Abstract: Comminuted carpet pieces are fed to a first stirred tank together with an aqueous solution containing separating salt, to form a first suspension, which is fed to a first mechanical separating stage. A first high-solids phase, a second high-solids phase containing polymer fiber material, and a liquid phase are obtained therefrom. The second high-solids phase is mixed with a water-containing separation solution in a stirred tank, to give a second suspension, which is fed to a second mechanical separating stage. A third high-solids phase, a polymer fiber material-rich phase and a liquid phase are withdrawn therefrom. An acid which is stronger than H2CO3 is introduced into the stirred tank together with the water-containing separation solution, and the pH of the liquid in the stirred tank is adjusted to 2–6.

Abstract: A process of waste treatment which includes the following steps: (a) passing waste material comprising an insoluble component through an anaerobic bioreactor system including a plurality of bioreactors in series and maintaining said insoluble component as a suspension in the waste material, whereby the pH of the waste material is maintained below 4.9 for a period of at least 24 hours; b) aerating the waste material after step (a); and (c) removing the insoluble component from the waste material before or after step (b). The process also provides for successful treatment of greasetrap waste.

Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of coal and the separation of impurities therefrom comprising subjecting coal to surface treatment by contact with an aqueous medium comprising polymerizable monomer, polymerization catalyst and liquid organic carrier, thereby rendering said coal hydrophobic and oleophilic, the improvement comprising the high shear intermixing of the surface treated coal with at least one water wash medium thereby providing for the removal of further hydrophilic impurities, such as mineral ash from the coal. Apparatus for carrying out the process and the products prepared therefrom are also provided.

Abstract: A collector for use in concentrating metal values in ores by flotation, said collector comprising a synergistic mixture of O-isopropyl N-ethylthionocarbamate and O-isobutyl N-methylthionocarbamate. Ore dressing flotation methods wherein said mixture serves as collector are also provided.