Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: Methods for clarifying water, reducing turbidity of water, and removing phosphate from water include adding a water treatment composition having an aluminum-containing coagulant, and a natural non-charged polysaccharide, such as guar. The aluminum-containing compound can include polyaluminum chloride, aluminum chlorohydrate, polyaluminum chlorohydrate, aluminum sulfate, sodium aluminate, polyaluminum sulfate, polyaluminum silicate chloride, polyaluminum silicate sulfate, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Clarification of surfactant laden wastewaters of the type commonly encountered in the laundry, dishwashing, textile manufacturing, and metal cleaning and degreasing processes is provided by use of a chitosan/(meth)acrylyloxy alkyl quaternary ammonium salt graft polymer.

Abstract: A process for tailings flocculation and dewatering is disclosed. In particular, disclosed is a method for generating chemically-induced micro-agglomerates (CIMA) of fine particles in a fluid tailings stream and using the micro-agglomerates to enhance tailings flocculation and dewatering.

Abstract: Method for treating water by ballasted flocculation comprising a step for injecting into said water at least a flocculent, a step for injecting into said water at least one particulate material that is denser than water, and a step for retrieving treated water, characterised in that said ballasted flocculation is performed under agitating at a mean speed gradient between 100 and 1400 s?1 and in that said flocculent consists of at least one natural carbohydrate polymer having an anionic charge density between ?900 and ?4000 ?eq/g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for treating an aqueous stream having a first flow rate and containing solid matter exhibiting first settling properties, the method comprising adding a modifying agent to the aqueous stream at an addition rate sufficient to change the first settling properties of the aqueous stream to obtain a modified aqueous stream having solid matter exhibiting second settling properties different from the first settling properties; taking batchwise samples of the modified aqueous stream to a settling vessel having a volume; determining a settling property of the solid matter of the samples in the settling vessel; and conducting the modified aqueous stream to a separation unit in which solid matter is separated from the modified aqueous stream. The invention provides a convenient way of monitoring and/or controlling aqueous streams conducted for example to purification processes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving the rheology of red mud removed from Bayer Process liquor. The method includes adding a flocculant and a cross-linked polysaccharide to the liquor. This combination separates the red mud from the liquor but also prevents the red mud from becoming too thick. By preventing excessive thickness, the method allows for the formation of extremely dense amounts of red mud even in primary settlers because the dense red mud can still flow. As a result a user can simultaneously enjoy both easy handling of red mud and also high recovery rates of valuable alumina and caustic from the red mud.

Abstract: The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.

Abstract: Composition for conditioning sludge, comprising a mineral compound that is lime and an organic compound that is a cationic organic coagulant having a weight average molecular weight less than or equal to 5 million g/mol and greater than or equal to 20,000 g/mol, the said cationic organic coagulant being chosen from the group of linear or branched polymers based on diallyldialkyl ammonium salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacted solid product for water purification comprising:—at least a first layer comprising at least a coagulant/flocculant system comprising at least one polyvalent inorganic salt, at least one water-soluble cationic polymer and at least one high-molecular-weight anionic polymer,—at least a second layer comprising at least one disinfectant that releases active chlorine on contact with water, characterized in that said coagulant/flocculant system moreover comprises a sodium alginate. The invention also relates to the method for preparing such a product.

Abstract: A method of treating an algal containing aqueous medium comprises adding an effective amount of the treatment composition to the aqueous medium wherein the treatment composition comprises 1) a) a water soluble cationic quaternary ammonium starch or b) a water soluble quaternary ammonium starch/gum blend or c) a water soluble modified tannin and 2) a metal containing inorganic coagulant. In certain aspects of the invention, the so-treated algal containing aqueous medium is filtered such as by microfiltration and/or ultrafiltration to result in potable water. In another aspect of the invention, the algal containing aqueous medium is an agglomerated mass of algae with water dispersed throughout the mass. The method comprises a step of separating the algae from the water, thereby harvesting the algae for further processing such as may ultimately lead to the production of biodiesel fuel.

Abstract: A method of rehabilitation of a deposition area to render it suitable for plant growth comprising a particulate mineral material, which particulate mineral material has been dewatered from a suspension of said material, comprising the steps of transferring the suspension of particulate mineral material as a fluid to the deposition area, and in which the suspension is allowed to stand and dewater at the deposition area to form a dewatered particulate mineral material, wherein the rehabilitation of the disposal area is achieved by adding a dewatering amount of a polymer to the suspension of the particulate mineral material while it is being transferred as a fluid to the deposition area, wherein the polymer is either a synthetic water-soluble polymer formed from one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 4 dl/g or a water-soluble polymer that is a natural polymer or semi natural polymer.

Abstract: A process for improving the precipitation of calcium and/or magnesium salts in the regeneration of a used alkaline cleaning solution includes the steps of providing a spent alkaline or acidic cleaning solution, adding sodium bentonite and sodium carbonate to the spent alkaline or acidic cleaning solution in a mixing zone so as to provide an interactive solution, adding only one of an anionic polymeric flocculating agent or a cationic polymer flocculating agent to the interactive solution, and precipitating in soluble calcium and magnesium salts as flocs. The solution containing the flocs is subjected to a filtration process so as to bring the precipitated solids to a solids content of greater than 25%.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of efficiently removing selenium from water. The method involves: adding an oxidant to the liquid, adjusting the liquid's pH to below 7.5, adding ferric salt in an amount such that less than a quarter of selenium in the liquid precipitates and adding a poly dithiocarbamate material to the liquid in an amount such that the amount of poly dithiocarbamate material (in ppm) is greater than the amount of ferric salt (in ppm). This method removes far more selenium than previous methods, and does it using a smaller amount of expensive chemicals. Moreover this method makes it far more likely to achieve cost effective compliance with the ever-increasing environmental standards for selenium in water.

Abstract: A mixture for treating water in a biological water treatment process is provided comprising an organic-based flocculant, a micronutrient; and a polymer. The flocculant, the micronutrient and the polymer are mixed in a predetermined ratio to enhance said biological water treatment. The mixture is particularly suited to enhancing flocculation of particles, reducing fouling on a surface of a membrane in a membrane bioreactor, improving uptake of phosphorous and/or nitrogen by a biomass in a biological water treatment system, improving bioactivity of a biomass and/or floc in a biological water treatment system and improving flux in a membrane bioreactor.

Abstract: An ionic polymer of formula VI wherein each b=0 or 1; X is hydrogen, 1/z of a metal ion of charge z, a protonated nitrogen base, or a tetrasubstituted organic ammonium compound; the molar ratio of q:r:s:t=(100-0.1):(0-99.9):(0-50):(0-30); R1, R2 and R3 are hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; R4, R5, R6 and R7 are hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl or F, wherein F is a functional group that imparts a property to polymer VI, at least one and no more than two of R4, R5, R6 and R7 are F and F is the same or different; G is a single bond or a C1-30 hydrocarbyl group; and for each instance of t when t is not zero, c=0-5 and d=0-5, provided that c+d=1-5, and wherein q, r and s as present in c are independent of any other value of q, r and s.

Abstract: The suspended solids content of a process stream in a process for digesting bauxite ore to produce alumina is reduced by contacting the stream with silicon-containing polymers.

Abstract: A process for treating and disposing a liquid waste, which is solidified prior to disposal, includes steps of adding to said liquid waste a dry treatment product generally comprising approximately 25% to 75% bentonite clay and respectively 75% to 25% of a liquid-sorbing polymer, subjecting the liquid waste to a single pass high shear mix so as to incorporate the treatment product into the liquid waste with increased dispersion and reduced agglomeration, subjecting the treated liquid waste to a retention time suitable for solidification, and disposing of the solidified liquid waste. The liquid waste preferably is recirculated prior to addition of dry treatment product so as to permit a calibration of the characteristics of the liquid waste, and subsequent determination of the correct rate of dry treatment addition.

Abstract: Methods to control and suppress odor in papermaking sludge are described. One method involves admixing sludge from a papermaking process and cyclodextrin to provide treated sludge with the cyclodextrin present in an effective amount to control odors in the treated sludge. The deodorized sludge may be used as a component of resin-wood composite products, such as composite decking materials, walls, flooring, casting forms, and the like.

Abstract: A method for fluid remediation and removing particulates from an aqueous stream is described herein. The method can use a separation component and a clarifier component. A slurry can flow to a scalping shaker which can separate the slurry, forming a first effluent. The first effluent can flow from the scalping shaker to a first section and can be agitated. The first effluent can be pumped to a mud cleaner and cleaned, forming a second effluent. The second effluent can flow into a second section and can be agitated. The second effluent can be pumped to a desilter and can be desilted, forming a third effluent. The third effluent can flow to a third section. The third effluent can be pumped to a second tank of the clarifier component. The third effluent can be decelerated within the second tank, forming a clean effluent.

Abstract: A method of removing mineral hardness of water comprises selecting a mineral hardness solubility constant modifier capable of at least partially precipitating insoluble mineral hardness material from water containing mineral hardness. A pressurized flow of the water containing mineral hardness is generated. The mineral hardness solubility constant modifier is added to the pressurized flow of water containing mineral hardness to form water bearing precipitate mineral hardness. The water bearing precipitate mineral hardness is filtered to at least partially remove the precipitated insoluble mineral hardness material from the water bearing precipitate mineral hardness to form post-filtered water.

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: The present invention provides a process for dewatering a mineral slurry concentrate and increasing the production of the resulting filter cake consisting essentially of mixing an aqueous mineral slurry concentrate with an effective amount of a nonionic surfactant and an effective amount of a cationic polymer to form a nonionic surfactant and cationic polymer treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate, and subjecting the treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate to a liquid water removal process for dewatering the treated aqueous mineral slurry and for increasing the production of a resulting filter cake of the dewatered mineral slurry. An improved mineral slurry concentrate composition and an improved mineral concentrate filter cake is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising treating the suspension with a dewatering amount of a reverse phase polymer, and subjecting the suspension to a mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterized in that the reverse phase polymer only partially inverts to bring about flocculation and thickening of the suspension, and then fully inverts during the further dewatering to form a cake.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculant solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculant solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.

Abstract: Composition and method of use for tannin based environmentally benign polymeric coagulants are disclosed. Tannin based coagulants are copolymers of naturally occurring tannins and a cationic monomer. One embodiment of the present invention provides for a composition, of a tannin based polymeric coagulant which is comprised of N,N-(dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate (MADAME) polymerized using t-butylhydroperoxide and sodium metabisulfite. The resulting polyMADAME is converted to hydrochloride and then blended/reacted in an aqueous medium with tannin to obtain a homogenous poly(MADAME)-tannin composition. The method of use comprises adding an amount of the composition effective for the purpose of clarifying oily wastewater from food and beverage, steel, automotive, transportation, refinery, pharmaceutical, metals, paper and pulp, chemical processing and hydrocarbon processing industries.

Abstract: Methods for treating oily wastewater comprising adding to the wastewater a cationic coagulant and an acrylamide copolymer flocculant. The acrylamide copolymer flocculant may comprise either an anionic acrylamide copolymer flocculant or a cationic acrylamide copolymer flocculant or both. The acrylamide flocculants may be present in an emulsion or mixture along with activated starch or maleamate derivatized starch. The method may be employed, for example, to clarify SAGD and/or frac produce waters.

Abstract: Arsenic is a poisonous metalloid which, because of its hydroscopic nature, is primarily transported through water. Most plant species, including the nopal cactus, produce a sticky substance called mucilage. Mucilage swells in water but is insoluble and can precipitate ions, bacteria and particles from aqueous solutions. The invention includes a method of separating particulates and heavy metals such as arsenic (As) from drinking water using natural flocculants obtained from cactus mucilage. The extraction techniques and the methodology for using the cactus mucilage obtain higher As removal than conventional methods, like aluminum sulfate precipitation.

Abstract: A method for recovering tallow from meat processing wastewater includes adding a coagulant composition to the wastewater to agglomerate suspended fat, oil and grease particles in the wastewater, separating solid waste materials from the wastewater and isolating tallow from the solid waste materials. The coagulant composition includes tannin.

Abstract: There are provided a treatment agent and a treatment method for physically solidifying an aqueous waste liquid such as a floor wax peeling polluted water and the like simply and also speedily. On an occasion when treating the aqueous waste liquid physically, the treatment agent added to this aqueous waste liquid includes a polymer water-absorbing agent and a dispersing agent which is mixed with a polymer water-absorbing agent in order to disperse this polymer water-absorbing agent in the aqueous waste liquid. By adding this treatment agent to the aqueous waste liquid, the whole of both the substances is solidified into an aggregate of a crushed sponge-like granular material having a size in a range of averagely 0.4 mm to 10 mm.

Abstract: Methods and compositions utilizing aluminum, magnesium, and calcium-based additives for the treatment and neutralization of wastewater are described for removing contaminants from wastewater, including reducing phosphorous-containing compounds, total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), fats, oils, and greases (FOG), and total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN) are described. Methods and compositions to control pH, sulfur and sodium loads present in wastewater and precipitatable solids are described. Concentrations of aluminum, magnesium, and calcium-based additives are maintained at mass action concentrations to the wastewater component levels present in the wastewater and bracketed approximately +/?0.5 pH units about the pK value of the soluble, buffering species.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a binder from a waste water effluent is disclosed. A method for recovering the protein used in the manufacture of the binder comprises adding an agglomerating agent to the waste effluent stream, precipitating the protein and separating the water from the protein. The steps for manufacturing the binder from the protein include hydrolyzing the protein, mixing an adhesive polymer with the protein and curing the protein.

Abstract: A process in which a suspension comprising dispersed particulate material in an aqueous medium is transferred as a fluid to a deposition area, then allowed to stand and rigidify, and in which rigidification is improved whilst retaining the fluidity of the suspension during transfer, by combining with the suspension during transfer a rigidifying amount of a treatment system which comprises i) a water-soluble synthetic polymer and ii) a water-soluble natural or seminatural polymer. Improved rigidification can be achieved, including dose efficiency especially in regard to the amount of synthetic polymer required. In addition improvements in the clarity of liquor released from the suspension can be achieved.

Abstract: A method uses anionic and cationic polymers added in, any order or simultaneously, to aqueous media for the removal of substances. The sequential addition of the two biopolymers, anionic xanthan, followed by cationic chitosan, causes the rapid formation of very large and cohesive fibrillar aggregates that may exhibit high solids to liquid ratios and that quickly settle out from the aqueous media. The aqueous media can be easily separated from the large fibrillar aggregates by settling under gravity or by filtration through a porous containment device, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic woven or non-woven fabric including a geotextile fabric or a solid containment device containing a solid mesh screen.

Abstract: Composition for conditioning sludge, comprising a mineral compound that is lime and an organic compound that is a cationic organic coagulant having a weight average molecular weight less than or equal to 5 million g/mol and greater than or equal to 20,000 g/mol, the said cationic organic coagulant being chosen from the group of linear or branched polymers based on diallyldialkyl ammonium salts.

Abstract: Boron is removed from an aqueous boron solution by contacting with the aqueous boron solution with a water-soluble cationic polyelectrolyte, and at least one of polyvinyl alcohol and anionic-modified polyvinyl alcohol under an alkaline condition, and then removing the generated coagulation.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system is disclosed which uses algae to generate oxygen for primary digestion of municipal wastewater. A coagulant composition containing a cationic starch and an aluminum salt is used to remove algae and other solids from the wastewater stream. The unique combination of the starch coagulant and algae species produced water of exceptionally low turbidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for dewatering a mineral slurry concentrate and increasing the production of the resulting filter cake consisting essentially of mixing an aqueous mineral slurry concentrate with an effective amount of a nonionic surfactant and an effective amount of a cationic polymer to form a nonionic surfactant and cationic polymer treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate, and subjecting the treated aqueous mineral slurry concentrate to a liquid water removal process for dewatering the treated aqueous mineral slurry and for increasing the production of a resulting filter cake of the dewatered mineral slurry. An improved mineral slurry concentrate composition and an improved mineral concentrate filter cake is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new method of improving the process of dewatering fine particulate materials is disclosed. In this method, an aqueous slurry of fine particles is treated with appropriate hydrophobizing reagents so that the particulate material becomes moderately hydrophobic with its water contact angle considerably below 90°. A low hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) number surfactant is then added to the slurry, so that the surfactant molecules adsorb on the moderately hydrophobic surface primarily by hydrophobic attraction and, thereby, increase its contact angle close to or above 90°. By virtue of the greatly enhanced hydrophobicity, the water molecules adhering to the surface are destabilized and removed more readily by a mechanical dewatering process. Any nonionic surfactant with its HLB number below about 15 may be used for the hydrophobicity enhancement. The surfactants may be used in conjunction with appropriate solvents such as light hydrocarbon oils and short-chain alcohols.

Abstract: Method for treatment of oil on a solid or liquid surface to facilitate subsequent removal of the oil from the surface. A fat-soluble metal containing substance comprising an organic anion and a metallic cation is added to the oil. The metal containing substance may be prepared by allowing a metal salt to react with an acidic organic compound in a process in which a suitable oxidation agent ensures that all the metal in the end product is present at its highest stable oxidation state while at least one volatile compound is formed during the preparation. A polymeric material with a high specific surface area may optionally be added or a prepolymer for allowing subsequent formation of such a polymeric material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a purification method characterized by adding a chitosan powder or a chitosan-coated substance, and optionally further adding a silica sol to liquor and filtering the mixture by a filter machine to remove unsaturated fatty acids, compounds of unsaturated fatty acids with metal ions, or fusel oil from the liquor.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising treating the suspension with a dewatering amount of a reverse phase polymer, and subjecting the suspension to a mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the reverse phase polymer only partially inverts to bring about flocculation and thickening of the suspension, and then fully inverts during the further dewatering to form a cake.

Abstract: A process of dewatering aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension is a water-soluble or water swellable particulate polymer having a particle diameter of at least 20 microns.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising dosing the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant to form a thickened suspension and mixing into the thickened suspension a dewatering amount of a second flocculant and subjecting the thickened suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, characterised in that the second flocculant comprises a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of (i) substantially dry polymer particles or (ii) an aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a polymer concentration of at least 2% by weight and having a intrinsic viscosity of at least 3 dl/g.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for quickly inverting and dispersing a flocculant in a digestion process prior to the production of an aqueous slurry to achieve settlement of solids and clarification of the slurry water. In particular, this invention relates to methods for quickly inverting a flocculant-containing emulsion in-line without significantly destabilizing the emulsion. The methods comprise dosing water with at least one water-in-oil emulsion containing at least one of a flocculant polymer and a hydrophilic surfactant and subjecting the water and emulsion to a high shear, turbulent reverse flow, such that the combination of the surfactant and shear synergistically inverts the emulsion, so the flocculant may be directly injected.

Abstract: A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension employing a flocculating system comprising treating the suspension with a flocculating amount of a first flocculant and a dewatering amount of a second flocculant, and subjecting the suspension to mechanical dewatering to form a cake, wherein the first flocculant brings about flocculation and assists thickening of the suspension and the second flocculant further dewaters the suspension, characterized in that the second flocculant is a water-soluble or water swellable polymer that is mixed into the suspension in the form of aqueous composition comprising dissolved or hydrated polymer having a Brookfield viscosity of above 30,000 cps (measured at 20° C.).

Abstract: A process and method for liquid-solid separation in raw water by chemical treatment, comprising adding into the water, separately or together, an effective amount of at least one aluminum polymer with an effective amount of an ammonium polymer, including at least one medium, high, or very high molecular weight ammonium polymer, to clarify said raw water to a settled turbidity standard, and including methods for blending and storing solution polymers.

Abstract: A process is provided for improving the precipitation of calcium and/or magnesium salts in the regeneration of used alkaline cleaning solution. The process includes the steps of providing a spent alkaline or acidic cleaning solution; adding sodium bentonite and sodium carbonate to the spent alkaline or acidic cleaning solution in a mixing zone to provide an interactive solution; adding either an anionic polymeric flocculating agent or a cationic polymeric flocculating agent to interactive solution, thereby precipitating insoluble calcium and magnesium salts as flocs; and subjecting the solution containing such flocs to a filtration process to bring the precipitated solids to a solids contents of >25%.

Abstract: A method for removal of dissolved materials and/or particles from a liquid stream comprising flocculation by vigorously mixing polysaccharides or hydrocolloids into the liquid stream and subsequent gelation of the polysaccharides or hydrocolloids with cations capable of gelling same. Large, strong gelled agglomerates of pollutant and polysaccharide or hydrocolloid are formed with the help of suitable cations. The gelled agglomerates are well suited to separation from a liquid stream by flotation, in a sieve, in a centrifuge, in a cyclone or via other conventional separation processes. Also described is a method for mixing of un-dissolved polysaccharide or hydrocolloid with a polluted aqueous stream by shearing the polysaccharide or hydrocolloid into the aqueous stream to improve logistics and provide economic savings in treatment of large volumes of water. Also described is the use of dilute solutions of polysaccharides for treatment of a variety of effluent streams.