Abstract: A method of enhancing the fragmentation and excavation of hard, solid materials such as rock formations is provided which comprises adding to the rock surface an aqueous solution including a high molecular weight nonionic polymer such as polyethylene oxide which is capable of hydrogen bonding with water to produce charge-neutralizing positive charge dipoles. The nonionic polymeric solution is thus capable of neutralizing the rock surface charge and obtaining a condition of zero surface charge (ZSC) so that the drilling, tunneling, cutting or other similar operation can be conducted with substantial increases in drilling performance and penetration rate. The method is also extremely effective in extending the lives of drill bits, cutting tools, grinding media, or other polishing or drilling tools such that an enormous savings in terms of replacing equipment can be achieved.

Abstract: The enhancement of rock fragmentation and rock excavation by neutralizing the rock surface charge with respect to the drilling, tunneling, cutting, grinding, or polishing fluid. Water-soluble, high-molecular-weight, nonionic polymers are employed to neutralize the surface charge on the rock, thereby promoting increased drilling, cutting, tunneling, grinding and polishing performance resulting in increases in drilling, tunneling, cutting, grinding and polishing penetration rate, extensions in bit, cutting tool, grinding media, and polishing tool life and dust suppression.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for accelerating the removal and recovery of selenium from aqueous solutions, such as agricultural irrigation drainage streams or mine waste waters by the bioreduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) species by using Clostridium soil bacteria together with a rapid exchange reaction which occurs between the aqueous selenium species selenous acid (H.sub.2 SeO.sub.3) and pyrite (FeS.sub.2) to remove all forms of selenium from the aqueous solution. The exchange reaction product FeS.Se may be treated with dilute mineral acid such as sulfurous acid to generate hydrogen selenide (H.sub.2 Se), which is burned in air to yield free selenium. The free selenium recovered is available for use in the electronics, photocopying equipment and other industries. A reusable bacteria-containing soil and pyrite filter apparatus for installation in drainage canals and other conduits is additionally provided to facilitate the removal of aqueous selenium pollutants.

Abstract: Concentration and reclaiming of magnetic fluids is accomplished by (1) flocculation of the magnetic particles by addition of hydrochloric acid, (2) separation of the resulting flocculated particles, and (3) redispersion of the flocculated particles by addition of an aqueous suspension of ammonia, preferably with heating.

Abstract: Nonfibrous suspended solids, such as quartz, clays and phosphate slime solids, are removed from water by filtration through a bed of MgO.

Abstract: Ferrochromium alloys are prepared by vacuum reduction of chromite concentrate by means of a carbonaceous reductant, followed by melting in the presence of slag-forming materials to produce the alloy and a separate slag phase. Preferably, CaO is employed as an ingredient in both the reduction step and the melting step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for clarifying slimes. This method comprises the steps of treating a slime with a unique flocculant and separating the clarified slime from the aggregated floccules. The flocculant is a stabilized aqueous-base magnetic colloid that contains colloidal magnetic particles and at least one surfactant, such as dodecylamine. The magnetic colloid becomes unstable and the magnetic particles thereof irreversibly flocculate when the magnetic colloid is sufficiently diluted.

Abstract: Nickel, cobalt and manganese are selectively recovered from Atlantic deep sea nodules by means of a preliminary treatment with acetic acid, followed by leaching with sulfurous acid.

Abstract: A dilution stable water based magnetic fluid is provided by dispersing magnetic particles in water with the aid of a C.sub.10 -C.sub.15 aliphatic monocarboxylic acid. The magnetic particles are preferably particles of magnetite, prepared by precipitation of dissolved iron chloride salts from aqueous solution by the use of ammonium hydroxide. The preferred acids used in preparing the dispersions are dodecanoic (C.sub.12) and tridecanoic (C.sub.13).

Abstract: Asbestos fibers are removed from water by filtration through a bed of magnesium oxide.

Abstract: Sulfur is recovered from gases containing H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2 by absorption of the H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2 in a glycol absorbent, and reaction of the H.sub.2 S and SO.sub.2 in solution in the absorbent in the presence of a solid catalyst.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide is decomposed to elemental sulfur in an electrical discharge. In one embodiment of the invention the H.sub.2 S decomposition rate is substantially increased when the decomposition is effected in the presence of polymeric chlorotrifluoroethylene.