US4561981A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Treatment of fouling with microcapsules
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-01-27
•
Granted: 1985-12-31
•
Expires: 2004-01-27
Abstract
Abstract A method for controlling, preventing, or removing fouling deposits comprising microencapsulating fouling control chemicals in a slow release capsule. The microcapsules are applied to the substrate to be treated, where they stick to the substrate and slowly release the active treating agents.
Inventors
- 👤 William G. Characklis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 21:15
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F5/00; C02F5/08; C23; C23F; C23F11/00; C23F15/00; C23F15/005; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/29; Y10T428/2982; Y10T428/2984; Y10T428/2989
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for removing and/or inhibiting fouling deposited on an inner wall of a pipeline for transporting a fluid stream comprising the steps of: selecting microcapsules, said microcapsules having a specific gravity greater than said fluid stream which have an anti-fouling material encapsulated therein; the microcapsules being constructed of a semipermeable membrane material which slowly releases the anti-fouling material and which material adheres selectively to the fouling deposited on the inner wall of the pipeline and introducing an effective amount of the microcapsules into the fluid stream; causing the microcapsules to adhere to the fouling deposited on the inner wall and slowly releasing the anti-fouling material to remove and/or inhibit fouling deposited on the inner wall.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for removing and/or inhibiting fouling deposited on an inner wall of a pipeline for transporting a fluid stream comprising the steps of: selecting microcapsules, said microcapsules having a specific gravity greater than said fluid stream which have an anti-fouling material encapsulated therein; the microcapsules being constructed of a semipermeable membrane material which slowly releases the anti-fouling material and which material adheres selectively to the fouling deposited on the inner wall of the pipeline and introducing an effective amount of the microcapsules into the fluid stream; causing the microcapsules to adhere to the fouling deposited on the inner wall and slowly releasing the anti-fouling material to remove and/or inhibit fouling deposited on the inner wall.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the fouling is selected from the group consisting of corrosion, biofouling deposits, and scaling deposits.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the anti-fouling material is selected from the group consisting of scaling control chemicals and biological fouling control chemicals.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the microcapsule comprises a gelatin-gum acacia material.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for preventing fouling deposited on an inner wall of a pipeline for transporting a fluid stream comprising the steps of: selecting microcapsules which have an anti-fouling material incapsulated therein, said microcapsules having a specific gravity greater than said fluid stream; the microcapsules being constructed of a semipermeable membrane material which slowly releases the anti-fouling material and which material adheres selectively to the inner wall of the pipeline; and introducing an effective amount of the microcapsules into the fluid stream; causing the microcapsules to adhere to the inner wall and slowly releasing the anti-fouling material to prevent the formation of fouling on the inner wall.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
106 words
A method for preventing fouling deposited on an inner wall of a pipeline for transporting a fluid stream comprising the steps of: selecting microcapsules which have an anti-fouling material incapsulated therein, said microcapsules having a specific gravity greater than said fluid stream; the microcapsules being constructed of a semipermeable membrane material which slowly releases the anti-fouling material and which material adheres selectively to the inner wall of the pipeline; and introducing an effective amount of the microcapsules into the fluid stream; causing the microcapsules to adhere to the inner wall and slowly releasing the anti-fouling material to prevent the formation of fouling on the inner wall.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-30 | 1989-07-01 | 1989-12-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-30 | 1993-07-01 | 1993-12-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-30 | 1997-07-01 | 1997-12-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |