Patent No. 10,662,535
• Self-senses of damage in a bonded, electrically conductive composite repair for metal equipment by monitoring a resistance using an impressed current cathodic protection system (ICCP) used to protect metal elements in any metal structure with an ICCP (pressure vessel, ship, pipeline). This invention is based on a direct current resistive measurement of composite bonding quality.
• This invention is unique because there are currently no simple-to-use systems to access the structural health of a composite repair. While the basic principle is known, the use of the ICCP system for repair monitoring is novel, simple, and requires no additional equipment.
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Category: Materials & Industrial Processes
MAGNETICALLY GUIDED SELF-HEALING POLYMER MICROCAPSULE
Patent No. 10,179,846
Expiration Date: 06/06/2037
• This invention provides a process for making magnetic microcapsules by coating magnetic particles with a hydrophobic material, suspending them in a core material, and encapsulating them with an outer wall.
• Currently, self-healing microcapsules are incorporated into polymer structures and universally dispersed. This invention optimizes the concentration of microcapsules to minimize cost and to reduce negative impacts of the polymeric material properties. Implanting these self-healing microcapsules into a liquid polymer, guided by magnetic fields to areas of high failure probability, and cured into a solid material. Upon initiation of stress fractures, the microcapsules release self-healing agents, enabling the polymer to repair itself….
VELOCITY INDEPENDENT TWO-COMPONENT MAGNETIC FLUX LEAKAGE DETECTION SYSTEM
Patent No. 11,009,484
Expiration Date: 5/13/2037
• This invention is a device, system, and method for detecting flaws in magnetic material by using a wheeled scanner equipped with two distinct magnet-sensor arrangements.
• The invention uses two magnetic flux leakage (MFL) components to identify surface and subsurface flaws, which provide a more comprehensive assessment compared to traditional single-component MFL systems.
• The invention can be used to detect corrosion flaws in steel oil storage tanks using robotic surveying accurately and efficiently while reducing costs….
VACUUM-FREE, HYDROGEN-FREE CATALYTIC SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHENE FROM SOLID HYDROCARBONS
Patent No. 11,760,636
Expiration Date: 10/24/2039
• The invention allows for graphene production from readily available solid hydrocarbons such as coal, biocoal, and biochar. The invention does not require hydrogen injection or vacuum conditions, thereby reducing complexity and cost over other methods of graphene production.
• The invention allows graphene to be produced globally at lower temperatures and costs and is amenable to standard engineering reactor scaleup. Popular applications of graphene include solar panels, foldable touchscreens, and bionic devices.
• The lifetime of reactors, vessels, and transportation vessels made of Fe or Fe alloys can be increased by depositing graphene directly on the surface which will prevent the metal from oxidizing….
ANNULAR AXIAL MIXING SYSTEM FOR GAS-LIQUID FLOW
Patent No. 11,511,287
Expiration Date – 04/09/2041
• The Annular Axial Mixing System (AAMS) is designed to mix a wide range of multiphase flow patterns upstream of petroleum production treatment facilities.
• The invention eliminates severe slugging in pipeline/riser systems by first separating multiphase flows and then mixing them into a more homogenous pattern. This results in a smoother, continuous flow through the riser which prevents serious operational and safety issues….
PARAFFIN INHIBITOR PERFORMANCE
Patent No. 11,572,780
Expiration Date – 05/25/2041
• This novel and efficient method of evaluates paraffin inhibitor performance using electrical impedance. Paraffin inhibitors are used to reduce waxy deposits that can plug oil production wells, delivery probes, and pipelines.
• The method is designed for the petroleum industry to replace the traditional 16-hour “cold finger” paraffin inhibitor evaluation test, saving time, and minimizing waste and environmental impact through an electrochemical method.
• Can be utilized on crude oil, crude condensates, and other paraffinic materials….
OIL – WATER EMULSION BREAKUP (OWEB) PROCESS AND SYSTEM
Patent No. 12,053,719
Expiration Date – 10/05/2041
• This mechanical in-line system of separating oil-water emulsions with hydrocyclones improves space and weight efficiency on oil production facilities both on- and off-shore.
• The invention efficiently breaks up emulsions under a wide distribution of droplet sizes and water cuts through an inverted emulsion process.
• The invention was designed for petroleum and chemical industries to reduce transportation and maintenance costs, preserve integrity of equipment and facilities, and accelerate the oil-water separation rate….
PSEUDO-PASSWORDLESS AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM
Patent Pending
• Traditional password-based authentication systems are vulnerable to theft, particularly on public and shared devices. With a browser extension and mobile application system, the invention reduces the risk of password theft by using QR codes and secure channels between trusted devices (client) and untrusted devices (host).
• The invention is designed to simplify the login process in scenarios in which input devices are limited to use, such as on kiosks and smart televisions.
• The invention ensures that login credentials are never directly entered or stored in the memory of an untrusted device….
PARTICLE FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM
Patent Pending
• This system is directed to a material flow control system to distribute and control flow of a particulate heat transfer material. The invention is designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems but can apply to metering any gravity-feed particle flow system within a broad temperature range.
• Current technology to control particle flow generally uses a simple slide gate that is limited by the accuracy of the actuators connected to it and their propensity to erode the valve surfaces and possibly plug the particle flow stream. The present invention employs an axial passage that changes the area of the opening by adjusting the position of fitted fingers similar in concept to the chuck on a drill. The accuracy and rapid response of this axial valve results in more accurate control of the particle flow, reduces valve surface erosion and minimizes plugging potential….
DENSIFICATION OF CARBON/CARBON COMPOSITES WITH AN EMBEDDED CHANNEL NETWORK
Patent Pending
• This novel approach to densifying Carbon/Carbon Composites takes advantage of a micro-channel network. Using an isothermal heating method creates a natural thermal gradient in which the interior is cooler than exterior. By flowing the gaseous carbon source through the composite’s micro-channels, gas flow can occur from within the composite to the outside.
• This invention shortens processing times of fabrications, reducing costs compared to traditional methods. In this method, the C/C Composites have an embedded micro-channel network, which will be used to flow a gaseous carbon source resulting in a denser carbon material….