Abstract: A method of transshipping solid particulates in an aqueous suspension of solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending agent to form the aqueous suspension of solid particulates. The aqueous suspension of the solid particulates is hauled via a first vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km. The aqueous suspension of the solid particulates is transferred from the first vehicle to a second vehicle. The aqueous suspension of solid particulates is hauled via a second vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km.

Abstract: A composition in the form of a backfill is described. The composition comprises one or more mine tailings present in an amount greater than 50% by weight of the composition, one or more cementitious binder materials present in an amount ranging from 0% to 12% by weight of the composition, attapulgite present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 4.00% by weight of the composition, and water. The fines content (Fc) of the one or more mine tailings is greater than or equal to 3%. Although subject to many uses, in some embodiments, the composition is suitable for managing tailings to be stored above ground or underground. For example, in some embodiments, the composition is suitable for filling mined out areas.

Abstract: A method of transporting solid particulates in an aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending agent, wherein solid particulates are transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m.

Abstract: A composition, in the form of a concrete, cement paste, mortar or intermediate thereof, comprising one or more cementitious binder materials present in an amount ranging from 0.5% to 75% by weight of the composition, attapulgite present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 1.00% by weight of the composition, and optionally water. Although subject to many uses, in some embodiments, the composition is suitable for applications in need or desire of self-consolidating concretes (SCCs), precast concrete, shotcrete, and the like. Although makeable by multiple methods, in some embodiments, the composition is made by mixing the component ingredients. In some embodiments, the composition has one or more properties chosen from superior aggregate suspension, eliminated segregation, improved workability, improved flowability, improved pumpability—or improved overall performance—of concretes.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for feeding granular material are described, in the form of a frame with a leveler, a controller, and a feeder. The feeder includes a hopper, an enclosure with an outlet, a drive assembly electrically connected to the controller, and a rotatable member in communication with the drive assembly and configured to rotate within the enclosure to control a rate of flow of granular material from the hopper through the outlet.

Abstract: A composition, in the form of a concrete, cement paste, mortar or intermediate thereof, comprising one or more cementitious binder materials present in an amount ranging from 0.5% to 75% by weight of the composition, attapulgite present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 1.00% by weight of the composition, and optionally water. Although subject to many uses, in some embodiments, the composition is suitable for applications in need or desire of self-consolidating concretes (SCCs), precast concrete, shotcrete, and the like. Although makeable by multiple methods, in some embodiments, the composition is made by mixing the component ingredients. In some embodiments, the composition has one or more properties chosen from superior aggregate suspension, eliminated segregation, improved workability, improved flowability, improved pumpability—or improved overall performance—of concretes.

Abstract: A composition in the form of a backfill is described. The composition comprises one or more mine tailings present in an amount greater than 50% by weight of the composition, one or more cementitious binder materials present in an amount ranging from 0% to 12% by weight of the composition, attapulgite present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 4.00% by weight of the composition, and water. The fines content (Fc) of the one or more mine tailings is greater than or equal to 3%. Although subject to many uses, in some embodiments, the composition is suitable for managing tailings to be stored above ground or underground. For example, in some embodiments, the composition is suitable for filling mined out areas.

Abstract: A method of transshipping solid particulates in an aqueous suspension of solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending agent to form the aqueous suspension of solid particulates. The aqueous suspension of the solid particulates is hauled via a first vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km. The aqueous suspension of the solid particulates is transferred from the first vehicle to a second vehicle. The aqueous suspension of solid particulates is hauled via a second vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km.

Abstract: A method of transporting solid particulates in an aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending agent, wherein solid particulates are transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a lifecycle of a snapshot image using a storage lifecycle policy is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises recording a snapshot image of a volume and creating a copy of the snapshot image, wherein the copy is to be used to implement a storage lifecycle policy for the snapshot image.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system which allows for the rapid application of a water immobilizing dispersion in sufficient quantities to increase the fire protective and wetting characteristics of water. This system also increases the evaporative cooling and quenching effects of water. The primary constituents of the composition of this system are water, purified Attapulgite clay, and an environmentally safe salt, e.g., magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system which allows for the rapid application of a water immobilizing dispersion in sufficient quantities to increase the fire protective and wetting characteristics of water. This system also increases the evaporative cooling and quenching effects of water. The primary constituents of the composition of this system are water, purified Attapulgite clay, and an environmentally safe salt, e.g., magnesium sulfate.