value of at least 700 mm2/10 minutes (at 25° C.), (c) at least one interface-active substance chosen from the group of alkylmethicone copolyols and/or alkyldimethicone copolyols, (d) if desired also comprising one or more cationic, nonionic and/or anionic polymers, preferably in concentrations of from 0.01 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight, particularly preferably 0.25 to 1% by weight.

Abstract: Emulsion compositions for starting a reformer of a fuel cell system comprises hyrdocarbon fuel, water and alkoxylated alkyl ester and alcohol surfactants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedstock composition for increasing the efficiency of atomization in hydrocarbon processing that includes a water-in-hydrocarbon oil emulsion including a non-ionic surfactant capable of stabilizing the emulsion and having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of greater than about 12. The emulsion includes water droplets of about 5 to about 10 microns in diameter, the droplets being dispersed substantially uniformly in the hydrocarbon oil phase. These surfactants are capable of stabilizing the water-in-hydrocarbon oil emulsion under relevant temperature and pressure conditions for hydrocarbon processing. The inventive feedstock composition provides a metastable water-in-oil emulsion where expanding water vapor explodes under spray conditions where the system pressure is released, demolishing a larger oil droplet and producing smaller oil droplets.

Abstract: A method for producing W/O-type suspension may comprise: mixing water and oil to form water-oil mixture; and driving the water-oil mixture in a flow path so as to make the water-oil mixture into W/O-type emulsion in a static electrification condition. The flow path may include a metal heat exchanger. The method may further comprise: adding activity compound of hydrophobic nature into the water-oil mixture, the activity compound having atoms with an electronegativity higher than electronegativity of hydrogen; slowing down the driving of the water-oil mixture in the flow path so as to adsorb the activity compound on the surface of the heat exchanger; and cooling the heat exchanger on the opposite side of the emulsion while circulating the emulsion through the flow path so as to produce W/O-type suspension. The oil and the activity compound are preferably non-cognate.

Abstract: Emulsions, either water-in-oil or oil-in-water, may be formed by combining an aqueous component, a non-aqueous component and a surfactant in combination with fibers. The fibers decrease the time and energy required to form the emulsion and, in some cases, allow emulsion formation that would not be possible with the use of such fibers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a suspension of particles in an aqueous medium, obtainable by carrying out the following steps: (a) preparing an invert emulsion from an internal aqueous phase comprising at least an active hydrophilic substance, and an internal organic phase comprising at least a hydrophobic compound having a melting point not less than 35° C.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the stability of a water-in-oil emulsion pretreating at least a portion of the oil prior to emulsification. The pretreatment step may consist of adding polymers to the oil, biotreating the oil, photochemically treating the oil, or combinations thereof. The emulsion may be used in various enhanced oil recovery methods including using the emulsion as a flooding agent to displace hydrocarbons in a subterranean formation, and using the emulsion as a barrier fluid for diverting flow of fluids in the formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel impregnating agent for leather, textiles and synthetic materials, containing at least one impregnating active ingredient incorporated into a dispersing system. At least one impregnating active ingredient is contained in the dispersing agent of a water-in-oil emulsion which forms the impregnating agent. Said impregnating agent can be produced with a desired viscosity without the need for a thickening agent to be used. Preferably, an oil-soluble emulsifier is used, containing additional impregnating qualities.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacture of a personal care composition. Steps include separately feeding a first phase and optionally a second phase into a blending tube, each of the phases moving through the tube at a rate of at least about 5 pounds per minute. Mixing occurs in a homogenizer, in particular a sonic agitator. Thereafter, a late variant addition phase which may include a fragrance, colorant and/or promotional ingredient is fed into the homogenized first phase. The combination is then conveyed to a static mixer for completion blending.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel emulsified composition comprising (a) major amount of an aqueous phase, (b) a minor amount of an organic phase and (c) a minor but effective amount of at least one emulsifier to emulsify the aqueous and organic phase resulting in a water in oil emulsified compositions, in particular an emulsified greases and emulsified coatings. Further, the present invention provides a process for making the emulsified compositions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to water-in-silicone type cosmetic emulsion which comprises particulate solid cosmetic components and includes as emulsifying system an association of a primary emulsifier selected from the group comprising copoliols and a secondary emulsifier selected from lipophilic stearic acids, wherein such particulate solid cosmetic components have a maximum particle size and a degree of repellence among the particles and the environment in which they are dispersed sufficient to guarantee their stability in relation to the environment in which they are dispersed.

Abstract: An oil treating agent of W/O emulsion, wherein an aqueous dispersed phase is dispersed in an oily continuous phase, and wherein the dispersed phase is an alkaline mixture solution obtained by mixing water, a solution comprising water and an alcohol, or a water-free alcohol solution with an alkali hydroxide e.g. sodium hydroxide or with a metal alkoxide e.g. sodium alkoxide and the continuous phase comprises a liquid incompatible with the dispersed phase.

Abstract: A method for determination for a given oil the relative stability of a water-in-oil emulsion that will be formed by that oil with water comprises measuring for the given oil the weight percent asphaltenes (A), total acid number (TAN), and ratio of the amount of naphthenic acids in the 450+ molecular weight to 450 molecular weight range (R); calculating an emulsion stability parameter, S=A+TAN*R; and determining whether the emulsion stability parameter, S, is greater than about 3; with a value above 3 being determinative of an emulsion more stable than one with a value less than 3.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming stabilized atomized microemulsions from different liquids which are normally immiscible; the apparatus according to the invention comprises a primary chamber and a sequence of at least two cavitation chambers arranged in succession, means for feeding primary and secondary fluids into the primary chamber, and means for the exit of the formed microemulsion from the last cavitation chamber, the primary chamber and the cavitation chambers being fluid-connected to each other by way of fluid passage means which are adapted to produce a velocity of the fluids, during passage through the passage means, which gradually increases from the primary chamber toward the last cavitation chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are skin care compositions that are emulsion formulations comprising an aqueous phase, an oil phase, at least one emulsifier, and an epichlorohydrin cross-linked glyceryl starch.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing W/O emulsions having crosslinked water-swollen polymers dispersed therein, by aftertreatment with a redox initiator system to reduce the residual monomer content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable cold-mix water-in-oil emulsions and methods for preparing such emulsions. The cold-mix water-in-oil emulsions comprise oil (i.e., an emollient), water and an emulsification system comprising a quaternary ammonium-based low HLB emulsifier and optional co-emulsifiers. The emulsions are useful in preparing finished cosmetic compositions in the form of lotions, gels, or sprays, which provide improved moisturization, skin feel, skin care, and/or appearance benefits and/or reduced greasiness, with excellent rub-in and absorption characteristics. Also disclosed are cold-mix water-in-oil sunscreen emulsions and methods for preparing such sunscreen emulsions. The emulsions of the instant invention are generally capable of being substantially completely emulsified and stable at about 25° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to fine emulsions comprising at least one W/O emulsifier and at least one hydrophilic component, and to a process for their preparation. The fine emulsions are obtainable by converting a W/O preemulsion comprising at least one W/O emulsifier into an O/W fine emulsion by adding at least one hydrophilic component and, where appropriate, changing the temperature. Suitable W/O emulsifiers are preferably sorbitol esters. The fine emulsions are preferably spray emulsions for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition in the form of a cream composed of a water-in-oil emulsion, wherein it includes at least 25% by weight of an aqueous phase with respect to the total weight of the composition, at least one silicone emulsifier and at least 5% by weight of one or more waxes with respect to the total weight of the composition. The present invention also relates to the uses of the above composition in the cosmetics and dermatological fields, in particular in caring for, treating and/or making up the skin and/or mucous membranes and more particularly in treating wrinkles and/or fine lines of the skin and/or in treating dry skin. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of the above composition, wherein at least one stage of the process is carried out using a mixer-extruder.

Abstract: Disclosed are skin care compositions that are emulsion formulations comprising an aqueous phase, an oil phase, at least one emulsifier, and an epichlorohydrin cross-linked glyceryl starch.

Abstract: A method employing a ultrasonicator apparatus to emulsify a pressurized multi-component liquid. The apparatus includes a die housing comprising a chamber adapted to receive a pressurized multi-component liquid, an inlet adapted to supply the chamber with the pressurized multi-component liquid, an exit orifice defined by the walls of a die tip, and a means for applying ultrasonic energy to a portion of the pressurized liquid. The method for emulsifying a pressurized multi-component liquid comprising supplying a pressurized multi-component liquid to the apparatus, applying ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid but not the die tip while the exit orifice receives pressurized liquid from the chamber, and passing the pressurized liquid out of the exit orifice in the die tip so that the multi-component liquid is emulsified, wherein the means for applying ultrasonic energy is excited, it applies ultrasonic energy to the pressurized liquid without applying ultrasonic energy to the die tip.

Abstract: An emulsion type composition formulated to provide consistent, balanced and sustained release of vapors. In comparison to prior art gel type compositions, the composition does not solidify and remains a thick liquid at room temperature. The emulsion type vapor generator is characterized by shrinking one-dimensionally. The composition can be formulated to release vapors of active ingredients such as air-fresheners, medicaments, decongestants, inhalants, repellants, insecticides, bactericides, deodorants, and the like, at a uniform rate and for a sustained period of time.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions

Abstract: A method and several exemplary apparatus for capillary dewatering of foam materials. The apparatus may include felt which is applied to an exposed face of the foam material, or a double felt arrangement applied to two opposed surfaces of the foam material. The apparatus may provide a temperature differential between the two exposed surfaces of the foam material. An alternative embodiment utilizes a roll having a capillary dewatering medium. The capillary dewatering medium may be maintained at a vacuum either above or below the breakthrough vacuum of the capillaries. The disclosed apparatus and method is particularly useful for dewatering foams having relatively fine open capillaries.