Abstract: A fine powder of an alkaline earth metal carbonate selected from the group consisting of barium carbonate, strontium carbonate and calcium carbonate, in which a primary particle of the powder has a mean diameter of 30 to 90 nm, in which the mean diameter is measured on a circle obtained from a projected area of the primary particle, and in which an accumulated volume of micropores having a pore size in the range of 10 to 20 nm is not less than 5×10?2 cm3/g can be easily dispersed in an aqueous medium in the form of essentially primary particles by an industrially employable dispersing method.

Abstract: Provided are methods for sequestering carbon dioxide from a synthesis gas to provide a gaseous and an aqueous product. A recovery method and system for combusting the gaseous product and utilizing the aqueous product is provided. Methods and systems are described for utilizing the aqueous product in an electrochemical or a precipitation reaction. Compositions of sequestered carbon dioxide are provided.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as, for example, a diaper, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or a male or female incontinence article. The article includes inorganic material. The inorganic material includes carbon which is derived from atmospheric carbon dioxide. Methods for making the absorbent articles are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making pure salt comprises recapturing post-drilling flowback water from hydro-fracturing; removing oil from the flowback water; filtering the flowback water using an ultra filter with a pore size of about 0.1 microns or less to remove solid particulates and large organic molecules, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, from the water; concentrating the flowback water to produce a brine that contains from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of salt relative to the total weight of the flowback brine; performing one or more chemical precipitation process using an effective amount of reagents to precipitate out the desired high quality commercial products, such as, barium sulfate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate; and crystallizing the chemically treated and concentrated flowback brine to produce greater than 99.5% pure salt products, such as sodium and calcium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for sizing of mineral matter using a sizing aid additive comprising glycerol and/or at least one polyglycerol allowing the efficiency of air sizing to be increased, or involving a specific sizing energy which is reduced relative to an additive-free air sizing, whilst obtaining a sized mineral matter compatible with an application in an aqueous medium. It also concerns the use of the product obtained in this manner, in paint, plastic, food applications destined for human or animal consumption, pharmaceutical formulation, paper pulp or paper coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for production of calcium compounds having very low content of phosphorus and boron from an impure calcium chloride, solution containing phosphorus and boron, which method comprises the following steps: a) addition of a FeCl3-solution to the calcium chloride solution, b) adjusting the pH of the solution by addition of a base to between 3 and 9.5 for precipitation of iron hydroxide, iron phosphate and boron compounds, c) removal of the solid precipitate from the solution in step b) obtaining a purified calcium chloride solution, d) precipitation of a calcium compound from the solution from step c), and e) separation of the calcium compound from the solution in step d).

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses and compositions for extracting selected gases from a gas stream are provided. In some embodiments the invention involve a process of bringing a gas stream in contact with a primary sorbent, releasing a selected gas from the primary sorbent to create a selected gas-enriched gas mixture, and bringing the selected gas-enriched gas mixture in contact with an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution absorbs the selected gas from the selected gas-enriched gas mixture. In some embodiments, the selected gas is carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The light calcium carbonate in the form of microparticle aggregate of the present invention has a BET specific surface area not smaller than 10 m2/g and not larger than 25 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.05 cm3/g or larger for pores having a pore diameter of 0 to 1000 ? as determined by the nitrogen adsorption method, and a pore volume ratio of 25% or more for pores having a pore diameter of 250 ? or smaller based on the total pore volume as determined by the nitrogen adsorption method, and shows an oil absorption of 100 cc/100 g or more as determined by using liquid paraffin. By using this light calcium carbonate as a filler of printing paper, superior ink absorbing property and opacity (especially opacity after printing) can be imparted to the printing paper.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for removing greenhouse gases, particulates and pollutants from the atmosphere utilizing a greenhouse gas collection apparatus. An atmospheric mixture is collected and progressively treated in first, second and third tube furnaces and a scrubber to produce an effluent for treatment in a chemical processing plant. The first tube furnace oxidizes hydrocarbons, the second tube furnace oxidizes any remaining nitrous and nitric oxides, and the third tube furnace oxidizes sulfur dioxide. The scrubber precipitates carbon dioxide as calcium carbonate. A vacuum pump draws the atmospheric mixture through tube furnaces and the scrubber.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Dielectric materials comprising nanocrystalline or nanoparticulate metal oxides or metal carbonates having enhanced dielectric constant values are provided. Specifically, the dielectric materials exhibit high dielectric constant values at low frequencies approaching the DC limit. The dielectric materials also exhibit low dielectric loss factors and high voltage breakdown limits making them well suited for use in capacitors, particularly high energy density capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions by contacting heavy metal-contaminated water with a sorption media, or in particular with carbonate minerals. The present invention also relates to methods of using modified sorption media, such as aggregates of carbonate minerals and modified carbonate minerals, for the removal of heavy metals.

Abstract: A filter for treating CO2 from a CO2-emitting industrial plant, takes advantage of the fact that peridotite igneous rocks (or material of similar chemical content: basalt, gabbro, dunite, amphibolites, artificially produced Ca, Mg oxides) which are abundant on and close to the Earth's surface, can absorb and contain CO2 gases resultant from industrial activity. This chemical process occurs naturally, but has not been utilized to capture high concentrations of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. Calcium and magnesium oxides of the peridotite react with CO2 to form stable carbonate minerals. The invention enhances and expedites this natural process for the remediation of industrial pollutants such as CO2 from the oil, gas, coal, cement/concrete and like CO2-emitting industries, and provides a resource for materials in construction (concrete), steel, aviation and agricultural and other industries.

Abstract: A method for removing hydrocarbons and scale forming compounds from tap water, contaminated aqueous solutions, seawater, and saline brines, such as produce water, comprising the addition of carbonate ions by CO2 sparging, or divalent cations, so as precipitate calcium and magnesium carbonates by adjusting pH to about 10.2, thus permanently sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and then removing such precipitates sequentially for either sale of disposal.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing carbonate, comprising the steps of: providing a water-containing solution including cations that are precipitated in the form of a salt after undergoing a precipitation reaction with carbonate ions; and generating carbon dioxide microbubbles having a diameter of 50 ?m or less in the water-containing solution to induce the precipitation reaction between the cations and the carbonate ions. The method is advantageous in that the carbonate produced using the microbubble system disclosed in the method can be practically used as high-priced building materials, filler for paper manufacturing, etc. and can also be used in foods, medicines and the like depending on the purity thereof, so that it can be recovered in a high yield. Further, the method is advantageous in that carbon dioxide is consumed, and cations can be effectively removed from waste water, so that it is environmentally useful.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making pure salt comprises recapturing post-drilling flowback water from hydro-fracturing; removing oil from the flowback water; filtering the flowback water using an ultra filter with a pore size of about 0.1 microns or less to remove solid particulates and large organic molecules, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, from the water; concentrating the flowback water to produce a brine that contains from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of salt relative to the total weight of the flowback brine; performing one or more chemical precipitation process using an effective amount of reagents to precipitate out the desired high quality commercial products, such as, barium sulfate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate; and crystallizing the chemically treated and concentrated flowback brine to produce greater than 99.5% pure salt products, such as sodium and calcium chloride.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing carbonate particles, capable of efficient, easy formation of carbonate particles which have high crystallinity, less prone to agglomeration and offer orientation birefringence, particularly carbonate particles that are needle- or rod-shaped, and of controlling the particle size. In the process a metal ion source and a carbonate ion source are heated together in a liquid of 55° C. or higher for reaction to produce carbonate particles with an aspect ratio of greater than 1, wherein the metal ion source contains at least one metal ion selected from the group consisting of Sr2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+. The carbonate particles are preferably needle- or rod-shaped, pH of the liquid after heating reaction is preferably 8.20 or more, and in its X-ray diffraction spectrum the full-width at half maximum of the diffraction peak corresponding to (111) plane is preferably less than 0.8°.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for producing particulate barium carbonate having desired properties such as high purity, fineness, and has a spherical shape. The present invention relates to a method of producing substantially spherical barium carbonate, including (A) mixing, in an aqueous medium, a barium compound with at least one first ingredient selected from the group consisting of gluconic acid or salts thereof, gluconolactone, glucoheptonic acid or salts thereof, and glucoheptonolactone, to prepare a mixture; and (B) reacting the barium compound with carbon dioxide or a water-soluble carbonate in the mixture, to produce substantially spherical barium carbonate.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for sequestering and/or reducing carbon dioxide present in an industrial effluent fluid stream containing carbon dioxide. A scrubbing material comprising a first component, a second component (distinct from the first component), and preferably water, is contacted with the effluent fluid stream. The first component comprises a source of calcium oxide and a source of alkali metal ions. The second component comprises a slag having one or more reactive silicate compounds. Methods of reducing carbon dioxide from exhaust generated by combustion sources, lime and/or cement kilns, iron and/or steel furnaces, and the like are provided. Carbon dioxide emission abatement systems are also disclosed. Methods of recycling industrial byproducts are further provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a material having a higher and direct bone-inducing ability, which is made of a calcified substance produced by a cell. Specifically disclosed is a material for regenerating a bone tissue, which comprises a calcified substance extracted from a cultured cell expressing a calcification capacity. In the material, the cultured cell expressing a calcification capacity may be a mammalian cell. In the material, the calcified substance may be extracted without sintering at a high temperature. Also disclosed is an artificial bone containing the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a bio-mimetic polymer capable of catalyzing CO2 into a carbonate.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to a method for obtaining particulate calcium carbonate and activated carbon particles and methods for using same, and more particularly, to a method for obtaining activated carbon particles having an average particle size less than about 12 microns from a pulp mill.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of precipitation of metal ions. Mineral(s), oxide(s), hydroxide(s) of magnesium and/or calcium are adopted as raw materials, and the raw material(s) is processed through at least one step of calcination, slaking, or carbonization to produce aqueous solution(s) of magnesium bicarbonate and/or calcium bicarbonate, and then the solution(s) is used as precipitant(s) to deposit rare earth, such as nickel, cobalt, iron, aluminum, gallium, indium, manganese, cadmium, zirconium, hafnium, strontium, barium, copper and zinc ions. And at least one of metal carbonates, hydroxides or basic carbonates is obtained, or furthermore the obtained products are calcined to produce metal oxides. The invention takes the cheap calcium and/or magnesium minerals or their oxides, hydroxides with low purity as raw materials to instead common precipitants such as ammonium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal component collection agent for collecting one or more metal components from a metal component-containing material; the agent containing, as an active ingredient, a compound containing one or more group 2 elements of the periodic table, or a compound containing one or more lanthanoid elements. The present invention further provides a method for collecting one or more metal components from a metal component-containing material; the method comprising heating the metal component-containing material and the metal component collection agent in such a manner that a metal vapor or metal oxide vapor produced by heating the metal component-containing material is brought into contact with the metal component collection agent. According to the present invention, metal components can be easily and efficiently collected from materials containing highly useful metal components such as noble or rare metal.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide containing gas is blown into a calcium hydroxide slurry having a calcium hydroxide concentration of 100 to 400 g/L obtained by wet slaking calcined lime with 4 N hydrochloric acid activity (value at 3 minutes) of 150 to 400 mL to allow them to react until the carbonation rate becomes 50 to 85%, then 1 to 20% by volume of the calcium hydroxide slurry is added, and carbon dioxide containing gas is further blown in to terminate the reaction. The calcium carbonate obtained by this method is precipitated calcium carbonate aggregates having a secondary particle diameter of 1 to 10 ?m and consisting of primary particles having a long diameter of 0.5 to 3.0 ?m, a short diameter of 0.1 to 1.0 ?m and an aspect ratio of 3 or more, has superior characteristics due to a BET specific surface area in the range of 8 to 20 m2/g and a pore volume in the range of 1.5 to 3.5 cm3/g, can be uniformly dispersed in pulp fiber, and thereby can be used to manufacture high bulk paper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a calcium carbonate product formed of small <100 ?m sized separate calcium carbonate particles. Calcium hydroxide is fed through a disintegration and spraying apparatus (14), operating on the principle of a pin mill, into a gas which contains carbon dioxide for precipitating calcium carbonate particles and which is inside a precipitation reactor (10). The temperature in the precipitation reactor is maintained at <65° C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an orally administrable calcium composition comprising the steps of: (i) obtaining a physiologically tolerable particulate calcium compound having a mean particle size in the range of 3 to 40 ?m, having a crystalline structure and having a surface area of 0.1 to 1.2 m2/g; (ii) mixing the calcium compound with a water-soluble diluent and an aqueous solution of a water soluble binder in a fluid bed granulation apparatus and dying the resulting mixture to produce a first granulate; (iii) optionally mixing the first granulate with one or more further components to produce a second granulate; and (iv) optionally compressing the first or second granulate to form tablets.

Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process to obtain a calcium carbonate material comprising GCC and PCC, presenting a fraction of particles finer than 1 ?m of greater than 80%, preferably of greater than 85%, more preferably of greater than 90%, and even more preferably of greater than 95%, and a specific surface area of less than 25 m2/g, in a cost efficient manner, wherein GCC and PCC are co-ground, possibly with at least another mineral material. An other object of the present invention lies in the co-ground calcium carbonate material in the form of an aqueous suspension and in the form of a dry product. An other object of the present invention lies in the uses of such products in any sector making use of mineral material, and notably in the paper, paint and plastic industries.

Abstract: A tube reactor having a substantially tubular body portion including a conical section, an entry port, an opposing exit port, and an axis extending between the ports through the body portion. The tubular body portion being rotatable about the axis. At least one reactant can be fed into the tubular body portion and directed toward the conical section. An inner surface of the tubular body portion receives the reactants from the conical section, and processes the reactants. An insert may be positioned within the tubular body portion to further process the reactants along the inner surface. A rotating reservoir having a damper can be coupled to the rotating tubular body portion. The damper receives the processed reactants from the inner surface of the tubular body portion, and guides the processed reactants into the rotating reservoir to minimize turbulence. The rotating reservoir then separates the processed reactants by density.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process to obtain a calcium carbonate material comprising GCC and PCC, with a specific steepness factor (defined as d30/d70×100, where dx is the equivalent spherical diameter relative to which x % by weight of the particles are finer) of at least about 30, preferably of at least about 40, and most preferably of at least about 45, in a cost efficient manner, wherein GCC and PCC are co-ground, possibly with at least another mineral material. An other object of the present invention lies in the obtained co-ground calcium carbonate material in the form of an aqueous suspension and in the form of a dry product. An other object of the present invention lies in the uses of such products in any sector making use of mineral materials, and notably in the paper, paint and plastic industries.

Abstract: A heat-reactive resist material of the invention is characterized in that the boiling point of the fluoride of the element is 200° C. or more. By this means, it is possible to achieve the heat-reactive resist material having high resistance to dry etching using fluorocarbons to form a pattern with the deep groove depth.

Abstract: A method of sequestering a multi-element gas emitted by an industrial plant is described herein, the method comprising: contacting a solution, including a first reactant comprising a multi-element gas emitted by an industrial plant and at least one gas absorber comprising nitrogen, for example ammonia or an amine, with a solid, including a second reactant, under conditions that promote a reaction between the first reactant and the second reactant to provide a first product, which incorporates one or more elements of the multi-element gas, thereby sequestering the multi-element gas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a capture tank for capturing a captive target compound from a gaseous and/or vaporous mixture comprising at least the captive target compound and one other material, or for capturing, concentrating or crystallising a target compound from a liquid mixture or solution comprising the target compound and at least one other material, the capture tank comprising an enclosure having a top region, a bottom region and at least one side defining the enclosure, the enclosure being at least partly open in its top region in order to communicate in use of the capture tank with the gaseous and/or vaporous mixture and for permitting ingress of a gaseous and/or vaporous mixture into the enclosure; the enclosure communicating in its bottom region with a reservoir for receiving the captured captive target compound; having means associated with its at least one side and/or its bottom region for permitting egress from the enclosure of the gaseous and/or vaporous mixture in at least partially captive target

Abstract: The invention consists in the use, in a method to manufacture a mineral matter, notably a precipitated calcium carbonate, of a polymer consisting of at least one vinylic monomer chosen from among acrylic or methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide or a cationic monomer, or their blends, and at least one non-ionic monomer. The use of this polymer enables the carbonation time of the PCC to be reduced, without however impairing its crystallographic structure and its granulometric characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry blasting process for the cleaning of solid surfaces as well as special abrasive pigments suitable therefor and a method for their production.

Abstract: A method of sequestering a greenhouse gas is described, which comprises: (i) providing a solution carrying a first reagent that is capable of reacting with a greenhouse gas; (ii) contacting the solution with a greenhouse gas under conditions that promote a reaction between the at least first reagent and the greenhouse gas to produce at least a first reactant; (iii) providing a porous matrix having interstitial spaces and comprising at least a second reactant; (iv) allowing a solution carrying the at least first reactant to infiltrate at least a substantial portion of the interstitial spaces of the porous matrix under conditions that promote a reaction between the at least first reactant and the at least second reactant to provide at least a first product; and (v) allowing the at least first product to form and fill at least a portion of the interior spaces of the porous matrix, thereby sequestering a greenhouse gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making pure salt comprises recapturing post-drilling flowback water from hydro-fracturing; removing oil from the flowback water; filtering the flowback water using an ultra filter with a pore size of about 0.1 microns or less to remove solid particulates and large organic molecules, such as benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene, from the water; concentrating the flowback water to produce a brine that contains from about 15 wt % to about 40 wt % of salt relative to the total weight of the flowback brine; performing one or more chemical precipitation process using an effective amount of reagents to precipitate out the desired high quality commercial products, such as, barium sulfate, strontium carbonate, calcium carbonate; and crystallizing the chemically treated and concentrated flowback brine to produce greater than 99.5% pure salt products, such as sodium and calcium chloride.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a catalyst composition includes the steps of (i) combining one or more soluble metal compounds with a solution of an alkaline metal carbonate precipitant to form a precipitate of insoluble metal carbonates, (ii) processing the insoluble metal carbonates into a catalyst or catalyst precursor with the evolution of carbon dioxide, (iii) recovering at least a portion of the evolved carbon dioxide, and (iv) reacting the recovered carbon dioxide with a suitable alkaline metal compound in an absorber column to generate an alkaline metal carbonate, wherein at least a portion of the generated alkaline metal carbonate is used as a precipitant in step (i).

Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for reducing mercury, which comprises a reagent comprising any of the sulfites of potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium, or any of the phosphates thereof, or a combination of them, as a main reagent of a catalyst component. And the present invention relates to the catalyst for reducing mercury, wherein the catalyst component is mixed with a different salt as an agent for inhibiting crystallization of the catalyst component.

Abstract: Basic magnesium carbonate comprising a tubular aggregated particle of flaky fine crystals.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious material, and/or self-cementing material. Methods for making the compositions and using the compositions are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the capture and sequestration of carbon dioxide that would otherwise enter the atmosphere and contribute to global warming and other problems. CO2 capture is accomplished by reacting carbon dioxide in flue gas with an alkali metal carbonate, or a metal oxide, particularly containing an alkaline earth metal or iron, to form a carbonate salt. A preferred carbonate for CO2 capture is a dilute aqueous solution of additive-free (Na2CO3). Other carbonates include (K2CO3) or other metal ion that can produce both a carbonate and a bicarbonate salt. Examples of suitable metal oxides include several alkaline earths including CaO and MgO. The captured CO2 is preferably sequestered using any available mineral or industrial waste that contains calcium magnesium or iron in non-carbonate forms, or iron in the Fe+2 oxidation state.

Abstract: Compositions comprising synthetic rock, e.g., aggregate, and methods of producing and using them are provided. The rock, e.g., aggregate, contains CO2 and/or other components of an industrial waste stream. The CO2 may be in the form of divalent cation carbonates, e.g., magnesium and calcium carbonates. Aspects of the invention include contacting a CO2 containing gaseous stream with a water to dissolve CO2, and placing the water under precipitation conditions sufficient to produce a carbonate containing precipitate product, e.g., a divalent cation carbonate.

Abstract: Hydraulic cement compositions that include a carbonate compound composition, e.g., a salt-water derived carbonate compound composition containing crystalline and/or amorphous carbonate compounds, are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using the hydraulic cements, as well as settable compositions, such as concretes and mortars, prepared therefrom. The cements and compositions produced therefrom find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.