Abstract: There is disclosed a method of preparing a concentrated aqueous suspension of a finely ground particulate material by a multistage grinding process in which an aqueous suspension of the particulate material is passed to and treated by grinding in each of a series of grinding stages, wherein a water soluble polycarboxylate dispersing agent for the particulate material is added to the suspension at each of a plurality of dispersion agent addition sites or stages. The invention is characterised in that the aqueous suspension when treated by grinding in at least one of the grinding stages has a pH on the inclusive range 8.5 to 9.8. Using the method described, suspensions can be prepared which are rheologically stable with time, and which contain a relatively high proportion by weight of a finely divided pigment.

Abstract: A method and a plant for processing problematic, organic, chemical wastes for the disposal thereof. The different types of waste are collected in separate portions and the liquid waste portions are pooled, and the resulting liquid mixture is left to separate into a number of fractions. Each viscous or solid waste portions is subjected to a compatibility test with a liquid fraction. The waste portions are admixed with an amount of a compatible liquid fraction, ensuring that a workable mixture is obtained. The different mixtures are gradually mixed and a mixed and workable buffer portion is obtained. The buffer portion or a portion thereof is subjected to grinding at a high shear. A pumpable, combustible dispersion is obtained, which can be incinerated without any risk of explosions.

Abstract: A grinding aid and an enhanced roll press method of grinding granulated blast-furnace slag by treating the slag feed of the roll press with from about 0.002 to 0.2 weight percent of polyacrylic acid or its alkali metal salt in combination with up to about 4 weight percent water.

Abstract: A method for producing paper pulp containing fibers of annual plants or of secondary raw materials produced therefrom, whereby fiber materials are shortened to a length which permits production of a homogeneous, pumpable suspension of the shortened fiber materials. The fiber materials are subsequently bleached and processed into a homogeneous paper pulp.

Abstract: Deaggregated highly disperse silicic acid, in which the average particle size is less than 100 nm, preferably less than 50 nm, is prepared by extremely high mechanical stress. The deaggregated silicic acid is employed as a filler in silicone rubber mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention provides production methods for aqueous dispersion slurry of inorganic particles which are so stable as not to increase in viscosity, gel or sediment even if stored for a long time and whose average particle diameter is 0.01 to 2 .mu.m. As such production method, 2 production methods are available:A production method (A) having a preliminary dispersion process in which the inorganic particles are added to ad dispersed in an aqueous medium and a main dispersion process in which dispersed slurry out of the preliminary dispersion process are collided with each other under a pressure of 100 to 3,000 kg/cm.sup.2 ; andA production method (B) in which the inorganic particles are added to an aqueous medium within a kneading tank of a kneader in which mixing blades rotate around respective subsidiary spindles and the subsidiary spindles revolves around a spindle and dispersed at a solid concentration of 30 to 70 wt %.

Abstract: The present invention concerns finely divided particles of compounds that provide flame retardancy and/or smoke suppressant properties to fibers, textiles, polymeric articles, paper, paint, coating and insulation. More particularly, the present invention concerns colloidal-sized particles of hydrated salts, organic phosphates, metal borates, polyamides, solid halogenated flame retardants with a melting point greater than 250.degree. C., molybdenum compounds, metallocenes, antimony compounds, zinc compounds, bismuth compounds and other solid chemicals which act as flame retardants or smoke suppressants. The present invention also concerns various milling processes to reduce these materials to colloidal sizes and to disperse them in water, organic liquids and meltable solids.

Abstract: The disclosed method minimizes the tendency of sodium polyborate (the chemical compound obtained from boric acid and sodium sulfate) to set up into a plaster of Paris-like mass during the reaction of concentrated sulfuric acid and a hydrate of sodium tetraborate. By adding a relatively small amount of talc at an early stage in the process of making sodium polyborate, the amount of shear force needed to break up the sodium polyborate product into small particles is greatly decreased. The resulting dry, free-flowing, finely-divided product is useful as, among other things, a pesticide and a fire-retardant agent.

Abstract: Stable, concentrated non-aqueous suspensions of water-soluble solids are prepared by using a water soluble active compound comprising water hydratable polysaccharides, biocides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof dispersed in water-miscible organic liquid carriers, preferably lower alkadiols in conjunction with a specific three component surfactant system, i.e., a system comprising a nonionic polymeric viscosity modifier surfactant; an anionic surfactant; and a nonionic surfactant having a bulky hydrophobic substituent group.

Abstract: A process of forming milled solid particles of a compound comprising milling solid particles of the compound in a liquid organic medium continuous phase in the presence of polymeric milling media to reduce the average size of the compound particles, wherein the liquid continuous phase comprises a solvent for the milling media polymer in the uncrosslinked form and the milling media is crosslinked sufficiently to prevent 50 vol. % swelling of the polymeric milling media in the liquid continuous phase within four hours at 25.degree. C. In various preferred embodiments of the invention, polymeric milling media having a mean particle size of less than about 100 .mu.m in the unswelled state (i.e.

Abstract: A process involving (a) homogeneously dispersing tetrathiodipropionic acid in a recycled rubber having an individual particle size no greater than 420 microns, (b) mixing the treated recycled rubber with unvulcanized rubber and (c) vulcanizing the rubber mixture.

Abstract: Methods and means for grinding materials to fine powders in a media mill in which the materials are ground while immersed in a liquid. In the preferred embodiments, the liquid is a gas at room temperatures and pressures, the materials are resin mixtures and the fine powders are predominantly in a size range of from about 10 to about 40 micrometers. Other benefits may be achieved if the gas is in a supercritical state.

Abstract: A method for the granulation of polytetrafluoroethylene powder comprises spraying a binder solution on the powder while the powder is stirred and ground. The binder solution is an aqueous surfactant solution having a surface tension of 25 dyne/cm or lower at 20.degree. C. and contains polytetrafluoroethylene colloidal particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing finely divided dispersions of solids having an average particle size of 0.01 to 20 .mu.m by the comminution of coarse particulate dispersions in a hole- or slit-type nozzle 4 having a specific bore length to diameter ratio at a pressure difference greater than 5 bar between the nozzle inlet and the nozzle outlet. The invention also relates to an apparatus for producing the finely divided dispersion.

Abstract: The efficiency of grinding materials is improved by the addition of hydroxy-carboxylic acids of five to six carbon atoms contasining at least three hydroxyl groups and from one to two carboxyl grpous or their soluble salts as grinding aids. The grinding aids can be added as such or formed in situ by the oxidation of saccharides.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing an aqueous clay slurry having superior gellation properties. The process involves the bead milling of the clay in an aqueous medium for a period of about 0.5 to 20 minutes at an energy input level of about 44 to 146 kilowatt-hours per metric ton of dry clay. The milling may carried out using any suitable horizontal or vertical sand mill or ball mill such as the "Morehouse Cowles Sandmill" or the "Polymill" containing a grinding medium such as zirconium silicate or zirconium oxide. The clay is preferably a smectite clay such as montmorillonite and is present in the slurry in the range of about 3 to 30 wt. %, based on the total weight of the slurry. The aqueous clay slurry is useful as a rheological additive in water-based coating formulations.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a hydrogen-storage-alloy powder for batteries, which is a useful material for a negative electrode of a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery whose internal pressure in an overcharged state is low, the method comprising a process for crushing a hydrogen-storage-alloy ingot into a coarse alloy powder in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, and a process for mechanically grinding the coarse alloy powder in contact with an aqueous solution in which any one of salts including a sulfite, hydrogen phosphate, and dihydrogen phosphate is dissolved or with an aqueous alkali solution containing cobalt.

Abstract: A method is described for preparing a concentrated dispersion of a photographically useful compound ready-for-use in coating solutions of hydrophilic colloid layers of a silver halide photographic material, wherein said compound has at least one ionisable acid site on its molecule, the said method comprising the steps of deprotonising and solubilising the said compound in alkaline medium; microprecipitating the said compound and milling the microprecipitated compound obtained, coating the said dispersion of a photographically useful compound in non-light-sensitive and/or light-sensitive hydrophilic layers of a silver halide photographic material, wherein milling proceeds during and/or after the microprecipitating step.

Abstract: An apparatus for solid state shear extrusion pulverization of a polymeric material comprising an elongated hollow barrel having a feed zone, a heating zone adjacent to the feed zone, a powder formation zone adjacent to the heating zone, and a powder discharge zone adjacent to the powder formation zone. At least one screw is housed within the elongated hollow barrel. A hopper is provided for feeding the polymeric material into the feed zone of the elongated hollow barrel. Barrel heaters and coolers are provided for heating the polymeric material to a temperature less than its decomposition temperature in the heating zone and for maintaining the polymeric material below its melting point in the powder formation zone. The screw comprises a high shear screw section for applying normal and shear forces within the powder formation zone to form a powder of the solid state polymeric material.

Abstract: A grinding aid and an enhanced roll press method of grinding granulated blast-furnace slag by treating the slag feed of the roll press with from about 0.002 to 0.2 weight percent of polyacrylic acid or its alkali metal salt in combination with up to about 4 weight percent water.

Abstract: Stable, concentrated nonaqueous suspensions of water-soluble solids are prepared by using water-miscible organic liquid carriers, preferably lower alkadiols in conjunction with a specific three component surfactant system, i.e., a system comprising a nonionic polymeric viscosity improver surfactant; an anionic surfactant; and a nonionic surfactant having a bulky hydrophobic substituent group.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for single screw solid state shear extrusion pulverization of polymeric materials in which the polymeric materials are heated to a temperature suitable for forming a continuous thin film of said polymeric material, and then cooled, and normal and shear forces sufficient to form powder of the polymeric material are applied by a single cylindrical or conical mesh screw. The resulting powder is fluidized upon its discharge.

Abstract: The present invention concerns finely divided particles of compounds that provide flame retardancy and/or smoke suppressant properties to fibers, textiles, polymeric articles, paper, paint, coating and insulation. More particularly, the present invention concerns colloidal-sized particles of hydrated salts, organic phosphates, metal borates, polyamides, solid halogenated flame retardants with a melting point greater than 250.degree. C., molybdenum compounds, metallocenes, antimony compounds, zinc compounds, bismuth compounds and other solid chemicals which act as flame retardants or smoke suppressants. The present invention also concerns various milling processes to reduce these materials to colloidal sizes and to disperse them in water, organic liquids and meltable solids.

Abstract: A method of continued grinding of cement is disclosed in order to obtain cement with a high specific surface and/or a steep grain size distribution curve. The grinding is performed in a mill with agitated grinding medium from a specific surface of 300-400 m.sup.2 /kg (Blaine) to a specific surface of up to 1,200 m.sup.2 /kg (Blaine) and with a particle size distribution such that about 80% of the particles pass a sieve opening with a size up to about 25 microns, using grinding bodies with an average size within the interval of 2 to 15 mm.

Abstract: A process of dispersing a pigment consists of agitating a pigment in water with a polyoxyalkylated ether dispersant. The polyoxyalkylated ether comprises Units of the formulae A and B whereinUnit A is an alkyl group of the formula: ##STR1## and; Unit B is an oxyalkylate of the formula:(OCH.sub.2 CHR.sub.2).sub.y OR.sub.3 (IB)wherein R and R.sub.1 individually represent hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 alkyl group; R.sub.2 is --H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group; x represents a number from about 9 to about 75; R.sub.3 is --H or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl group; and y is between about 1 to about 475.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solid particle dispersion of an epoxy compound of the formula SI, ##STR1## wherein R is H, an alkyl group, or an aryl group; L.sub.1 is an alkylene group or an arylene group; L.sub.2 is --O--, --CO--, --S--, --SO.sub.2 --, --PO.sub.2 --, --CO.sub.2 --, --NHCO-- or --NHSO.sub.2 --, wherein L.sub.2 may be orientated in either direction; L.sub.3 is an alkylene group; m is 0 or 1; p is 0 or 1; and X is ##STR2## wherein R' is H or an alkyl or aryl group, with the proviso that where L.sub.2 comprises an ionizable group, X may also be an alkyl group or an aryl group is disclosed. The process comprising the steps of: (a) forming a coarse aqueous slurry of solid particles of said compound; and (b) milling said slurry in the presence of a hydrophobic, photographically inert, liquid second component which has a logP.sub.(calc) greater than about 6.0 for time sufficient to provide particles of the desired average particle size.

Abstract: Finely divided spherical copper powder is produced by ball-milling copper powder together with 0.1 to 3 wt % of stearic acid for 2 to 16 hours.

Abstract: The invention provides submicron particles. The invention further provides submicron particles which are dispersed in an aqueous colloid. The invention further provides a method of forming the stable dispersion which includes providing an ion exchange resin, loading the ion exchange resin with an ion, treating the loaded resin to form nanoscale particles. The invention further provides fluidizing the resin and particles to form an aqueous stable colloid.

Abstract: Ground calcium carbonate is prepared by a process of grinding a suspension containing calcium carbonate to be ground and a water-soluble grinding agent in an aqueous medium while the temperature of the aqueous suspension is kept at below 60.degree. C.

Abstract: Organic wastes are made suitable for disposal by sequential treatment with an oxidizing solution and an alkaline earth oxide or hydroxide. The treated waste is then mixed with an absorbent material to absorb excess liquid, and optionally with a binding material. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises a feed hopper, a shredder, mixer and appropriate metering means.

Abstract: A method for the production of natural and/or synthetic carbonates, and more particularly calcium carbonates, with a high BET/N.sub.2 specific surface area of over 20 m.sup.2 /g, and more particularly of between 20 to 50 m.sup.2 /g, utilizes an inherently known mill such as an agitating ball mill. The carbonates in an aqueous suspension are wet ground and the entire suspension is recirculated; that is, subjected to additional wet grinding, until the final product has the desired specific surface area. Furthermore, the solids concentration during the entire duration of the wet grinding operation is maintained at no more than 24% by weight. The products of the method have surprisingly valuable properties and can be employed in the plastics industry, in sealants, in the rubber industry, in printing inks, in cosmetics, in pharmaceuticals, in cigarette paper, in wood varnishes, in high gloss paper and in plastisols.

Abstract: A solid waste recycling system for use in recycling containers containing residual liquids. The recycling system includes a housing having an inlet for receiving the containers. Two pluralities of oppositely rotating rotary knives shred the containers into shreds. A conveyor transports the shreds toward a drying zone. One plurality of spray heads washes the containers with cold or hot water during shredding and another plurality of spray heads washes the shreds with cold or hot water while the shreds are being conveyed toward the drying zone. The hot water and residual liquids are drained off in the drainage zone. The washed shreds are dried in the drying zone. The dried shreds are then stored in the storage receptacle, which is slidably removable from the housing. The rotary knives, drainage zone, dryer and conveyor are all located inside the housing, which is optionally mounted on rollers to provide a portable system.

Abstract: A continuous method of preparing submicron particles of a compound useful in imaging elements (or other materials, such as pigments, etc.) comprises the steps of continuously introducing the compound and rigid milling media into a milling chamber, contacting the compound with the milling media while in the chamber to reduce the particle size of the compound, continuously removing the compound and the milling media from the milling chamber, and thereafter separating the compound from the milling media. In a preferred embodiment, the milling media is a polymeric resin having a mean particles size of less than 300 .mu.m. The method enables the use of fine milling media in a continuous milling process which provides extremely fine particles of the compound useful in imaging elements while avoiding problems, e.g., separator screen plugging associated with prior art processes requiring the separation of compound from the milling media in the milling chamber.

Abstract: A process for preparing a stable, solid particle dispersion of a substantially water-insoluble compound useful in imaging, comprises the steps of:(a) forming a coarse aqueous slurry of solid particles of said compound and a hydrophobic, water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer in an amount of 0.1 to 100% by weight based on the weight of said compound; and(b) milling said slurry for time sufficient to provide particles of the desired average particle size;wherein the polymer is an uncharged or weakly anionically charged water-soluble or water-dispersible homopolymer or copolymer in which at least 10 mole % of the repeat units contain an uncharged pendant group that terminates in (a) a CH.sub.3 unit, (b) a ring containing at least two contiguous CH.sub.2 units, or (c) an aromatic group.The resulting dispersion has dispersed solid particles of said compound having the desired small particle size and is stable toward particle agglomeration, particle growth and needle growth.

Abstract: A grinding agent containing polymers and/or copolymers partially neutralized by magnesium, for aqueous suspensions of mineral substances to be used in pigmentary applications is disclosed.A grinding agent composed of polymers and/or copolymers obtained by polymerization and/or copolymerization of acrylic and/or vinyl monomers containing acid groups, and in which the active acid sites are completely or partially neutralized to a degree of 40% to 60%, including terminals, using a neutralizing agent containing magnesium ions, and to a degree of up to 60% using a neutralizing agent containing monovalent ions is disclosed.A procedure for grinding in an aqueous suspension using said agent, as well as the aqueous suspensions produced using said procedure and their applications to the fields of weight fillers, paper coating, paints, and plastics is also disclosed.

Abstract: A grinding agent containing polymers and/or copolymers partially neutralized by magnesium, for aqueous suspensions of mineral substances to be used in pigmentary applications is disclosed.A grinding agent composed of polymers and/or copolymers having a specific viscosity of between 0.3 and 0.8 and obtained by treatment, using one or several solvents, of a polymer and/or copolymer resulting from polymerization and/or copolymerization of acrylic and/or vinyl monomers comprising acid groups whose active acid sites are partially or completely neutralized to a degree of neutralization of 40 to 60%, including terminals, of the active acid sites using a neutralizing agent containing magnesium ions, and a degree of neutralization reaching 60% using a neutralizing agent containing sodium ions is disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for pulverization of natural and synthetic polymeric material by heating to a pre-melt or softening temperature below its melting point, cooling and applying high normal and shear stresses sufficient to form fine powder, and fluidizing the powder in a gas stream preventing its agglomeration. The same process and apparatus is suitable for enhancement of reactivity of polymeric and solid monomeric material to form homopolymers, copolymers, and new polymeric materials.

Abstract: A process for comminuting a commercial and/or municipal waste material, having an anti-agglomeration or partitioning agent thereon, by subjecting the material to a compressive shear force. The process can be applied successively until a desired particle size distribution is achieved. This process reduces tendency of solids as being milled to agglomerate together to form larger particles and eventually sheets by charging said solids to the mill with sufficient partitioning agent present to suppress agglomeration to increase the efficiency of the process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for pulverization of natural and synthetic polymeric material by heating to a pre-melt or softening temperature below its melting point, cooling and applying normal and shear stresses sufficient to form fine powder, and fluidizing the powder in a gas stream preventing its agglomeration. The same process and apparatus is suitable for enhancement of reactivity of polymeric and solid monomeric material to form homopolymers, copolymers, and new polymeric materials.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for pulverization of thermosetting, crosslinked thermoplastic and natural polymeric materials by applying normal and shear stresses by oppositely rotating meshing conical screws sufficient to form fine powder. The process may be conducted at relatively low temperatures, and in the case of many materials, at ambient or near ambient temperature and pressure conditions. The fine powder may be fluidized to aid in its discharge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the mechanical refining of high consistency lignocellulosic feed material in a frustroconical refining zone, by facilitating the backflow of steam generated in the refining zone through the upstream feed zone which, despite the backflow of steam, imparts outward force on the feed material sufficient for the material to enter the refining zone and pass therethrough, without blockage or flow interruption. This is accomplished by providing, immediately upstream of the frustroconical refining zone (46), a hybrid feed/grinding zone (104), which acts on the wood chips with relatively high refining intensity at low refining power, so as to reduce the size of the material and outwardly convey the material by centrifugal force into the frustroconical refining zone against the backflowing steam, but without generating steam in the hybrid zone.

Abstract: A separator for separator a paper ply from a polymer or other ply of heterogeneous, multi-ply packaging materials subjects the packaging materials to high pressure liquid delivered from a plurality of rotating nozzles. The packaging material is delivered into the chamber from a pre-wetting or soaking station. The nozzles in the chamber separate the paper from the polymer and reduces the paper to fibers. The polymer is skimmed off the top of the chamber in which the material is treated. The water and pulp are delivered to a settling tank where the paper fibers settle and water is removed. The remaining liquid and the paper fibers are delivered to a centrifugal screw where the remaining water is removed from the paper.

Abstract: A method for increasing the proportion of a crystalline organic compound which remains amorphous and suppressing recrystallization in which a crystalline organic compound and a hydrophilic polymer substance are fixed onto a surface of core particles by means of impacts applied in a high velocity gas stream. The solubility and stability of the resulting composite product, such as a drug for internal use, can be improved.

Abstract: A process of beneficiation of a dry flue gas desulfurization end product into separate dry particle streams dependant upon particle size, density, or shape. Further refinement of the dry end product is accomplished by initially comminuting the end product prior to classification by size, density, or shape.

Abstract: The described invention relates to the processing of iron ore, particularly taconite ore. In particular, the invention relates to the separation of the iron containing component from the silicious and other gangue components such as phosphorus compounds in low grade iron ore. Typically, the separation is accomplished by a flotation process to remove the gangue to recover the iron component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing polyacrylic acids and copolymers of acrylic acid with up to 50 mol-% of comonomers. These compounds have a molecular weight of less than 100,000, measured at a pH-value of 8, and 10 to 60 mol-% are neutralized with calcium hydroxide. The invention also relates to the use of these products as grinding and dispersing aids for calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A grinding agent for refining coarse lime by grinding in an aqueous medium to a microparticulate size, composed of a water-soluble ethylene polymer and/or copolymer, wherein, said grinding agent:a) is formed from a least one monocarboxylic ethylenically unsaturated monomer, andb) has an average molecular weight of between 200 and 1,900 g/mole.Grinding in the presence of the grinding agent allows the production of aqueous lime suspensions which have a high concentration of dry material expressed in weight percent, preferably between 40% and 60%, with particles of a size of less than 4 microns and median diameter of less than 2.9 microns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming cellulosic fibers from a bale containing waste papers, in which the bale is positioned in a treatment enclosure, and the enclosure is placed under a vacuum. A treating fluid is drawn into the enclosure, which penetrates the bale interior spaces, and produces a preferential swelling of uncontaminated cellulosic fibers. After the treating fluid is withdrawn from the enclosure, a slurrying fluid is passed through the bale contents, to form a fiber-fluid suspension slurry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comminuting and decontaminating discrete batches of waste material to reduce the volume, to render it unrecognizable and to render it safe for subsequent handling. The minimum volume of decontaminant fluid to be added to each batch is determined by its weight. Batches of differing weights are fed consecutively to the comminuting apparatus either manually or by a conveyor. A batch weigh scale is employed to preset a timer which controls the duration of operation of a device feeding decontaminant fluid to the batch. The feeding means can be made operable to withdraw reactive agents from separate storage means, to mix them to produce the decontaminant fluid and to feed the reacted mixture into the comminuting apparatus.

Abstract: An improved high-pressure roll press process for forming finish ground cement is disclosed and is achieved by treating the material entering the roll press with a small amount of a hydroxyl or alkoxyl compound selected from lignin, phenol or monopropylene glycol or mixtures thereof.