Abstract: This invention relates to metal oxides dispersant compositions comprising (a) certain a metal oxides dispersant, and (b) an oxime. The invention also relates to a process for dispersing metal oxides in an aqueous system that involves adding the dispersant composition to the aqueous system.

Abstract: A method of reducing or preventing the amount of iron sludge or precipitate that forms as a result of the recovery of silver from chemical solutions, such as a standard photographic solution. The method generally involves the introduction of a source of a conjugate organic base, such as a weak organic acid like citric acid or a salt of the conjugate organic base like a citrate salt, to the chemical fluid either before or during the silver recovery process. Preferably the source of conjugate organic base is introduced by combining it with a binder to form a time release cake or placing it in a container that has a semipermeable membrane that maintains the concentration of the conjugate organic base in the chemical fluid from about 0.2 to about 78 milimolar over a period of time.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR?)3 are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream or a high level nuclear waste processing plant. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: To simply and accurately determine the concentration of a water treating agent in thermal equipment upon management of a supply amount of the water treating agent, a method of controlling a supply amount of a water treating agent according to the present invention includes the steps of: supplying a water treating agent containing a scale inhibitor selected from chelating agents to a water-supply system of thermal equipment; collecting a water sample from the thermal equipment; quantitatively determining the scale inhibitor in the collected water sample; and determining a concentration of the water treating agent in the thermal equipment on the basis of a quantitative value of the scale inhibitor.

Abstract: A method of providing corrosion inhibition to copper, nickel, aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, beryllium, carbon steel, various alloys of such metals, and galvanized coatings in evaporative cooling water applications approaching zero liquid discharge that are specifically attacked by cooling water with residuals of corrosive chemistry or ions such as ammonia/ammonium ion, chloride, high TDS, OH?, or high pH. The method includes applying azoles inhibitors (such as TTA, BTA, etc.) at residuals of 0.25 mg/L to 200 mg/L or greater (as azoles) to the cooling water application and operating with a combination of high TDS (greater than 2500 mg/L) and high pH (greater than 9.0), while maintaining low total hardness (less than 200 mg/L as CaCO3).

Abstract: The use of water-soluble aromatic polysulfonic acid salts for inhibiting fouling in process equipment used in the thermal treatment of heavy oils.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting formation of hydrocarbon hydrates in mixtures of water and a hydrate-forming guest molecule has been discovered that involves adding a composition to the mixtures in an amount that is effective in inhibiting formation of the hydrocarbon hydrates under conditions otherwise effective to form the hydrocarbon hydrates in the absence of the reaction product. The composition includes at least one dendrimeric compound having a number average molecular weight of at least 1,000 atomic mass units (amu); and at least one small molecular weight species having less than 1,000 amu, selected from the group consisting of polyalkyleneimine, polyallylamine, starch, sugars, and polymers or copolymers of vinyl alcohol or allyl alcohol; and, optionally, at least one surfactant.

Abstract: Materials and a method are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR?)3 (where R? is H, an alkyl group, Na, K, or NH4) are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream or a high level nuclear waste processing plant. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled and/or scaled UF or MF membrane with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: (a) treating the membrane in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer that is present on the surface and/or in pores of said membrane; (b) making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; (c) optionally rinsing the membrane; (d) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid between the steps (b) and (c); and (e) optionally backwashing the membrane with air and/or liquid after the membrane is rinsed in step (c).

Abstract: A composition including an aqueous solution of calcium polysulfide and an amount of a precipitation preventing compound effective to reduce or eliminate precipitation of the calcium polysulfide at low concentrations. The precipitation preventing compound is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydrosulfide, potassium hydrosulfide, sodium sulfide, and potassium sulfide. A method of reducing or preventing precipitation of calcium polysulfide added to the water in an irrigation system by first injecting the precipitation preventing compound into the water in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate precipitation of the calcium polysulfide at low concentrations. Sodium methyldithiocarbamate can be added to the calcium polysulfide/precipitation preventing compound solution without any substantial precipitation.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a fouled or a scaled RO or NF membrane surface with a solution containing one or more thermo-responsive polymers is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises: treating the membrane surface in a membrane separation system with a solution containing one or more TRP, wherein said TRP is soluble in said solution and at least an effective amount of said TRP diffuses into a foulant layer on said membrane surface; making insoluble said TRP diffused into said foulant layer; optionally, rinsing the membrane.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting the formation and deposition of silica and silicate compounds in water systems comprising adding to the water in the water system an effective inhibiting amount of one or more water-soluble polymers of formula wherein M is a repeating unit obtained after polymerization of one or more monomers comprising a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond; r is 0 to about 5 mole percent, s is 100 to about 95 mole percent; R1 is H or C1-C4 alkyl; R2 is a group of formula —(CH2—CHR3—O)n—; R3 is H or CH3, or a mixture thereof; and n is 2 to about 25.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of conditioning mixed liquor in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system comprising adding an effective amount of a tannin containing polymer to the mixed liquor. Also disclosed is a method of improving flux in an MBR system comprising adding an effective amount of a tannin containing polymer to mixed liquor of the MBR. An effective amount of the tannin containing polymer may be added separately or in combination with other water soluble sludge filterability improvement polymers or sludge filterability improvement inorganic coagulants to the mixed liquor of the MBR. In one embodiment, the tannin containing polymer is a water soluble or dispersible copolymer of a tannin and a cationic monomer. In another embodiment, the tannin containing polymer is a water soluble or dispersible polymer of a tannin, a cationic monomer, and at least one monomer.

Abstract: A biofilm reducing agent (BRA) and a mineral deposit distorting agent (MDDA) are admixed to irrigation water in amounts sufficient to substantially eliminate biofilm formation in the emitters (14) of an irrigation system (10) and produce amorphous mineral deposits in the emitters that are easily washed away by the irrigation water as it flows through the emitters (14). The BRA may be an oxidizer selected from the group consisting of chlorine, ozone, chlorine dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxy peracitic acid, iodine, bromine, hydrogen dioxide, chlorate salts, chlorite salts and hypochlorite compounds and mixtures thereof. The MDDA is a phosphonate selected from the group comprising AMP, ATMP, HEDP, EDTMPA, HMDTMPA, DETPMPA, BHMPTMPA, PBTC, HPA, PCA, NTMP, and DTPMP.

Abstract: A method for upgrading heavy oils by contacting the heavy oil with a water-soluble aromatic polysulfonic acid salt and then thermally treating the contacted heavy oil. The polysulfonic acid salt can be recovered and recycled from contacting the heavy oil. The polysulfonic acid salt is recovered and recycled. The invention also relates to the upgraded product from the enhanced thermal treatment process.

Abstract: A method and composition and system which for the oxidation, clean up, removal and control of iron and iron deposits in water and the removal of iron deposits and bacterial bio-films from surfaces in water systems. The composition contains sodium chlorite, sodium hypochlorite and citric acid.

Abstract: A method for treating feedwater is provided. The method includes steps of introducing a treatment composition into a feedwater stream to provide a treated feedwater stream containing scale inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm, and combining the treated feedwater stream with a detersive composition. The scale inhibitor can include a phosphate scale inhibitor, a carbonate scale inhibitor, or a combination of a phosphate scale inhibitor and a carbonate scale inhibitor. The detersive composition can be provided as a cleaning composition, a rinse agent composition, or a drying agent composition. A treatment composition and an apparatus for treating feedwater are provided.

Abstract: A storage stable water-in-oil emulsion composition that includes 5% to 99% by weight of a water-in-oil emulsion polymer including a polymer or copolymer containing repeat units from an acrylamide monomer; 0.1% to 10% by weight of one or more inorganic microparticles; 0.5% to 90% by weight of a carrier solvent; and 0 to 90% by weight of a fluidizing agent. The compositions can be used to treat aqueous systems including paper processing, sludge dewatering and for fracturing fluids for subterranean formations.

Abstract: Methods of treating aqueous coolants in open circulating water cooling tower systems are provided. The methods including placing a controlled release additive composition in contact with an open circulating aqueous coolant in an open circulating water cooling tower system. The controlled release additive composition includes a core having at least one additive selected from corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors; and a coating, for example, a polymeric coating, substantially surrounding the core. The coating is substantially insoluble in the aqueous coolant, and is effective to slow the release of the at least one additive into the aqueous coolant.

Abstract: A method of removing metal scale from surfaces that includes contacting the surfaces with a first aqueous solution of a chelating agent, allowing the chelating agent to dissolve the metal scale, acidifying the solution to form a precipitant of the chelating agent and a precipitant of the metal from the metal scale, isolating the precipitant of the chelating agent and the precipitant of the metal from the first solution, selectively dissolving the precipitated chelating agent in a second aqueous solution, and removing the precipitated metal from the second solution is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of providing corrosion inhibition to copper, nickel, aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, beryllium, carbon steel, various alloys of such metals, and galvanized coatings in evaporative cooling water applications approaching zero liquid discharge that are specifically attacked by cooling water with residuals of corrosive chemistry or ions such as ammonia/ammonium ion, chloride, high TDS, OH?, or high pH. The method includes applying azoles inhibitors (such as TTA, BTA, etc.) at residuals of 0.25 mg/L to 200 mg/L or greater (as azoles) to the cooling water application and operating with a combination of high TDS (greater than 2500 mg/L) and high pH (greater than 9.0), while maintaining low total hardness (less than 200 mg/L as CaCO3).

Abstract: In a process for treatment of powdery fumed silica, fumed silica to be discarded is collected by dispersing the fumed silica in water. Disclosed is a method for treatment of a fumed silica-containing wastewater collected in the process. The method comprises the steps of: adding an inorganic coagulant containing a metal to a fumed silica-containing wastewater in an amount of 15 to 300 mg/l. in terms of the metal, wherein the wastewater is either a wastewater containing fumed silica at a concentration of 0.05 to 3.0% by mass or a wastewater whose fumed silica content is adjusted to 0.05 to 3.0% by mass; and adding an organic polymeric coagulant to the mixture.

Abstract: A method for treating feedwater is provided. The method includes steps of introducing a treatment composition into a feedwater stream to provide a treated feedwater stream containing scale inhibitor at a concentration of at least about 0.1 ppm, and combining the treated feedwater stream with a detersive composition. The scale inhibitor can include a phosphate scale inhibitor, a carbonate scale inhibitor, or a combination of a phosphate scale inhibitor and a carbonate scale inhibitor. The detersive composition can be provided as a cleaning composition, a rinse agent composition, or a drying agent composition. A treatment composition and an apparatus for treating feedwater are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the removal of biofilm, flocculent bulked sludge or bulked biologically active sludge from an aqueous system. The method involves adding one or more chlorinated hydantoins, such as dichloro- or monochlorodialkylhydantoin, to the aqueous system. Alternatively, the chlorinated hydantoin may be formed in situ by adding a chlorine source and an alkylated hydantoin separately to the aqueous system. The invention is particularly advantageous because of the outstanding photostability of the chlorinated hydantoin solutions even when exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: A composition for treating water contained in enclosures, such as swimming pools, spas, whirlpool tubs and cooling towers, which includes at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier is provided. A composition and method for treating salt water contained in enclosures using halogen generators to generate sterilizing halogen in situ, wherein the method includes adding to the water effective amounts of a composition having at least one boron compound, cyanuric acid, at least one mineral remover and at least one clarifier, such that they are present in the water simultaneously is also provided.

Abstract: Materials and a method are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR?)3 (where R? is H, an alkyl group, Na, K, or NH4) are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of an effective amount of a non-oxidising water-soluble biocide in the improvement of sludge quality by reducing the sludge tendency towards bulking, wherein the biocide comprises an alkyl-substituted phosphonium compound, an alkyl-substituted phosphine, an alkyl-substituted phosphine condensate, or a polymeric quaternary ammonium compound.

Abstract: The present invention concerns inorganic deposit inhibitors, and particularly of calcium carbonate and barium sulphate in oil wells. It also concerns certain copolymers particularly suitable for this application, particularly in high pressure/high temperature conditions (HP/HT).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for elimination of boron from sea-water by reverse osmosis membranes characterised in that it comprises: adding to sea-water a composition consisting of at least one metal together with at least one antiscaling-dispersant agent, and a second phase in which an alkalinising agent is added until a pH of between 8-9.5 is achieved, which can furthermore consist of a third phase in which the fluoride content of the sea-water is increased following the second phase, or a third phase in which a high molecular weight alcohol is added to the water.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting silica/silicate scale in aqueous systems is disclosed which comprises the addition to an aqueous system of a scale inhibiting amount of an ester of (A) a carboxylic acid functional polymer obtained by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer or copolymerizing the ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer with one or more additional ethylenically unsaturated monomers and (B) a hydroxyl functional polyether obtained by reacting an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide.

Abstract: A method of controlling the deposition of silica containing scales and their adhesion to surfaces in contact with an aqueous system is disclosed which comprises adding to the aqueous system about 1-500 ppm of a water-soluble or dispersible hydrophobically modified polyether polymer. Exemplary hydrophobically modified polyether polymers include alkylene oxide hydrophilic backbone repeat units and hydrophobic groups that may be attached to the backbone at a variety of locations such as 1) at the ends of the backbones, 2) either regularly or randomly spaced along the backbone length, or 3) as linking groups to link two or more portions of the backbone together.

Abstract: A composition for preventing formation of slime which comprises a chlorine-based oxidizing agent, a sulfamic acid compound, one of an anionic polymer or a phosphonic acid compound and a process for preventing formation of slime which comprises adding the composition to a water system are disclosed. Troubles caused by slime in cooling water systems, heat-storage water systems, water systems in manufacturing processes of paper and pulp, water systems for collecting dusts and scrubber water systems can be effectively prevented with the composition in a small amount.

Abstract: To simply and accurately determine the concentration of a water treating agent in thermal equipment upon management of a supply amount of the water treating agent, a method of controlling a supply amount of a water treating agent according to the present invention includes the steps of: supplying a water treating agent containing a scale inhibitor selected from chelating agents to a water-supply system of thermal equipment; collecting a water sample from the thermal equipment; quantitatively determining the scale inhibitor in the collected water sample; and determining a concentration of the water treating agent in the thermal equipment on the basis of a quantitative value of the scale inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods to control manganese deposition in an aqueous system, which include introducing a cerium-containing composition, and optionally another deposit control agent, to the aqueous system, are described. Also described, are cerium-containing compositions that promote the manganese stabilization performance of polymeric dispersants and phosphonic acids commonly used in water treatment applications. Cerium-containing compositions that can inhibit the oxidative degradation of deposit control agents are also described.

Abstract: A solid formulation for use with sodium chloride and a chlorine generator to provide safe, clean chlorinated recreational water. The formulation comprises a chlorine stabilizing agent and a phosphate remover agent. An enhanced salt comprising a chlorine stabilizing agent, a phosphate remover agent and sodium chloride is also described. The formulation and enhanced salt can also contain a metal chelating agent and a pH balancing agent. A cleaning agent may also be included. A fast dissolving sodium cyanurate compound is used for the chlorine stabilizing agent. A method, kit, and system for providing safe, clean chlorinated recreational water are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to metal oxides dispersant compositions comprising (a) certain a metal oxides dispersant, and (b) an oxime. The invention also relates to a process for dispersing metal oxides in an aqueous system that involves adding the dispersant composition to the aqueous system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to produce brine of improved purity wherein a salt source, contaminated with sulphate ions and alkaline (earth) metal ions, is dissolved in water in the presence of an effective amount of a retarding agent comprising at least one low and at least one high molecular weight retarding agent. Said retarding agent effectively reduces the level of the alkaline (earth) metal sulphate dissolved in the brine, particularly the amount of calcium and sulphate. Preferably, the combination of the low and high molecular weight retarding agents is synergetic in the reduction of dissolved alkaline-earth metal sulphate.

Abstract: A method to control a cooling water system based on the rate of consumption of fluorescent polymer is described and claimed. The method includes providing a cooling water system and a water treatment product including at least one fluorescent polymer and a fluorescent tracer. Measuring the fluorescence of the fluorescent polymer and calculating its rate of consumption provides a way of determining whether to adjust one or more operating parameters in the cooling water system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating boiler and condensate water by the addition of an effective amount of a hydroxyamine-acid ester treatment reagent or an all-in-one treatment composition comprising a hydroxyamine-acid ester. Modification of a hydroxyamine to a hydroxyamine-acid ester generally reduces the odors of the amine while providing a means to formulate the composition into a solid form. The ester typically decomposes at conditions in the boiler to release the hydroxyamine to treat the boiler water. Other components used to treat boiler water and condensate related problems may be formulated with the hydroxyamine-acid ester to form the all-in-one treatment composition.

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: A method of treating mine drainage water including the step of adding a scale control agent to the mine drainage water and, optionally, adding an oxidizing agent to the mine drainage water and/or precipitating and settling the metals in their hydroxide form from the water. The treated water may be safely returned to the environment.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting hydrate formation in a hydrocarbon flow by adding an amount of a dendrimeric compound effective to inhibit formation of hydrates at conduit temperatures and pressures, and flowing the mixture containing the dendrimeric compound and any hydrates through the conduit. Preferably, a hyperbranched polyester amide is used as hydrate formation inhibitor compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preventing the deposition of contaminants in steam systems. In a method of this type, deposits are prevented in a simple and economic manner by metering an additive into the steam, which additive adheres to the steam-side surface of the steam system and has the effect of repelling moisture and contaminants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel filter for use with internal combustion engines. The fuel filter includes a fuel additive that can be released into fuel. The rate of release for the fuel can be controlled. In one form the fuel additive can be mixed with a matrix material and released at a substantially constant rate to maintain a uniform level of fuel additive in the fuel. Use of the present invention provides a fuel filter having an extended life span that is longer than fuel filters typically used with combustion engines.

Abstract: Materials and a process are provided whereby polymers with the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR″)3 (where R″ is H, an alkyl group, Na, K, or NH4) are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in a Bayer process. When materials of the present invention are added to the Bayer liquor before the heat exchangers, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on heat exchanger walls. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for inhibiting scale and fouling on metal surfaces exposed to an aqueous system, particularly a circulating aqueous system. The process comprises adding glutamic acid N,N diacetic acid, or salts thereof, to the aqueous system. Glutamic acid N,N diacetic acid, or salts thereof, act as a chelating agent and is biodegradable. The process is particularly useful for inhibiting the formation of scale and fouling on metal surfaces of steam generating and cooling systems.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for removing organics solubilized in a water-like fluid (WSO), such as the water produced in connection with the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, are described. Hydrophilic &agr;-hydroxy-monocarboxylic acids (AHAs), such as hydroxyacetic (glycolic) acid, alone or optionally together with anionic polymers, have been found to be effective. The compositions and methods of this invention have reduced corrosion and scale formation problems as compared with other methods employing stronger acids to remove WSO. The AHAs have pKa's of greater than 3.8.

Abstract: Materials and a process are provided whereby polymers with the pendant group or end group containing —Si (OR″)3 (where R″ is H, an alkyl group, Na, K, or NH4) are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in a Bayer process. When materials of the present invention are added to the Bayer liquor before the heat exchangers, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on heat exchanger walls. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for inhibiting scale and fouling on metal surfaces exposed to an aqueous system, particularly a circulating aqueous system. The process comprises adding glutamic acid N,N diacetic acid, or salts thereof, to the aqueous system. Glutamic acid N,N diacetic acid, or salts thereof, act as a chelating agent and is biodegradable. The process is particularly useful for inhibiting the formation of scale and fouling on metal surfaces of steam generating and cooling systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for cleaning polymeric microfiltration membranes and membrane units, and to compositions useful in such methods. The compositions include at least one soluble sulfite reducing agent and a compatible solvent.