Abstract: The monosodium and monopotassium citrates are improved iron-sequestering agents in salt compositions for regenerating spent water softener cation exchange resins. The dry compositions comprise a surfactant, an alkali metal chloride selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and potassium chloride, and an iron sequestering agent selected from the group consisting of monosodium citrate and monopotassium citrate. The composition is preferably provided in the form of compacted pellets or blocks. The method for regenerating the spent cation exchange resin bed comprises the step of contacting the resin bed with an aqueous brine solution containing the citrate and a surfactant and having a pH of about 3.5 to 4.5.

Abstract: A water soluble dicarboxylic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof acts as a mold release agent for salt pellets when a salt-contacting surface of a roll-type briquetting press is coated with from about 0.02 to about 5 mg/cm2 of a powder of the acid or alkali metal salt just prior to a charge of salt. The coating is achieved by spraying an air stream entraining the powder onto the press rolls or by spraying a solution of the release agent onto the rolls and evaporating the solvent to leave the powder on the rolls. The acid has from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; adipic acid being preferred. Salt pellets having a layer of the powder on their surface may be used in water softening systems wherein the pellets sit in a brine reservoir and supply salt for the recharging of an ion exchange resin. There is no formation of an unsightly scum on the surface of the brine and on the sides of the reservoir.

Abstract: A water soluble dicarboxylic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof acts as a mold release agent for salt pellets when a salt-contacting surface of a roll-type briquetting press is coated with from about 0.02 to about 5 mg/cm.sup.2 of a powder of the acid or alkali metal salt just prior to a charge of salt. The coating is achieved by spraying an air stream entraining the powder onto the press rolls or by spraying a solution of the release agent onto the rolls and evaporating the solvent to leave the powder on the rolls. The acid has from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; adipic acid being preferred. Salt pellets having a layer of the powder on their surface may be used in water softening systems wherein the pellets sit in a brine reservoir and supply salt for the recharging of an ion exchange resin. There is no formation of an unsightly scum on the surface of the brine and on the sides of the reservoir.

Abstract: A water soluble dicarboxylic acid acts as a mold release agent for salt blocks when it is sprayed as a fine powder into the block press mold box just prior to a charge of salt. The acid has from 6 to 10 carbon atoms; adipic acid is a preferred release agent. The salt block having a layer of the acid on it surface may be used in water softening systems wherein the block sits in a brine reservoir and supplies salt for the recharging of an ion exchange resin. There is no build up of an unsightly scum on the surface of the brine and on the sides of the reservoir as there has been with the use of calcium stearate as the release agent.

Abstract: A deicer composition contains a deicing compound plus between about 0.5 and about 5.0 weight percent of a gelling agent, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, to minimize spalling of concrete to which the deicer composition is applied.

Abstract: Salt composition and method for regenerating spent water softener cation exchange resins, to remove or prevent the accumulation of iron in its various forms, insolubles, and oily deposits. The dry composition comprises from about 10 ppm to about 400 ppm of an alkylated diphenyl oxide disulfonate surfactant, from about 500 ppm to about 8000 ppm of sodium citrate, and as the remainder of the composition sodium chloride. The composition is preferably provided and used in the form of compacted products. The method for regenerating the spent cation exchange resin bed comprises the step of contacting the resin bed with an aqueous brine solution containing from about 25 to about 1200 ppm sodium citrate and from about 0.5 to about 60 ppm of alkylated diphenyl oxide disulfonate surfactant. The method is conveniently practiced by dissolving the composition first set forth above in the water of a conventional brine tank, using known technology.