Enhancing emulsion stability
US8592351B2 · kind B2 · utility
8Cited by
53References
36Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F33/8212
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatuses for generating an emulsion with enhanced stability. The methods include forming a stressed emulsion fluid using a high-shear mixer and stressing the emulsion by microporous flow, aging, heating, or another process, and reshearing the stressed emulsion fluid. The process may be repeated for enhanced stability. In some embodiments the generated emulsion may be used in hydrocarbon recovery operations. Optionally, the emulsion may include surfactants or solid microparticles for additional stability enhancement.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.