Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080271865 | PIGMENTS FOR COLORED PAPER - Compositions and methods of producing colored paper products and agents for making such products are disclosed. Surface-modified pigments can be manufactured to provide selected coloring in a paper product. The pigment can include filler particles that are bound to one or more dye components with a coupling agent, such as a silane coupling agent or a polymer such as a polycation. The pigment can also be formulated to produce a paper product with better particulate and/or fines retention, and/or higher strength by including components that can interact favorably with the fibers of a paper material. The surface-modified pigments can also be utilized to make coloring formulations such as inks for printers and other applications. | 11-06-2008 |
20080281042 | GREASE RESISTANT FORMULATIONS - Disclosed herein are grease-resistant compositions that can include a cellulose-based polymer and a complementary material. Such compositions can be applied to substrates, such as paper-based materials, to impart enhanced grease/oil resistance. The complementary material can act to provide the composition with enhanced fatigue resistance relative to layers that solely utilize the cellulose-based polymer, and can preferably have limited leaching from the composition. Examples of complementary materials include polymers, such as poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(vinyl alcohol), plasticizers, and combinations of these materials. Such compositions can be prepared as a treatment formulation or coating material, which can be dissolved or suspended in a solvent. The compositions may also be melted and applied without a solvent. The formulations can be a water-based system, or an emulsion. The films may be applied to paper products as part of the papermaking process, or as post treatments on a coating machine. | 11-13-2008 |
20090156692 | USE OF OLIGOMERS AND POLYMERS FOR DRUG SOLUBILIZATION, STABILIZATION, AND DELIVERY - The invention relates to the use of oilgomers and polymers capable of rendering insoluble drugs soluble, protecting unstable drugs, and facilitating the delivery of drugs to their site of action. This invention further relates to processes for the preparation of such oilgomers and polymers, and to compositions containing them. | 06-18-2009 |
20090165975 | FUNCTIONALIZATION OF PAPER COMPONENTS - Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualifies of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer. | 07-02-2009 |
20090165976 | EXPANSION AGENTS FOR PAPER-BASED MATERIALS - Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. The techniques can utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer. Other compositions and methods are directed to forming paper-based materials that are expandable. | 07-02-2009 |
20090252980 | GREASE-RESISTANT FILMS AND COATINGS - Compositions and methods for rendering a substrate more grease-resistant are disclosed. Treatments, such as aqueous-based treatments and/or emulsions, can be applied to the surface of a substrate, such as paper-based materials, which can be dried to form a treatment layer imparting grease resistant properties. In some instances, the treatment includes an acrylic-based polymer, which can impart grease-resistance, and one or more complementary components (e.g., a polymer and/or oligomer) that can make a layer less brittle (e.g., lowering the T | 10-08-2009 |
20100068960 | Compositions and Methods for Imparting Oil Repellency and/or Water Repellency - Compositions and methods for treating substrates, such as fibrous materials, are disclosed. Such compositions and methods can be used to impart or maintain a level of oil repellency and/or water repellency in fibrous substrates such as paper-based materials and/or textiles. In general, such compositions can utilize a copolymer having a plurality of polycationic segments, which can be joined by various other polymeric segments such as silicones and/or hydrophilic polymeric segments. The copolymer can be formulated as a highly-branched polymer, which can have substantivity to a fibrous material to impart oil repellency and/or water repellency. In several instances, the copolymer can be formulated to be fluorine-free. Various details of such copolymers are discussed, as well as methods of utilizing and making such copolymers. | 03-18-2010 |
20100098652 | Compositions and Methods for Treating Hair - Compositions and methods for treating hair are disclosed. Such compositions and methods can be used to modify hair properties, such as imparting and/or maintaining a level of softness or a conditioning effect on hair. In general, such compositions can utilize a copolymer having a plurality of polycationic segments, which can be joined by various other polymeric segments such as silicones and/or hydrophilic polymeric segments. The copolymer can be formulated as a highly-branched polymer, which can add substantivity to the hair to impart a conditioning effect. Various details of such copolymers are discussed, as well as methods of utilizing and making such copolymers. | 04-22-2010 |
20100221972 | Composite Fiber-Based Compositions and Methods - Methods and materials are reveled relating to novel fibrous materials such as textiles. In some instances, methods are revealed for using various types of precursors for forming designated fiber patterns for textile sheets and structures. Such methods can provide tailored textiles with properties and features that are not achievable using typical woven fabrics and manufacturing techniques. Precursors can be utilized in conjunction with preformed fibers or existing textile materials to provide modified textiles as well. | 09-02-2010 |
20100263818 | Retention Systems and Methods for Papermaking - Compositions and methods of producing an optically-enhanced paper-based material are disclosed. The composition can include an optical brightening agent and an additive having an aromatic portion, where the aromatic portion is associated with an optical brightening agent. The paper-based material can exhibit a higher capacity for the optical brightening agent relative to a paper-based material that lacks the additive. Techniques for increasing optical brightening agent retention in a paper-based material are also disclosed. The techniques include using an additive having an aromatic portion, where the aromatic portion associates with an optical brightening agent so that the retention of the optical brightening agent is improved. | 10-21-2010 |
20110083284 | Pigment Compositions for Hair Coloring - Compositions and methods relating to the use of pigment compositions are revealed, which can be used to impart color to hair. For instance, treatment formulations that include a pigment-functionalized cationic polymer can be utilized. In some particular instances, a plurality of serially applied treatment formulations is used to improve the characteristics of hair coloring. In addition, other formulations or treatments, such as one or more sealing compositions, or a final coating formulation can also be used to impart other desired characteristics such as treatment durability. Other components of various formulations/compositions are also discussed. Processes for using such compositions/formulations are disclosed. Along with the compositions, kits can be assembled where various compositions/formulations are compartmentalized for storage until the time for application. | 04-14-2011 |
20110084421 | Ultraphobic Compositions and Methods of Use - Compositions and methods are disclosed for imparting ultraphobicity to substrates. Ultraphobicity can be exhibited by superhydrophobicity, oleophobicity, or both. In some instances, techniques for imparting ultraphobicity can include the use of particles that are appropriately configured. For instance, the particles can be arranged to form a roughened surface that enhances and/or imparts ultraphobicity. In another instance, the particles can have surfaces that repel at least one of a oil-based liquid and a water-based liquid. For example, the particles can be attached to an ultraphobic-inducing composition (e.g., copolymer) that comprises at least one polyamine segment and a plurality of branch segments. Such particles can be mixed with a binder composition to form a coating or film for imparting the ultraphobic properties. Other embodiments are directed to other techniques that can also aid in imparting ultraphobicity. | 04-14-2011 |
20110247772 | FIBROUS PRODUCTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Fibrous materials made from multiple populations of fibers, and compositions related to preparing such, are disclosed. In some instances, fiber populations can have different native surfaces, in which at least one of the populations can be surface modified, for example by the use of a polycation (e.g., a polyamine), secondary polymers, complementary polymers, and/or other agents. These populations can be combined to form a fibrous composition, where the surface treatments can enhance properties of the end product. Populations of fibers can also have other physically varying characteristics (e.g., shapes and sizes). Such compositions can be utilized in a variety of applications such as paper products, filters, fire-retardant fibrous products, protein adsorbing fibrous materials, and fibrous sheets having conducting properties. Methods of preparing portions or the entirety of such fibrous materials are also disclosed. | 10-13-2011 |
20120006499 | Debonders for Use in Papermaking - Debonding compositions and methods are disclosed for use in fibrous compositions such as paper-based products. In some instances, debonding agents can be combined with fibers (e.g., cellulose-based fibers) to produce a material having substantial wicking properties while decreasing fiber-fiber interactions that can require substantial energy to overcome in materials processing. In some instances, the debonding agent can act to create a paper-based product exhibiting a transition temperature in which the agent has a higher affinity for the fibers at temperatures above the transition temperature, and the product exhibiting enhanced wicking properties at temperatures below the transition temperature. As an example, a debonding agents can include polymers or other material exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature. The disclosed debonding agents can provide benefits over existing debonding agent formulations such as ammonium salts. | 01-12-2012 |
20120029120 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING FINELY DISPERSED PARTICULATE MATTER FROM A FLUID STREAM - Disclosed are methods of removing particulate matter from potash tailings fluid. The invention includes providing an activating material capable of being affixed to the particulate matter, affixing the activating material to the particulate matter to form an activated particle, providing an anchor particle and providing a tethering material capable of being affixed to the anchor particle; and attaching the tethering material to the anchor particle and the activated particle to form a removable complex in the potash tailings fluid. The invention also includes providing an activating material capable of being affixed to the particulate matter in the potash tailings fluid; affixing the activating material to the particulate matter to form an activated particle; providing an anchor particle and enveloping it with an enveloping agent to form an enveloped anchor particle capable of attaching to the activated particle; and combining the enveloped anchor particle with the activated particle to form a removable complex. | 02-02-2012 |
20120055852 | TREATMENT OF OIL-CONTAMINATED SOLIDS - The disclosure pertains to systems and methods for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from a contaminated solid using an environmentally benign extractant and an oleophilic absorber, where the environmentally benign extractant and the oleophilic absorber are separate components. | 03-08-2012 |
20120061321 | REMOVAL OF CONTAMINANTS FROM WASTE STREAMS USING POLYMERIC ADDITIVES - Systems and methods are presented for removing an ionic material from a fluid using a capture polymer that sequesters the ionic material and an anchor particle bearing a tethering polymer. The tethering polymer complexes with the capture polymer after the capture polymer has sequestered the ionic material, thereby affixing a complex of capture polymer and ionic material to the anchor particle to form a removable complex. The removable material can be segregated from the fluid via a removal system, thereby removing the ionic material from the fluid. | 03-15-2012 |
20120067824 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, PROCESSES AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING FINELY DISPERSED PARTICULATE MATTER FROM A FLUID STREAM - Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution. | 03-22-2012 |
20120067832 | Methods and Apparatus for Removal of Degradation Byproducts and Contaminants from Oil for Use in Preparation of Biodiesel - Methods, particles, and devices are disclosed for filtration of oil for use of the oil in the preparation of biodiesel. Disclosed particles may comprise a substantially inert porous particle with a coating comprising a polymer having amine, amino, and/or imine group(s). | 03-22-2012 |
20120141402 | NANOSCOPIC HAIR CARE PRODUCTS - The present invention is directed to a hair treatment preparation comprising a payload in an intimate relationship to a polymeric nanostructure, the polymeric nanostructure being reactive to hair or capable of being immobilized onto or in hair. The nanoscopic nature of the entities being engineered ensures three distinct characteristics. First, the imparted attribute can be either nearly permanent or semi-permanent, depending on the attachment chemistry. In the semi-permanent version, the intended effect can be controllably erased by removal of the nanostructure by simple chemical or physical means. Second, the nanoscopic entities are invisibly small. Their presence does not deteriorate the hand or feel of the hair. Third, the nano-technology approach is infinitely flexible and adaptable. It can be coupled with many existing dyes, colorants, UV absorbers, fragrances, softening agents and the like for hair treatment. Methods for treating hair with the hair treatment preparations of the invention are also encompassed. | 06-07-2012 |
20120152476 | HIGH STRENGTH PAPER - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attaching particulate additives to a population of cellulose fibers dispersed in an aqueous solution. The cellulose fibers are treated with an activator that forms complexes with them. The particulate additive is attached to a tether that is capable of interacting with the activator, thereby forming a tether-bearing particulate additive. The tether-bearing particulate additive can be added to the activated suspension of cellulose fibers. The resulting interaction between the tether and the activator forms durable complexes that attach the particulate additive to the cellulose fibers. Using these systems and methods, useful additives like starches can be attached to cellulose fibers, imparting advantageous properties such as increased strength to paper products formed thereby. These systems and methods are particularly useful for papermaking involving virgin pulp fibers, recycled fibers, or any combination thereof. | 06-21-2012 |
20120190593 | PERMEABILITY BLOCKING WITH STIMULI-RESPONSIVE MICROCOMPOSITES - Disclosed is a two-component fluid loss control system comprising a core substrate and a polymeric shell cooperating with each other to form a microcomposite, wherein the core substrate and the polymeric shell are formed from different materials. The system can demonstrate switchable behavior. The core substrate and the polymeric shell can be further modified, where modifications cooperate with each other to form the microcomposite. Also disclosed are formulations for fluid loss control and methods for controlling fluid loss in a well. | 07-26-2012 |
20120264603 | ATTACHMENT AND RETENTION FORMULATIONS FOR BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS - The invention encompasses formulations for increased attachment and retention systems of biologically active organic compounds and methods for the preparation and use thereof. | 10-18-2012 |
20120267315 | TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER - The invention encompasses systems and methods for removing contaminants from an aqueous stream using systems and methods that add treatment agents comprising anchor particles and tethers, with optional activating agents or activators. | 10-25-2012 |
20120285644 | FUNCTIONALIZATION OF PAPER COMPONENTS - Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualities of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer. | 11-15-2012 |
20120288590 | Edible Surface-Modifying Particles and Methods for Their Manufacture - Disclosed is an edible surface-modifying particle precursor composition for preparing edible surface-modifying particles that includes one or more starches resulting in a total amylose content from the starches of about 0.1% to about 20% of the total weight of the composition. The composition also includes a ground cereal in amounts of about 10% to about 40% of the total weight of the composition; and water. Disclosed also are coated food substrates bearing such edible surface-modifying particles, and methods for making food products using the edible surface-modifying particles. | 11-15-2012 |
20130068407 | VOLATILE DEBONDER FORMULATIONS FOR PAPERMAKING - Formulations and methods for papermaking are disclosed herein using one or more volatile debonders, where the volatile debonder forms a solution or an emulsion with water in a paper precursor, and where the volatile debonder is evaporable from the paper precursor before the paper precursor is completely dried to form a paper sheet during papermaking. Two volatile debonders having different boiling points can be used, where they are miscible in water and in each other, and where one volatile debonder has a higher molecular weight and the other volatile debonder has a lower boiling point. | 03-21-2013 |
20130134074 | Recovering Valuable Mined Materials from Aqueous Wastes - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for recovering a target material from an aqueous stream. The target material can be a natively hydrophobic target material, such as a hydrocarbon material, such as coal. The target material can also have a surface modification that renders it hydrophobic. Systems for recovering the target material can comprise an extractant formulation comprising a light hydrocarbon solvent and a high molecular weight hydrophobic polymer, wherein the extractant formulation is mixable with the aqueous stream in a mixer to form an admixed solution having a hydrophobic portion and an aqueous portion, with the target material partitioning to the hydrophobic portion; a separator for isolating the hydrophobic portion from the aqueous portion; and a collector to which the hydrophobic portion is directed, wherein the target material is recovered from the hydrophobic portion. | 05-30-2013 |
20130134103 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING FINELY DISPERSED PARTICULATE MATTER FROM A FLUID STREAM - Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution. | 05-30-2013 |
20130160958 | BULK AND STIFFNESS ENHANCEMENT IN PAPERMAKING - The present invention provides formulations for papermaking and methods for their use. In embodiments, the formulations include a treatment agent and a fluid carrier, where the treatment agent includes a volatile debonder or a polymer composition exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature. Methods for treating a paper product to increase its bulk or its stiffness are also disclosed, in addition to paper products formed from such methods. | 06-27-2013 |
20130168323 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING OIL FROM FLUID STREAMS - The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex. | 07-04-2013 |
20130193078 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING FINELY DISPERSED PARTICULATE MATTER FROM A FLUID STREAM - Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a fluid waste stream following mining or ore processing operations. | 08-01-2013 |
20130233545 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - The present invention provides modified proppants, and methods for their manufacture. In embodiments, the modified proppant comprises a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating is applied to a surface of the proppant particle and localizes on the surface to produce the modified proppant. In embodiments, formulations are disclosed comprising the modified particles, and methods are disclosed for using the formulations. | 09-12-2013 |
20130245143 | COMPOSITE POLYURETHANE FOAM - The invention encompasses compositions and methods for the preparation thereof, wherein the composition comprises a polymeric foam that comprise a plurality of polymeric struts having an air-foam interface, wherein a composition comprising inorganic particulate matter is disposed upon the air-foam interface, the inorganic particulate material comprising inorganic particles coated with a hydrophobic amine modifier. | 09-19-2013 |
20130248132 | VOLATILE DEBONDER FORMULATIONS FOR PAPERMAKING - Formulations and methods for papermaking are disclosed herein using one or more volatile debonders, where the volatile debonder forms a solution or an emulsion with water in a paper precursor, and where the volatile debonder is evaporable from the paper precursor before the paper precursor is completely dried to form a paper sheet during papermaking. Two volatile debonders having different boiling points can be used, where they are miscible in water and in each other, and where one volatile debonder has a higher molecular weight and the other volatile debonder has a lower boiling point. | 09-26-2013 |
20130274156 | LOW INTERFACIAL TENSION SURFACTANTS FOR PETROLEUM APPLICATIONS - The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil. | 10-17-2013 |
20130336877 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING FINELY DISPERSED PARTICLES FROM MINING WASTEWATER - Disclosed are systems and methods of removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising: pre-activating the particulate matter to form a pre-activated particulate matter; providing an activating material capable of being affixed to the pre-activated particulate matter; affixing the activating material to the pre-activated particulate matter to form an activated particle; providing an anchor particle and providing a tethering material capable of being affixed to the anchoring particle; and attaching the tethering material to the anchor particle and the activated particle to form a removable complex in the fluid that comprises the particulate matter, wherein the particulate matter is derived from a mining operation. | 12-19-2013 |
20140000828 | RETENTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PAPERMAKING | 01-02-2014 |
20140000891 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING | 01-02-2014 |
20140014348 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use. | 01-16-2014 |
20140014586 | TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER - The present invention provides systems and methods for removing an oxidizable target contaminant from a fluid, and methods for their use. In embodiments, these systems and methods include an oxidizing agent, wherein adding the oxidizing agent to the oxidizable target contaminant forms an oxidized species that precipitates as an insoluble precipitate in the fluid; a substrate that forms a removable complex with the insoluble precipitate, thereby sequestering the oxidizable contaminant, and a removal system for removing the removable complex from the fluid. | 01-16-2014 |
20140051620 | RAPIDLY INVERTING WATER-IN-OIL POLYMER EMULSIONS - The present invention relates to formulations comprising an inversion facilitator additive and an active emulsion polymer, and methods for their use. The formulation can comprise a water-in-oil emulsion having the active emulsion polymer in an aqueous phase of the water-in-oil emulsion. The active emulsion polymer can be a friction-reducing polymer, a flocculant polymer, or any other polymer suitable for delivery within the aqueous phase of the water-in-oil emulsion. | 02-20-2014 |
20140057816 | LOW INTERFACIAL TENSION SURFACTANTS FOR PETROLEUM APPLICATIONS - The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil. | 02-27-2014 |
20140060832 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use. | 03-06-2014 |
20140106964 | SEED COATING FORMULATION SYSTEMS - The present invention provides seed coating systems and methods for their use, where a seed coating system comprises encapsulated active ingredient particles that comprise an active ingredient and an encapsulation layer with a preselected release profile, and a polymeric seed coating, wherein the polymeric seed coating releasably affixes the encapsulated active ingredient particle in proximity to a surface of a seed. In embodiments, the seed coating system comprises a plurality of active ingredient layers, wherein a first active ingredient layer comprises a first encapsulated active ingredient, wherein the first encapsulated active ingredient is encapsulated in a first polymer, and wherein the polymer comprises a first binding site that binds the active ingredient and a second binding site for binding to a delivery area, and a binder to releasably affix the encapsulated active ingredient to at least one of a seed surface or a second active ingredient layer, and wherein a second active ingredient layer comprises a second encapsulated active ingredient, wherein the second encapsulated active ingredient is encapsulated in a second polymer which may be the same as or different from the first polymer, and a binder to releasably affix the encapsulated active ingredient to at least one of the first active ingredient layer and a subsequent active ingredient layer. | 04-17-2014 |
20140128296 | TUNABLE POLYMERIC SURFACTANTS FOR MOBILIZING OIL INTO WATER - The present invention relates to compositions comprising tunable polymeric surfactants and methods for enhanced oil recovery. | 05-08-2014 |
20140151268 | FORMULATIONS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING OIL-WET SOLIDS FROM AQUEOUS STREAMS - The invention encompasses methods for aggregating oil-wet solids in an aqueous suspension comprising providing an aqueous suspension containing oil-wet solids, and treating the aqueous suspension with an effective amount of a formulation comprising a tunable surfactant, thereby aggregating the oil-wet solids as removable aggregates. The invention also encompasses methods for extracting bitumen from oil sands ore and systems for separating bitumen from inorganic oil sands ore. | 06-05-2014 |
20140158355 | CROSSLINKED SYNTHETIC POLYMER GEL SYSTEMS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - The invention is directed to polymer-enhanced proppant transport fluids, comprising a suspension fluid comprising a crosslinked synthetic polymer gel formulation, and a plurality of proppant particles. The invention also encompasses methods for improving production from an oil or gas well, methods of water blocking or water shutoff in an oil or gas well, methods of enhancing oil recovery from an oil source, methods of treating a petroleum-containing formation to reduce sand production, and methods of displacing fluid from a wellbore by viscous plug flow. | 06-12-2014 |
20140166587 | METHODS FOR REMOVING FINELY DISPERSED PARTICULATE MATTER FROM A FLUID STREAM - Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution. | 06-19-2014 |
20140170313 | HIGH-PERFORMANCE FIBROUS PRODUCTS - The invention relates to formulations and methods for coating a fibrous web, comprising an emulsion capable of deposition on the fibrous web, the emulsion comprising an aqueous continuous phase and a discontinuous internal phase comprising a surface-modifying agent. The fibrous web may comprise a population of fibers that are pretreated with a pretreatment polymer, such as a polycationic polymer. The fibrous web may contain cellulose fibers, or two populations of dissimilar fibers. The surface-modifying agent may contain a polymeric system that forms a coating polymer on fibers of the fibrous web following evaporation of the aqueous continuous phase of the emulsion. | 06-19-2014 |
20140346089 | LOW INTERFACIAL TENSION SURFACTANTS FOR PETROLEUM APPLICATIONS - The invention relates to a class of novel surfactants that have utility in the recovery and/or extraction of oil. | 11-27-2014 |
20140360690 | DEBONDERS FOR USE IN PAPERMAKING - Debonding compositions and methods are disclosed for use in fibrous compositions such as paper-based products. In some instances, debonding agents can be combined with fibers (e.g., cellulose-based fibers) to produce a material having substantial wicking properties while decreasing fiber-fiber interactions that can require substantial energy to overcome in materials processing. In some instances, the debonding agent can act to create a paper-based product exhibiting a transition temperature in which the agent has a higher affinity for the fibers at temperatures above the transition temperature, and the product exhibiting enhaced wicking properties at temperatures below the transition temperature. As an example, a debonding agents can include polymers or other material exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature. The disclosed debonding agents can provide benefits over existing debonding agent formulations such as ammonium salts. | 12-11-2014 |
20140377166 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING FINELY DISPERSED PARTICULATE MATTER FROM A FLUID STREAM - Disclosed are methods of removing particulate matter from a wastewater stream, comprising providing an activating agent capable of being affixed to the particulate matter in the wastewater stream; affixing the activating agent to the particulate matter to form activated particles residing in the wastewater stream; processing the activated particles in a thickener device to produce a population of thickened flocs in the fluid stream, wherein the thickened flocs comprise the particulate matter; contacting the thickened flocs with a re-activating agent to form re-activated particles comprising the particulate matter; providing a population of tether-bearing anchor particles, wherein the tether-bearing anchor particles have an affinity for the re-activated particles; attaching the tether-bearing anchor particles to the re-activated particles to form removable complexes that comprise the particulate matter, and removing the removable complexes, thereby removing the particulate matter from the wastewater stream. | 12-25-2014 |
20150013721 | TREATMENT OF OIL-CONTAMINATED SOLIDS - The disclosure pertains to systems and methods for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from a contaminated solid using an environmentally benign extractant and an oleophilic absorber, where the environmentally benign extractant and the oleophilic absorber are separate components. | 01-15-2015 |
20150027954 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVING OIL FROM FLUID STREAMS - The invention provides systems and methods for removing a target oil from an aqueous fluid stream using a capture medium. In embodiments, the capture medium can comprise an anchor substrate and a modifier technology supported on the anchor substrate, where the modifier technology complexes with the oil to form a removable complex. | 01-29-2015 |
20150068657 | FUNCTIONAL PULP-CONTAINING COMPOSITES FOR DRYWALL APPLICATIONS - The present invention provides composite materials comprising a population of cellulose fibers complexed with an activator, and an additive comprising synthetic fibers complexed with a tethering agent, wherein the tethering agent has an affinity for the activator, and wherein an interaction between the tethering agent and the activator attaches the synthetic fibers to the cellulose fibers to form the composite material. The present invention also provides methods of manufacture for such composite materials, and methods for their use, for example in forming gypsum board composites. | 03-12-2015 |
20150075740 | PROCESSES FOR CLAY EXFOLIATION AND USES THEREOF - The present invention provides methods for producing exfoliated clay platelets from a swellable clay material. In embodiments, the method for producing exfoliated clay platelets includes providing an exfoliating agent comprising an anionic extractant, and exposing the swellable clay material to the exfoliating agent, wherein the exfoliating agent produces exfoliated clay platelets from the swellable clay material. Methods for treating paper precursors and paper sheets are also disclosed, as are paper products formed from such paper precursors or paper sheets. | 03-19-2015 |