Abstract: A method for processing wastewater is provided. The method includes concentrating a flow of the wastewater using a reverse osmosis process membrane, and evaporating the concentrated flow to produce at least distillate and solids.

Abstract: A process to reduce or prevent biofouling, by destroying or deactivating microbiological content of feedwater, or other liquid, prior to its entrance into membranes or process equipment, such as heat transfer equipment. The process comprises the use of electrical discharge and/or electric fields to destroy microbes that result in the biofouling of surfaces. By destroying the microbiological content of the water the microbiology no longer is able to create a restricting biofilm upon or within said process equipment.

Abstract: A method for purifying and recovering wash water in a polymer manufacturing process using media filtration with reverse osmosis membranes to achieve separation and water reuse. Wash water containing particles of polymer product and surfactants is introduced into a media filtration unit having filter media particles which comprise a substrate and an adsorbed layer of a coagulant compound adsorbed onto the substrate. The filtrate stream is then introduced to a staged reverse osmosis (RO) system. The RO system concentrates the surfactants in a rejects stream to a desired concentration, and the rejects stream is preferably disposed of after reaching the desired concentration, while the permeate is preferably reused.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting depletion of mineral values from pregnant lixiviant solutions comprise contacting the requisite metal ore with a preg-robbing inhibition agent (PRIA) comprising (I) alkyl polyglucoside surfactants; (II) imidazoline based amphoteric surfactants; (III) hydroformylation products of lower (C2–C8) alkanes in an organic solvent medium, and (IV) esters and aldehydes.

Abstract: A method of decreasing the viscosity of a mineral ore slurry is disclosed. The method comprises adding to a mineral ore slurry a viscosity modifying treatment such as copolymers of maleic anhydride and diisobutylene; copolymers of acrylic acid and allyl hydroxypropyl sulfonate ether, terpolymers of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamide-2-methypropane sulphonic acid salt and t-butyl acrylamide; copolymers of acrylic acid and polyethyleneglycol monoallyl ether sulfate; and copolymers of acrylic acid and 2-acrylamide-2-methypropane sulphonic acid salt; pentaphosphonates; polymethacrylates; and mixtures thereof to the mineral ore slurry.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting depletion of mineral values from pregnant lixiviant solutions comprise contacting the requisite metal ore with a preg-robbing inhibition agent (PRIA) comprising (I) alkyl polyglucoside surfactants; (II) imidazoline based amphoteric surfactants; (III) hydroformylation products of lower (C2-C8) alkanes in an organic solvent medium, and (IV) esters and aldehydes.

Abstract: Methods for inhibiting depletion of mineral values from pregnant lixiviant solutions comprise contacting the requisite metal ore with a preg-robbing inhibition agent (PRIA) comprising (I) alkyl polyglucoside surfactants; (II) imidazoline based amphoteric surfactants; and (III) hydroformylation products of lower (C2-C8) alkanes in an organic solvent medium.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the magnetic separation of ores is disclosed in which a sulfonated polymeric dispersant is added to an ore slurry just prior to or during the magnetic separation operation. The sulfonated polymeric additive inhibits heterogeneous flocculation during the magnetic separation operation.

Abstract: Positive static electricity charges in air flow from an air washer generated by an industrial process are reduced and controlled to a desired level by treatment of the water circulating in the air washer with an anionic polymeric material such as water soluble, neutralized polyacrylate.

Abstract: A process for the percolation leaching of minerals from a mineral-beating ore comprises agglomerating the mineral-bearing ore with an agglomerating agent of a cationic block copolymer having a polymeric segment and a block containing an ammonium cation optionally with a block derived from an acrylamide monomer, forming the ore/agglomerating agent mixture into a heap, and leaching the heap by percolation with a leaching solution for subsequent recovery of the minerals at an acidic pH.

Abstract: Agglomerating agent and method for use in heap leaching of mineral bearing ores. Cationic polymers alone or in combination with cement or lime are highly effective agglomerating agents in acidic or alkaline leaching operations. The cationic polymers are preferably graft copolymers, block copolymers or linear copolymers of acrylamide and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyethylene glycols and bis(trichloro methyl) sulfone, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: An agglomerating agent for use in the heap leaching of mineral bearing ores is disclosed. The agglomerating agent is a polyvinyl alcohol of moderate to high molecular weight which is partially or fully hydrolyzed. The polyvinyl alcohol agglomerating agent can be used alone or in combination with cement or lime in acidic or alkaline heap leaching operations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing deposits from surfaces in contact with the water of a cooling water system are disclosed. The combination of a chelant, a phosphonate or phosphate compound, and a base is effective in removing clay deposits from such surfaces.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyvinyl alcohols and gallic or boric acids, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyethylene glycols and bis(trichloro methyl) sulfone, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyethylene glycols and bis(trichloro methyl) sulfone, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: A biocidal composition and method for inhibiting and controlling the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. The composition comprises an amount, effective for the intended purpose, of polyvinyl alcohols and gallic or boric acids, in combination with additional biocidal components, the composition in a gel form. The method comprises administering an amount of the gelled composition to the particular water containing system for which treatment is desired.

Abstract: Agglomerating agent and method for use in heap leaching of mineral bearing ores. A moderate to high molecular weight anionic polymer preferably in combination with lime provides a highly effective agglomerating agent. The anionic polymer is preferably a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylic acid. The polymer preferably has a molecular weight of from about 1 to 8 million or higher.

Abstract: An improved non-viscous aqueous dust control solution which includes a polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid. The improved solution may be spray applied or applied as a foam. The solution may include cross-linking agents, extenders, plasticizers or surfactants.