Abstract: A method of controlling volatile fatty acid (VFA) content in a pulp, paper, and/or board making processes is disclosed. The method may be used to provide process improvements in the form of reduced microbial contamination and odor, reduced starch degradation, optimized retention, and improved runability. The method includes treating a process flow comprising a cellulosic material comprising a starch with an enzymatic VFA control agent. The enzymatic VFA control agent is non-biocidal, may further comprise a surfactant or dispersant, and is utilized in an amount sufficient to inhibit microbiological production of one or more VFA. The method optionally includes treating the process flow with a biocidal agent in combination with the enzymatic VFA control agent. A composition for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for dispersing complex scale based on elemental sulfur are provided. A method for dispersing elemental sulfur in acidic water includes providing water including elemental sulfur and adding from about 1 to about 100 parts by weight of a sulfur dispersion additive to the water based on one million parts by weight of the water to disperse the elemental sulfur in the water. The sulfur dispersion additive is chosen from a water soluble aromatic surfactant, a lignosulfonate, a naphthalene sulfonate, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for dispersing metal sulfates are provided. A method for dispersing metal sulfates includes providing a mineral ore; contacting an acidic leaching solution with the mineral ore; adding a dispersion additive to the mineral ore and/or leaching solution to disperse the metal sulfates therein, wherein the dispersion additive is chosen from a water-soluble aromatic surfactant, a lignosulfonate, a naphthalene sulfonate, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method of controlling volatile fatty acid (VFA) content in a pulp, paper, and/or board making processes is disclosed. The method may be used to provide process improvements in the form of reduced microbial contamination and odor, reduced starch degradation, optimized retention, and improved runability. The method includes treating a process flow comprising a cellulosic material comprising a starch with a VFA control agent. The VFA control agent is non-biocidal, comprises a surfactant or dispersant, a chelator or sequestrant, or a combination thereof, is capable of inhibiting amylase activity in the process flow, and is utilized in an amount sufficient to inhibit microbiological production of one or more VFA. The method optionally includes treating the process flow with a biocidal agent in combination with the VFA control agent.