Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the purification of aqueous solutions polluted by nitrate ions. This process is characterised in that it consists in precipitating hydrated double or mixed calcium nitroaluminates, such as, in particular, hydrated calcium mononitroaluminate, by adding at least one agent supplying the element aluminium and at least one agent supplying the element calcium to the solutions to be treated, the overall mole ratio of the element aluminium to nitrate, Al/NO3, being superior to 1 and the overall mole ratio of calcium to nitrate, Ca/NO3, being superior to 2, and in that the precipitation reaction is performed with stirring and at a basic pH, preferably above 10.5.The process according to the invention is intende, in particular, to the treatment of polluted waters such as municipal waste water and factory effluents and to the treatment of liquid manure.

Abstract: A method of dewatering mineral-containing phosphatic clay sludge comprising 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 comprising 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. With modification, the method is also suitable for dewatering organic sludges.

Abstract: A decontamination treatment of process water is disclosed herein originating from electroplating/metal finishing and etching operations wherein the process water is loaded with heavy metal ions. The inventive process combines predetermined quantities of alkali/acid solutions together with a quantity of Sodium Humate so as to produce a disposable sludge which is environmentally safe and poses the least risk for leeching of harmful metals from the resultant sludge.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for removing oil and metal ions from oily wastewaters. Polymeric tannin amine compounds are added to the oily wastewater to demulsify the oil, and flocculate the metal ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for coagulating waterborne paints in paint spray booth recirculating water. The coagulant aid comprises a polynucleate hydroxy silicate-sulphate compound (hereinafter PASS) having the following average composition of the general formula:Al(OH).sub.B (SO.sub.4).sub.C (SiO.sub.X).sub.D (H.sub.2 O).sub.Ewherein B ranges from 0.75 to 2.0; C ranges from 0.30 to 1.12; D ranges from 0.005 to 0.1; X is greater than 2.0 but less or equal to 4.0 such that3=B+2C+2D(X-2)E is 1.5 to 4 when the product is in solid form; and E is larger than 4 when the product is in aqueous form, which may optionally be used together with alum or a mixture of alum and a polyamine. The coagulant aids of this invention may also be used advantageously with detackifying agents to simultaneously detackify and coagulate solvent based paint particles.

Abstract: A process for improved flocculation of Bayer process red mud-containing liquor uses a conventional water soluble anionic flocculant to form a red mud phase and a supernatant from the red mud-containing liquor, the supernatant containing suspended solids. The process is characterized by the addition of a water soluble clarification aid in addition to the conventional flocculant, wherein the clarification aid is pullulan, lactan, zooglan, rhamsan, or combinations thereof. The clarification aid is added to the red mud-containing liquor in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of suspended solids in the supernatant.

Abstract: Coal fines and suspended insoluble metals are flocculated from coal mine drainage waters by adding a polymeric tannin-amine compound.

Abstract: Oil spills on natural bodies of water are treated with amine-substituted water swelling clays. The organoclays are added to oil spills in an amount which herds oil into islands of oil separated by surfaces of water containing no oil. The clays can also be added to oil spills in an amount which produces quasisolid, buoyant organoclay/oil flocculate clumps which float in the water and which are amenable to collection from the surface of the water.

Abstract: A process for removing proteinaceous materials, fats and oils from food processing wastewater using a coagulant such as lignin or a halogen ion containing compound together with a flocculant such as a natural polymer such as a polysaccharide or synthetic polymer is described. The combination of lignin or halogen and polymer is effective for coagulating and flocculating proteinaceous materials, fats and oils in food processing wastewater at low pH.

Abstract: A present invention relates to a method of treating waste water for organic contaminants by contacting the waste water with a water dispersible organoclay consisting of the reaction product of at least one ammonium salt and at least one smectite clay, or alternatively, separately with at least one ammonium salt and at least one smectite clay wherein at least one ammonium salt contains at least one hydrophobic group and at least one ammonium salt contains at least one hydrophilic group and wherein said at least one ammonium salt in combination with said at least one smectite clay has a modified methylene blue test value of at least 25 percent sites exchanged.

Abstract: A method for reducing industrial or urban effluent COD is described, comprising treating said effluents with an aqueous solution of alkaline and/or ammonium salts or humic acids perpared by the dry oxidation of coal with oxygen or oxygen/nitrogen mixtures at a temperture of between 120 and 350.degree. C. at an oxygen partial pressure of between 0.1 and 10 ata for a contact time of between 15 and 600 minutes, followed by extraction of the crude oxidation product with an alkaline and/or ammoniacal solution, characterised in that said aqueous solution is fed into effluent, the pH of which has been previously adjusted to between 1 and 3.5, to the extent that the humic acid salts which exhibit flocculating action are in a concentration of less than or equal to 2000 mg/1 of effluent.

Abstract: There is disclosed a waste treatment process for alkaline waste liquid in which substances to be removed exist in ionic and colloidal states. In the process, powdered tannin is added to the waste liquid to produce solid substance of the tannin and to capture the substances to be removed on the solid substance. Then, the waste liquid is subjected to filtration to thereby separate the solid substance including the substances to be removed.

Abstract: A process for improving a solid/liquid separation of tails from acidulated or non-acidulated liquors obtained by leaching phosphate ores or waste comprising: adding a mixture of dissolved polymers of hydroxyalkyl cellulose and polyoxyethylene into an aqueous slurry of leached phosphate wastes to obtain flocks of phosphatic clay wastes; allowing said flocks to settle into an agglomerated mass; decanting luqiid from insoluble residues to obtain tails having a solid content from about 55 to 70%.

Abstract: A decontamination treatment of process water is disclosed herein originating from electroplating/metal finishing and etching operations wherein the process water is loaded with heavy metal ions. The process combines predetermined quantities of alkali/acid solutions together with a quantity of Sodium Humate so as to produce a disposable sludge which is environmentally safe and poses the least risk for leeching of harmful metals from the resultant sludge. Decontaminated waste water solution is also produced via a sand filter which is further processed to remove ionic, atomic or molecular metal suspended in the waste water solution. This latter process includes a microcon filter having electronic pressure sensors and feedback controls for returning contaminated waste water back into the system via automatic back wash. An electromagnetic ionic filter removes additional ionic, atomic or the like metal contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition in dry form, preferably in the form of a tablet, containing a combination of ingredients which upon addition to contaminated water effectively removes turbidity, metal and organic contaminants in the water and thereby makes the water safer for drinking. The composition is particularly useful for personal use so that safe drinking water can be obtained by the simple addition of the composition to the water to remove the turbidity and contaminating materials contained therein. Preferably the composition contains bentonite clay, attapulgite clay, polymeric coagulant and/or flocculent, biocide, zeolite and activated charcoal. The invention also provides a method for treating water with the composition as well as a method for making the composition.

Abstract: A method of removing a constituent of a biological fluid including a blood component, said method including flowing the biological fluid past one side of a first semipermeable membrane, flowing solution containing a first precipitation agent past a second side of the membrane so as to cause transfer of the precipitation agent through the membrane to the biological fluid so as to improve precipitation characteristics of the fluid; and precipitating the constituent from the biological fluid. Also disclosed are maintaining a lower pressure in a biological fluid in a dialyzer than in dialysate at all portions of a membrane in the dialyzer and adding a continuously flowingy stream of concentrated precipitation agent to a continuously flowing stream of a biological fluid.

Abstract: A method of treating Bayer process red mud slurries to improve or facilitate the handling thereof, comprising adding to such a slurry a minor porportion of humic acids or humates effective to reduce the viscosity of the slurry.

Abstract: In a Bayer process for production of aluminum, alumina trihydrate crystals are formed in the pregnant liquor and are flocculated using a combination of dextran and synthetic polymer, usually a homo- or copolymer of acrylic acid. The process is particularly advantageous where the liquor contains organic components such as humate and/or oxalate.

Abstract: A method for treating muddy water which comprises adding a first chemical containing an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal oxide or hydroxide to muddy water to be treated, thereby rendering muddy water alkaline, adding a second chemical containing an anionic polymer coagulant to muddy water simultaneously with or after the addition of the chemical, further adding a third chemical containing a sulfate thereby rendering the muddy water weakly alkaline, and then adding a fourth chemical containing an anionic polymer coagulant to muddy water. As a result, large-sized and hard flocs are produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for detackifying paint overspray comprising contacting the paint overspray with reduced cation exchange capacity smectite clays and organoclays.

Abstract: A composition for the purification of water includes a suitable coagulant for coagulating solid impurities dispersed in the water to form flocs and an organic hydrophilic colloid capable, when dispersed in the water, of absorbing large quantities of water to form a sol for aggregating the flocs. The proportion of organic hydrophilic colloid in the composition is such that when the composition is used to purify the intended quantity of water, the organic hydrophilic colloid does not interfere with coagulant dispersal in the water or with floc formation.

Abstract: A method of removing dissolved and colloidal macro-molecular organic substances from effluents from processes used in the manufacture of pulp and paper, wherein an acid sludge containing cellulose fibres and being acidified to a pH value of 1.6-2.5, is added to an effluent containing said organic substances, and the pH value is adjusted to 4.5-6.0 before the mixture is subjected to sedimentation to achieve precipitation of the fibres with said organic substances adhered thereto. According to the invention the fibres used as precipitant are subjected to mechanical treatment prior to said acidification, so that the fibres are broken and split open, increasing their specific fibre surface and thereby their ability to catch the organic substances in the effluent.

Abstract: Red mud in Bayer process liquors are flocculated using dextran and synthetic anionic polymer in the same stage, usually added separately to the liquor. The liquor may be the primary settler slurry, the secondary clarification liquor or one or more of the red mud washing stages. The process is of particular advantage where the liquors are high in carbonate content and/or total alkalinity.

Abstract: A method is shown for separating water from an oil-water system. A separator composition is blended from cactus extract, and activator and a carrier liquid. The separator composition causes separation of the oil and water into distinct layers which allows the water to be drawn off.

Abstract: In a processing for treating waste containing effluent water from a food processing plant, the effluent water is contacted with a flocculant comprising a crude algal composition or a crude alkali processed algal composition obtained from algae selected from the classes Rhodophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Phaeophyceae, at an acidic pH. A floc, which contains substantially all of the solid waste components of the effluent water, is formed as a result of the treatment process, and can be recovered for use in animal feedstocks or as other products such as fertilizers, or safely disposed of an in landfill operations. The clarified effluent water is sufficiently waste free that it can be forwarded to a secondary treatment facility or back into the food processing plant for reuse in certain plant operations.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for the flocculation of matter suspended in water. According to the invention, the water is passed through a granular medium in a fluidized bed, without prior saturation of the granular medium in a fixed bed, and flocculated aggregates are collected downstream and subjected to settling or some other liquid/solid separation procedure, in order to obtain an effluent which is partially freed of its pollution.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treating food wastewaters by acidifying to a low pH, adding an alginate, and, preferably, adding lime to a pH of at least 7.0, without adding iron or aluminum to assist in coagulation and flocculation of the wastewater. A floc is formed at acid pH in some wastewaters and at neutral to alkaline pH in other wastewaters treated with lime. After recovery of the floc as a sludge, the process provides at least about 70% removals of Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) at reasonable costs and with negligible formation of free fatty acids in the resulting sludge.

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: Hydrogen sulphide is removed using transition metal carboxylates.

Abstract: J-1 which is a strain of cyanobacteria is used to form and excrete a material useful as a floculating agent and as an additive useful in soil conditioning. Method of separating and culturing the cyanobacteria under conditions necessary to achieve maximum formation and excretion of the material into solution. Method of purifying and separating excreted as well as intracellular material from cyanobacterial. Method of clarifying a particulate-laden liquid with a material excreted by cyanobacteria, and particularly species J-1. Extracellular polymeric material which is water-soluble, non-dialyzable, having a molecular weight greater than 100,000, based on Sephadex column elution G 150, containing sugar, peptide, and fatty acid moieties, giving a positive Anthrone test, having an absorption peak of 205 nm. using a Perkin-Elmer spectrophotometer Model 402.

Abstract: A method of detackifying paint overspray formed of paint particles and water is disclosed. The method involves contacting the overspray with a defined organophilic clay and separating the detackified paint particles from the water.

Abstract: A coagulant or hemostatic comprises, as an effective ingredient, at least one compound consisting of a lignan skelton having oxygen-containing side chains or rings.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an artificial soil, which has compound effects, and is used in a wide range, and is easy to handle, is obtained by mixing Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, and a construction of a bed soil for a putting green having excellent drainage and water-holding property and fertilizer-holding property is obtained by forming the bed soil of an upper growth layer formed of the artificial soil formed of a mixture comprising Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, sands and soils and a lower drainage-layer formed of sands or mainly comprising sands.

Abstract: A coagulant or hemostatic comprises, as an effective ingredient, at least one compound consisting of a lignan skelton having oxygen-containing side chains or rings.

Abstract: Lignin amines are disclosed which are characterized by high nitrogen content and are water soluble at both alkaline and acidic pH values. The lignin amines have utility as flocculants, filtration aids, precipitants, scale inhibitors, asphalt emulsifiers, fluid loss additives, oil well cement additives, corrosion inhibitors, retention aids, cationic dispersants, and tall oil pitch emulsifiers.

Abstract: Methods are described for flocculating and removing solids suspended in water using an inorganic component containing iron, aluminum, or a mixture thereof in combination with a tannin-based flocculant produced by reacting a condensed tannin with an amino compound and an aldehyde. The tannin-based flocculant is preferably the product of a controlled reaction in which the viscosity is monitored as an indication of suitable shelf life.

Abstract: Lignin amines are disclosed which are characterized by high nitrogen content and are water soluble at both alkaline and acidic pH values. The lignin amines have utility as flocculants, filtration aids, precipitants, scale inhibitors, asphalt emulsifiers, fluid loss additives, oil well cement additives, corrosion inhibitors, retention aids, cationic dispersants, and tall oil pitch emulsifiers.

Abstract: A method for treating a radioactive metal-containing natural water or liquid such as a radioactive metal-containing wastewater stream, an oil containing one or more radioactive metals, or other nuclear metal-bearing liquid by contacting the radioactive heavy metal-containing liquid with a water-in-soluble carboxylated cellulose to separate the heavy metals from the liquid. The process has been found to be unexpectedly effective on radioactive wastewaters or any other liquid containing one or more radioactive heavy metal ions such as U, Ce, Sr, Ru, Ra, Np, Tc, as well as radioactive ions such as I.

Abstract: The process comprises subjecting the hemolyzed blood to a clarification step at a pH of between 4 and 6 in the presence of less than 15% of alcohol, then, after concentration, effecting a chromatography by exchange of anions so as to separate the hemoglobin, the albumin being thereafter eluted. The hemoglobin and the globulins may then be separated out by precipitation with 25% alcohol at a pH of 7. The proteins obtained are in the native state.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the removal of metals from waters containing them, comprising the treatment of the waters with an aqueous solution of alkaline salts of humic acids, which is characterized in that said solution is obtained by the dry oxidation of coal by oxygen or mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen, in particular air, and the subsequent extraction of the raw oxidation product by an alkaline solution, and that said aqueous solution is added to into the waters as such, wherein the humic acids salts perform a flocculating action, with the end pH being preliminarily to a value comprised within the range of from 1.5 to 5.5.

Abstract: Hydroxyalkyl celluloses are useful as sedimenting agents in the non-destructive separation of red and white blood cells. Intact WBC recovery is higher than with conventional methods. The white blood cells may be used in interferon production.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for the flocculation of matter suspended in water.According to the invention, the water is passed through a granular medium in a fluidized bed, without prior saturation of the granular medium in a fixed bed, and flocculated aggregates are collected downstream and subjected to settling or some other liquid/solid separation procedure, in order to obtain an effluent which is partially freed of its pollution.

Abstract: Oil is dehydrated and/or desalted by the influence of a dewatering and desalting formulation which can be characterized as an admixture of (i) a demulsifier preferably an alkylene oxide alkyl phenol-formaldehyde condensate such as a poly ethoxylated nonylphenolformaldehyde condensate and (ii) a deoiler which is usefully a polyol such as ethylene glycol or poly (ethylene glycol) of Mw ranging from 106 to 44,000 and preferably ethylene glycol.The aqueous formulation may usefully contain a cosolvent such as isopropanol.

Abstract: A process for separating finely divided solid particles from a hydroprocessing liquid product which comprises treating a heavy hydrocarbon feed having an asphaltene content of at least 1 wt. % so as to obtain an unstable product characterized by heavy molecular weight molecules which promote the agglomeration of said finely divided solid particles and thereafter feeding said unstable product to a precipitating zone provided with a centrifugal decanter for precipitating the agglomerated solid particles and said heavy molecular weight molecules in said precipitating zone wherein at least 80 wt. % of the finely divided solid particles is recovered.

Abstract: Separation of clarified water and rapid settling of the particulate solids e.g. ash, slag, char and mixtures thereof from aqueous dispersions of quench cooling and/or scrubbing water as produced in the partial oxidation process for ash-containing solid carbonaceous fuels is effected by mixing with said dispersion a sulfonated product of humic acids and their salts and adjusting the pH of the mixture to a value in the range of about 2 to 6.

Abstract: A method of separating a first polypeptide fraction from a second polypeptide fraction of a mixed solution is disclosed. A predetermined charged polymer is admixed with the mixed solution preferably in the presence of a neutral polymer. The charged polymer interacts with the first fraction to form a precipitate. The neutral polymer enhances the effectiveness of the charged polymer in precipitating the first fraction. By proper selection of the polymer combination the desired polypeptide fraction can be precipitated from solution leaving the other polypeptide fraction in solution or vice versa.

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

Abstract: A process for separating animal cells and/or animal cell debris from a liquid culture of animal cells involves flocculating the culture with a polygalacturonic acid and separating the flocculated animal cells and/or animal cell debris from the liquid culture.

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