Abstract: Beneficiating drilling fluids that comprise low-quality clay and high-quality clay may be performed by adding a polymer and a high-quality clay to a fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a low-quality clay, so as to yield a drilling fluid, wherein the ratio of the low-quality clay to the high-quality clay is about 90:10 to about 80:20.

Abstract: The invention discloses a nanoreinforcement to produce polymeric nanocomposites from a natural laminar silicate from volcanic sources. The invention also discloses the manufacture process and use thereof to obtain polyolefin nanocomposites useful for the automotive, aerospace, construction and packaging industries, among others.

Abstract: CERAMIC PASTE FOR BRICK MANUFACTURING and way of production. CERAMIC PASTE FOR BRICK MANUFACTURING and way of production deals with the construction material industry, specifically with the construction wall brick manufacturing, made at the thermo burning temperature reduction. The paste is being created on the clay base. The 5% water copolymer solution of menthylmetacrylat (MMA) with 73-80% methacrylic acid with molecular mass 800 000 is used as and additive, the component proportions, mass %: Clay —75-81% 5% water copolymer solution of menthylmetacrylat (MMA) with 73-80% methacrylic acid with molecular mass 800 000—1-3 Water—the other part. The essence of the method—muffle stove burning is made with the following regime: w temperature growth up to 800° C. within 3 hours, 2 hours of exposure at the temperature 800° C. and cooling process within 15 hours. Time of brick exposure at the stove is reduced for 10-30% in comparison with the existing burning technology.

Abstract: A proppant mixture with an extended particle size distribution exhibits improved properties, such as crush strength and conductivity, as compared with a conventional product with a narrow size distribution.

Abstract: A process for preparing a silicate porous product, which comprises a step of forming a clay mineral into a dispersion by means of a dispersant, a step of removing gases dissolved in the dispersion, a step of freezing the dispersion and drying it in its frozen state under reduced pressure, and a step of firing the dried product obtained by the drying.

Abstract: A proppant mixture with an extended particle size distribution exhibits improved properties, such as crush strength and conductivity, as compared with a conventional product with a narrow size distribution.

Abstract: A proppant mixture with an extended particle size distribution exhibits improved properties, such as crush strength and conductivity, as compared with a conventional product with a narrow size distribution.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ball clay slurry with a casting rate of at least about 50, a modulus of rupture of at least 500 pounds per square inch, and from about 0.1 to about 1.0 weight percent of organic polyelectrolyte. In this process, a digested lignite material is mixed with a lignitic coarse clay, a nonlignitic coarse clay, a lignitic fine clay, and a polyelectrolyte dispersing agent.

Abstract: A method of treating a kaolinitic clay which is intended for use as an ingredient in a ceramic composition which method comprises the steps of: (a) mixing with the kaolinitic clay from 0.1% to 15.0% by weight, based on the dry weight of the kaolinitic clay, of a smectite clay; and (b) subjecting a mass in a moist plastic state of the clay mixture formed in step (a) to mechanical working under conditions such that there is dissipated in the moist plastic mass at least 5 kJ of energy per kilogram of clay mixture on a dry weight basis.

Abstract: A improved process for beneficiating kaolin clays to remove discoloring impurities is disclosed. The beneficiation of kaolin clay is improved by fractionating a kaolin clay starting material into a lower brightness first fraction having a majority of the discoloring impurities and a higher brightness second fraction with less impurities. The first fraction is then beneficiated (such as by flotation, selection flocculation, high intensity magnetic separation and/or leaching) to produce a kaolin clay product with improved optical properties. The first and second fractions may be combined to produce a product with improved optical properties.

Abstract: Materials, such as kaolin clays, which are discolored by the presence of goethite mineral impurities are first heated to convert the goethite to hematite and then treated to remove the hematite, whereby the color and brightness of the product are improved over the starting material.

Abstract: Fine-grained kaolin clays having improved brightness can be produced by (a) using centrifugation to fractionate the clay starting material into finer and coarser fractions, (b) subjecting the coarser fraction to flotation to remove discoloring impurities and (c) combining the finer and floated coarser fractions to produce fine-grained kaolin clays having improved brightness.

Abstract: A process for improving the rheological properties of an aqueous suspension of a particulate inorganic material which comprises the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous suspension of the particulate inorganic material and an effective amount of an anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent; (b) diluting the suspension formed in step (a) with water while maintaining the particulate in the dispersed state of step (a) to give a solids concentration of not less than 20% by weight of the particulate inorganic material; and (c) reconcentrating the diluted suspension formed in step (b) to give a solids concentration of at least 50% by weight of the particulate inorganic material.

Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor is supplied with fuel, oxygen-containing gas, and kaolinite, which contains water of crystallization. At least 80% by weight of the kaolinite have particle sizes in the range from 0.1 to 3 mm. A fluidized bed at temperatures in the range from 850.degree. to 950.degree. C. is formed in the fluidized bed reactor. A meta-kaolin white pigment which contains water of crystallization not in excess of 2% by weight is withdrawn from the fluidized bed reactor.

Abstract: A low brightness pigment and method is provided from a heretofore rejected waste kaolin stream. Kaolin processing rejects are high in iron-stained TiO.sub.2. After separating the stained TiO.sub.2 from the high brightness kaolin and concentrating the resulting fraction, the material can be processed to produce a low brightness pigment suitable of many applications where lower brightness is desirable, such as coating paper board without mottling.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of a blended smectite clay with enhanced rheology, particle size restriction and reduced abrasion characteristics which is useful for the coating of paper. The process comprises slurrying of a predominantly sodium smectite clay, slurrying a predominantly calcium smectite clay, degritting of the clay slurries to remove coarse grained impurities, removing a substantial portion of the undesirable soluble salts from the clay slurries, fractionating the clay slurries to control particle size of the smectite clays in the slurry and blending together the predominantly sodium smectite clay slurry with the predominantly calcium smectite clay slurry to form a blended clay slurry.

Abstract: A process for preparing a high brightness, low abrasion calcined kaolin. A cretaceous crude is wet beneficiated by subjecting same as an aqueous slurry to degritting, classification, magnetic separation, and scrub grinding. The slurry from the foregoing is diluted to less than 15% solids and subjected while well dispersed to a separation in a centrifuge to yield an underflow and an overflow fine fraction having less than 5% solids and a P.S.D. such that at least 85% by weight are of <0.5 .mu.m E.S.D. and at least 30% by weight are of <0.25 .mu.m E.S.D. The overflow fine fraction slurry of dispersed kaolin is subjected to a partial filtration by passing same in cross flow relation to a microporous membrane through which substantially none of the suspended kaolin particles pass, to raise the solids content of the said slurry to at least 20%.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated composite pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by contacting a substantially dry fine particle size mixture of kaolin and one or more additional feed minerals with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then recovering the aggregated composite pigment.

Abstract: A method of treating a water-swellable clay after the clay has been mined and dried to improve its properties when in contact with salt-contaminated water. After the common initial drying of the clay to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, the clay is rewetted to a moisture content of more than 12% by weight, preferably at least about 15% or more, based on the dry weight of the clay, then redried to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the clay.

Abstract: A method of treating a water-swellable clay, initially having a Fe.sup.+3 /Fe.sup.+2 ratio of at least 1.0, preferably at least 3.0, and most preferably in the range of about 5.0 to about 15.0, after the clay has been mined and dried. After the common initial drying of the clay to a moisture content of 12% or less, the clay is re-wetted to a moisture content of more than 12% by weight, preferably at least about 15% or more, based on the dry weight of the clay, then re-dried to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the clay.

Abstract: A coating pigment for coating printing media, especially paper and cardboard, is made with at least one swellable layer silicate which can be fixed on the printing medium essentially without binders, where the amount of swellable layer silicate is at least 30 weight percent and the swelling volume of the coating pigment is 5 to 30 ml, based on suspension of 2 g coating pigment in 100 ml water. A water-based coating which contains such a coating pigment and a printing medium that is coated on one or both sides with the coating pigment or coating are also described. The deinkability of printed printing media coated with the coating pigment is improved.

Abstract: A high solids structured kaolin clay slurry having improved high shear rheology is manufactured by a process which comprises the sequential steps of forming an aqueous composition by mixing water and a lithium-based dispersant and then mixing structured kaolin clay particles with the aqueous composition to form the desired high solids slurry.

Abstract: A low brightness pigment and method is provided from a heretofore rejected waste kaolin stream. Kaolin processing rejects are high in iron-stained TiO.sub.2. After separating the stained TiO.sub.2 from the high brightness kaolin and concentrating the resulting fraction, the material can be processed to produce a low brightness pigment suitable of many applications where lower brightness is desirable, such as coating paper board without mottling.

Abstract: A method for producing calcined kaolin pigments of high opacifying properties and low abrasion. A kaolin crude is selected having a G.E. brightness in the range of 70 to 80, a titania content of 2.0 to 3.0% by weight, less than 2% iron expressed as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, and a particle size distribution such that at least 88% by weight of the particles of said crude are of less than 2 .mu.m E.S.D.. The crude is blunged with water, and the resultant slurry degritted to form an aqueous slurry having at least 65% by weight solids. The slurry is centrifuged and a fraction recovered having over 65% solids, and in which at least 92% by weight of the particles are of less than 2 .mu.m. The recovered fraction is dried to less than 1% moisture, and pulverized to break up agglomerates. The pulverized fraction is then calcined by heating same to 1450.degree. to 1600.degree. F. after which the calcined kaolin is milled to yield a product having a G.E. brightness of 79 to 81 and an Einleiner abrasion of not mere than 2.

Abstract: Separation of impurities from kaolin clay is accomplished by conditioning a dispersed aqueous pulp of the clay with an anionic flotation collector, followed by centrifugation or the like to cause the impurities to settle from a dispersed pulp of the clay without an intermediate froth flotation step or a flotation waste froth is centrifuged or hydrocloned to recover valuable kaolin contained in the froth.

Abstract: A method of treating a water-swellable clay, initially having a Fe.sup.+3 /Fe.sup.+2 ratio of at least 1.0, preferably at least 3.0, and most preferably in the range of about 5.0 to about 15.0, after the clay has been mined and dried. After the common initial drying of the clay to a moisture content of 12% or less, the clay is re-wetted to a moisture content of more than 12% by weight, preferably at least about 15% or more, based on the dry weight of the clay, then re-dried to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the clay.

Abstract: A method of treating a water-swellable clay after the clay has been mined and dried to improve its properties when in contact with salt-contaminated water. After the common initial drying of the clay to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, the clay is rewetted to a moisture content of more than 12% by weight, preferably at least about 15% or more, based on the dry weight of the clay, then redried to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the clay.

Abstract: Separation of impurities from kaolin clay is accomplished by conditioning a dispersed aqueous pulp of the clay with an anionic flotation collector, followed by centrifugation or hydrocloning to cause the impurities to settle from a dispersed pulp of the clay without an intermediate froth flotation step or a flotation waste froth is centrifuged or hydrocloned to recover valuable kaolin contained in the froth.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated kaolin pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by contacting a substantially dry fine particle size kaolin with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then recovering the aggregated kaolin pigment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for selectively purifying ceramic materials for glass, paper and electronics use contaminated with iron compounds, the process using ascorbic acid or its derivatives as the iron reducing agent.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for whitening kaolinitic clays by adding an aqueous acid solution containing sodium bisulfite and atomized aluminum powder, thereby causing the reduction of the contaminating iron ions present in the kaolin, resulting in a considerable increase in its whiteness index as well as a reduction of the particle size of the product obtained.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a aggregated kaolin pigment having desired physical and optical characteristics when used as a coating, filler or pigment in paper. The aggregated pigment is produced by mixing an aqueous slurry of a fine particle kaolin with a previously hydrolyzed organic silicon compound, such as hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane, and then spray drying the mixture to form a dry, chemically aggregated kaolin pigment.

Abstract: A process for producing a high solids aqueous slurry of a beneficiated kaolin. An impure crude kaolin clay is initially subjected to wet processing including a size classification step, to recover a beneficiated fine particle size kaolin fraction which is formed into a dilute aqueous slurry of deflocculated kaolin particles. The dilute slurry is filtered by flowing it generally parallel to and in contact with the surface of a microporous barrier while maintaining a pressure drop across the barrier in a direction transverse to the slurry flow. A gel permeation layer is thereby formed of kaolin overlying the surface of the microporous barrier. The gel permeation layer and underlaying surface are substantially impervious to the passage of clay solids while being pervious to the passage of water molecules, ions and dissolved salts; whereby water molecules, ions and dissolved salts are caused to pass through the barrier, thereby increasing the concentration of the solids in the kaolin slurry.

Abstract: An improvement is disclosed applicable to systems where a mineral ore, such as a crude kaolin is introduced into a high shear, high energy mixing device with a suspending fluid and dispersing agents added to the same mixing device at controlled rates to produce a suspension with a solid content not more than 72% by weight. The process is applicable to systems where inorganic materials are suspended in a slurry, using water as the suspending fluid, in the presence of a dispersing agent, as for example in the processing of kaolin clay where the crude clay is formed into an aqueous suspension for the purpose of removing impurities and further processing. Heat is applied to the fluids in or before entering the mixing zone of the mixer, in sufficient quantity to raise the temperature of the suspension by at least 10.degree. C. This lowers the flow resistance of fluids in the mixing zone.

Abstract: A high opacity, defined kaolin clay product having a relatively narrow particle size distribution, low colloidal particle content and an average particle surface area of less than about 30 square meters per gram is prepared by defining an aqueous kaolin clay slurry via controlled centrifugation to remove a substantial portion of the colloidal particles therein. Prior to being subjected to centrifugation, the aqueous kaolin clay slurry is prepared so as to improve the defining process achieved via centrifugation by first subjecting the aqueous kaolin clay suspension to scrub grinding so as to break up agglomerates into individual kaolin clay particles without substantial delamination of the kaolin clay particles.

Abstract: A low brightness pigment and method is provided from a heretofore rejected waste kaolin stream. Kaolin processing rejects are high in iron-stained TiO.sub.2. After separating the stained TiO.sub.2 from the high brightness kaolin and concentrating the resulting fraction, the material can be processed to produce a low brightness pigment suitable of many applications where lower brightness is desirable, such as coating paper board without mottling.

Abstract: A method of treating a water-swellable clay after the clay has been mined and dried. After the common initial drying of the clay to a moisture content of 12% or less, the clay is re-wetted to a moisture content of more than 12% by weight, preferably at least about 15% or more, based on the dry weight of the clay, then redried to a moisture content of 12% by weight or less, based on the dry weight of the clay.

Abstract: The present invention provides high grade opaliform porcellanite having a purity of at least 80% active silica. The invention also provides a process for the production of a high grade opaliform porcellanite having a purity of at least 80% active silica comprising grinding and screening porcellanite rock to form granules having an average diameter of between about 0.6 and 18 mm and then subjecting said granules to wet disintegration to remove soft clays and limestone and gravitic separation to separate the lower density opaliform active silica from higher density impurities intermixed therewith.

Abstract: Paper coatings composition containing highly deionized clay or calcium carbonate are disclosed; the compositions provide equivalent rheology at up to 4% higher solids; the compositions provide enhanced glossability; the highly deionized clay and calcium carbonate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stabilized aqueous suspension of calcined clay and a method for preparing the same are provided. The method involves an aqueous suspension of calcined clay containing at least 10% by weight clay, and at least 0.05% by weight of a high charge density crosslinked or uncrosslinked acid containing alkali-soluble acrylic copolymer.

Abstract: A novel ceramic material affording a ceramic molded bodies having a high toughness and a high tensile strength is disclosed which comprises a smectite clay mineral having at least a portion of ion-exchangeable cations thereof ion-exchanged with bismuth ions. The ceramic material is prepared by treating a smectite clay mineral with an aqueous solution containing bismuth ions to ion-exchange at least a portion of ion-exchangeable cations thereof with bismuth ions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for treating a clay mineral thereby to change its rheological properties when in aqueous suspension such that the fluidity of the aqueous suspension at a given temperature and percentage by weight of completely deflocculated clay mineral solids in the suspension is increased, which process comprises the steps of mixing with the clay mineral in a plastic state a minor proportion by weight of a water-soluble organic compound having a plurality of basic groups and a number average molecular weight not greater than 1000, and subsequently or simultaneously subjecting the mixture to mechanical working under conditions such that from 25 to 1000 KJ of energy per Kg of dry clay mineral are dissipated in the mixture.

Abstract: A bleached, dispersed, high solids slurry is produced from unprocessed crudes at low pH and with minimum work input, using polyacrylic acid as the dispersant. The process involves making the slurry at the highest solids possible without resorting to filtration or spray drying.

Abstract: A high solids kaolin clay slurry having unexpectedly improved high shear viscosity is prepared by blending a chemically dispersed fine particle size Tertiary kaolin with a coarser particle size Cretaceous kaolin to provide a resultant blend having a controlled particle size range and particle size distribution.

Abstract: A ball clay/water slurry which may be used to prepare ceramic sanitaryware articles is disclosed. This slurry contains from 58 to 68 percent of ball clay with a specificed particle size distribution, 42 to 32 percent of water, 0.001 to 1.0 of organic polyelectrolyte, and from 50 to 650 parts per million of soluble sulfate ion.The slurry possesses rheological and casting rate properties which make it especially suitable for use in casting slips. It has a settling index of at least 0.9, a flow index of from 20 to 30 seconds, a casting rate of from 30 to 60 grams after 1 hour, and a transmission of at least 60 percent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for producing dispersions of vermiculite ore particles by intercalating organo-cation salts into the vermiculite structure under shearing conditions to delaminate the ore and reduce particle size in one step.

Abstract: A novel process for producing clay derivatives having porous structure comprises hydrolyzing a metal alkoxide such as Al(OR).sub.3, Ti(OR).sub.4 and Si(OR).sub.4 in which each R represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, deflocculating the resulting hydrolyzate with an acid to obtain a hydrous metal oxide sol, and reacting the sol with smectite.The thus obtained porous clay derivatives have larger interlaminar interstices and a larger surface area than conventional ones. The interstices can be arbitrarily controlled by the acid amount. In addition, the derivatives are thermally stable so that they can be widely utilized in various fields as pigments, encapsulating agents, adsorbents, catalysts, carriers for catalysts and the like.

Abstract: An organoclay is prepared by mixing a quaternary ammonium compound with an aqueous suspension of a smectite clay in proportions such that there are present from 75 to 110 milliequivalents of quaternary ammonium cation per 100 g of dry smectite clay, thereafter subjecting the smectite clay/quaternary ammonium compound/water mixture to high shear mixing for a time sufficient to dissipate in the mixture at least 100 KJ of energy per kg. of dry solids in the mixture; and then dewatering the product thus obtained.

Abstract: An organoclay which is readily dispersible in an organic liquid composition, is prepared by suspending a smectite clay in water to form a fluid suspension; treating the suspension with a solution of an inorganic salt, the cation of which preferably has a valency of at least two, the concentration of the salt being such as to flocculate the smectite clay substantially completely; mixing the suspension of the flocculated smectite clay with a quaternary ammonium compound, at least one of the four alkyl groups of which has from 10 to 24 carbon atoms; and dewatering the resultant product.

Abstract: An organo-clay is prepared by mixing a quaternary ammonium compound with an aqueous suspension of a smectite clay; thereafter subjecting the smectite clay/quaternary ammonium compound/water mixture to high shear mixing for a time sufficient to dissipate in the mixture at least 100 KJ of energy per kg. of dry solids in the mixture; and then dewatering the product thus obtained.