Browsing by Author "Murthy, Vinit S."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Method to fabricate inhomogeneous particles
    (2011-08-30) Murthy, Vinit S.; Wong, Michael S.; Rice University; United States Patent and Trademark Office
    A method for making inhomogeneous microparticles comprises a) providing an amount of each of at least two polyelectrolytes having a charge, b) providing an amount of a counterion having a valence of at least 2, c) combining the polyelectrolytes and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form inhomogeneous aggregates, and d) adding nanoparticles to the solution such that nanoparticles arrange themselves around the inhomogeneous aggregates to form inhomogeneous particles. The polyelectrolyte may have a positive or negative charge. The charge ratio R of total charge of the counterions to the total charge of the polyelectrolyte may be greater than 1.0.
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    Method to fabricate microcapsules from polymers and charged nanoparticles
    (2010-11-09) Rana, Rohit K.; Murthy, Vinit S.; Wong, Michael S.; Rice University; United States Patent and Trademark Office
    A method for making hollow nanoparticles, comprises a) providing an amount of a polyelectrolyte having a charge, b) providing an amount of a counterion having a valence of at least 2, c) combining the polyelectrolyte and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form spherical aggregates, and d) adding nanoparticles to the solution such that nanoparticles arrange themselves around the spherical aggregates. The polyelectrolyte may have a positive or negative charge. The charge ratio R of total charge of the counterions to the total charge of the polyelectrolyte is greater than 1.0.
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    Nano-encapsulated triggered-release viscosity breaker
    (2015-06-30) Rana, Rohit K.; Murthy, Vinit S.; Wong, Michael S.; Norman, Lewis R.; Rice University; Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.; United States Patent and Trademark Office
    A method for the encapsulation and triggered-release of water-soluble or water-dispersible materials. The method comprises a) providing an amount of electrolyte having a charge, b) providing an amount of counterion having a valence of at least 2, c) combining the polyelectrolyte and the counterion in a solution such that the polyelectrolyte self-assembles to form aggregates, d) adding a compound to be encapsulated, and e) adding nanoparticles to the solution such that nanoparticles arrange themselves around the aggregates. Release of the encapsulated species is triggered by disassembly or deformation of the microcapsules though disruption of the charge interactions. This method is specifically useful for the controlled viscosity reduction of the fracturing fluids commonly utilized in the oil field.