Abstract: The invention involves a method for making uniformly sized particles from solid compounds. First, a suitable solid compound is dissolved in a suitable solvent. Then, a precipitating liquid is infused, precipitating non-aggregated particles with substantially uniform mean diameter. The particles are then separated from the solvent. Depending on the solid compound and the desired particle size, the parameters of temperature, ratio of non-solvent to solvent, infusion rate, stir rate, and volume can be varied according to the invention. The precipitating liquid may be aqueous or non-aqueous, depending upon the relative solubility of the compound and the desired suspending vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dewatering aid which functions unexpectedly efficiently in the dewatering of a particulate solids slurry, e.g. mineral ore concentrate or slurry, wherein a dewatering aid is added thereto followed by filtration of the slurry. Such improved dewatering results are achieved by adding to the mineral ore slurry, an effective amount of a dewatering aid comprising an alkoxylated C.sub.6 -C.sub.11 alkanol or alkanoic acid wherein alkoxylation is conducted with propylene oxide or butylene oxide.

Abstract: Heavy metals can be precipitated from waste water or aqueous reaction solutions containing inorganic and/or organic complexing agents with substituted thiorureas of the general formula R.sub.1 R.sub.2 N-CS-NH-COR.sub.3. N,N-dialkyl-N'-benzoyl thioureas are used with preference, whereby methyl, ethyl, n-propyl or isobutyl groups are used as alkyl substituents.

Abstract: A method for removing iron(III), copper(II), zinc(I) and nickel(II) from an effluent containing chelant (EDTA, DEPA, HOEDTA) comprising treating the effluent with a soluble calcium compound (e.g., Ca(OH).sub.2) CaCl.sub.2, Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2) in a molar equivalent to the chelant in combination with a monovalent hydroxide to a pH greater than 12.4 and then adding an effective amount of a dialkyldithiocarbamate (e.g.; sodium-N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate) to precipitate the metal hydroxides and nickel dialkyldithiocarbamate. Heating the solution to about 180 F. further speeds up the removal of the nickel(II). The nickel concentration of spent chelant cleaning solution can be reduced to less than 1 ppm.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for working up the high-boiling, solids-containing residues obtained in the synthesis of organochlorosilanes which are hydrolyzed and then optionally oxidized, comprising adding during hydrolysis and/or oxidation a surface-active agent which hydrophilicizes the surface of the solids.

Abstract: A useful method for the recovery of heavy metal sulfides and alkali or alkaline earth metal salts of N-substituted dithiocarbamic acids from material containing heavy metal salts of N-substituted dithiocarbamic acids.

Abstract: Methods of scavenging hydrogen halide species from hydrocarbon liquids are disclosed. Preferred scavengers includes allyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol and tertiary alcohols such as tert-butyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method of processing an aqueous feed liquid to precipitate at least one metal (e.g., copper, nickel or a combination thereof) in a form to make the metal subsequently removable from the feed liquid by filtration, comprises the initial step of mixing (i) an aqueous feed liquid containing a soluble salt of the metal to be removed, (ii) oxalic acid in excess of that required to react with metal, and (iii) a pH-adjusting liquid in a quantity sufficient to lower the pH of the feed liquid to a point between that at which the feed liquid becomes slightly supersaturated with respect to the oxalate of the metal and that at which precipitation of the metal oxalate is initiated. The mixture is then allowed to stand (either at room temperature or heated to elevated temperatures) for a period of time sufficient to form metal oxalate, and finally the formed metal oxalate is separated from the feed liquid to leave an aqueous liquid suitable for discharge to a sewer line.

Abstract: A process for separating dissolved organic solutes from a solution is provided. The process includes the steps of mixing the solution with a surfactant in order that the surfactant adsorbs substantially all of the organic solutes and forms a surfactant/organic solute aggregate. The aggregate is then separated from the solution by either reducing the solubility of the surfactant, ultrafiltration of the solution or foam fractionation of the solution. If it is desired to re-use the surfactant, the surfactant/organic solute aggregate is further treated in order to desorb the organic solutes from the surfactant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing radioactive ruthenium from an aqueous solution, comprising oxidizing the ruthenium in the aqueous solution of ruthenium tetroxide, extracting the resulting ruthenium tetroxide with a halogen-free aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon solvent, allowing the ruthenium tetroxide to be reduced in the solvent, and separating the precipitated solid ruthenium dioxide.

Abstract: A device and method for permitting the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood. The device comprises a matrix of hydrophilic sintered porous material to which at least one red blood cell agglutinating agent has been applied. According to a first method of using the device, a sample of whole blood is applied to a first end of the matrix and the red blood cells within the sample come in contact with the agglutinating agents present in the matrix. The blood cells agglutinate, and are entrapped in the interstices of the matrix, while substantially blood-cell-free serum or plasma accumulates near the outlet of the device. A filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the matrix functions to wick the serum or plasma from the matrix.According to an alternative aspect of the invention, a filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the outlet of the matrix functions to retain any blood cells which pass through the matrix is the filter means wicks the plasma or serum from the matrix.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for conditioning in a thermosetting resin a quantity of waste stored in water.According to the invention, a liquid hardening agent, immiscible with water and having a density greater than that of the water, is used in order to harden the resin; this hardening agent is then mixed with the waste stored in the water and then the waste is left to decant in the hardening agent; then the water present above the decanted waste transferred into the liquid hardening agent is extracted and the waste transferred into the liquid hardening agent is mixed with the epoxy resin so as to obtain a solid block.In particular, the waste may be ion exchanger resins. Adding of the hardening agent to the waste stored in the water makes it possible to limit a temperature rise during hardining and to obtain solid products having an improved density.

Abstract: Solid particles of various sizes are separated from viscous liquids, for example biomass from liquids of biotechnological processes, by pressure filtration by subjecting the inhomogeneous or homogenized suspension, without or after only a little dilution, to a pressure filtration whereby the solid particles of various sizes are retained according to size in a plurality of, in particular in from 1 to 3, superposed or juxtaposed filter stages on filter layers of various depths and on filter surfaces and are separated from the viscous liquid.

Abstract: Asphaltenes and/or wax and/or water are removed from crude oil by contacting the crude oil with an organic solvent to dissolve the crude oil and precipitate asphaltenes and/or wax and separate the oil and water. Solvent is then separated from the deasphalted and/or dewaxed and/or dehydrated crude oil.Removing asphaltenes, wax and/or water reduces the viscosity of the crude oil and it can then be transported, e.g. by pumping through a pipeline, with less expenditure of energy.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulphide is removed using transition metal carboxylates.

Abstract: A composition for promoting dewatering of granulated slag which comprises the combination of an anionic polyether sulfate surfactant with a cationic nitrogen-containing surfactant and optionally a defoaming agent, and a process for promoting dewatering of granulated slag using such composition, which are useful for preparing granulated slag having a moisture content of 4% or less as a material for cement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dewatering an aqueous slurry of solid coal particulates wherein a dewatering aid is added to the slurry followed by filtration thereof, preferably with vacuum augmentation. Selected quaternary ammonium dewatering aids of specific structure are disclosed.

Abstract: The compounds of the invention comprise the condensation product, as well as derivatives thereof, of two equivalents of a trimethyl cyclohexane-anhydride acid chloride derivative with one equivalent of an aromatic diamine. The scope of the invention includes the method of using the compounds of the invention as chelating agents for metals, metal ions or ions of metal complexes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the binding moieties of the cyclohexane derivatives are rigidly held opposite each other, by restricting their rotation about the N-C aryl bonds, in order to more effectively bind the metals or the ions.

Abstract: Bitumen froth is treated in a circuit comprising a plurality of serially connected mixer and inclined plate settler units. A light hydrocarbon diluent moves countercurrently through the circuit. Thus, as the bitumen content of the stream being settled diminishes, the concentration of diluent in that stream increases.

Abstract: A process for the purification of phenol-containing waters, in particular waste waters from phenolic resin production, where the term "phenol" is taken to mean all steam-volatile benzene derivatives according to DIN 38,409 H 16, by reaction of the phenol with formaldehyde in an alkaline environment at 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. to form those phenolformaldehyde condensates which, by subsequent acidification of the waste water, precipitate in filterable, granular and no longer sticky form and can be separated.

Abstract: Method and additive are provided for clarifying an aqueous system which may contain an oil-in-water emulsion, a dispersion of a non-aqueous discontinuous phase, without production of a resultant uncontrollable floc in the system, by contacting the system with an effective water clarifying amount of a composition having present a dithiocarbamate of bishexamethylenetriamine, said dithiocarbamate having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: R is hydrogen, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, ammonium, ion or an amine, the ratio of carbon disulfide to primary amine for said dithiocarbamate of bishexamethylenetriamine is approximately stoichiometric. The composition is maintained in the system for sufficient time to effectively clarify the system without production of an uncontrollable floc.

Abstract: The water content of wet small coal is reduced by adding a defined amount of an ionic surfactant, centrifuging, and adding a foam suppressing amount of a cationic organic compound to the aqueous effluent from the centrifugation step.

Abstract: A process for dewatering sewage sludges of which the sludge solids contain less than 70% of organic matter, and whose dewatering characteristics have been improved by adding organic flocculants, on a filter press, wherein the sewage sludges are concentrated by adding an organic flocculant during thickening by gravity sedimentation from 0.5-5.0% by weight of sludge solids to 6-14, and especially 8-12, % by weight of sludge solids, the sewage sludges are mixed with additives, such as finely divided coal or ash or mixtures thereof, in an amount of from 0.5 to 1.5 parts by weight per part by weight of sludge solids, and the sludges are treated, before, during or after admixture of the additives, with a further 2-8 kg or organic flocculant/tonne of sludge solids and are then dewatered on the filter press.

Abstract: Modified starch compositions and their use for flocculating mineral waste residues, particularly the red mud containing alumina liquors from bauxite residues, comprising the addition to an alumina liquor of a flocculating amount of a methylated starch which, optionally, may be hydrolyzed, or a methylated starch which is also sulfonated and, optionally, may be hydrolyzed. Preferably, the methylated starch compositions are potato and dasheen starch derivatives prepared at temperatures of about 50.degree. to about 85.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention involves a method for making uniformly sized particles from water-insoluble drugs or other organic compounds. First, a suitable solid organic compound is dissolved in an organic solvent, and the solution can be diluted with a non-solvent. Then, an aqueous precipitating liquid is infused, precipitating non-aggregated particles with substantially uniform mean diameter. The particles are then separated from the organic solvent. Depending on the organic compound and the desired particle size, the parameters of temperature, ratio of non-solvent to organic solvent, infusion rate, stir rate, and volume can be varied according to the invention.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of aqueous effluent containing cyanide and toxic or heavy metals, wherein the effluent is contacted with a sufficient amount of hydrogen peroxide to oxidize at least a substantial portion of the cyanide in the effluent in the presence of sufficient trimercaptotriazine to react with a substantial portion of the metal present in said effluent, and precipitating said metal component.

Abstract: A method and cleaning composition are the subject of the invention. The cleaning composition may take the form of an aqueous solution, a powder, or a concentrated powder or aqueous solution for addition to a cleaning solution. The additive includes an amine or polyacrylamide flocculant and a betaine stabilizer. When used in a detergent solution, the flocculant causes contaminates introduced into the water to precipitate and quickly settle to the bottom of the cleaning bucket. This keeps the upper part of the detergent solution clean and prevents the mop from picking up and subsequently redepositing the contaminates each time it is dipped in the bucket.

Abstract: Oil containing sludges are treated for the recovery of oil therefrom to render the resultant sludge disposable, by a process of conditioning the sludge to destabilize the emulsified phase thereof, centrifuging the destabilized sludge to obtain a solids-rich material which is largely hydrocarbon free and disposable, and a supernatant, hydrocarbon-containing liquid, and then subjecting the supernatant so formed to liquid/liquid phase separation. The conditioning is conducted so as to prepare a conditioned sludge characterized by a solids content of less than 50% by weight, a water content of less than 90% by weight, an oil phase with an API gravity of less than 12.degree., a continuous aqueous phase, and the solids in the sludge being primarily water wetted, this conditioned sludge being ready for centrifugation.

Abstract: A method for recovering organic ether solvent and alkali metal fluoride from a slurry thereof such as may be formed as a byproduct in silane manufacture. First water is added to a slurry having an organic ether liquid phase and a finely-divided solid phase comprising an alkali metal fluoride. The water is added in an amount sufficiently large to reduce adherence of organic ether to the solid phase and sufficiently small not to create a discernable separate aqueous liquid phase. The slurry with added water is maintained at a treatment temperature of at least about 50.degree. C. for a treatment period of at least one minute, typically 15-30 minutes at 90.degree.-110.degree. C. Thereafter, the treated slurry is seaparated into a crude fluoride solid and an ether liquid suitable for direct recycle or recycle after simple further treatment.

Abstract: A method removing cyanuric acid from bather water in swimming pools, spas, and the like. Melamine is added to the bather water in a quantity sufficient to react with the cyanuric acid and form a precipitate. The insoluble precipitate can then be vacuumed or removed through the filtration system of the pool.

Abstract: A process for filtering contaminants from oil is provided. A polyalkoxyalkylamine is admixed with the oil in an amount sufficient to improve the filtration rate thereof. The polyalkoxyalkylamine is particularly suitable for use in processes for removing impurities from used lubricating oil wherein the oil is admixed with a treating agent to form a precipitate of the impurities and the impurities are filtered from the oil.

Abstract: Asphaltenes and/or wax and/or water are removed from crude oil by contacting the crude oil with an organic solvent to dissolve the crude oil and precipitate asphaltenes and/or wax and separate the oil and water. Solvent is then separated from the deasphalted and/or dewaxed and/or dehydrated crude oil.Removing asphaltenes, wax and/or water reduces the viscosity of the crude oil and it can then be transported, e.g. by pumping through a pipeline, with less expenditure of energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering gold and silver from precious metal bearing materials including ores, leaching residues, flue dust, electronic scrap, jewelry scrap, etc. In the method, the gold and silver are extracted from the precious metal bearing materials with a thiourea solution to form a thiourea leach, and the thiourea leach is contacted with carbon to adsorb the gold and silver and provide loaded carbon. The method is characterized by the step of contacting an alkaline solution of thiousulfate ion with the loaded carbon thereby desorbing the precious metals form the carbon. In one modification of the method, an additional step includes adding a salt to the aqueous thiousulfate solution. When needed, the method includes the step of protecting the thiousulfate ion from oxidizing agents. This is done by adding a reducing agent such as sodium sulfite to the thiousulfate solution.

Abstract: Methods of recovering agglomerated particles of a carbonaceous constituent such as coal from a composite of that constituent and mineral matter. An additive is incorporated into a slurry of the composite to control the agglomeration time and/or to insure that the carbonaceous particles will agglomerate. Appropriate additives are:Naturally occurring hydrocarbonaceous substances such as road asphalts, Gilsonite, pentane extracts of coals, tar sands oils, coal tars, and alcohols having six or more carbon atomsCastor oilIsopropyl etherHydrolized linseed oil2-Ethylhexyl acetateIonic dispersants such as ammonium salts of lignosulfonatesNonionic dispersants such as dextrinsA compound having the formula R--O--R, R.sub.2 --CO, R--COOH, or R--COOR where R is an aliphatic moiety having at least six carbon atoms.

Abstract: The precipitation of iron and aluminum from their solutions in strong acids, eg. 18% HCl and 25% H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, is accomplished by adding to the acid solution certain organic aminophosphonic acids in which at least 50% of the amine hydrogens have been substituted with methylenephosphonic acid groups. Particularly preferred compounds are the methylenephosphonic acid derivatives of ammonia and polyalkylenepolyaminepoly(methylenephosphonic acids). The completely phosphonomethylated derivatives are most preferred.

Abstract: A system for extracting moisture from sludge of the type handled by municipalities and industries. The system involves the use of a feed line where the sludge is mixed with a chemical treating agent adapted to achieve flocculation. The sludge is conveyed, with or without some partial separation of moisture, to a progressive cavity continuous press for feeding of the sludge through the press. The press is of the type employing a slotted or screened housing with an interior shaft so that the cavity of the press is defined between the shaft and the housing. The size of this cavity progressively decreases from the inlet end to the outlet end of the press whereby the mixture is gradually compressed as it moves through the press. Moisture contained in the mixture is thereby extracted through the housing which is designed to at least minimize passage of solids. A discharge chamber is located at the outlet end of the press for collecting the partially dehydrated mixture.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering tungsten from tungsten bearing material containing arsenic. The process involves adjusting a water slurry of the material to a pH of less than about 4 with an acid to solubilize the major portion of the tungsten, adding an insoluble ferric compound to the slurry to form a two phase system in which the solid phase contains the major portion of the arsenic and of any phosphorus which may be present, and a solution phase containing the major portion of the tungsten. After separation of the solid from the solution, the solution is adjusted to a pH of less than about 2 with an acid and a suffficient amount of hexamethylenetetramine is added to the solution to precipitate the major portion of the tungsten, followed by separating the precipitate from the resulting liquor. The solid phase containing the arsenic and phosphorus, if any, can be contacted with water and a soluble ferric salt to produce a treated solid which passes the EP toxicity test.

Abstract: Industrial liquids containing viscoelastic surfactant compositions can be reversibly thickened and broken. For example, a thickened industrial liquid can exhibit good solids carrying capacity, and after the viscosity of the liquid is broken, using techniques such as change in pH, addition of a hydrocarbon, change in temperature, etc., the solids can be easily removed therefrom. Viscosity can be again provided to the industrial liquid without the necessity of adding substantial amounts of additional thickener.

Abstract: The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a method for separating coal particles from an aqueous slurry in which a multiple emulsion of oil in water is added to the aqueous slurry, the mixture is agitated to form agglomerates of coal particles, and the coal particles are separated from the remaining aqueous slurry. By the use of a multiple emulsion of oil in water, the amount of coal recovered per unit weight of oil is increased.

Abstract: A process for removing suspended solids, particularly difficultly filterable inorganic solids, from an oil obtained as a refinery process fraction from steam and catalytic cracking units, shale oil retorting process fraction, or from coal conversion processes by adding to the oil an agglomerating agent which is a polyelectrolyte, usefully a water-in-oil emulsion of a water-soluble polymer whereby said solids are clustered together into readily separable agglomerates.

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 process for obtaining purified water from wet sludges and slurries of solid materials by treating these materials with a clathrate forming agent at a temperature above the freezing point of water to form a solid clathrate and dewatered solid material. The clathrate and solid material are then separated and the clathrate decomposed to give purified water and clathrate forming agent.

Abstract: The invention herein involves the capture and treatment of excess uncured paint which is produced during spray painting operations. In particular, the invention relates to alkyl sulfate-based compositions which detackify excess spray paint, a method for utilizing these compositions in paint spray booth operations and a method for removing uncured paint from coated surfaces.

Abstract: A wet spray booth treating agent, characterized by containing melamine-aldehyde acid colloid solution and a method for the treatment of a wet spray booth, characterized by the use of the aforementioned treating agent.

Abstract: A process for the simultaneous de-emulsification and de-asphalting of heavy oil/water emulsions containing asphaltics enables de-asphalted oil, asphaltics and emulsion water to be separately recovered. A heavy oil/water emulsion is mixed with a solvent to cause the emulsion to be broken with consequent dissolution of oil by the solvent and coalescence of emulsion water and asphaltics as fast settling particles, the solvent comprising a light C.sub.4 to C.sub.7 paraffinic composition and the weight of solvent being from about 2 to about 5 times the weight of heavy oil. The water/asphaltic particles are separated from the bulk of the oil/solvent phase and are fed into a water bath to produce relatively large stable asphaltic agglomerates with exclusion of emulsion water. The asphaltic agglomerates are removed from the hot water bath, and de-asphalted oil is recovered from the oil/solvent phase.

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: The invention relates to coagulating compositions for coagulating lacquers, waxes and coating compositions, more especially two-component polyurethane lacquers, which contain a mixture of cyanamide and/or dicyanodiamide and/or calcium cyanamide in an amount of from 1% to 80% by weight in conjunction with substances normally present in coagulating compositions.

Abstract: A process for denitrating aqueous, nitric acid and salt containing waste solutions in which actinides are present, with simultaneous separation of the actinides, comprises agitating the waste solution at room temperature with diethyl oxalate and heating the resulting suspension to at least 75.degree. C.

Abstract: There is proposed a process for the purification of fluorinated lubricants, free from hydrogen, such as perfluorinated ethers or chlorofluorocarbons, whose elimination can be dangerous for the environment owing to the fluorine release, such a process consisting in dissolving the lubricant in a fluorochlorinated hydrocarbon, then in precipitating by means of a grease solvent, in separating, in degasing and finally in filtering in order to remove the mechanical impurities.

Abstract: There is described a process for the separation and purification of the platinum group metals from base metal out of acidic aqueous solutions. For this purpose there is used a substituted thiourea of the formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 N--CS--NH--CO--R.sub.3orR.sub.1 R.sub.2 N--CS--NH--COOR.sub.3as the extraction agent. Preferably there are employed N,N-dialkyl-N'-benzoylthiourea wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are methyl, n-butyl, or n-hexyl.