US4666457B1 - - Google Patents
Abstract
Abstract Utilization of highly viscous hydrocarbons, including heavy crude oils and residual oils. More particularly, this invention relates to the utilization of viscous hydrocarbons through the formation of low-viscosity hydrocarbon-in-water emulsions, including (a) chemically non-stabilized hydrocarbon-in-water emulsions ; (b) chemically stabilized hydrocarbon-in-water emulsions; and (c) bioemulsifier-stabilized hydrocarbon-in-water emulsions, the latter being called hydrocarbosols, in which the hydrocarbon droplets dispersed in the continuous aqueous phase are substantially stabilized from coalescence by the presence of bioemulsifiers and in particular, microbial bioemulsifiers, surrounding the droplets at the hydrocarbon/water interface. Furthermore, this invention relates to the combustion of pre-atomized fuels which include both hydrocarbosols and other hydrocarbon-in-water emulsions made with viscous hydrocarbons. Methods and compositions are provided to facilitate the utilization of the above-described hydrocarbon fuels as clean-burning fuels.
Inventors
- 👤 E Hayes Michael
- 👤 R Hrebenar Kevin
- 👤 F Deal James Iii
- 👤 L Bolden Paul Jr
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 0References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1993-04-30 | 1993-10-30 | 1994-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-10-30 | 1998-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-30 | 2001-10-30 | 2002-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |