Abstract: Hydrophilic cationic copolymers of acrylamide are prepared as dispersions in a salt media. These polymers have high molecular weights and are readily soluble by diluting in water. These polymers are useful flocculants for such applications as sludge dewatering, raw water clarification aids, emulsion breakers and waste water clarification aids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for purifying water wherein a highly dispersed, hydrophobic flocculant is produced in situ. In the preferred methods, a dispersion of a water-insoluble, metallic soap is produced in situ by the reaction of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, multivalent metal salt with an aqueous solution of a water-soluble, alkali soap. The apparatus of the present invention includes a first mixing chamber for producing in situ an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic flocculant. The apparatus further includes a second mixing chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber and a flocculation/separation basin. The hydrophobic flocculant is evenly dispersing within the contaminated water by introduction into the second chamber through a high pressure pump and sparger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the purification of a medium containing organic waste. The process according to the present invention is characterized in that the starting medium (or effluent) containing the organic waste is subjected to the following stages: (i) treatment with at least one oxidizing agent; (ii) treatment with at least one flocculating agent; (iii) treatment with at least one polyelectrolyte, and in that the effluent obtained on conclusion of all of these stages is subjected to a filtration stage (iv), whereby a filtration cake and a filtrate are obtained. The process according to the present invention is more particularly useful for the treatment of pig manure.

Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day ("GFD") to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.

Abstract: A chemical method is provided for the dewatering of biological sludge that has been digested by a thermophilic digestion process. Five versions of the chemical sludge dewatering method are presented. The primary component in the five versions is a polyquaternary amine, preferably of the di-allyl di-methyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) variety and from the epichlorohydrin di-methyl amine (epi-DMA) variety. By the first sludge dewatering method, the polyquaternary amine is added directly, along with a polyacrylamide, to the biological sludge. By the second sludge dewatering method, the polyquaternary amine and an anionic polyacrylamide are added separately. By the third sludge dewatering method, a quaternized polyacrylamide, having the polyquaternary amine as part of its polymer chain, is produced by copolymerization of acrylamide with monomers of polyquaternary amine quaternization and is added individually to the sludge.

Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day ("GFD") to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of purifying contaminated degreasing liquids including (a) adding a collection polymer or polymer mixture forming two phases to the degreasing liquid; (b) mixing the collection polymer with the degreasing liquid; (c) separating the collection polymer and the degreasing liquid gravimetrically, whereby the collection polymer and the major part of the contaminants form a hydrophobic bottom phase and the degreasing agent forms a hydrophilic top phase; (d) removing the bottom phase; and (e) reusing the top phase directly or for further processing.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a novel process for the hydrolysis of the by-products produced during the manufacture of methyldichlorosilanes comprising combining the by-products with an aqueous medium, optionally comprising a surfactant, at a pH range of at least about 7 and at a temperature of above about 0.degree. C. to produce a solid material in which copper and other metals are retained in a solid phase thereby resulting in a product with a high copper content.

Abstract: A process and system for removing heavy metals, fluoride, silica and other contaminants from large volumes of wastewater is disclosed. In the process, a wastewater stream containing the contaminant is treated with a chemical coagulant to create a particle having a diameter greater than 5 microns. Treated wastewater is passed through a microfiltration membrane which physically separates the metal contaminant particle from the wastewater. Commercially available microfiltration membranes having a pore size from 0.5 micron to 5 microns may be used. The treated wastewater flow rate through the microfiltration membranes can range from 700 gallons per square foot of membrane per day ("GFD") to 1500 GFD. Solids are removed from the membrane surface by periodically backflushing the microfiltration membranes and draining the filtration vessel within which the membranes are located. The dislodged solid material within the filtration vessel is flushed into a holding tank for further processing of the solids.

Abstract: The invention involves the demulsification and liquefaction of hydrocarbon based sludges. A demulsifier and a liquefaction agent and methods of using the same are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the demulsifier contains a salt of DDBSA, polypropylene glycol, and citrene. In a preferred embodiment, the liquefaction agent contains a glycol ether and sodium silicate. In another preferred embodiment, the liquefaction agent contains a glycol ether and citrene. In preferred practice, the sludge is treated with the liquefaction agent, circulated, treated with the demulsifier, and circulated further. An object of the invention is to provide a hydrocarbon based sludge that is sufficiently liquefied to be pumped and which is sufficiently demulsified to allow the waters, oils, and solids in the sludge to separate.

Abstract: A method for reducing the COD of water containing an emulsion of organic material in water. The emulsion contains insoluble organic material and a surfactant. The COD is reduced by mixing a cationic polymer flocculent with the water and maintaining the temperature at from 37.degree. C. to 95.degree. C. for a sufficient length of time for an organic phase and water with reduced COD to form.

Abstract: A chemical method is provided for the dewatering of biological sludge that has been digested by a thermophilic digestion process. Four versions of the chemical method are presented. The primary component in the four versions is a polyquaternary amine, preferably of the di-allyl di-methyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) variety and from the epichlorohydrin di-methyl amine (epi-DMA) variety. By the first method, the polyquaternary amine is added directly, along with a cationic polyacrylamide, to the biological sludge. By the second method, the polyquaternary amine and an anionic polyacrylamide are added separately. By the third method, a quaternized polyacrylamide, having the polyquaternary amine as part of its polymer chain, is produced by copolymerization of acrylamide with monomers of polyquaternary amine quaternization and is added individually to the sludge. By the fourth method, the quaternized polyacrylamide from method three is added in concert with a cationic polyacrylamide to the sludge.

Abstract: Tannin containing polymers, their method of production and methods of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. The polymers are aldehyde-free and comprise copolymers of tannin and a cationic monomer. Another embodiment comprises aldehyde-free polymers of tannin, cationic monomer and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an anionic monomer and a nonionic monomer.

Abstract: Oil coagulant compositions, and methods of using such compositions to coagulate the oil that has been spilled on water are prepared from a thermal reaction utilizing an oil component selected from the group consisting of glycerides, fatty acids, alkenes and alkynes, and a copolymer component. Representative polymers include, for example, isobutyl methacrylate polymers, and representative oil components include, for example, glycerides such as those derived from a drying oil such as linseed oil. The composition of the present invention floats on the water surface and coagulates oil independent of both agitation and temperature, and can be used in both salt and fresh water. After the coagulant has coagulated the spilled oil, the floating coagulated oil can be readily removed from the water by mechanical means such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removed from the water and only a faint trace of oil remains in the water.

Abstract: A method for removing heavy metals and halogenated hydrocarbons from contaminated groundwaters is provided. The method provides utilizing a treatment solution comprising a soluble source of organic carbon, ferrous iron, and sulfate. Additionally, the treatment solution may comprise sulfate reducing bacteria as well as nutrients for bacterial metabolism. The treatment is designed to stimulate the growth of naturally occurring sulfate reducing bacteria such that the metals are coprecipitated in iron sulfide and the hydrocarbons are reduced to innocuous byproducts.

Abstract: A coagulating and flocculating agent based on aluminum pentahydroxychloride for purifying and treating water and/or waste water and/or sludge and/or other contaminated liquids as well as to separate suspended and colloidal particles from liquids in industrial manufacturing processes has its activity enhanced with an inorganic or organic flocculation enhancing additive such as natural or synthetic zeolite and/or cationic, anionic and non-ionic powdered, emulsified or liquid polyacrylamide. Aluminum pentahydroxychloride is formed by treating a natural nepheline, aluminum powder, aluminum oxide or other aluminum providing material with hydrochloric acid after which it is mixed with the flocculation enhancing additive.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising tannin containing hydroxyl groups which has been (a) chemically modified by reaction of at least one of said hydroxyl groups with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an esterification agent (e.g. acetic anhydride), etherification agent (e.g. dichloromethane or quaternary organic amine such as N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride) to form the corresponding ester, or ether, through said hydroxyl group, and (b) derivatized. The chemically modified tannin is derivatized by reaction with aldehyhde (e.g. formaldehyde), or aldehyde and at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonia and organic amine containing at least one primary or secondary nitrogen (e.g. cyclohexyl amine); said derivatized tannin being water soluble or dispersable at a pH below 7 and water insoluble at a pH above 7.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oil separating method in which oil-contaminated water in a separation tank is mixed with air bubbles in a bubble-generating apparatus provided at the bottom of the separation tank to jet out said air-water mixture into the separation tank,wherein a surfactant and/or an antifoamer are(is) previously added to the oil-contaminated water.

Abstract: Compositions comprising polyamine and melamine polymers in certain ratios are provided for coagulating suspended solids in wastewaters such as deinking process waters and raw waters.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of aqueous acidic liquors containing dissolved aluminum and/or iron compounds to produce an aluminum and/or iron sulfate water-treatment product is characterized by the combination of steps comprising contacting the liquor with a basic material capable of reacting with the dissolved aluminum and/or iron compound to precipitate aluminum and/or iron values, separating the precipitate in the form of a cake or slurry from the remaining liquor, treating the cake or slurry with sulfuric acid to re-dissolve aluminum and/or iron values and to produce a solution of aluminum and/or iron sulfate and separating suspended solid matter from the solution. The liquor may be a waste product from industrial processes or may be a mine effluent and the process avoids the need to dispose of these to waste.

Abstract: A method for dewatering deinking sludge utilizing a water soluble block copolymer having the structure: ##STR1## wherein E is a polymeric segment obtained from the polymerization of hydrophobic monomers, x when present is a nonionic monomer, y is a cationic monomer, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are the same or different and are H or a lower alkyl group from C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 and F is a salt of an ammonium cation. Preferably, the polymer contains from about 20 mole % to 35 mole % cationicity.

Abstract: A treated solvent composition for washing mechanical parts or the like. The solvent contains not more than about 25% aromatic solvents with the balance being aliphatic and other non-aromatic solvents having a flashpoint of at least 100.degree. F. The solvent is treated with up to 10 parts of an additive composition selected from the group consisting of C.sub.14 and lower alcohols, diols, polyols, lower glycols, and lower glycol ethers and mixtures thereof. In use, finely dispersed contaminant particles settle from the body of the solvent more rapidly than in untreated solvent and the resulting clarified appearance enables the solvent to be used longer and more effectively in a cleaning operation.

Abstract: Water is separated from crude oil by a process in which the oil demulsifier used is a mixture ofA) compounds which have demulsifying activity and are of the structure type of the(a) polyethyleneimine alkoxylate,(b) mono- or oligoamine alkoxylate,(c) alkoxylated alkylphenol/formaldehyde resins,(d) alkoxylated amine-modified alkylphenol/formaldehyde resins,(e) co- or terpolymers of alkoxylated acrylates or methacrylates with vinyl compounds,(f) condensates of mono- or oligoamine alkoxylates, dicarboxylic acids and alkylene oxide block copolymers, where these condensates may furthermore be completely or partially quaternized at the nitrogen atoms, or(g) compounds (a) to (f) reacted with crosslinking agents andB) as a demulsifying assistant, a polyalkylene glycol ether which has no demulsifying activity and is of the general formula I or IIR.sup.1 ?(OA.sup.1).sub.a --OH!.sub.n (I)H--(OA.sup.1).sub.b --(OA.sup.2).sub.c --(OA.sup.3).sub.d --OH(II)whereR.sup.1 is a monovalent to decavalent C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of making oil coagulant compositions, the oil coagulants made thereby and processes for using the coagulants to coagulate oil that has been spilled on water. The coagulant is made from a glyceride, such as, for example, the drying oil linseed oil, a polymer, such as, for example, isobutyl methacrylate polymer, and a solvent, such as, for example, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate. The composition of the present invention floats on the water surface and coagulates oil independent of both agitation and temperature, and can be used in both salt and fresh water. After the coagulant has coagulated the spilled oil, the floating coagulated oil can be readily mechanically removed from the water such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removed from the water and only a faint trace of oil remains in the water. An alternate way of using the composition is to impregnate it into a porous substrate, which substrate is then applied to the spilled oil.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated cationic polymers containing mixtures of certain salts as well as processes for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated cationic polymers containing mixtures of certain salts as well as processes for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of precipitated anionic polymers containing mixtures of certain salts as well as processes for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for flocculating suspended solids from an aqueous system containing water and said suspended solids comprising adding to said aqueous system an effective amount of a flocculating agent, wherein said flocculating agent is a pourable non-aqueous, polymer composition containing less than about 5%, water and greater than 60%, polymer solids. The polymer of the instant polymer compositions may be anionic, non-ionic, cationic or amphoteric. Related compositions are also claimed.

Abstract: A method and composition for detackifying or coagulating and flocculating waterborne and mixed waterborne/solventborne paints in paint spray booth water. Aluminum chlorohydrate and a tannin containing polymer, preferably in an aqueous solution, are added to the paint spray booth water to detackify or coagulate and flocculate the paints.

Abstract: Oil emulsions are broken in a particularly advantageous manner by adding to them a breaker which comprises poly-DADMAC and polyalkylenepolyamines.

Abstract: Compositions comprising polyamine and melamine polymers in certain ratios are provided for coagulating suspended solids in wastewaters such as deinking process waters and raw waters.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of making oil coagulant compositions, the oil coagulants made thereby and processes for using the coagulants to coagulate oil that has been spilled on water. The coagulant comprises a glyceride, such as, for example, the drying oil linseed oil, a polymer, such as, for example, poly(isobutyl methacrylate), and a solvent, such as, for example, 2, 2, 4-trimethyl-1, 3-pentanediol monoisobutyrate. The coagulant of the present invention coagulates oil independent of both agitation and temperature, and may be used in both salt and fresh water. After the coagulant has coagulated the spilled oil, the coagulated oil may be readily mechanically removed from the water such that at least 99.9% of the oil is removed from the water and only a faint trace of oil remains in the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating or clarifying a turbid wastewater containing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of proteinaceous materials, fats, oils, and other biological contaminants. The methods of the present invention include the steps of (a) contacting turbid wastewater to cellulose ester fibrets under conditions sufficient to flocculate the contaminant to form a treatment suspension, and then (b) separating the flocculants from the treatment suspension to provide a clarified wastewater.

Abstract: A composition, in unit dosage form, for the batchwise purification for drinking purposes of a relatively small predetermined volume of contaminated water includes: (a) an organo-chlorine compound serving as a disinfectant-sanitizing agent; (b) a solid inorganic metal salt having a trivalent cation serving as a coagulant-precipitate agent; (c) a solid alkali which is highly soluble in water and highly effervescent in the presence of an acid serving as a dispersion-buffer agent; (d) a solid anionic polymeric hydrophilic primary colloid flocculant; (e) a solid cationic, polymeric hydrophilic secondary colloid flocculant; (f) long fiber cellulose serving as an agglomeration matrix and pre-filter for absorbing flocs and trapping visible debris and cysts; and (g) a bulk ion exchange absorbent. A water purification kit and method employing the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Small, wet particulate material is effectively dried by adding a hydrophobizing agent to coat the surfaces of the particulates, and then mechanically removing water droplets from the surfaces of the particulates. Once on the surface of the particulates, the hydrophobizing reagent makes the particulates relatively more hydrophobic and increases the water contact angle on the particulates. The moisture content of the particulate material can easily be reduced to levels below 20%, below 10%, and even below 5%. The process can be used to dewater a wide variety of constituents including coal particles, clays, sulfides, phosphorous compounds, minerals, metals, waste sludge, etc. Particularly preferred hydrophobizing reagents include mono unsaturated fatty esters and polysiloxane polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to the clarification of natural waters containing turbidity-causing components. This method comprises the addition of a stable colloidal silica suspension and water based polymeric coagulant to the turbid water. The components of the invention may be added independently, or blended together so that addition is simultaneous. The colloidal silica may also be conditioned by passing over a cationic exchange resin prior to addition of cationic polymer.

Abstract: A method of separating oleophilic-hydrophobic material from wash water is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of mixing with the wash water, either alone or in combination, about 30-2100 ppm of a surfactant having the formula: ##STR1## where n is 6-20; and about 1-200 ppm of an enzyme selected from the group consisting of proteases, amylases, lipases, cellulases, pectinases and mixtures thereof. The mixture of wash water surfactant and/or enzyme is then permitted to stand for a time sufficient for the oleophilic-hydrophobic material to separate.

Abstract: Methods of treating circulating water containing oversprayed waterborne and/or solventborne paint, such as in a paint spray booth operation with copolymer of lignosulfonate and a cationic monomer subunit with Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and/or NaOH. The method does not require the use of metal salts or silicates.

Abstract: The invention is a process for preparing alkylated tannin Mannich polymers by reacting a tannin Mannich condensation polymer, prepared from a condensed tannin, and amine, and formaldehyde, with an alkylating agent at a pH between 5 and 14. Optionally, the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer may be reacted further with formaldehyde to increase its viscosity.The invention further comprises a method of removing color form waste water utilizing the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer produced by the above process.

Abstract: Improved process for fluidifying flocculated aqueous suspensions of red muds in the production of alumina from bauxite by the Bayer process, which consists:in dissolving bauxite using sodium hydroxide;then, in decanting and in washing the red muds formed in order to separate them from the alumina in successive vats, while recycling the washing waters upstream;and finally, in eliminating the red muds thus treated;and in which a flocculant (F) consisting of a polyacrylamide of molecular weight greater than ten million is introduced into the suspension of one of the successive vats;wherein a dispersing agent (D) formed by an anionic acrylic acid polymer of molecular weight lower than fifty thousand is added simultaneously with said flocculant (F) to the suspension in the same vat.

Abstract: A method is provided for using an aqueous suspension of at least 15% of poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO) as a flocculent. PEO is dispersed in an aqueous solution of at least one salt selected from the group consisting of sodium or potassium formate, sodium or potassium hydroxide, sodium or potassium citrate, sodium or potassium acetate, sodium chloride or mixtures thereof to form a poly(ethylene oxide) suspension having at least 15% of poly(ethylene oxide) by total weigh.

Abstract: Water-soluble, branched, high molecular weight, cationic polymers are used in combination with low molecular weight, cationic polymers to provide the highly improved dewatering of suspended solids. Water-in-oil emulsions containing these cationic polymers in the aqueous phase are also described.

Abstract: Tannin containing polymers, their method of production and methods of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. The tannin containing polymers comprise copolymers of tannin and a cationic monomer. Another embodiment comprises tannin containing polymers of tannin, cationic monomer and at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of an anionic monomer and a nonionic monomer.

Abstract: A method for removing aluminum from blood includes the step of adding to the blood an anticoagulant and a complexing agent for aluminum or one compound effective in both preventing coagulation of blood and capable of complexing aluminum. The complexing agent or compound capable of complexing aluminum is allowed to intermingle with the blood and complex with aluminum present in the blood. The complex of complexing agent and aluminum formed during the intermingle step is then separated using a semi-permeable membrane, and the blood is recovered. The method is particularly useful in treating patient's having aluminum intoxication.

Abstract: In a process for dehydration and concentration of sewage sludge containing activated sludge with the aid of organic and/or inorganic flocculators, the activated sludge content is produced in an aerated biological purification stage in presence of a composition containinga) folic acid and/or dihydrofolic acid or at least one ammonium, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and/or alkanolammonium salt thereof andb) a water-soluble molybdenum compound,whereby an improved sludge dehydration of the activated sludge content is achieved.

Abstract: A method for reducing turbidity in laundry waste water comprising the steps of treating said water with effective amounts of a first polymer comprised of dimethyl dialkyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) and dialkyl diallyl ammonium monomers (DADAAX) other than DMDAAC having alkyl groups with from 8 to 18 carbon atoms and counterions with an ionization constant greater than 10.sup.-8, and a second cationic, nonionic or anionic acrylamide polymer is disclosed.

Abstract: An ion exchange process utilizes a chemical system in which sodium nitrate is reacted with an acidic solution of urea to selectively precipitate nitrate ions from waste brine in the presence of chloride ions, thereby allowing for the recycling of the brine regenerant.

Abstract: An improved system and novel components and methods for treating waste waters contaminated with a variety of commercial, municipal, and/or industrial contaminants. A mixing vessel according to the invention comprises upper and lower mixing chambers connected by an intermediate tubular section and a fluid exit tube running coaxially down the center of the intermediate tubular portion. The fluid stream to be treated flows in a spiral pattern vertically through the vessel, providing turbulent flow. The flow stream may be subjected to electric or magnetic fields. In one embodiment, streams of the fluid to be treated and of an ionized coagulant are combined prior to entry into the vessel; in another embodiment, the incoming flow stream is combined with the coagulants in the mixing vessel. The incoming flow may be split between annular passageways to improve mixing. Magnetite particles may be generated in situ and added to the flow stream to further encourage coagulation in the presence of a magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of water-soluble compositions containing a compound having a Lewis base group attached to a hydrophobic group where the Lewis base group is capable of donating at least one lone pair of electrons to a metal. These compositions are effective in treating acid mine drainage by treating the source of the acid mine drainage as well as the acid mine drainage waters. These compositions are also effective in removing metal and non-metal ions from aqueous sources and the process can be modified to allow the selective removal of metal and non-metal ions from aqueous sources.

Abstract: A method and composition for detackifying or coagulating and flocculating waterborne and mixed waterborne/solventborne paints in paint spray booth water. Aluminum chlorohydrate and a tannin containing polymer, preferably in an aqueous solution, are added to the paint spray booth water to detackify or coagulate and flocculate the paints.