Antiscalant Compositions and Methods of Use
AssigneeLocus Solutions Ipco, LLC
InventorsGabriela KNESEL, Ronney SILVA, Cathrine MONYAKE, Juan CERVANTES, Megan R. PEARL
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Abstract
The subject invention provides safe, environmentally-friendly compositions and efficient methods for inhibiting scale formation or removing scale. More specifically, the subject invention provides compositions derived from microorganisms for inhibiting scale formation or removing scale, particularly from surface used in various industrial processes.
Claims26
A method of inhibiting scale or removing scale, the method comprising contacting an antiscalant composition comprising a biosurfactant with a liquid containing a mineral, a surface that contacts the liquid containing a mineral, and/or a surface fouled with mineral scale.
(canceled)
9-10. (canceled)
15-17. (canceled)
An antiscalant composition comprising a sophorolipid and/or a yeast culture comprising a sophorolipid and one or more traditional antiscalant components;
- wherein the yeast culture is a Starmerella sp. and/or a Candida sp. yeast;
- and
- wherein the traditional antiscalant components are selected from:
- a) chemical surfactants;
- b) polymers;
- c) pH adjusting agents;
- d) chelating agents;
- and
- e) ethylene glycol.
19-23. (canceled)
A method of inhibiting scale or removing scale, the method comprising contacting an antiscalant composition comprising a biosurfactant with a hydraulic fracturing fluid, an oil well, or a surface fouled with mineral scale.
27-29. (canceled)
31-32. (canceled)
36-38. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.