Abstract: A new method for producing precipitated silicas having a unique combination of physical and chemical properties is disclosed. The silicas are produced by acidulating a solution of an alkali metal silicate having a specific SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O mol ratio with an acid until precipitation just beings. At this point, the reaction mass is aged for a period of time and thereafter the acid addition is continued until the precipitated product is obtained. Products produced in accordance with the invention exhibit lower wet cake moisture and are characterized by their low structure, low oil absorption, high abrasiveness and high pack density, and as such are distinctly different from silicas used as reinforcing fillers in rubber. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an adduct material, such as aluminum, is added to control the refractive index of the precipitated pigment. Products produced in this manner have particular utility for use as abrasion and gelling agents in clear toothpaste compositions.

Abstract: Nitrocellulose coating compositions containing alkali metal alumino carbonates as flatting pigments.

Abstract: A method for controlling the viscosity of dispersed clay slurries is disclosed. In accordance with the invention, the problem associated with shipping or storing clay slurries in tank cars or tanks, that is, significant increases in the viscosity of the slurry which often results in the formation of a gelled mass, is overcome by the addition of gluconic acid or a salt thereof, such as sodium gluconate. The addition of the gluconic acid or the salt serves to control the viscosity of the clay slurry in a manner such that it remains at a substantially uniform and low level even when the slurry is shipped or stored over extended periods of time. The gluconic acid or gluconate is added to the slurry in relatively small quantities, i.e., up to 5.0 pounds/ton clay and unexpectedly does not affect the properties or characteristics of the clay pigment or product.

Abstract: The extension of a gum thickener in a dentifrice composition of high water content is achieved by replacement of up to 50% of the gum thickener with a silica thickener which results in a dentifrice of improved cosmetic properties while reducing total raw material costs.

Abstract: The amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the surface of a carbon black can be reduced below 2 ppb by heat treating the carbon black in a fluidized bed. Dried furnace carbon black pellets are charged in a fluid bed unit and preheated. The pellets are then fluidized with air, with the temperature of the bed between 1150.degree. F and 1850.degree. F for 5 to 40 minutes. The carbon black is then quenched and recovered.

Abstract: An oil reservoir gland stuffing box employed to extend the service life of the packing by providing an oil reservoir to maintain essential lubrication is provided with an attached container which will receive the overflow of the oil reservoir should the packing begin to leak excessively threatening thereby to create a pollution problem. A predetermined overflow actuates a weight sensitive micro-switch wired to shut off the pumping unit and/or send a warning signal to a remote control station. The control switch incorporates a manual re-set provision to prevent the pumping unit from restarting until the well has been serviced.

Abstract: A method of improving opacity and brightness of paper containing synthetic sodium magnesium alumino silicate, sodium alumino silicate and silicic acid or silica pigments which utilizes reducing the structure of such pigments by hard media grinding.

Abstract: A method for producing a precipitated silicon dioxide having a new combination of physical and chemical properties is disclosed. The pigments are produced by acidulating a solution of an alkali metal silicate with an acid under controlled precipitation conditions. The aqueous reaction medium comprising the precipitated silica is then post-conditioned by introducing a second silicate solution into the reaction vessel and thereafter adding additional acid to react with the said second silicate solution. By varying the amount of the silicate employed in the post-conditioning step, a product is obtained which has a unique combination of physical and chemical properties including reduced wet cake moisture content, high surface areas and oil absorptions, improved surface activity, friability, wetting characteristics, and the like. The product has particular utility for use as a rubber reinforcing agent because of its increased surface activity and oil absorption, etc.

Abstract: An electroflocculation cell for the separation of clay particles from an aqueous suspension thereof, the cell being equipped with an anode and cathode separated by a first semipermeable membrane impermeable to clay particles which divides the cell into anode and cathode compartments. A second semipermeable membrane is provided in the anode compartment spaced from the anode and the first membrane. Upon application of a direct current to the anode and cathode, clay particles in a suspension fed to the area of the cell between the first and second membranes deposit electrophoretically on the second membrane. By avoiding contact of the clay deposit with the anode, contamination of the deposit by anode corrosion products is thereby avoided.

Abstract: A method for producing precipitated silicic acid products and silicates having a unique combination of physical and chemical properties is disclosed. The products are produced by acidulating a solution of an akali metal silicate with an acid until precipitation just begins. At this point the reaction mass is aged for a period of time and thereafter the acid addition is continued until the precipitated product is obtained. Products produced in accordance with the invention exhibit lower wet cake moisture (or higher percent solids) and are characterized by their low structure, low oil absorption, high abrasiveness and high pack density. The products can be used as abrasive and polishing agents in dentifrice compositions, in the production of molecular sieves, in paints and the like. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an adduct material, such as aluminum, is added to control the refractive index of the precipitated silica.

Abstract: A process for producing precipitated silicic acid products having new and improved properties is disclosed. The silica products are produced by the simultaneous introduction of a solution of an alkali metal silicate and an acid, such as sulfuric acid, into an aqueous receiving medium which contains a salt or electrolyte. The pH of the aqueous receiving medium is adjusted prior to the introduction of the acid and silicate so that it is the same or equal to that pH at which the precipitation of the pigment is effected. The electrolyte is preferably a metal salt of the acid used for acidulation of the silicate. The acid and silicate are added to the receiving medium at a rate such that the precipitating pH is maintained constant. The products of the invention are characterized by their high abrasiveness and have a relative cleaning ability or scale (RCS) equivalent to high grade phosphates used as polishing agents in toothpastes and a superior fluoride compatibility to that of said phosphates.

Abstract: A process for the electrokinetic separation of finely divided clay particles from an aqueous suspension thereof, the suspension being contained in an electrokinetic cell equipped with an anode and cathode separated by a semi-permeable membrane impermeable to clay particles. Upon activation of the cell with direct current, clay particles are caused to deposit electrophoretically on the anode. Simultaneously with the deposition of the clay deposit, portions of the water contained in the suspension and entrained in the deposit are caused to migrate electroosmotically through the membrane and collected at a cathode compartment, thereby increasing clay solids content.

Abstract: Method of agglomerating powders and non-flowing fine particle minerals such as clay, silicas, and silicates including the steps of establishing a minimum level of wetting agent content in the material to be agglomerated, tumbling the material to be agglomerated over itself within a rotatably mounted drum, adding additional wetting agent to the material within the drum, and removing the agglomerated powder, which is now formed into pellets of an advantageous pellet size distribution, from the drum. The wetting agent may be added by strategically positioned nozzles within the drum. The establishing of a minimum level of wetting agent content in the powder, preferably in the range of 11/2 to 5%, is achieved either by incomplete drying of the material during wet processing or by the application of a wetting agent prior to introduction into the drum.

Abstract: A method for reducing the viscosity and for refining crude kaolin clays is disclosed. The inherent viscosities of crude kaolin clay ores, particularly those having acceptable optical and purity properties for use in preparing paper coating pigments, but normally rejected because of their high inherent viscosities, are significantly reduced by contacting an aqueous slurry of the crude clay with an inorganic polymeric complex having the general formula[Al (OH).sub.y A.sub.3-y ].sub.xwherein x = 6 to 24, y = 1.0 to 2.75 and A is selected from the group consisting of Cl.sup.-, (SO.sub.4.sup.--).sub.0.5 and NO.sub.3.sup.-. In a preferred embodiment the above treated clay is also subjected to a high shear mixing action or kneading prior to further conventional processing procedures, such as fractionation, leaching, etc.

Abstract: A method for producing precipitated silicic acid pigments and silicates having a unique combination of physical and chemical properties is disclosed. The pigments are produced by acidulating alkali metal silicate solutions which contain a salt or electrolyte, such as sodium sulfate, which serves to pre-polymerize the said silicate solution. Pigments produced in accordance with the invention exhibit lower wet cake moisture (or higher percent solids) and are characterized by their low structure, low oil absorption, high abrasiveness and high pack density. The products can be used as abrasive and polishing agents in dentifrice compositions, in the production of molecular sieves, in paints and the like. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an adduct material, such as aluminum, is added to control the refractive index of the precipitated pigment.

Abstract: A molded plastic scraper is molded in place on the sucker rod and as a result of shrink fitting of the material is firmly held in place thereon. Special configurations and materials particularly useful as and in both scrapers and centralizers are disclosed as well as additional unexpected advantages of such scrapers, configurations, and materials. A preferred method and apparatus for the production and manufacture of such scrapers and centralizers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of beneficiating kaolin clay by the addition of non-dispersing neutral salts to assist in the removal of discolored impurities, such as titanium and iron bearing minerals from a clay slurry. This process is capable of producing clays having a brightness in the 90- 95 range.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to produce carbon black by diluting the concentration of reactive species by the addition of substantially inert gases to the reactive gas stream prior to the termination of particle growth.

Abstract: An improved process for pelletizing siliceous materials produced in an aqueous medium is disclosed. The process comprises the improvement of filtering the aqueous medium in which the siliceous materials are produced or refined, forming a slurry of the filter cake obtained by filtration and thereafter introducing the slurry directly into a pelletizer. The pellets thus formed are dried and a portion thereof recycled to the pelletizer so that the solids content of the slurry has a predetermined solids content. The process obviates the need for an initial drying of the filter cake, reduces the drying of excess water at several steps and provides for the recycling and use of unsatisfactory materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for augmenting or facilitating flushing of impurities collected by a porous ferromagnetic matrix. The matrix is contained in a canister, through which an aqueous clay slurry is flowed as an applied field magnetizes the matrix to enable attraction of the discoloring magnetics. The periodic flushing of the matrix is rendered of increased efficacy, by applying auxiliary mechanical forces to dislodge the magnetics; or other disclosed means and methods may be used to facilitate the flushing operation.