Abstract: A system and method for converting pulp and paper mill waste water into a decolored, neutral pH effluent and a solid suitable for use as fuel in a furnace. The treatment system is used following primary and secondary treatment of pulp and paper mill waste waters typically found in the industry. After secondary biological treatment, the waste waters are pumped to a coagulation tank where the waste water is brought in contact with a polyamine coagulant which coagulates lignins, degraded sugars, and other compounds which typically discolor this water. The coagulation particles are increased in size by addition of an acrylamide polymer in a flocculation tank to improve the hydrophilic characteristics of the coagulant. The waste water is then mixed a dissolved air and water solution under pressure. Upon dissolution of the dissolved air at atmospheric pressure the air is absorbed by the flocculated matter in the aeration tank and the flocculated matter is caused to migrate towards the area of less pressure, i.e.

Abstract: A method for improving separation of the flotable phase from the non-flotable phase of a slurry of particulate material in a froth flotation machine comprising a tank, an upper outlet port for discharge of the flotable phase, and a mechanism for delivering air to the slurry in the tank to form a froth which includes a mixture of air bubbles and the flotable phase from the slurry, with the rate and selectivity of separation of the flotable phase from the slurry for predetermined size particles of the flotable phase and at a predetermined concentration of the flotable phase being dependent on the total volume and size distribution of the air bubbles generated in the slurry, the method of this invention comprising the steps of providing a quantity of slurry in the tank, generating air bubbles of relatively small size and relatively large size, and controlling the volume of air as small bubbles and the volume of air as large bubbles in response to the concentration of the flotable phase of the slurry for enhanced

Abstract: A froth flotation system for separating a mineral fraction from an aqueous pulp containing a mixture of mineral and gangue particles. The aqueous pulp is supplied to a pulp-filled vessel (or column) wherein a froth is formed on the surface of the pulp and collected in a launder. Gas bubbles are introduced into the pulp in the vessel by two different means to generate the froth. In accordance with one means, water is aspirated into a stream of pressurized gas (air) to form a stream of aerated water which is injected into the lower portion of the pulp-filled vessel. In accordance, the other means, a second stream of pressurized gas (air), is sparged through a porous wall of one or more micro-diffusers located within the vessel. The dual means for generating bubbles produces a significantly higher level of mineral separation than can be achieved from either means separately.

Abstract: Coal pulverized by a mill or crusher is used as a floating agent which is charged into a floating machine, together with wastewater, for example, from a wastewater treatment facility or homes which produce organic substances such as human wastes. The pulverized coal and wastewater are mixed and uniformly stirred by a stirrer in the form of an impeller or a cyclone separator while being aerated. The produced floating floc is discharged from an upper portion of a first floating machine, whereas sedimented materials are discharged from a lower portion of the first floating machine. The same process is repeated in other floating machines connected in series to the above-described first floating machine. The collected floating flocs are dewatered to produce solid cakes which are used as a fuel. The water which has been extracted to form the solid cake, is purified and discharged.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for achieving and maintaining the clarity of bicarbonate bearing waters. The process has application to treating bicarbonate bearing waters where such waters are for injection into a subsurface formation, for waste disposal, or for any other industrial purpose where bicarbonate bearing waters may need to be treated. The process is intended to prevent an imbalance in the bicarbonate/carbonate equilibria in bicarbonate containing waters as the water is treated in a treatment process. The process involves the measurement and control of carbon dioxide content to prevent the deposition of both organic and inorganic solids. By use of the process the specifications on turbidity and suspended solids content in treated water can be met with a significant decrease in, or possibly elimination of, the dosage of other treating chemicals.

Abstract: A method of improving the quality of froth removed from a minerals separation flotation cell by providing converging side walls to crowd the froth into a narrower chimney and thereby increase the froth height. The riser is constructed so that the height of the froth from the pulp/froth interface to the froth overflow weir is greater than the natural froth height in a similar parallel-sided flotation cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry, said apparatus comprising at least one flotation cell, at least one spray nozzle for feeding slurry to said flotation cell, and a rotatably mounted skimmer means for skimming froth from said flotation cell, wherein said spray nozzle is affixed to and situated behind the rotational direction of said skimmer means and wherein said spray nozzle and skimmer are adapted to simultaneously rotate thereby causing the skimmer to skim the froth in the direction opposite to the spraying direction of the spray nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for generating gas bubbles in a liquid. The bubbles, which are uniform in size and on the order of approximately 100 micrometers in diameter or less, enhance the efficiency of gas transfer to the liquid. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable member, in the shape of a disc or ring, which is wettable by the liquid and rotatable therein at an edge velocity of at least 70 feet per second. The upper surface of the rotatable member is parallel to, and spaced from, a stationary plate to form a shear zone. Gas, or some other fluid, is supplied proximate the upper surface of the rotatable circular member to form the bubbles. Optimized relationships between the radius of the disc or ring and its speed of rotation are disclosed to enhance the efficiency of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: Waste matter contained in a liquid is removed therefrom by introducing the liquid into a cell and introducing gas into the liquid to float waste matter to the liquid surface in the form of a floating scum. Gas nozzles situated adjacent the liquid surface are oriented to eject streams of pressurized gas across the liquid surface to blow scum into a waste outlet disposed adjacent the liquid surface. The nozzles are vertically adjustable to conform to different liquid surface levels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for achieving and maintaining the clarity of bicarbonate bearing waters. The process has application to treating bicarbonate bearing waters where such waters are for injection into a subsurface formation, for waste disposal, or for any other industrial purpose where bicarbonate bearing waters may need to be treated. The process is intended to prevent an imbalance in the bicarbonate/carbonate equilibria in bicarbonate containing waters as the water is treated in a treatment process. The process involves the measurement and control of carbon dioxide content to prevent the deposition of both organic and inorganic solids. By use of the process the specifications on turbidity and suspended solids content in treated water can be met with a significant decrease in, or possibly elimination of, the dosage of other treating chemicals.

Abstract: Bituminous froths, typically obtained from the known Hot Water Method of extraction treatment of oil sands, are processed to remove water and part of the coarse mineral solids contained in the froth. In the process, the froth feed stock from the Hot Water Method treatment is mixed with a naphtha diluent, preferably naphtha which is derived from upgrading or refining of separated bitumen, in preferably the minimum amount sufficient to effectively remove all water by azeotropic distillation, while providing a workable feed viscosity. The mixture of naphtha and froth is treated to remove coarse solids and part of the water in a settling device, heated to a temperature sufficient to cause vaporization of the naphtha and remaining water as an azeotrope and flashed to substantially separate all water and naphtha from the bitumen. The dry bitumen with remaining solids, is normally not suitable for passing to a refinery but rather is sent to upgrading at a typical oil sands mining upgrading complex.

Abstract: A method for concentrating ores of non-ferrous metals by flotation, wherein a pulp and air mixture is prepared and fed through a nozzle under pressure to the bottom part of a mixing chamber. The mixture is directed toward an impact wall in such a manner that after the jet hits against the wall air bubbles of a diameter not exceeding 150-200 .mu.m are formed. The flows resulting from the impact against this wall are directed toward each other in such a manner as to collide in the top part of the mixing chamber at a velocity maximum 90-100 cm/s and at an angle 40-75.degree. with respect to the vertical axis of the mixing chamber, the resultant flow being deaerated, and a resultant froth layer removed. A flotation machine has a mixing chamber having a nozzle for feeding thereto a pulp and air mixture and an impact wall disposed directly adjacent to the nozzle, the mixing chamber having walls which are so shaped as to provide for carrying out the abovedescribed method.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide in the waste water from a coal gasification installation is subjected to an oxidizing treatment in the presence of the very fine-grain residual coke which, being washed out of the product gas, is suspended in the waste water, the residual coke particles thus serving as a catalyst. When using air for the oxidation treatment, with the usual period of treatment, it is possible to achieve virtually quantitative conversion of the hydrogen sulphide to sulphate. If the solid particles are to be removed from the waste water by a flotation step, the flotation operation and the oxidizing treatment can be performed simultaneously in a common apparatus.

Abstract: A process for removing caprolactam and its oligomers from cooling water containing these compounds, wherein gases are introduced into the cooling water and the foam which forms is separated off.

Abstract: The method according to the present invention ensures a thermal decontamination of waste waters. The method comprises passing a combustible gas through said waste waters in the presence of surfactants. Said combustible gas is passed in an amount sufficient to convert said waste waters to a combustible foam; the surfactants are added to convert the entire volume of said waste waters to the combustible foam. Then the resulting foam is subjected to combustion.

Abstract: A froth flotation apparatus for elimination of solid particle impurities contained within a liquid includes a vessel defining a flotation cell which includes an upstanding foam discharge conduit, an inlet conduit communicating with the vessel such that fluid flowing through the inlet conduit and into the vessel moves in a vortical fashion within the vessel, a skimmer, and a sparger. The skimmer consists of a generally cylindrical roller which is rotatably mounted between the discharge conduit and a side wall of the vessel and is buoyant so that it floats on the surface of the fluid within the vessel such that it is rotated by the vortical movement of the fluid within the vessel to prevent buildup of foam and maintain the motion of the fluid within the vessel. The sparger includes a substantially cylindrical porous element mounted on a tubular shaft which is rotatably mounted within the inlet conduit and driven by a motor.

Abstract: Brackish water resulting from steam extraction of heavy crude oils, including oil sands bitumen, is processed for reuse by removing hydrocarbon contamination and removing mineral contamination. The purified water can be boiled in conventional boilers without scaling or fouling occurring. Heat economy is used in carrying out the process.

Abstract: In the known operation wherein naphtha-diluted bitumen froth is pumped from a scroll-type centrifugal separator to a disc-type centrifugal separator, an improved pumping system is provided. The system comprises at least two centrifugal pumps in series, each operating preferably at an impellor tip speed less than 4000 feet/minute. The invention is based on the discovery that dilution with naphtha greatly increases the emulsification tendency of the froth components; therefore it is necessary to reduce shearing of this stream to keep the solids and water content of the disc product within a desirable limit. This is achieved by using staged pumping and operating the pumps at a relatively low tip speed.

Abstract: Zinc and lead are separated together out of dust derived from a gas-cleaning installation in iron or steel making by a flotation-separation treatment. In order economically to provide a good separation of these metals and to leave a residue which is re-usable in an ore-preparation process in the iron and steel industry, the flotation-separation treatment is at a pH of 7 to 9 and is effective to achieve a separation, according to size of the dust particles, of a floated component in which the zinc and lead are concentrated and a non-floated component which is suitable for re-use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for purifying waste water in which a waste water containing contaminants, including dispersed solids, water-immiscible organic materials, and metallic cations, is first introduced to a sedimentation zone to remove water-insoluble materials having a density higher than that of water, then to a flotation zone to separate as an upper layer water-insoluble and water-immiscible materials having densities lower than that of water. The waste water stream is then introduced to an adsorption zone, where activated carbon particles are added to adsorb remaining water-insoluble and water-immiscible materials, following which the solids are removed in a liquid-solids separation zone. The aqueous phase from the last zone is then passed through a cation exchange zone to remove cations.

Abstract: An extender oil characterized as having a viscosity at 100.degree. F. in a range of about 40 to about 250 SUS and an aromatic content in the range of about 60 to about 85 wt % of the total collector composition of which about 10 to about 20 wt % of the total collector composition is chosen from among benzothiophenes and dibenzothiophenes. The above-described extender oil blended with the tall oil in a ratio of tall oil to extender oil in a range of about 75 wt %: to about 25 wt % to about 25 wt %:about 75 wt %. The extender oil described above blended with a fatty amine in a ratio of fatty amine to extender oil in a range of about 50 wt %:50 wt % to about 10 wt %:90 wt %. The flotation process for recovering phosphates and/or potash employing the compositions described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for separating liquid from solids entrained therein, which solids, preferably paint particles emanating from a paint spray booth are capable of floating on the liquid. The liquid and solids are entrained in a collector which is open to atmosphere and in which a Coanda - type flow prevails so that the solids are collected as a skin on the surface of the liquid. In one embodiment the level of the liquid is raised so that the skin slips over a lip and out of the collector, leaving the liquid behind; in another embodiment the skin is collected behind a restraining device which is moved to allow the skin to flow through an outlet therefor, again leaving the liquid behind.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing waste paper for reuse in a paper machine. Waste paper, water and de-inking chemicals are introduced to coarse pulping apparatus, and the coarsely pulped stock suspension is then thickened by filtration and treated in a reaction tower. The pulp is then thinned and passed through flotation apparatus to remove separated impurities, particularly printing inks. Water removed from the pulp in the thickening operation is passed through second flotation apparatus with the clean water therefrom being reintroduced to the apparatus.

Abstract: The nozzle is used with a system for removing contaminants from a liquid including a source of dissolved air in water under pressure and includes a first member with a hole through which the dissolved air and water flows. A floating member is also provided. The shapes of the first member and the floating member are such that the hydraulic forces resulting from the flow of water outwardly between the two members causes the floating member to float a predetermined distance from the first member. The shortest distance separating the first member and the floating member is such that most bubbles exiting from between the two members have a diameter less than 100 microns.

Abstract: There is disclosed a novel nozzle assembly comprised of a tapered liquid passageway and a tapered gas passageway of diminishing cross-sectional areas disposed at an angle of from 0.degree. to 90.degree. to one another meeting at the enlarged end of a gas-liquid mixture passageway of diminishing cross-sectional area to an outlet end thereof. Accordingly, separate streams of a pressured gas and a pressurized liquid are introduced into the respective gas and liquid conduits whereby the gas and liquid are accelerated to a high velocity while minimizing velocity head loss and admixed at converging angles to achieve immediate high forward velocity and thus gas-liquid dispersion with the resulting gas-liquid mixture being subsequently accelerated with minimum pressure losses to achieve further gas-liquid dispersion and thus, microbubble production from controlled volumes of gas and liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating solids from liquid matter by means of gravity, using a three-dimensional filter element and an alluvial filter layer wherein a gas is fed into the medium to be treated prior to its introduction into the filter element in the form of fine or finest bubbles which accumulate on the solid particles. The particles loaded with air floated up rapidly to the upper level of the column of liquid in the filter element, forming a layer of sludge. Said layer built up continuously an alluvial filter layer at the internal surface of the water-permeable supporting filter element from the bottom upwards along the wall relative to the rising level of the liquid in the filter element. The process, realized in the presence or absence of flocculating agents, results in a higher separation degree with regard to the solids content as well as an increased elimination of the biological oxygen demand.

Abstract: A process for purifying an aqueous solution of NaOH by removing suspended NaCl and Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 impurities therefrom comprising bubbling a gas into the impurity-containing NaOH solution at a temperature above 16.degree. C. and up to about 36.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for purifying an aqueous solution of NaOH by removing suspended NaCl and Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 impurities therefrom comprising bubbling a gas into the impurity-containing NaOH solution at a first stage temperature above 16.degree. C. up to 31.degree. C. and at a second stage temperature above 31.degree. C. up to about 36.degree. C., separating a foam layer containing NaCl and Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from NaOH at the first stage and a foam layer containing Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from NaOH at the second stage.

Abstract: Process for recovering entrained cellulose ester fines from scrubber-coolant water by forming a wet foam containing the fines, floating the wet foam upwardly in a vertically disposed foam flotation column and outwardly along a horizontal straight-line path from which liquid from the wet foam is drained and the fines are introduced in the form of a drier foam into a vessel for subsequent dissolving of the fines, with the horizontal straight-line path being pitched downardly from the horizontal plane.

Abstract: The following disclosure teaches ways and means for clarifying raw sewage and thickening secondary sewage sludge. The disclosed apparatus comprises a tank having upper and lower feedwells disposed therein. Raw sewage is introduced into the lower feedwell and flows into the lower part of the tank to be clarified therein, and secondary sludge is aerated and introduced into the upper feedwell so that it flows therefrom and thickens in the upper part of the tank by flotation type thickening.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus includes a tank having an upright draft tube extending from above an operating level of liquid contained in the tank to a level near the bottom of the tank, the draft tube being in fluid communication with the tank at a level near the bottom of the tank below the operating level of the liquid. A nozzle is disposed within the draft tube for directing a stream of liquid downwardly against an impingement surface transverse to the draft tube at the level of fluid communication to entrain gas drawn down the draft tube and create a pattern of bubbles flowing radially outwardly from the draft tube. The impingement surface is close to, or is a portion of, the tank bottom so that the radially flowing bubbles sweep across at least a portion of the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the culture of algae in a liquid medium is disclosed. The medium circulates through an open trough and is exposed to an atmosphere which is temperature regulated. The nutrient content of the liquid medium is regulated to control the chemical composition growth and reproduction characteristics of the cultured algae. Before it is allowed to strike the medium, sunlight is passed through a filter to remove wavelengths which are not photosynthetically active. Heat energy can be recovered from the filter.

Abstract: Oil and water mixtures are separated in a gas flotation separator by passing the mixture downward in a vertically elongated portion, and then upward in a vertically elongated portion. A gas such as air is injected near the lower end of the upward flow leg of the separator. The gas is injected at a sufficient hydrostatic pressure to effect dissolving of a substantial portion of the gas in the liquid. The upflow leg has a chamber for oil flotation. Oil removal as well as water removal from respective layers is provided. The separation of oil and water is enhanced by both upwardly bubbling gas and exsolving gas.

Abstract: A process for the purification of evaporated sugar solutions prior to cryllization, utilizing the discovery that most of the suspended non-sugar particles within the evaporated sugar solution are hydrophobic in nature and thus thrown out of solution during the loss of water during the evaporation process, by thoroughly mixing air in large quantities with the evaporated sugar solution containing such particles and repeatedly subjecting the mixture of air, sugar solution and non-sugar particles to high shear forces by a surging flow with flow reversals through an aerator so as to produce a uniform creamy mixture of micron size bubbles to which the non-sugar particles are intimately and mechanically attached, having moved out of the evaporated sugar solution because of the hydrophobic character of the particles. Optionally, this aggregation of the particles with the micron size bubbles may be further increased by a controlled addition of an anionic partially hydrolized polyacrylamide following aeration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating liquor (e.g., liquor produced by sewage disposal systems) that is contaminated with dissolved, colloidal and finely divided suspended solids, and also with bacteria and viruses. The apparatus maintains a vertical column of the liquor in a treatment tank. Liquor is continuously introduced into the lower portion of the tank and continuously removed at a level well below the top of the tank. The column is continuously sparged with gas containing ozone whereby gas bubbles progress upwardly to the surface with formation of foam that is received in a confined space above the column. The evolving foam is delivered into the zone of operation of an impeller which collapses the foam bubbles by mechanical shearing and impacting. Liquor derived from the collapsed foam and the evolved gas is collected and discharged. Remaining uncollapsed foam is recycled into the shearing zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating dispersed multi-phase, fluid systems by flowing a gaseous medium through a liquid phase in a plurality of substantially vertical conduit members positioned over a manifold member through which the gas is supplied; and removing the separated phases from the predominant liquid. The components to be separated may be dispersed in the liquid or the gas.Flow of the gas through the conduit exposes the system to a large effective surface area as well as carrying the lighter components to the surface to form a separate, continuous phase, and inducing the heavier, usually solid, components to settle to the bottom of the apparatus. Optionally, particles may be included in the system to further increase the effective surface area.

Abstract: A deep tank reactor is utilized for fermentation of waste liquid or other liquid in a biological reaction resulting in a solid cellular material. The resulting solid material, which is in suspension, is initially separated from the bulk of the liquid by a gaseous flotation process, using the dissolved gas in the liquid as the source of gaseous bubbles for flotation purposes.