Abstract: A sewage purification method which includes a first step in which at least two kinds of flocculants are introduced in sewage for stirring and mixing therewith so as to float and settle inorganic and organic materials. The first step is sequentially repeated more than one time. Next, at least three kinds of flocculants are introduced into the supernatant obtained in the first step for stirring and mixing therewith so as to further float and settle remaining inorganic and organic materials. At least one of the first and second steps is sequentially repeated more than one time. In the above way, middle water, drinking water and super-pure water can be obtained from sewage. Purification of exhaust gas is also possible by introducing such exhaust gas in one of the above steps.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods for treating bottoms sludge and water-oil interphase emulsions present in a containment vessel by injecting into the sludge an effective resolving amount of an oil-based demuislfier. In a preferred embodiment, the containment vessel is a desalter containing a bottoms sludge layer, a water/brine layer, a water-oil interphase emulsion layer and a hydrocarbon layer and the demulsifier is injected through the mud wash header.

Abstract: A process for dye removal from effluent is disclosed which includes treating the effluent with a reducing agent, adjusting the pH to a selected value in the range of 2-7, treating the effluent with a particular charge neutralization mixture, adjusting the pH a second time and subjecting the mixture to a flocculating process with selected chemicals.

Abstract: A method for the prevention of fouling in a distillation train of a hydrocarbon processing unit. The method involves the precipitation of foulants contained in the hydrocarbon fluid prior to distillation. Precipitation of fouling components occurs when the liquid to be distilled is contacted with a high boiling fluid which is a non-solvent for the foulant causing species but is a solvent for the liquid that is to be distilled.

Abstract: The invention is a method for dewatering waste solids generated in mineral processing operations utilizing a hydrophobically-modified copolymer coagulant of diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride and quaternized dimethylaminoethyl acrylate or quaternized dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate.

Abstract: The filtration rate of Bayer Process primary settler overflow and/or the flocculation in the initial stages of the washer train in the Bayer Process are improved by contacting the settler feed stream or the feed stream to the first stages of the washer train first with a) a lower molecular weight polymer which contains hydroxamic acid and/or salt groups and then with b) a mixture of an anionic polymer and a second, higher molecular weight polymer which contains hydroxamic acid groups.

Abstract: A contaminant precipitating composition and method are disclosed. The composition comprises a water soluble branched polymeric composition effective for the purpose of precipitating contaminants from an aqueous solution. The method comprises adding an amount of the composition, effective for the purpose, to the aqueous solution so as to complex, precipitate and remove contaminants from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: A stable activated silica sol is made by reacting sodium aluminum sulfate and a solution of silica. This solution removes suspended particles from aqueous streams rapidly and effectively. The silica sol is stable for many days and thus can be prepared off-site and transported to the point of use. Further, the activated silica or colloidal silica sol solution of the invention can be continuously added to water and waste water streams, or paper making pulps, stocks and furnishes, without danger of solidifying in the transport systems.

Abstract: A process for the rendering of an effluent stream from a food processing plant, in which the effluent has or is made to have an acidic pH and carries proteinaceous material. The effluent is contacted with an inorganic coagulant (clay) that together with the acidic pH effectively neutralizes ionic charges on the proteinaceous material to cause the proteinaceous material to precipitate out of solution. The effluent stream is contacted with a biologically derived polymeric flocculant to facilitate settling of the precipitated proteinaceous material as flocs. The inorganic coagulant is present in an amount by weight of at least 1.5 times or 2.5 times the amount by weight of polymeric flocculant. Flocs are removed from the effluent stream to thereby render the effluent stream. A biologically derived co-flocculant is added to the effluent stream after contact with the effluent stream by coagulant and flocculant.

Abstract: In a paint spray booth wherein water is used to collect oversprayed paint, a process is disclosed for detackifying and coagulating oversprayed paint by the independent and concurrent addition of specific amounts of specific anions and cationic polymers to the water system.

Abstract: A novel process and related apparatus for removing common contaminants from used motor oil. Propane, butane or similar solvent is mixed with the contaminated oil to form a solution. This solution is agitated and then given time to settle thus allowing gravitational separation of asphaltic pollutants. The solution is then percolated through a columned filter to remove heavy metallic contaminants and the solvent recovered by heating the solution.

Abstract: The invention is an improved process for denaturing and coagulating paint in an aqueous medium in which denatured and coagulated paint must remain in a dispersion in the aqueous medium. The aqueous medium contains a coagulant and the aqueous medium is maintained at an alkaline earth metal ion equivalent of less than 1.0 mmole/liter.

Abstract: Metals and organics are extracted from solution by co-precipitating them with a gel comprising aluminum hydroxide and a complexing agent such as EDTA. After the gel is processed to remove the metals and organics, it can be recycled for further use by dissolving it in a high-pH solution, leaving no secondary waste stream. A number of alternative complexing agents perform better than EDTA.

Abstract: A method for treating water using natural polymers that provide an alternate and improved means to achieve enhanced coagulation is described. A method for removing particles, color, and color from drinking water, comprising adding a primary coagulant such as a natural, cationic polymer like chitosan or a cationic starch and a coagulant aid such as bentonite to drinking water to form a mixture. A preferred concentration weight ratio of natural polymer to clay mineral is between 1:5 and 1:20.A composition for removing particles and color from drinking water is described that includes a natural, cationic polymer coagulant and clay mineral in a total amount effective to coagulate suspended material in the drinking water. The composition includes a weight ratio natural polymer coagulant/clay mineral of between about 1:5 to about 1:20.

Abstract: A method for preventing activated sludge from losing its settling ability, which sometimes happens in solid/liquid separation in an activated sludge treatment of an aqueous organic waste and causes the so-called bulking and scumming of the sludge. This method involves adding either (a) a nonionic and/or an anionic surfactant, (b) a combination of a nonionic surfactant with a cationic surfactant of a form of quaternary ammonium salt or (c) a combination of a nonionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant of a form of a quaternary ammonium salt with a cationic organic flocculant, to the activated sludge treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying agricultural waste. The method includes the steps of adding effective amounts of at least one polymer flocculent, at least one coagulant, and at least one precipitant. The combined effect of the various components of the present invention not only purifies the agricultural waste but also yields a dewatered organic mass for composting to act as a peat replacement.

Abstract: A contaminant precipitating composition and method are disclosed. The composition comprises a water soluble branched polymeric composition effective for the purpose of precipitating contaminants from an aqueous solution. The method comprises adding an amount of the composition, effective for the purpose, to the aqueous solution so as to complex, precipitate and remove contaminants from the aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing suspended solids from wastewater, by dissolving and mixing sodium alginate and retarder in the wastewater; adding and mixing metallic salt having a valence of 2 or more, excluding magnesium salt and mercury salt, in the resultant mixture to aggregate the solids; and separating the aggregated solids and resultant clarified water from each other.

Abstract: A composition comprising a blend of an inverse emulsion of a hydroxamated polymer and a second inverse emulsion of a second polymer selected from the group consisting of alkali metal (meth)acrylate homopolymers, ammonium (meth)acrylate homopolymers, and copolymers of the (meth)acrylates with (alk)acrylamides, wherein the molar ratio of hydroxamated polymer to said second polymer in the emulsion is within the range of about 99:1 to 15:85 when the second polymer is an alkali metal (meth)acrylate homopolymer or copolymer and is within the range of about 99:1 to 58:42 when said second polymer is an ammonium (meth)acrylate homopolymer or copolymer. Processes for removing suspended solids from Bayer alumina process streams using these compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A process for improving the freeness of paper pulp, which comprises the steps of adding to the pulp at least 0.05%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a cellulolytic enzyme, allowing the pulp to contact the cellulolytic enzyme for from about 40 minutes to about 60 minutes at a temperature of at least 40.degree. C., adding at least 0.011%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble cationic polymer, adding at least 0.007%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble anionic or nonionic polymer and forming the thus treated pulp into paper.

Abstract: A composition and method for separating red blood cells from whole blood comprising a rouleaux-forming aggregator and an enhancer for enhancing the settling rate. The enhancer is a material which alters directly or indirectly the properties of the red blood cell and may alter the structure and/or reactivity of the aggregator, without adversely affecting the morphology and function of white blood cells. In most instances, the red blood cell enhancers of the invention are osmotic agents. Such agents create a hypertonic solution while not entering the cells themselves. Preferably the enhancer is a salt of oxalic acid, a salt of malonic acid, mannitol or sucrose. Potassium oxalate is most preferred. High molecular weight substances which are large enough to form molecular bridges between red blood cells form the aggregators used in the invention.

Abstract: Alginic acid is used in combination with high molecular weight synthetic water soluble polymers to flocculate red mud from Bayer process liquors. Superior clarity of supernatant liquor is achieved using the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method of clarifying bodies of water and eliminating algal bloom caused by planktonic algae in water harboring biological systems is described using a novel flocculating agent prepared in an aqueous solution containing a combination of a monomeric or polymeric aluminum salt and a polybasic carboxylic acid; the method results in complete clarification of the body of water without harming fish that may be present; a preferred flocculating agent described includes a combination of polymeric aluminum hydroxy-chloride and L-(+)-tartaric acid.

Abstract: A method of animal waste treatment which provides the introduction of a solid material in the animal waste, having the following characteristics; a solid geometric shape, a solid which floats in the animal waste, a solid which is biodegradable, a solid which includes at least resins with formaldehyde and ferrous sulfate.

Abstract: Hectorite is utilized in conjunction with a water soluble cationic coagulant to clarify waste water from the deinking of waste paper.

Abstract: The use of a dewatering aid comprising a sulfosuccinate and an oil in the filtration of alumina trihydrate is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for treating food processing wastes. Pursuant to the method, the food processing waste is treated with an effective amount of a dispersion of a water-soluble cationic polymer flocculant. In further embodiments, the method of the present invention includes the further steps of adding effective amounts of both a coagulant and flocculant in combination or separately.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of preventing crude oil from becoming emulsified in desalter wash water. According to the method, the wash water is treated with an effective amount of a dispersion of a water-soluble cationic polymer.

Abstract: A method of dewatering mineral-containing sludge by adding to the sludge (a) an aqueous solution or emulsion of acrylamide polymer flocculating agent and (b) a microfiber additive. By using this method, such mineral-containing sludges can be quickly dewatered into a cake having 25-35% solids which can then be further processed to a 60% solids-containing material. The method is particularly suitable for use in methods for treating, recovering, rehabilitating and recycling residue of mining operations. The method also enhances the filtration characteristics of certain mineral residues. With modification, the method is also suitable for dewatering organic sludges. Kaolin clay and red mud from the Bayer process are disclosed among the mineral-containing sludges which may be dewatered in accordance with the process of the invention.

Abstract: A method for flocculating finely divided particles suspended in nonpolar liquids, thereby facilitating the removal of these particles by sedimentation or filtration, by treating the contaminated nonpolar liquids with from about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of a flocculant comprising a water soluble organic compound having a cationic quaternary nitrogen or ammonium group. The flocculants useful in the method of the invention are desirably miscible or dispersible in the nonpolar liquid, and a carrier solvent or surfactant may be used to improve dispersibility of the flocculant.

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 invention comprises a process for removing true and apparent color from pulp and paper waste waters. It comprises treating these waste waters with a coagulant and vinylamine polymer. The coagulant is selected from the group consisting of epichlorohydrin-dimethylamine, guanidine-formaldehyde condensation polymers, cyanoguanidine-formaldehyde condensation polymers, urea-formaldehyde condensation polymers, polyethyleneimines, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride, copolymers of polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride and acrylamide, and ethylenedichloride-ammonia. The vinylamine polymer includes from about 1 to about 100 mole percent vinylamine and from about 1 to about 99 mole percent of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of amidine vinylformamide, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrolidinone and the esters, amides, nitriles and salts of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Water-in-oil emulsions are broken by the use of adducts prepared by reacting high molecular weight polyalkylene glycol with ethylene oxide, or diglycidyl ether, or both ethylene oxide and diglycidyl ether. The adduct demulsifiers may be used alone or as a blend with other demulsifiers.

Abstract: A composition and method for separating red blood cells from whole blood including a rouleaux-forming aggregator and an enhancer for enhancing the settling rate. The enhancer is a material which alters directly or indirectly the properties of the red blood cell and may alter the structure and/or reactivity of the aggregator, without adversely affecting the morphology and function of white blood cells. In most instances, the red blood cell enhancers of the invention are osmotic agents. Such agents create a hypertonic solution while not entering the cells themselves. Preferably the enhancer is a salt of oxalic acid, a salt of malonic acid, mannitol or sucrose. Potassium oxalate is most preferred. High molecular weight substances which are large enough to form molecular bridges between red blood cells form the aggregators used in the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a metal scavenger that is free from the defects of metal scavengers formed by introducing dithioic acid groups to polyalkylenepolyamines or the like, is high in settling speed of flock when used in waste water treatment, and can carry out treatment of waste water efficiently and also to provide a process of producing the same efficiently. The present metal scavenger has a structure that is formed by replacing the hydrogen atoms linked to the nitrogen atoms of a polyamine having aminomethyl groups by dithioic acid groups or their salts and that is represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein R represents a dithioic acid group, an alkali metal dithioate group, an alkaline earth metal dithioate group, or an ammonium dithioate group and R' represents a hydrogen atom, a dithioic acid group, an alkali metal dithioate group, an alkaline earth metal dithioate group, or an ammonium dithioate group.

Abstract: A process for removing carboxylic acids from aqueous solutions using a composition of a polyaluminum chlorohydrate and a cationic polyelectrolyte is described. After or during the initial contact of the aqueous solution with the composition, an organic liquid may optionally be added after which separation into an aqueous phase and an organic phase occurs whereby the organic acids are removed in the organic phase. The preferred polyaluminum chlorohydrate is aluminum chlorohydrate, and the preferred cationic polyelectrolyte is a high molecular weight poly(dimethyl diallyl) ammonium chloride.

Abstract: Process and composition for treating aqueous media to remove impurities using chitosan, polysilicic acid and/or poly aluminosilicate, ferric compound and clay.

Abstract: A method and composition for dispersing oil spills, wherein methyl benzoate and a surfactant is used to disperse the oil is described. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and compositions wherein the surfactant is a biodegradable detergent.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the purification of commercial, industrial and institutional waste streams in order to bring them into dischargeable compliance with environmental standards. The invention provides a system for removing contaminants, such as fats, oils and grease (FOGs) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), from waste effluents on an essentially continuous basis. During the treatment process, the FOGs and TPHs disposed within the textiles to be cleaned are treated with an alkaline, pH- or acid-sensitive detergent, causing their emulsification. The effluent waste stream is then treated by removing the solids and particulates. The alkaline emulsion is broken up by acidification of the wastewater, thereby releasing and dispersing the FOGs and TPHs. The FOGs and TPHs in the broken-up and dissolved emulsion are agglomerated by the introduction of an organic, cationic polymer.

Abstract: A compound for the treatment of water polluted by metal ions is obtained by the reaction of potassium or sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution with thiocarbamide and potassium or sodium hyposulfate. After a period of settling, a precipitate forms and is removed; the clear liquid above the precipitate is decanted and used for treating water polluted with metal ions.

Abstract: A method is described for improving the removal of toxic resin acids and fatty acids from pulp and paper effluent and from other streams containing resins and fatty acids. The addition of an anionic material, such as albumin, gelatin, alginate or alginic acid prior to clarification with conventional or state of the art cationic coagulation clarification or retention will improve the removal of resin acids and fatty acids.

Abstract: A method for dewatering the refuse ash generated by a municipal solid waste facility by adding to the ash a copolymer and a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of primary alcohol ethoxylates, secondary alcohol ethoxylates and alkyl phenol ethoxylates. The copolymer consists of repeat units of an ethylenically unsaturated compound and an acrylamido alkane sulfonic acid compound.

Abstract: A highly colored dye wastewater is treated by a sequence of steps to obtain a color reduction of 90 percent or more. The method requires acidifying the wastewater and adding a cationic flocculant. A reducing agent is then, optionally, added to further reduce the color value of the wastewater and produce an oxidation-reduction potential of at least -200 and, generally, about -400 to -800. The reducing agent is, preferably, either a hydrosulfite or both a bisulfite and an alkali metal borohydride.

Abstract: Wood-resin-containing process water or wastewater from the pulp industry is purified by adding, as flocculants, a high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide and a water-soluble, non-ionic cellulose ether, suitably having a flocculation temperature of 35.degree.-80.degree. C. The added amount per liter of water is preferably 2-20 mg of the high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide and preferably 5-30 mg of the non-ionic cellulose ether.

Abstract: Mixed polysaccharide compositions, well adopted for flocculating/precipitating solid particulates from liquid dispersions thereof and for the shaping of insulating articles therefrom, comprise (i) at least one succinoglycan polysaccharide, the basic recurring structural unit of which comprising glucose, galactose and succinyl moieties, and (ii) at least one natural polysaccharide or derivative thereof.

Abstract: In the vacuum filtering of coal slurries, dewatering of the filter cake is achieved by contacting the coal with a C.sub.8 to C.sub.20 aliphatic carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, especially sodium oleate. Reductions in moisture levels are thereby achieved in a cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A wastewater clarificant very excellent in the powers for removing BOD, COD and SS is provided. The clarificant comprises an aqueous solution containing a polynuclear complex salt that is obtained by subjecting to isochoric heating an aqueous solution containing a mixture of sulfates of a plurality of metals selected from the group consisting of potassium, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium and aluminum. Preferably, the clarificant comprises an aqueous solution containing a polynuclear complex salt that is obtained by subjecting to isochoric heating an aqueous solution containing a mixture of sulfates of a plurality of metals selected from the group consisting of, in molar concentration, 0.02 to 0.08 of potassium, 0.11 to 1.31 of iron, 0.003 to 0.030 of calcium, 0.004 to 0.040 of sodium, 0.27 to 0.81 of magnesium and 0.370 to 1.300 of aluminum.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of contaminants using metal scavenger is disclosed. The metal scavengers individually comprise a polyamine derivative and a polyethyleneimine derivative. The polyamine derivative is formed of a polyamine having a molecular weight not higher than 500 and contains, per molecule of the polyamine, at least one dithiocarboxyl group or a salt thereof as an N-substituting group substituted for an active hydrogen atom of the polyamine. The polyethyleneimine derivative is formed from a polyethyleneimine having an average molecular weight of at least 5,000 and contains, per molecule of the polyethyleneimine, at least one dithiocarboxyl group or a salt thereof as an N-substituting group substituted for an active hydrogen atom of the polyethyleneimine.

Abstract: A flocculating agent which comprises: a particulate polyethylene oxide; an inert liquid vehicle comprising a mixture of a glycol and glycerine, wherein the specific gravity of the polyethylene oxide is approximately the same as the specific gravity of the inert liquid vehicle; a suspension agent, and, optionally, an acidic compound.

Abstract: A process for the removal of soluble polyvalent metal impurities from aqueous streams, the polyvalent metal selected from groups IIIA, IIIB, IVA, IVB, VA, VB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII in the periodic table of elements, is disclosed. The process comprises, in order:(1) dissolving (a) chitosan or a water soluble salt thereof and (b) a halogenating agent capable of converting chitosan to an N-halochitosan in an aqueous stream that (i) contains said polyvalent metal impurity as a cationic or complex anionic moiety and (ii) is at a pH of 2 to 5.5, wherein an effective amount of N-halochitosan is formed in said aqueous stream to remove said polyvalent metal impurity;(2) raising the pH of the aqueous stream to a pH greater than 6, the pH being sufficiently high to form an insoluble product containing the polyvalent metal impurity and said N-halochitosan; and(3) separating the insoluble product from the aqueous stream.