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

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

Abstract: A method for gelation of a waste water stream comprising the steps of: Introducing water soluble, crosslinkable polysaccharide into a waste water stream to form a treated stream having an initial liquid content; and drying the treated stream to remove at least 50% by weight of the initial liquid content in the treated stream. The treated waste stream may be solidified to pass the paint test.

Abstract: Terpolymers and use thereof are provided comprising one or more nonionic monomers, one or more anionic monomers and one or more cationic monomers, These terpolymers and compositions containing may be used as flocculants, for example, for treating tailings, such as oil sands tailings, to facilitate solid-liquid separation, for example, in order to efficiently recycle water and/or to reduce the volume of tailings which may be transferred to a tailings pond and/or to a dedicated disposal area.

Abstract: Dewatering agents and methods of dewatering wastewater slurries are provided. Also disclosed are methods for improving the separation of solids from water. The water may be produced water, raw water, or wastewater, for example. The dewatering agents can be in solutions and the dewatering agent solutions may include flocculants, soy based components, and surfactants. The soy based components can include, for example, soy flour and soy protein.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and compositions useful for removing contaminants from water, as well as methods for making and using the compounds and compositions. In one aspect, the compositions contain a source of gallium ions and a polysaccharide such as chitosan, which are inexpensive and safe for the environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing of waste and low-value products to produce useful materials in reliable purities and compositions, at acceptable cost, without producing malodorous emissions, and with high energy efficiency are disclosed. In particular, multi-stage processes are disclosed to convert various feedstocks such as offal, animal manures, municipal sewage sludge, tires, and plastics, that otherwise have little commercial value, to useful materials including gas, oil, specialty chemicals, and carbon solids. Disclosed processes subject the feedstock to heat and pressure, separates out various components, then further applies heat and pressure to one or more of those components. Various materials produced at different points in the process may be recycled and used to play other roles within the process. Also disclosed are apparatus for performing multi-stage processes of converting waste products into useful materials, and at least one oil product that arises from the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-layered compacted solid water-purification product, comprising at least one first layer and at least one second layer, characterized in that the first layer comprises at least one flocculating system and at least one dispersion system, the second layer comprises at least one disinfectant which liberates free chlorine on contact with water and at least one excipient for the disinfectant, whereby said excipient releases the disinfectant into the water at a controlled rate such that the combination of excipient and disinfectant releases 0.1 to 100 mg/l of free chlorine per hour. The invention further relates to the method for production of such a product.

Abstract: The current invention relates to composition and method for treating impurities in a circulating water system. The circulating water system impurities may be oversprayed paint in paint spray booth applications. The composition includes an aqueous solution of a cationized starch, a polybasic aluminum salt such as aluminum chlorohydrate or polyaluminum chloride and a solution of a medium to high MW aqueous flocculent. The composition is particularly useful when added to recirculating scrubber water in paint spray booths for effectively treating both water based and solvent based paints.

Abstract: The invention concerns an online method and system for monitoring properties of an aqueous stream of an industrial process. The method comprises providing an initial aqueous stream originating from said process, the aqueous stream containing solid matter exhibiting a first settling behavior; adding modifying agent to the initial aqueous stream at an addition rate sufficient to provide a modified aqueous stream containing solid matter exhibiting a second settling behavior different from the first settling behavior; conducting a sample of the initial aqueous stream or modified aqueous stream, any combination stream comprising the modified aqueous stream or any substream of the modified aqueous stream batchwise from a sampling point to a settling vessel having a volume; and measuring the settling behavior of the solid matter in the sample locally in the settling vessel as a function of time.

Abstract: A method for making lignin-amines is provided. The method comprises providing a lignin; then modifying the lignin with modifier to create a modified lignin; and then reacting the modified lignin with an amine to form a lignin-amine. Suitable modifiers comprise acrylates. A method for coagulating suspended materials in a water stream is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a water stream and contacting the suspended materials in the water stream with at least one lignin-amine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dewatering oil sand tailing muds, comprising: (a) adding a flocculant into oil sand tailing muds and mixing the flocculant and the tailing muds; (b) filtering the flocculated tailing muds using a dynamic filtration system, wherein in step (b) a pressure difference is applied over the filter and wherein the dynamic filtration system comprises a means for producing a dynamic action by which the filter cake is continuously or intermittently moved, deformed and/or broken, the filter cake being the solidified material that sets on the filter during filtration. The process is useful for dewatering oil sand tailing muds from tailing ponds, such as those produced in the Athabasca Oil Fields in Canada.

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

Abstract: Use of a Maillard reaction product as an adjuvant in a variety of applications including solid-liquid separations, corrosion inhibition, emulsification, dust suppression, slow release fertilization, viscosity modification and others and especially as a depressant or collector in separation processes, including the selective separation of solids and/or ionic species from aqueous media, such as in the process of froth flotation.

Abstract: A process for flocculating and dewatering oil sands fine tailings is provided, comprising: adding the oil sands fine tailings as an aqueous slurry to a stirred tank reactor; adding an effective amount of a polymeric flocculant to the stirred tank reactor containing the oil sands fine tailings and operating the reactor at an impeller tip speed for a period of time that is sufficient to form a gel-like structure; subjecting the gel-like structure to shear conditions in the stirred tank reactor for a period of time sufficient to break down the gel-like structure to form flocs and release water; and removing the flocculated oil sands fine tailings from the stirred tank reactor when the maximum yield stress of the flocculated oil sands fine tailings begins to decline but before the capillary suction time of the flocculated oil sands fine tailings begins to substantially increase from its lowest point.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for clarifying wastewater containing contaminants including soluble organic compounds and insoluble organic compounds. The wastewater is treated with a paculant admixture including a cationic coagulant polymer and powdered activated carbon. The cationic coagulant polymer is polydiallydimethylammonium chloride, poly quaternary amine, and/or a starch-based organic polymer. After an at least 2 second delay, a flocculent is added to the wastewater to achieve (i) microcoagulation of the cationic coagulant polymer with the contaminants to form coagulated particles having an effective mass and cationic charge to react with an anionic flocculent to be added thereafter, and (ii) absorption of the soluble organic compounds on the powdered activated carbon. The anionic flocculent as added and reacted with the coagulated particles to form a sludge, containing agglomerated particles including the coagulated particles and powdered activated carbon, of sufficient size for mechanical removal.

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

Abstract: A novel solvent-free method for the cationisation of a legume starch, and uses of the cationic starches thus obtained, in aqueous compositions and the paper industry, including the folding carton or paper thus obtained.

Abstract: Process for water purification and for the separation of beneficial materials that are obtained from an aqueous solution, comprising determining a turbidity index and adding to the water or to said solution a composition comprising one or more natural or mixtures of natural substances, chosen from the group consisting of substances having a cationic molecular charge and substances having an anionic molecular charge, in an amount determined as a function of said turbidity index, thereby, allowing water purification and the aggregation of said beneficial materials.

Abstract: Water-soluble amino acid copolymers, modified polysaccharides, acrylamide polymers, and combinations thereof are described for use in flocculation of solids, particularly flocculation of soil, preferably in agricultural settings.

Abstract: Water-soluble amino acid copolymers, modified polysaccharides, acrylamide polymers, and combinations thereof, are described, for uses including flocculation of solids, particularly flocculation of soil, such as in an agricultural setting. Also described are methods of preparing selected amino acid copolymers and modified polysaccharides.

Abstract: An improved system for processing a liquid manure and producing organic fertilizer includes equipment for separating various components of the liquid manure having different nitrogen to phosphorous ratios and then mixing these components so as to produce an organic fertilizer with a predetermined nitrogen to phosphorus ratio.

Abstract: A high molecular weight, water-soluble polymer comprising pendant salicylic acid groups and having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 2,000,000 daltons and use of the polymer for clarifying red mud-containing liquors generated in the Bayer process for the recovery of alumina from bauxite.

Abstract: A method for separating a low biosolids suspension stream into biosolids and water whereby the biosolids contain the majority of the original beneficial nutrients, and the water is substantially free of components harmful to the environment is disclosed. The method relies on the use of a coagulant and a flocculent to bind the colloidal particles and a rotating screen drum separator. Examples detail a composition of manure stream treated with specific coagulant and flocculent that achieve high separation efficiencies and speeds. A composition for binding colloidal fines using a coagulant and flocculent in several industrial uses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process to produce brine of improved purity by dissolving salt that contains a calcium sulfate source in water, in the presence of a retarding agent, while using one or more co-retardants to bind contaminants that could interfere with the retarding agents.

Abstract: A process in which material comprising an aqueous liquid with dispersed particulate solids is pumped as a fluid then allowed to stand and rigidify and the rigidification is improved whilst retaining the pump ability of the material by combining polymeric particles with the material during or prior to pumping the material, wherein the polymeric particles comprise water soluble polymer which has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 3 dl/g. The process of the invention more effectively minimises the area taken up by a stack of the material of given volume whilst maintaining the pumpability of the material. This invention is particularly suited to material that comprises red mud from the Bayer alumina process.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention provides purification devices for reducing the amount of contaminants in water, each device includes a water-soluble flocculant disposed within a body defining a multiplicity of pores, wherein the pores have an average diameter in the range of from 1 &mgr;m to 2000 &mgr;m. The present invention also provides methods for reducing the amount of contaminants in water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particular polymer which is derived from a copolymer polysaccharide formed by a main chain comprising similar or different anhydrohexose units and branches including at least one neutral or anionic anhydropentose and/or anhydrohexose unit. Moreover, the invention relates to the use of said polymer in the treatment of aqueous media, in particular the treatment of aqueous effluents containing heavy metals, the treatment of waste water, drinking water and for sludge conditioning. Said derivative polymer comprises one or more units bearing an oxime function at least at position C2.

Abstract: A formulation for use as a treating agent in the Bayer process is disclosed. The formulation comprises a blend of 200-300 ppm of starch and up to 10 ppm of another polysaccharide. When added to a liquor derived from the digestion of bauxite ore in a caustic solution to extract alumina, the formulation may result in increased filterability of the liquor. The formulation may also be used in conjunction with a filter aid in the filtration of a caustic sodium aluminate solution.

Abstract: The claimed invention is a method for separating Bayer process red mud from a Bayer process liquor which comprises adding to a Bayer process liquor containing red mud an effective amount of a water soluble synthetic flocculant, dextran and starch combination. The flocculant is added anywhere in the slurry containing the red mud suspended in Bayer process liquor, or in a liquor slurry containing bauxite prior to or during digestion. Once the flocculant combination is added, it is mixed sequentially with the Bayer process liquor and the red mud contained in the Bayer process liquor is removed by sedimentation, centrifugation or filtration.

Abstract: A method of removing phosphoric acid contained in wastewater which comprises comprehensively immobilizing calcium or a compound thereof with a solid polymer optionally together with magnetite and contacting the calcium-containing polymer with the wastewater to react the phosphoric acid contained in the wastewater with the calcium and thereby yield calcium apatite.

Abstract: A method of flocculating suspended solids in a Bayer process liquor comprising adding to the liquor an effective amount of a polymer comprising salicylic acid groups.

Abstract: A process for removal of dissolved components of a liquid solution containing multiple components is provided. The process relates to the addition of granular cationic starch to the liquid solution, heating the resultant mixture to gelatinize the starch and form a starch/component(s) complex, and separating the complex from the liquid. Alternatively, the starch may be pre-gelatinized and added to the liquid solution.

Abstract: The invention comprises a borosilicate retention aid composition and a method for improving the production of paper by addition of the borosilicate. The borosilicate may be utilized in conjunction with a high molecular weight synthetic flocculant and/or starch, with or without the addition of a cationic coagulant. The borosilicate material is preferably a colloidal borosilicate. Methods for the preparation of the borosilicate material are disclosed.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used, for example, to clarify substantially aqueous fluids and separate solids from the fluid. The process comprises combining the fluid with a composition which comprises an anionic silica-based colloid having an S value of less than 50% and a cationic organic polymer.

Abstract: A process is provided which can be used to clarify substantially aqueous streams and optionally separate biosolids, especially proteins, from food processing operations which comprises contacting an aqueous stream comprising biosolids with an anionic inorganic colloid and an organic polymer, to flocculate the biosolids.

Abstract: A method for dewatering coal tailings, clean coal products and mineral slurries with an effective coagulating amount of a combination of a cationic polymer and a starch. A preferred cationic polymer is poly(dimethylaminoethylacrylate methyl chloride quaternary salt) and preferred starches are unmodified.

Abstract: A method and treatment composition for neutralizing formaldehdye. The treatment composition contains polyethylenimine, urea and an acid having a pH of less than 6. Treatment of formaldehyde solutions with the treatment composition results in a suspension that it easily disposable and non-toxic.

Abstract: A method of treating a spent dry film stripping and/or developing solution comprising the steps of adding about 0.01 to 15 grams of an aluminum source per liter of solution; adding about 0.05 to 25 grams of a metal precipitating agent per liter of solution; mixing the aluminum source, the metal precipitating agent and the solution with one another to form a mixture; adding an acid source to the mixture to lower the pH to less than about 6.5; and filtering the mixture to separate the metals and the photoresist from the remainder of the solution. The composition may also include 0 to 10 percent by weight of a dust-suppression agent, per liter of the solution, 0.1 to 10 grams of siliceous particulates per liter of spent stripper solution and/or an agent to enhance flocculation of the polymer precipitate.

Abstract: In the Bayer process for producing alumina from bauxite of the type wherein the bauxite is added to a caustic solution to produce a soluble aluminate solution and an insoluble red mud fraction which is then subjected to one or more separation steps to produce a thickener overflow which is then subjected to a Sand Filter to polish the thickener overflow the improvement which comprises treating the thickener overflow with a solids removal efficiency improving amount of a biopolymer.

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: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.

Abstract: A powdered composition for treating spent dry film stripping and/or developing solutions comprising: 10 to 70 percent by weight of an aluminum source, such as aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride; and 28 to 90 percent by weight of siliceous particulates, such as diatomaceous earth, sodium potassium aluminum silicate or expanded perlite. The powdered composition may also include 3 to 35 percent by weight of a metal precipitation agent, such as trimercapto-s-triazine, sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate, starch xanthate, sodium diethydithiocarbamate and thio red, to precipitate the metal from the spent solutions and/or 0 to 10 percent by weight of a dust-suppression agent such as water or propylene glycol. A method of using the disclosed compositions is also revealed in this application.

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: The present invention is a method to remove metals from solutions by precipitating the metals and adding cellulosic fiber to the solution. The precipitates attach to the cellulosic fibers to form products. The products may be removed from the solution by gravity separation techniques or by filtration. The removed products may be dewatered and incinerated. The method provides a simple and effective technique for removing low concentrations of metals from high volume solution streams.

Abstract: A method for treating cattle, fish, and poultry processing waste streams by the sequential addition of natural flocculants wherein at least one of the natural flocculants is liquid chitosan and another of the natural flocculants is an anionic natural flocculant.

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: Red mud is flocculated from Bayer process liquors using a polymer which contains vinylamine and/or vinylformamide.

Abstract: A process for selectively recovering dissolved heavy metals from a solution is disclosed that involves selectively reacting a xanthate with such dissolved heavy metals. Selective reaction of a xanthate with selected dissolved heavy metals is accomplished by conducting the reaction under conditions such that only some of the heavy metals react with the xanthate, to the exclusion of reaction with other dissolved heavy metals. Selectivity of the reaction is particularly influenced by the pH at which the reaction occurs. Typically, the reaction should occur at a pH below about 4.0. Xanthates, once reacted, can be separated from the heavy metal xanthate reaction product and recycled for use within the process. Purified heavy metal product can be produced if desired.