Abstract: A coalescing element for aggregating droplets of an emulsion. The coalescing element includes a nonwoven web substrate. A coalescer that includes the coalescing element can also include a housing and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet each in fluid communication with the coalescing element. The coalescing element and coalescer may be useful for emulsions that form in solvent extraction/electrowinning copper processing and for other emulsions.

Abstract: Provided are methods and related compositions for separating immiscible organic and aqueous compositions. The methods include dispersing a discrete, insoluble filler in the organic composition, dispersing the organic composition into the aqueous composition, separating under gravity the organic and aqueous compositions into respective upper and lower layers. Advantageously, the insoluble filler remains in the organic composition and facilitates segregation and coalescence of droplets of the organic composition in the aqueous composition.

Abstract: A coalescing element for aggregating droplets of an emulsion. The coalescing element includes a nonwoven web substrate. A coalescer that includes the coalescing element can also include a housing and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet each in fluid communication with the coalescing element. The coalescing element and coalescer may be useful for emulsions that form in solvent extraction/electrowinning copper processing and for other emulsions.

Abstract: A composition comprising a nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant having a weight average molecular weight of least 100,000 grams per mole, the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant comprising: divalent units independently represented by formula (I): in a range from 30% to 65% by weight, based on the total weight of the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant; and divalent units independently represented by formula (II): in a range from 70% to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant. Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having from 3 to 4 carbon atoms; R and R2 are each independently hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R1 is alkyl of 16 to 24 carbon atoms; and n is an integer from 2 to 11. Foams comprising the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant and a liquid hydrocarbon and methods of making and using the foams are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are polymeric surfactants which include a fluorinated moiety and a non-fluorinated moiety where the fluorinated moiety contains two perfluoro-lower-alkyl sulfonamido segments in proximity to each other ; the surfactants provide more efficient and effective lowering of the surface tension of liquids and increase of wetting of a coating on a substrate surface.

Abstract: A composition comprising a nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant having a weight average molecular weight of least 100,000 grams per mole, the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant comprising: divalent units independently represented by formula (I): in a range from 30% to 65% by weight, based on the total weight of the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant; and divalent units independently represented by formula (II): in a range from 70% to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant. Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having from 3 to 4 carbon atoms; R and R2 are each independently hydrogen or alkyl of 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R1 is alkyl of 16 to 24 carbon atoms; and n is an integer from 2 to 11. Foams comprising the nonionic fluorinated polymeric surfactant and a liquid hydrocarbon and methods of making and using the foams are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean geological formation comprising hydrocarbons comprising injecting a foam into the formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to open at least one fracture therein and a method of completing a well in a subterranean geological formation penetrated by a well bore comprising introducing a foam into the well bore of the subterranean geological formation and carrying out a completion operation in the well bore of the subterranean geological formation. The foam comprises a liquid hydrocarbon and a nonionic polymeric surfactant comprising fluorinated repeating units, wherein the fluorinated repeating units have up to 5 perfluorinated carbon atoms, and wherein a one weight percent solution of the nonionic polymeric surfactant in kerosene has a foam half-life at 22° C. of at least 10 minutes.

Abstract: Electrolytic solutions containing organic additive(s) selected from a described class of additives (e.g., 4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine) reduce overall applied electrical potential of electrolytic cells and/or reduce gas formation at the anode(s) or increase copper production rate. Benefits include reducing overall power consumption and reducing acid mist during electrolytic processes.

Abstract: Described are monomeric fluorosurfactants having two perfluoro-lower-alkyl sulfonamido segments which are more efficient and effective in lowering the surface tension of organic solvents and water compared to other C4-based fluorosurfactants.

Abstract: Electrolytic solutions containing organic additive(s) selected from a described class of additives (e.g., 4,6-dihydroxypyrimidine) reduce overall applied electrical potential of electrolytic cells and/or reduce gas formation at the anode(s) or increase copper production rate. Benefits include reducing overall power consumption and reducing acid mist during electrolytic processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides imide salts as emulsifiers for the polymerization of fluoroolefins.

Abstract: The present invention provides imide salts as emulsifiers for the polymerization of fluoroolefins.

Abstract: A method for improving the recovery of gold and silver from precious metal ore is disclosed. The method comprises contacting precious metal ore with an aqueous solution containing certain fluoroaliphatic surfactants.

Abstract: A method for improving the recovery of gold and silver from precious metal ore is disclosed. The method comprises contacting precious metal ore with an aqueous solution containing certain fluoroaliphatic surfactants.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method of leaching precious and base metal values from ore comprising contacting a metal-bearing ore or ore concentrate with an oxidizing gas solution comprising a solution of an oxidizing gas dissolved in a perfluorinated liquid, said contact being made prior to or during extraction of the precious or base metal from the ore. In another aspect, this invention provides a method of destroying cyanide from a cyanide-containing solution comprising contacting said solution with a solution of an oxidizing gas dissolved in a perfluorinated liquid.

Abstract: The formation of acid mist or spray over metal electrowinning tanks, such as in the electrowinning of copper obtained by solvent extraction, is substantially inhibited or eliminated by electrowinning the metal from electrolyte containing certain fluoroaliphatic non-foam-forming surfactants.

Abstract: Improved methods of heap leaching of copper ore with aqueous sulfuric acid solutions comprising a fluoroaliphatic surfactant are disclosed. The fluoroaliphatic surfactant increases the amount of copper values leached and recovered.