Abstract: A process for flocculating solid fines from a solution comprising said solid fines and an organic liquid which comprises the steps of: (a) adding with mixing about 100 to about 500 ppm of an unneutralized or neutralized sulfonated polystyrene to said solution of solid fines; and (b) adding with mixing about 5 to about 25 weight percent of an antisolvent to the mixture of the sulfonated polystyrene and said solution of said solid fines.

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions of red mud are effectively removed from the Bayer process for making alumina by the addition to at least the first stage of the caustic recovery circuit of a flocculant selected from the group consisting of starch, homopolymers of acrylic acid or acrylates, copolymers of acrylic acid or acrylates containing at least 80 molar percent acrylic acid or acrylate monomers and combinations thereof and subsequent addition to later, more dilute stages in the caustic recovery circuit of a copolymer containing from about 35 to 75 molar percent of acrylic acid or acrylate and from about 65 to 25 molar percent of ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers.

Abstract: Waste liquors from fermentation processes and other sources are disposed of by creating an oil-in-water emulsion and incinerating the emulsion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for dewatering the sludges arising from the aerobic and/or anaerobic decomposition of e.g. household sewages, by treating with chemical agents, which comprises adjusting the pH of the sludge to a value between 9 and 12 by adding at least one of a compound selected from the group consisting of calcium and magnesium hydroxide and calcium and magnesium oxide, then mixing 50 to 5000 g./m.sup.3, of formaldehyde and/or dimethylolurea to the sludge suitably in the form of an aqueous solution, then optionally adding a dusty or granular substance capable of adsorbing oils and fats in an amount of 0.5 to 15% by weight as calculated for the dry substance content of the sludge, and adding prior to the adjustment of the pH or after the optional treatment with said substance capable of adsorption to the sludge 20 to 500 g./m.sup.3.

Abstract: A process for producing a non-hazardous sludge from an aqueous solution which contains heavy metals comprising the steps of: (a) adding phosphoric acid or an acid phosphate salt to the aqueous solution to precipitate the heavy metals; (b) lowering the pH of the solution to less than about 5.0; (c) adding a coagulant to the solution; (d) raising the pH of the solution to above about 7.0 by the addition of a calcium source; and (e) dewatering the resulting non-hazardous sludge.

Abstract: A process for treating waste water which contains an undesirable level of suspended organic materials comprising a precipitation and coagulation by the controlled addition of lime and phosphoric acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a product from which compost can be suitably produced and which contains sludge obtained from a sewage purification process, in which method the sludge is mixed in a fluid state with a finely-divided carbon-carrier selected from the group sawdust, peat and bark, and with polyelectrolyte, and is then mechanically dewatered to a dry substance content of at least about 28 percent by weight.

Abstract: The direct recovery of precious metals, particularly gold and the platinum group metals, from chloride solutions, is achieved by solvent extraction and selective stripping/precipitation. Substituted quinolines are used as active extractant, in particular alkyl substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline. Gold is precipitated either by hot water, or by hydrogen after a cold water wash. Palladium remains in the organic phase and is precipitated by more severe hydrogen reduction or is stripped with acid. Platinum (and other precious metals) is stripped into water (the aqueous precipitant or wash), and can be recovered by hydrogen reduction (in stages). The organic phase is not degraded providing acid is washed out before any hydrogen reduction, and can be recycled.

Abstract: The turbidity of a fluid is reduced by adding a treatment solution containing a flocculation agent to said fluid. The treatment solution has a density different from that of the fluid. It is added at selected locations in the fluid such that the difference in densities will cause the treatment solution to be uniformly distributed throughout the fluid to be treated thereby causing flocs to be uniformly distributed throughout the fluid. In this way, a fluid can be treated in situ, rather than transported to a separate location, and mechanically mixed with a flocculation agent. This technique has particular application in the preparation and maintenance of solar ponds.

Abstract: A process for treating wastewater which contains an undesirable level of suspended organic solids which process employs a non-polymeric, cationic flocculating agent comprising a salt of a fatty acid aminoalkyl alkanolamide.

Abstract: A process is described for removing dissolved iron from an aqueous liquid containing iron in the form of a soluble complex with alkylenepolyamine polyacetic acids or salts thereof. The process comprises the steps of (a) adjusting the pH of said aqueous liquid to at least about 12.5, (b) adding sufficient quantities of a soluble calcium salt to facilitate the growth of insoluble iron hydroxide particles, and (c) separating the resulting insoluble mass containing iron hydroxide from the liquid effluent.

Abstract: A method of sludge concentration comprises forming a froth in the foaming zone by mixing a foaming agent, air and water, mixing the sludge feed with said froth and a polymeric flocculant in a mixing zone, and introducing the resulting mixture of sludge and flocculant into a flotation zone for separating the mixture into a concentrated sludge and water is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of sewage effluent treatment comprising oxidizing sewage effluent by reacting hydrogen peroxide with a catalyst selected from the group consisting of potassium iodide and potassium hydroxide, while in communication with the sewage effluent. If desired, the reaction may be initiated with metalloid iodine.

Abstract: An improved method for dewatering aqueous sludge is disclosed comprising flocculating the sludge by the addition of effective amounts of chitosan and an organic dialdehyde such as glutaraldehyde to the sludge, which is also preferably acidified to about pH 6.0.

Abstract: Gold ore, or any other mineral treated to have a lyophilic surface, (e.g. chalcopyrites), is ground into a slurry in crusher (1) powdered coal and oil are added at location (2), and the mix is conveyed to a contact zone (3), where any micro-agglomerates formed are kept below 500 microns in size. Sequentially, the mix is passed to an agglomeration zone (4), where larger agglomerates of coal-oil and gold or the lyophilic mineral are allowed to form, then separated at (5) from the gangue (8), and recycle continuously via return line (6) and homogenister (7) to the contact zone (3), until a desired gold or mineral concentration in the agglomerates is achieved. Subsequently, the `loaded` coal-oil agglomerates are tapped off the return line (6) at (9), either batchwise or continuously, and the metal values are recovered by pyrometallurgical or concentional separation techniques.

Abstract: An improved method for flocculating suspended particulate solids from an acidic aqueous medium and for clarifying said aqueous medium comprises initially contacting the suspension with a water-soluble polymer having an anionic character followed by contacting the suspension with a water-soluble polymer having a cationic character. Such method is particularly useful in clarifying acidic aqueous media used in mining operations, etc.

Abstract: Aqueous media, e.g., potable waters, are treated/purified by flocculation utilizing, as the flocculant therefor, that flocculating adjuvant adapted for ready dispersion/dissolution in such media comprising intimate admixture of a water soluble gum, polymer or biogum heteropolysaccharide, a dispersion/dissolution enhancing amount of a water donor material, and, advantageously, an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of sludges such as sewage sludges, night soils, water supply sludges, sludged deposition in bottoms of rivers, lakes, harbors and seas and industrial waste water sludges. According to this method, a fiber in an amount of 0.05 to 20% by weight based on solids in a sludge to be treated and an inorganic coagulant or polymeric coagulant are added to the sludge to coagulate the sludge, and water is removed from the coagulated sludge to obtain a filter cake having a low water content.

Abstract: Removal of particulate solids and water from petroleum crudes to bring the BS&W content of the crude within pipeline specifications is accomplished with the aid of a demulsifier comprising an anionic surfactant soluble in oil, a nonionic surfactant insoluble in water and dispersible in oil, and a cationic surfactant soluble in water, the anionic surfactant being in a major proportion, the nonionic and cationic surfactant being in lesser proportions.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminating insoluble solids (e.g., rust, sand, scale, barite and drilling mud) from an aqueous fluid such as produced in well systems during cleaning operations before placement of packer brines. A small effective amount of an alcohol, and a surface active chemical aid, are thoroughly intermixed into the aqueous fluid. The concentration and/or composition of the alcohol and/or surface active chemical aid is adjusted to control agglomeration of the insoluble solids and then to settle, float or suspend same in the aqueous fluid. After the solids agglomerate, the solids are separated in a quiescent separation zone from the fluid by decantation, flotation or filtration, respectively.

Abstract: Oil containing solid impurities is contacted with a tetraalkylammonium salt wherein the alkyl groups have from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and solid impurities are then removed from the thus treated oil by filtration.

Abstract: A process for treatment of an acidic solution containing ferric iron and at least one non-ferrous metal, prior to removal of ferric iron therefrom, is characterized by adding a specified amount of at least one neutralizing agent, and separating off from the solution any residue or undissolved neutralizing agent remaining after neutralization, thereby producing a solution possessing an acid consuming capacity termed "negative acidity", and still containing substantially all the dissolved ferric iron in solution, and from which ferric iron can subsequently be removed with the generation of less acid compared to that generated from solutions partially neutralized according to the prior art.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminating solids from high density, salt type aqueous drilling/completion/packer fluid prior to its introduction into a well bore. A small effective (e.g., 0.5% volume) of an aliphatic alcohol, 2-ethyl hexanol, and a surface active chemical aid, the amide reaction product of a fatty monobasic acid (oleic) with a secondary amine diethanolamine are thoroughly intermixed into the fluid. After the solids agglomerate, the solids are separated from the fluid before introduction in a solids-free condition into the well bore. The fluid may have a density as high as 19 pounds per gallon and be a brine formed of the sodium, calcium or zinc salts with chloride or bromide anions.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the extraction of oil from an aqueous phase with the use of a sulfonated polymer as an extracting agent.

Abstract: A system is provided for restoring and maintaining a eutrophied natural body of water such as a lake. The system includes an initial treatment or takedown phase to precipitate phosphates, if necessary. A second or final phase includes the utilization of a series of dispensers in the lake water and in the watershed area to continually add measured, slightly less than stoichiometric amounts of secondary phosphate precipitating cations, such as soluble complexes of trivalent cations, to continually inactivate phosphates, with hydroxo complexes, fluoro complexes and complexes of weak organic acids, including amino acids, being preferred.

Abstract: The nickel content of a waste water stream, such as a stream of grey water that is separated in the decanting operation of a partial oxidation process or blow-down water from a gas quench cooling and/or scrubbing operation is reduced to below 1 mg/l to produce an environmentally upgraded water stream. In the process, the dilute waste water stream containing nickel impurities at a temperature in the range of about 60.degree. to 220.degree. F. is mixed with a water soluble material selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde, ionizable polysulfide salt, and hydrogen peroxide; and with dimethyl glyoxime. The pH is adjusted to a value in the range of over 7 to 11 by the addition of a base material and a water insoluble nickel precipitate forms. The precipitate and other insoluble matter are separated from the water by means of at least one conventional solids-liquid separator, and a stream of upgraded water is produced.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional network containing encapsulated organic material comprises reacting a functionalized polymer and a complementary functional cross-linking agent in the presence of the organic material. The method may be used for recovering oil spilled on sea or land, for treating organic wastes or preventing leakage of oil from tanks or pipelines.

Abstract: Process for the treatment of sewage by using conventional precipitants and flocculants, like silicates, iron- or aluminum salts or organic polymers, and in addition about 0.1-10 (0.03-3) g/l sewage of X-ray amorphous or crystalline, finely-divided alkali- and/or alkaline earth-alumosilicates of the formula:x cat.sub.2/n.Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.y SiO.sub.2where x=0.7-1.5; y=0.8-6; cat=Na, K, Mg or Ca; n=1-2. The compounds contain preferably bound water. The alumosilicate is added preferably in the form of an aqueous suspension (pH 3.5-5.0) to the sewage to be treated, adjusted if necessary to a weakly alkaline to weakly acid pH-value (5-10). The pH-value is preferably adjusted with strong acids, preferably sulfuric acid.In sewage from laundries, which can already contain x g alumosilicates, the amount is reduced by x g.Advantage: Compared to known processes, the dirt elimination rate is greater and/or the consumption of precipitants is reduced.

Abstract: A continuous process for the reclamation of a slurry of waste drilling mud fluids and water normally resulting from drilling operations. The process comprises the steps of conducting the drilling mud slurry to a slurry surge tank for liquid solid separation by chemical and physical methods.The mud slurry is subjected to a primary solids separation unit after pH adjustment is used to initiate coagulation and an organic flocculant is added to aid flocculation of the solids.The water is then subjected to a secondary solids removal, and the solids recovered are reintroduced in the primary solids separation unit. Thereafter the water obtained from the secondary solids removal is then subjected to a chemical oxygen demand reduction unit having a carbon adsorption unit or reverse osmosis membrane units therein to remove organic matter or dissolved solids to produce water meeting environmental discharge requirements.

Abstract: An organic suspension, such as sewage sludge, is conditioned by adding a conditioner and then filtering the suspension through a filter element to form a filter cake on the element. Improved dryness properties of the cake are obtained by using as conditioner during the formation of at least the first half (by weight solids), but not all, of the cake a high molecular weight polyelectrolyte conditioner and by using as conditioner during the formation of the remainder of the cake an inorganic conditioner or a low molecular weight polyelectrolyte conditioner.

Abstract: A process for dewatering aqueous sludges of organic nature by adding to the sludge a cationic organic flocculant to effect a first stage agitation of vigorous intensity, and then adding thereto an anionic organic flocculant to perform a second stage agitation of mild intensity and subjecting the thus formed flocs to a dewatering operation, which process comprises the use of a cationic organic flocculant composed of any combination of A- and B-components, wherein the A-component consists of one or more polymers selected from the group consisting of A.sub.1 - and A.sub.2 -components, in which the A.sub.1 -component consists of polymers having a structural unit of vinylimidazoline or partially hydrolyzed products thereof and the A.sub.

Abstract: Both water and carbonaceous material are reclaimed from an aqueous slurry of particles of coal that contains both carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous materials, the slurry being comprised of at least 60 percent water by weight. Preferably, the geometric mean particle size of the coal particles in the aqueous slurry is less than 150 microns. Preferably, the processed aqueous slurry is formed by mixing a low solids aqueous slurry of coal and ash fines from a coal washer with a high solids aqueous slurry of coal and ash fines from a settling pond. A fluid that is in a free-flowing liquid state at temperatures below 80.degree. C. and, preferably, at temperatures below 20.degree. C., and that is lyophobic to the water and the non-carbonaceous particles of the coal, and lyophillic to the carbonaceous fine particles of the coal is added to the aqueous slurry to form a first mixture in which less than 20 percent by weight of the fluid and the carbonaceous and non-carbonaceous coal particles is fluid.

Abstract: Particulate solids and water are removed from petroleum crude to bring the BS&W content of the crude within pipeline specifications by treating a blended and dewatered crude to destabilize the water-in-oil emulsion of the crude and providing in uniform distribution through the treated crude both produced water and an acid-reacting coagulating agent while maintaining the crude at a pH of at least 8, then maintaining the resulting treated crude at 52.degree.-88.degree. C. for at least a few minutes, separating the treated crude into at least an oil phase and a water phase, and recovering the oil phase as a clean blended crude oil having a BS&W content within pipeline specifications and in a yield significantly greater than that which can be recovered without use of produced water and coagulating agent.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminating solids from high density, salt type aqueous drilling/completion/packer fluid prior to its introduction into a well bore. A small effective amount (e.g., 0.5% volume) of an aliphatic alcohol (e.g., n-hexanol) and a surface active chemical aid (e.g., bis hydroxy ethyl cetyl amine) are thoroughly intermixed into the fluid. After the solids agglomerate, the solids are separated from the fluid before introduction in a solids-free condition into the well bore. The fluid may have a density as high as 17 pounds per gallon and be a brine formed of the sodium, calcium or zinc salts with chloride or bromide anions.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improved process for clarifying a waste water stream containing waste synthetic polymeric material in latex form. The process comprises treating the waste water stream in sequence with calcium chloride and a cationic flocculant, calcium, potassium or sodium hydroxide, and an anionic flocculant. The aggregated polymeric material which results is then separated from the waste water and an essentially clear waste water stream is thereby provided.

Abstract: A composition for altering the water function characteristics of a wet, particulate mineral mass combines a surfactant material having an HLB number of from about 6.0 to about 12.0 with a surfactant adsorption inhibitory amount of a coupling agent or hydrotrope. Urea may be added to the composition for the prevention of freezing.

Abstract: Suspended black carbonaceous material contained in aqueous ammonium polyphosphate solutions, which are derived from impure wet-process phosphoric acid, is removed by mixing such a solution with ionic, water soluble, organic polymers, holding the mixture until the suspended carbonaceous material flocculates and floats to the surface, and separating the flocculated carbonaceous material from the resulting clarified ammonium polyphosphate solution.

Abstract: Process for regenerating alkaline and neutral silicate-free and phosphate-free cleaning solutions that are contaminated with emulsified mineral or natural oils by (a) adding thereto an alkali metal phosphate and/or an alkali metal silicate, and then (b) adding a soluble calcium and/or magnesium salt to the resulting solution.

Abstract: A process is described for the removal of one or more heavy metals from an aqueous system containing at least two heavy metals by the addition of a soluble sulfide to precipitate at least one of said heavy metals as the sulfide thereof, which comprises adding an amount of soluble sulfide statistically determined to be sufficient to precipitate as the sulfide substantially all of at least one heavy metal to the limits of its metal sulfide solubility; said statistically determined amount of soluble sulfide being less than the amount required to precipitate as the metal sulfide at least one other heavy metal in said system having a soluble sulfide equilibrium concentration sufficiently higher than that of said selected heavy metal to thus permit selective precipitation of said selected metal and of any other heavy metals present having lower sulfide equilibrium solubility concentrations than that of the selected heavy metal, wtih said precipitation being to the limits of the metal sulfide solubilities; and preci

Abstract: An improved aqueous acidic trivalent chromium electrolyte and process for increasing the tolerance of such electrolytes to the presence of deleterious contaminating metal ions which normally progressively increase during commercial operation of the electrolyte ultimately resulting in chromium electrodeposits which are commercially unsatisfactory due to the presence of streaks, clouds and hazes in the deposit. The improved composition contains controlled effective amounts of thiazole and benzothiazole compounds which are effective to mask the adverse effects of such contaminating metal impurities and which also enhance the codeposition of such metal contaminants on the parts being plated thereby reducing, and in some instances preventing the progressive accumulation of such contaminating metal ions in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A process for removing anionic compounds from water which is recycled in manufacturing processes, and from waste water, by adding (1) water-soluble products obtained by reacting an alkylating agent, having an aromatic substituent, with a cationic polyelectrolyte and (2) mineral adsorbents and/or a magnesium salt, aluminum salt or iron salt, with formation and flocculation of water-insoluble reaction products.

Abstract: Industrial waters containing dissolved or suspended contaminants are treated by turbulently mixing the contaminated water with a composition comprising a discontinuous phase of gas in the form of spherical bubbles having a narrowly distributed size of at least about 12 microns and each encapsulated in a double surfaced hydration layer containing water and a soluble surfactant having a HLB ratio greater than about 10, the encapsulated gas bubbles being dispersed in a continuous water phase and each having on the outer surface of the hydration layer a layer of collector ions active to react with the contaminants. The surfactant is present in an amount to stabilize the bubbles and to impart to the hydration layer sufficient thickness and viscosity to retard migration of the collector ions through the hydration layer for a period of time sufficient to enable the collector ions to react with the contaminants and cause nucleation thereof directly at the surface layers of the bubbles.

Abstract: A process for dewatering petroleum-containing sludges by a two-stage method using finely divided additives and organic flocculants, wherein(a) finely divided additives, such as ash, coal, sand or mixtures of these, in a free-flowing form or as an aqueous suspension, are homogeneously dispersed in the petroleum-containing sludge, in an amount such that the total solids content of the resulting mixture is from 10 to 30% by weight, especially from 12 to 20% by weight,(b) this sludge mixture is treated with an aqueous solution of an organic flocculant, preferably of anionic nature,(c) the greater part of the sludge water is removed by gravity filtration,(d) the pre-dewatered sludge mixture is treated with an aqueous solution of aluminum salts or trivalent iron salts and(e) this mixture is substantially dewatered by pressure filtration, in the course of which the greater part of the petroleum present is also removed.

Abstract: Cost effective and environmentally acceptable reagents and a method for flocculating fine particles from liquid suspensions are provided. A method for selectively flocculating fine particles from a slurry is also provided. The reagents comprise orange peel extract, corn husk extract and mixtures thereof. The method generally comprises the step of adding a reagent to a suspension of fine particles, mixing the combination of reagent and suspension and allowing the flocculated fine particles to settle out of suspension.

Abstract: Carbonates and bicarbonates are removed from the sludge of tar sands tailings ponds whereby solids settle from the sludge more rapidly than in the presence of the carbonates and/or bicarbonates. Hydrolyzed starch is used as a flocculant in the process and alcohol may also be used to assist in the settling and/or to improve the characteristics of the settled sludge for subsequent dewatering.

Abstract: A process for dewatering sewage sludges, the dewatering characteristics of which have been improved by adding an organic flocculant, on a chamber filter press, wherein the greater part of the water in the flocculated sludges is removed by gravity filtration in a process step upstream of the chamber filter press, without application of a pressure difference, and the actual pressure filtration, on the chamber filter press, is only then carried out.In principle, commercial products can be used as the organic flocculant. These are water-soluble, macromolecular compounds which have been obtained by polymerization or copolymerization of acrylamide, acrylic cid and/or their salts, or of esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid with specifically modified alcohol components.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating heavy water from solutions. An anionic surfactant system is added to a solution of deuterium oxide in water. The separating agent added to the solution will form a first phase containing a majority of the surfactant with an increased concentration of D.sub.2 O and a second phase containing excess water with a decreased concentration of D.sub.2 O. The first stage is separated from the second stage, and the process is optionally repeated in a multi-stage or a continuous operation.

Abstract: A composition for altering the water function characteristics of a wet, particulate mineral mass combines a surfactant material having an HLB number of from about 6.0 to about 12.0 with a surfactant adsorption inhibitory amount of a fatty acid substance.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the chemical-mechanical treatment and purification of ground and surface waters and effluents of various types employs adding materials for coagulation, flocculation, precipitation, sedimentation and altering the pH value. The process comprises separate process stages carried out successively as follows: (1) a first initial process stage wherein certain additives are admixed to the raw water by stirring; (2) a second initial process stage wherein contact sludge is admixed by stirring; (3) a third initial process stage wherein a flocculent aid and possibly also at least some of the other materials added in the first stage are admixed by stirring with high energy input; and alternatively (4) a fourth initial process stage for the formation of course flocs and completion of reaction of the previously added materials and formation of settleable particles and conglomerations of particles together with adsorbed and attached and occluded raw water components with moderate movement.

Abstract: A process for dewatering sludges, which comprises performing a first stage agitation of the sludge to be dewatered during addition of a first high molecular weight flocculant developing in an aqueous solution an electric charge in polarity opposite to that of the sludge to effect neutralization of the electric charge of the sludge, conducting subsequently a second stage agitation of the sludge during a further addition of a second high molecular weight flocculant developing in an aqueous solution an electric charge in polarity opposite to that of said first flocculant to cause flocculation of the sludge and subjecting the so flocculated sludge to a dewatering operation, wherein a flocculant composed of a natural high molecular organic compound or a derivative thereof is used for at least one of said first and second flocculants with simultaneous employment of high power agitation for said first stage agitation, which process obtain a dewatered cake having low moisture content with efficient dewatering of the