Abstract: A method for reducing bacterial contamination on a food surface. The method comprises applying to the food surface an N—C6-C18 acyl amino acid ester and a methylcellulose. The methylcellulose has anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is 0.36 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing recovery of value sulfide or precious minerals from an ore containing Mg-silicate, slime forming minerals, and/or clay by subjecting the ore to a flotation process performed under acidic conditions, in conjunction with the addition of a froth phase modifier agent to the ore, are provided herein.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous solution of a methylcellulose having anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is 0.36 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups, comprises the step of mixing the methylcellulose with an aqueous liquid at a temperature of not higher than 10° C. at a shear rate of at least 1000 s?1.

Abstract: The palatability of a non-starch water-soluble polysaccharide (A) can be improved by at least partially coating the non-starch water-soluble polysaccharide (A) with a methylcellulose (B) having anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is 0.36 or less, wherein s23 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 3-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups and wherein s26 is the molar fraction of anhydroglucose units wherein only the two hydroxy groups in the 2- and 6-positions of the anhydroglucose unit are substituted with methyl groups, with the proviso that the non-starch water-soluble polysaccharide (A) is different from said methylcellulose (B).

Abstract: An aqueous solution comprising (a) one or more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides and (b) a methylcellulose, wherein the methylcellulose has anhydroglucose units joined by 1-4 linkages wherein hydroxy groups of anhydroglucose units are substituted with methyl groups such that s23/s26 is 0.36 or less, is produced by i) mixing the methylcellulose with an aqueous liquid comprising one or more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides at a shear rate of at least 1000 s?1 or ii) mixing one or more mono-, di- and/or oligosaccharides with the methylcellulose and/or an aqueous liquid before, simultaneously with or after mixing the methylcellulose with the aqueous liquid at a shear rate of at least 1000 s?1.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing recovery of value sulfide and/or precious-metal minerals from an ore containing said minerals and a Mg-silicate, slime forming mineral, and/or clay, and which is subjected to a froth flotation process, by adding to one or more stage of the froth flotation process a froth phase modifier having a polymer containing one or more functional groups, and optionally a monovalent ion modifier enhancing agent, thereby enhancing recovery of a value sulfide mineral and/or a precious metal-bearing mineral.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing recovery of value sulfide or precious minerals from an ore containing Mg-silicate, slime forming minerals, and/or clay by crushing the ore, grinding the ore, and subjecting the ground ore to a flotation process, in conjunction with the addition of at least one monovalent ion modifier enhancing agent and/or froth phase modifier agent to the ore, are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing recovery of value sulfide or precious minerals from an ore containing Mg-silicate, slime forming minerals, and/or clay by crushing the ore, grinding the ore, and subjecting the ground ore to a flotation process, in conjunction with the addition of at least one monovalent ion modifier enhancing agent and/or froth phase modifier agent to the ore, are provided herein.

Abstract: The invention is an improved form of a rheologically modified fluid which is capable of suspending various particulates including polysaccharides, hydrocolloids, and other food approved items, in a pumpable oil-based carrier fluid. The modified fluid can be thickened such that it can be used as a lubricant or a food item. The modified fluid preferably contains food approved ingredients. A representative system comprises a carrier fluid, a thickening or gelling hydrocolloid, and an oil-thickening compound. A preferred carrier fluid is vegetable oil, a preferred hydrocolloid is xanthan gum, and a preferred oil thickening compound is fumed silica.