Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of cationic water-soluble polymers are provided, as well as processes for making and methods of using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from waste water directs the waste water through a first magnetic field. An ionic polymer is introduced into the waste water after the waste water passes through the first magnetic field, whereby at least some contaminants flocculate. Flocculated contaminants are separated from the waste water so as to form a waste water effluent. An oxidizing agent is introduced into the waste water effluent and the waste water and the oxidizing agent are directed through a second magnetic. The waste water is directed through a weir into a trough open to the atmosphere. Air is injected into the trough so that at least one gas within the waste water combines with the air injected into the waste water. The combined air and gas floats to the surface of the waste water and is expelled into the atmosphere. Foam is removed from the waste water in the trough.

Abstract: Mineral slurries such as coal refuse are flocculated to separate solids therefrom by adding a blend of high and low molecular weight cationic flocculants followed by a high molecular weight anionic flocculant.

Abstract: A sludge dehydrating agent which is excellent in storage stability and prevented from becoming water-insoluble during storage and hence can be distributed in the market securely by solving the problem of the conventional dehydrating agents comprising amphoteric polymers that they undergo deterioration and become water-insoluble when stored for long, thus becoming substantially unusable. This dehydrating agent comprises a copolymer composed of cationic vinyl monomer units, vinylic carboxylic acid monomer units and nonionic vinyl monomer units and a salt of a group IIA metal of the periodic table. Preferable examples of the vinylic carboxylic acid monomer include acrylic, methacrylic and crotonic acids, while those of the nonionic vinyl monomer include acrylamide and methacrylamide. The metal salts usable herein include those of mineral acids and organic carboxylic acids, and preferable mineral acid salts include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: A method for separating raw agricultural waste into a liquid portion and a nutrient enriched solids portion is disclosed. This method includes providing raw agricultural waste to be treated, adding to the raw agricultural waste an effective amount of a composition comprising a quaternized amino methylated polyacrylamide polymer for separating the raw agricultural waste into a mixture having a liquid portion and a nutrient solids portion, mixing the composition with the raw agricultural waste to facilitate the separation, and subjecting the mixture to at least one mechanical separation means for segregating the separated liquid portion from the separated nutrient solids portion. A method for transforming raw agricultural waste into a clarified liquid portion and a dewatered nutrient enriched solids portion is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are the Rhodamine B esters of hydroxy C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 lower alkyl acrylates. Specifically, the hydroxy lower alkyl radical is a linear hydroxy lower alkyl radical having the hydroxy group attached to the terminal carbon atom. Also shown are copolymers of diallyldimetyl ammonium chloride which contains from 0.01-2 mole percent of these Rhodamine B esters and their use in treating industrial waters.

Abstract: Alum process residues (APR) are used to remove colored contaminants from waste waters. In addition, in accordance with the invention, up to 0.1% by weight of alum and up to 5 ppm of a polyelectrolyte polymer is added to improve color removal, turbidity removal and the settling rate. The resultant APR-alum-polymer mixture together with contaminants in the waste water settles rapidly, reducing the costs of the color removal process.

Abstract: Stable compositions as flocculants comprising a blend of at least two inverse emulsions, at least one of which is a polymeric microemulsion, provide effective flocculating performance over time. Methods for preparing stable emulsion blends use stabilizing amounts of aldehyde scavenger.

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

Abstract: 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: The invention comprises a method for clarifying ink-laden water obtained from the recycling of paper stocks by treating said water with a conventional coagulant followed by treatment with a hydrophilic dispersion polymer. The hydrophilic dispersion flocculant of the invention is a copolymer of dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate methyl chloride quat (DMAEA.multidot.MCQ) cationic monomer and (meth)acrylamide (AcAm). Following dosing with the flocculant, a floc is formed. The floc contains ink and impurities which are removed from the water process stream by means of solid liquid separation; the solid liquid separation comprising a dissolved air flotation method.

Abstract: Stickies derived from pulping or deinking of cellulosic material are controlled by adding to the cellulosic liquor containing the stickies an emulsion in water of cross-linked, insoluble, ionisable and swellable polymer particles.

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

Abstract: Copolymers of low molecular weight polysaccharides and cationic monomers, their method of production and method of using as water treatment agents are disclosed. Preferably the copolymer comprises alginic acid and methyl chloride quaternary salt of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate.

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

Abstract: Emulsified oil contained in oil-in-water emulsions is removed from waste water by mixing cationic polyacrylamide high polymers with the waste water, forming oil-containing aggregations and separating the aggregations from the demulsified water. The demulsified water can then be more effectively polished, typically by contact with adsorbent particles, and subsequently passed to environmentally acceptable disposal locations.

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

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

Abstract: A method of flocculating coagulated and/or finely divided suspended matter in aqueous systems comprising adding to the system from 0.005 to 1 weight percent based on the dry weight of the coagulated and/or finely suspended matter of at least one water soluble cationic polymer selected from a water soluble cationic copolymer (I) composed of the polymerization reaction of an N-vinylamide with at least one cationic quaternary amine monomer.

Abstract: Mine waste water is treated to remove both dissolved and particulate metal values by an improved process, the process comprising:A. Mixing with the mine waste water a sufficient amount of anionic polymer to combine with the dissolved and particulate metal values to form a polymer/metal particle complex,B. Mixing the polymer/metal particle complex of Step A with a source of ferric ions, e.g. ferric chloride, to form a ferric/polymer/metal particle complex,C. Mixing the ferric/polymer/metal particle complex of Step B with a source of hydroxyl ions, e.g. a solution of calcium oxide, to form a hydroxylated ferric/polymer/metal particle complex,D. Mixing sufficient flocculent, e.g. a polyacrylamide, with the complex of Step C to precipitate the complex, andE. Separating the slurry of Step D into a clean water effluent and a high density (e.g. >50% solids), low toxic sludge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for dewatering sludge that utilizes the step-wise and sequential addition to the sludge of a cationic polyamine and a cationic polyacrylamide.

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

Abstract: A flocculant, viscosifier or other water soluble or water swellable particulate polymer is formulated as a block having a dimension of at least 10 mm and which comprises a wax matrix in which the polymer particles are dispersed. The block can be made by blending polymer powder with the molten wax matrix and cooling and solidifying it. The block is of particular value for releasing flocculant into a flowing stream of suspension.

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

Abstract: A process for preparing a water-soluble polymer dispersion is herein provided which is characterized by polymerizing from about 10 to 50 mole percent of a monomer having a formula (II); from about 1 to 50 mole percent of N-alkylacrylamide, N, N-dialkylacrylamide or mixtures thereof; having a formula (III) from about 1 to 70 mole percent acrylamide; and optionally up to about 4 mole percent of a monomer having a formula (I) having a benzyl functionality. The polymerization is carried out in the presence of an aqueous solution of a polyvalent anionic salt which contains (1) a water soluble cationic polymer which is insoluble in the aqueous salt solution and (2) a water soluble cationic polymer which is soluble in the aqueous salt solution.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of coagulatable material is coagulated by adding polymeric coagulant to the suspension and then separating the resultant coagulated material from the liquor. The coagulatable material may be present in the aqueous suspension as a suspension of suspended solids or as colloidally dispersed solids. The suspension may be coal tailings or other aqueous (generally mineral) suspension. The polymeric material must be a low molecular weight, highly ionic, polymeric material formed from a diallyl dialkyl ammonium salt. It is added to the aqueous suspension while in the form of polymeric particles having a size mainly above 30 .mu.m and that will dissolve into the suspension and coagulate the coagulatable material. An anionic high molecular weight, flocculant is generally added subsequently in order to flocculate the coagulated material.

Abstract: A phosphate feed is separated into an enriched phosphate fraction and a waste aqueous stream which includes recoverable phosphate feed particles in an aqueous clay slime and which is flowed along a flow passage through a settling zone (where recoverable phosphate feed is recovered) into a quiescent sedimentation area where the slime settles, and water soluble polymeric flocculant for the slime is added to the aqueous stream to promote settling of the phosphate feed particles substantially without settling of slime in the settling zone and to accelerate sedimentation of flocculated slime in the sedimentation zone.

Abstract: Metal ions are removed from solution by contacting the solution with a combination of a water-soluble cationic polymer and a water-soluble polymer containing pendant hydroxamic acid or salt groups.

Abstract: A mill waste or deinking waste or other suspension containing cellulosic material and hydrophobic material is flocculated by a cationic polymeric flocculant and the flocculated material, is then aggregated by a swelling clay or other anionic colloidal material, optionally further cationic flocculant is added, and the aggregated material is then separated by belt pressing or other pressure filtration as a cake.

Abstract: The invention is a method for clarifying waste water containing turbidity-causing components which comprises: adding to said water an effective turbidity-reducing amount of a water-soluble silicon-containing copolymer coagulant prepared from diallyldimethylammonium halide and a vinyltrialkoxysilane; mixing said copolymer and said water with a mechanical stirring device for sufficient time to allow flocculation of the turbidity-causing components; and then separating the flocculated turbidity-causing components from the waste water to obtain clarified water. Useful polymers for the practice of this invention are copolymers of diallyldimethylammonium halide and vinyltrialkoxysilane.

Abstract: Quaternized tertiary aminomethyl acrylamide polymer emulsions are treated by 1) adjusting the pH to about 3.6 to about 4.8, 2) adding a formaldehyde scavenger, 3) adjusting the water content of the aqueous phase to result in about 10-45 weight percent of quaternized aminomethylated acrylamide polymer and 4) heating the resultant emulsion at from about 40.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. for about 3 to about 20 hours so as to render them more stable, capable of inversion in water independent of water temperature or pH of the medium flocculant and superior dewatering ability.

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: Processes for reducing the level of impurities in alumina trihydrate produced in the Bayer process are disclosed, wherein alumina trihydrate-containing process streams are flocculated with hydroxamated polymers and centrifuged.

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

Abstract: A process for recovering metal oxides from waste water using anionic and cationic polymeric emulsions is disclosed. The treated metal oxides may then be recovered using a clarification step. Steps requiring the adjustment of pH based on the use of acids and base are thereby eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention related to the use of certain cross-linked diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride polymers in water-in-oil emulsion form for use as coagulants in suspensions of inorganic solids. The diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride polymers are preferably polymers of diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride, acrylamide, and triallylamine. The water-in-oil emulsions are formulated to invert after addition to the inorganic solids suspension, as the suspension travels to a mechanical thickening device for further processing. The inorganic solids from refuse or concentrate mineral processing applications may be coal, copper ore, sand, gravel, taconite, beryllium, trona, kaolin or precious metals.

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

Abstract: The present invention in one embodiment, is a process that uses a chemical treatment to remove heavy metals from wastewater; heavy metals from wastewater containing oxygenated hydrocarbons; and arsenic, organic acids, and heavy metals from antifreeze solutions. In one aspect such a method includes adding an iron salt, to an antifreeze solution containing arsenic and heavy metals with adequate mixing for dispersion throughout the solution. Then, a base is added to increase the pH to a level from about 8 to 10. As the base is added, a precipitate with contaminates forms and is then removed by standard filtration techniques. The arsenic, organic acids, and heavy metals co-precipitate with the iron and are removed by filtration. The process may either be a batch process or a continuous process. In one aspect the wastewater is generated by a process according to the present invention for purifying contaminated soil or sediment.

Abstract: A method for separating emulsified oil from water in petroleum production is disclosed. Low molecular weight polymers of dimethylaminoethyl acrylate methyl chloride and benzyl chloride quaternary salt have good activity as reverse emulsion breakers for freeing oil tied up as a oil-in-water emulsion. The polymer reverse emulsion breakers are preferably prepared and used as aqueous solutions to obviate the need for inversion techniques and the use of hydrocarbon compatibilizers and surfactants as required for a latex polymer.

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

Abstract: A wastewater treatment system and method for substantially reducing or eliminating total suspended solids (TSS), biological organic discharge or biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and fats, oils and greases (FOG) contaminants. The system includes at least one mixing chamber for mixing wastewater with at least one dewatering agent or chemical and air to form an aerated mixture and at least one tank having a plurality of compartments for facilitating flotation, settling and removal of contaminants from the aerated mixture as it flows through the tank. Preferably, the system includes first and second mixing chambers and first and second tanks arranged in series with each of the tanks including drag lines for removing floating and settled contaminants.

Abstract: An improved partial oxidation, gasification process using low grade hydrocarbon feedstock involving the steps of gasification, waste heat recovery and carbon removal under formation of a soot water slurry containing the unburned carbon and ash. The soot water slurry is filtered to form a filtercake of carbon and ash, which cake is removed from the process. A direct once-through, partial oxidation process is thereby established, avoiding the recycle of unburned carbon and ash. The method also comprises filtration of the soot-ash slurries containing 0.5-3% unburned carbon and 0.1-2% ash having appreciable amounts of Fe, Ni and V. The slurry is cooled to a temperature below 80.degree. C. and filtered while confined between movable closed belts maintaining a constant pressure against the shrinking mass of carbon/ash particles until the moisture content is reduced to below 80% by weight.

Abstract: Quaternized tertiary aminomethyl acrylamide polymer emulsions are treated by 1) adjusting the pH to about 3.6 to about 4.8, 2) adding a formaldehyde scavenger, 3) adjusting the water content of the aqueous phase to result in about 10-45 weight percent of quaternized aminomethylated acrylamide polymer and 4) heating the resultant emulsion at from about 40.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. for about 3 to about 20 hours so as to render them more stable, capable of inversion in water independent of water temperature or pH of the medium flocculant and superior dewatering ability.

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

Abstract: The invention is a method for clarifying ink-containing effluent water from recycled paper production which comprises the step of adding a water-soluble, surface active, silicon-containing polyelectrolyte polymer coagulant to the ink-containing effluent water from recycled paper production, wherein the polymer has from 0.01 to 10 mole percent of a vinyl alkoxysilane monomer. A preferred silicon-containing polyelectrolyte polymer is the product of a free radical synthesis from vinyltrimethoxysilane and diallyldimethylammoniumchloride monomers.

Abstract: A method for dewatering coal tailings, clean coal products and mineral slurries, as well as for the clarification of water contained in coal refuse slurries, employing a copolymer of diallyldimethlylammonium halide and a vinyl alkoxysilane, which is preferably a copolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and vinyltrimethoxysilane as a coagulant is disclosed.

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

Abstract: 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.