Abstract: Systems and methods for processing glycerol into one or more useful products are provided. The method can include decreasing a pH of a mixture comprising glycerol and fatty acids to produce an emulsion comprising a glycerol-rich portion and a fatty acids-rich portion. At least a portion of the glycerol-rich portion can be reacted with at least one of an oxidant and a catalyst at conditions sufficient to produce a reacted product comprising glyceric acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A zero-valent metal polymeric complex supporter (ZVM-PCS) is disclosed. The PCS possesses porous surface and internal coralloid-like channel structure that can accommodate high amount of iron-containing materials and derivatives thereof. The surface pore size, porosity, hydrophilicitv, and internal coralloid-like channel structure of PCS can be tailored through the manufacturing process, with which PCS can be functioned as a regulator for the releasing of produced hydrogen, and also control the adsorption and reactions toward heavy metals and chlorinated volatile organic compounds in water. The hydrogen released from the ZVM-PCS can be applied to anaerobic bioremediation. Moreover, the ZVM-PCS can be filter materials that can be installed in a column or any storage for water and wastewater treatment, or even in a groundwater cut-off barrier for the cleanup of contamination.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for improving the production of alumina. The invention involves adding a product containing one or more polysaccharides to liquor within the fluid circuit of the production process, where one of the polysaccharides is scleroglucan. The use of scleroglucan can impart a number of advantages including at least some of: greater flocculation effectiveness, increasing the maximum effective dosage, faster settling rate. The production process can be a Bayer process.

Abstract: Methods for bioremediation of contaminants in water using soapstock, an acid oil of soapstock, a neutralized acid oil of soapstock or combinations thereof are described. Systems for bioremediation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer mixture in solid or aqueous form includes a content of from 5 to 95% by weight of a first polymer and a content of from 5 to 95% by weight of a second polymer. The first polymer is a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 1000 to 20 000 g/mol. The second polymer is a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer having a weight-average molecular weight of 1000 to 50 000 g/mol. The polymer mixture can inhibit precipitation and sedimentation of calcium salts and magnesium salts in water-bearing systems.

Abstract: Bilayer-nanoparticle compositions comprising a nanoparticle core and a lipid bilayer disposed around the exterior surface of the nanoparticle core are provided. In some embodiments, these bilayer-nanoparticle compositions may be dispersed in an aqueous solution. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method for treating aqueous solutions, wherein a filtrate material is manufactured to have a polymer with ion exchange properties adhered to the surface or impregnated within a porous, granular particle such that the resultant structure does not result in any agglomeration or binding of the granular particles, thereby retaining the maximum surface area of the particle for reacting with metal impurities in solution. A filtrate material comprised of a porous granulated particle and an ion exchange polymer. A method of treating aqueous solutions by passing an aqueous solution through the filtrate material to remove metal impurities in the solution. A method of regenerating the filtrate material that is saturated with metal impurities.

Abstract: A metal removal system and method are disclosed. An example method includes providing a sorptive media and providing a primary ligand having an affinity for the sorptive media, the primary ligand being an amphipathic, heterocyclic metal-coordinating compound. The method also includes providing a co-ligand having an affinity for the sorptive media. During a treatment process, a metal removal response is observed to be non-proportional between expected metal removal ability based on individual metal coordination abilities of the media alone and of all ligands, and actual net metal removal capacity resulting from a heterogeneous cooperation of the primary ligand and the sorptive media and activated by the co-ligand.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and compositions that employ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose as a scale inhibitor. According to the invention, scale inhibiting compositions are disclosed which include, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and a polymer such as polymaleic acid, polyacrylic acid or mixtures, copolymers or terpolymers of the same and optionally may also include a phosphonate. The scale control composition may be incorporated into a detergent/cleaning composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to aminocarboxylates in solid form which have a relatively high storage stability and improved processability, and to the use thereof in household products, in particular detergents, cleaners and care compositions, and in industrial processes.

Abstract: A PAM delivery product is a sold form of polyacrylamide polymer (PAM). Among other things, the PAM delivery product can be used to prevent ruts formed during center-pivot irrigation, prevent erosion of irrigation ditches, clarify wastewater, and assist seed germination and seedling establishment. The PAM delivery product includes pure PAM and water to create a solid “loaf”. Water-soluble calcium (Ca) can also be added to the PAM delivery product depending on the specific application for the PAM delivery product. When Ca is used in the PAM delivery product, it is present in a 9:1 ratio to the PAM.

Abstract: A method of treatment for inhibiting sulfur-based corrosion or scaling or for removing scaling from a surface including inhibiting corrosion caused by sulfur-containing materials, reducing corrosion caused by sulfur-containing materials, inhibiting scaling caused by sulfur-containing materials in gas, liquid or solid phase or any combination of multiple phases of materials, reducing scaling caused by sulfur-containing materials, and removing scaling caused by sulfur-containing materials. The method involves contacting sulfur-containing materials with a composition containing a turpentine liquid. The method also involves contacting corrodible surfaces or surfaces prone to scaling with a composition containing a turpentine liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, in particular blocks, tablets and gels, for the prevention or removal of insoluble salt deposits comprising: a) an organic acid with two carboxylic acid functional groups obtainable by fermentation, selected from the list of itaconic acid, itaconic acid anhydride, succinic acid, succinic anhydride and combinations thereof, and b) at least one compound determining the release of said acid from said composition, said compound is selected from a list comprising: i) a hygroscopic compound, ii) a carbonate source, iii) an acid solubility retarding compound, iv) a compound with melting point situated between 60° C.-95° C., and combinations thereof. The invention further provides uses of the compositions for the prevention or removal of insoluble salt deposits. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing such compositions and a method for the prevention or removal of insoluble salt deposits with a product of the invention.

Abstract: A composition comprising a substrate, an organic ion, and a metal binding agent, wherein the substrate comprises a natural clay, a synthetic clay, a natural zeolite, a synthetic zeolite, a polymer resin, lignite, kaolinite, serpentine, illite, chlorite, smectite, montmorillonite, saponite, sepiolite, nontronite, beidellite, hectorite, fuller's earth, attapulgite, bentonite, analcime, chabazite, heulandite, natrolite, phillipsite, stilbite, diethyl aminoethyl, quaternary aminoethyl, or combinations thereof, wherein the organic ion comprises quaternary amines, imidazolium salts, phosphonium salts, tetra alkyl ammonium, bis-(hydrogenated tallow)-dimethyl-ammonium chloride, bis-(hydrogenated tallow)-benzyl-methyl-ammonium chloride, 4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-2-nortallow-alkyl-1-(2-tallow-amidoethyl)-imidazolium methyl sulfate, 1-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(8-heptadecenyl)-imidazolium ethyl sulfate, or combinations thereof, and wherein the metal-binding agent comprises mercaptan, carboxylic acid, chelating a

Abstract: Composite membranes, methods or processes for producing composite membranes, and systems utilizing composite membranes are generally described. In some examples, a composite membrane includes a porous halogenated polymer and a conductive polymer coupled to the porous halogenated polymer. In some examples, a process for producing a composite membrane includes coupling a conductive polymer and a porous halogenated polymer.

Abstract: Process to prepare coated particles containing a particle and a coating, wherein the particle contains glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a (partial) salt thereof of the formula HnYm-GLDA, wherein Y is a cation selected from the group of sodium, potassium, lithium, and mixtures thereof, n+m=4, in which the particle is made from a solution containing glutamic acid N,N-diacetic acid or a partial salt thereof that has a p H of between 4 and 11, and subsequently or simultaneously the coating is applied on the particle, to an intermediate particle of HnYm-GLDA, wherein n is 0.1-3.2 and m is 0.8-3.9, the coated particle obtainable with the process, and the use thereof.

Abstract: A gel carrier for releasing active ingredients is formed from a co-polymer blend and an active ingredient blend. The co-polymer blend and active ingredient blend are combined and allowed to cool to a desired temperature. When the gel carrier floats in, is immersed, or is exposed to water-based materials, active ingredients are leached out of the gel carrier.

Abstract: Novel water softening products and methods of treating hard water are provided. The products comprise a chloride-free, organic salt and a chelating agent. The products are useful for regenerating ion exchange material in a water softening system and providing softened water containing both sodium and potassium ions, while avoiding the formation of undesirable precipitates (e.g., low Ksp byproducts).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-responsive layer and layer assembly which can be used for controlling a flow of liquid for example in a water-purification device. The photo-responsive layer according to the invention comprises a first domain comprising a first material comprising molecules having a photo-responsive moiety, wherein the first domain of the photo-responsive layer is capable of undergoing a reversible geometrical change when said photo-responsive moiety is exposed to photo-activating illumination, such as UV-radiation. The photo-responsive layer is useful in UV controlled membranes e.g. for water purification.

Abstract: There is provided a porous formed article which can remove hazardous substances at a high speed, has a high adsorption capacity and has high durability to cleaning chemicals and further which is scarcely broken even if being repeatedly used, and which contains an organic polymeric resin and an inorganic ion-adsorbing material, wherein the organic polymeric resin is a polyether sulfone resin and/or a polysulfone resin, and is an organic polymeric resin having a hydroxyl group.

Abstract: It is disclosed a process for removing at least a portion of the furfural and acetic acid in a first stream comprised of water, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of furfural and acetic acid, C5's and C6's. Such process comprises the steps of contacting the stream with an adsorption media which has been previously contacted with a second stream comprised of the same components and the adsorption media has been regenerated by exposing it to conditions, without being in contact with the second stream, such that at least 70% of the adsorbed furfural and acetic acid have each been desorbed and at least 60% of the C5's and C6's remain adsorbed on the media.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous solution of acrylic acid polymers, obtainable by polymerization of acrylic acid in feed mode with peroxodisulfate as initiator in the presence of hypophosphite in water as solvent, wherein (i) water and optionally one or more ethylenically unsaturated comonomers are initially charged, and (ii) acrylic acid in acidic, unneutralized form, optionally one or more ethylenically unsaturated comonomers, aqueous peroxodisulfate solution and aqueous hypophosphite solution are added continuously, and (iii) a base is added on completion of the acrylic acid feed to the aqueous solution, wherein the comonomer content does not exceed 30% by weight, based on total monomer content.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for inhibiting the formation and deposition of silica and silicate compounds in a water system. In particular, the method includes adding to the water system a relatively low molecular weight organic, anionic polymer. The polymer preferrably has an acrylic acid or methacrylic acid functionality and is preferrably selected from one or more of homopolymers of acrylic acid, a methacrylic acid/polyethylene glycol allyl ether copolymer, a homopolymer of methacrylic acid, an acrylic acid/polyethylene glycol allyl ether copolymer, and an acrylic acid/1-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropane sulfonic acid copolymer, homopolymers of maleic anhydride, copolymers of maleic anhydride and polyethylene glycol allyl ether, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A charged particle polymer hybrid (CPPH) flocculant is taught, comprising sub-micron size charged particles and a polymer which has been polymerized in the presence of the charged particles wherein the intrinsic viscosity of the hybrid polymer flocculant is less than 930 ml/g. A method is provided for producing freely draining flocculated sediment from a suspension comprising finely divided solids in water. The method comprises dispersing, at increasing concentrations, a charged particle polymer hybrid (CPPH) flocculant into the suspension to determine a starting plateau concentration of CPPH flocculant above which concentration no further increase in the solids loading of the produced floccules is observed. Then, the concentration of dispersed CPPH flocculant in the suspension is maintained at or above the starting plateau concentration. A method is further provided for separating fine solids and water from a suspension comprising finely divided solids in water.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition comprising a siloxane having the formula: M1DM2 wherein M1=(R1)(R2)(R3)SiO1/2; M2=(R4)(R5)(R6)SiO1/2 and D=(R7)(Z)SiO2/2 where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are each independently selected from the group consisting of 1 to 4 carbon monovalent hydrocarbon radicals, aryl, and a hydrocarbon group of 4 to 9 carbons containing an aryl group; Z is a pendant hydrophilic ionic group selected from the group consisting of R8—RA, R9-RC, and R10—RZ; RA being an anionic substituent, RC a cationic substituent or RZ a zwitterionic substituent on the D group wherein said siloxane has an enhanced resistance to hydrolysis at a pH below 6 or a pH above 7.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of composite materials as thickening agents for aqueous solutions, said material comprising carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and at least one hydrophilic (co)polymers. The invention relates more particularly to the use of the materials described above as thickening agents n one of the fields chosen: from the following: the papermaking field, the oil field and also the fields of paint, water treatment, detergents, ceramics, cements, or hydraulic binders, civil engineering, inks and varnishes, and textile sizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a branched copolymer comprising a hydrophilic component obtainable by an addition polymerisation process and compositions and uses thereof said copolymer comprising: i) a residue of at least one monofunctional monomer comprising one polymerisable double bond per molecule and a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons; ii) a residue of at least one multifunctional monomer comprising at least two polymerisable double bonds per molecule and a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons; and wherein the end termini of the copolymer chains comprise one or more of a residue of a chain transfer agent; an initiator or a terminal group derived from a termination reaction; wherein; the molar ratio of the monofunctional monomer to multifunctional monomer is between 50:1 to 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a branched copolymer obtainable by an addition polymerisation process and uses and compositions thereof comprising: i) a residue of at least one monofunctional monomer comprising one polymerisable double bond per molecule and a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons; ii) a residue of at least one multifunctional monomer comprising at least two polymerisable double bonds per molecule and a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons; and wherein the end termini of the copolymer chains comprise one or more of a residue of a chain transfer agent; an initiator or a terminal group derived from a termination reaction; wherein; the molar ratio of the monofunctional monomer to multifunctional monomer is between 50:1 to 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions containing concentrated biologically-active ingredients for treating wastewater in systems such as septic tanks, cesspools, and sewage systems.

Abstract: Formulations of the present invention contain compounds of Formula (I) that are used as Sulfur Scale Inhibition and/or Removal Agents in the treatment of Industrial Water Systems.

Abstract: A method and composition for scale removal and leak detection is disclosed. The composition comprises a scale-removal agent and a fluorescing agent.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a gel of a carboxymethyl cellulose alkali metal salt, in which a gel having high elasticity and strength and also having excellent water retention and durability can be obtained inexpensively and simply. The method for producing a gel of a carboxymethyl cellulose alkali metal salt of the present invention includes previously mixing a mixture containing a carboxymethyl cellulose alkali metal salt and a water retention agent and subsequently mixing the resulting mixture with an acid aqueous solution to obtain a gel.

Abstract: Methods for bioremediation of contaminants in water using soapstock, an acid oil of soapstock, a neutralized acid oil of soapstock or combinations thereof are described. Systems for bioremediation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric scale inhibitor, wherein said inhibitor comprises at least one boron atom.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR?)3 are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream or a high level nuclear waste processing plant. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: A non-toxic waste water treatment composition is provided. The waste water treatment composition is formed from: (a) an alkanolamide; (b) an ethoxylated alkylphenol, ethoxylated aryl phenol, or combination thereof; (c) a first surfactant selected from the group consisting of: an ethoxylated alcohol, a glycerol ester, a propoxylated fatty acid, an ethoxylated fatty acid, a propoxylated alcohol, an ethoxylated alcohol, a propoxylated alkyl phenol, an ethoxylated alkyl phenol, and a combination thereof; (d) a second surfactant selected from the group consisting of: a sulfosuccinate, a sulfosuccinate derivative, an imidazoline, an imidazoline derivative, and a combination thereof; and (e) optionally, a foaming agent. Methods for forming the non-toxic composition and for treating waste water with the composition are also provided. Finally an apparatus for introducing a waste water treatment composition into a waste water system is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a branched copolymer obtainable by an addition polymerisation process and uses and compositions thereof comprising a hydrophilic component, said polymer comprising: i) a residue of at least one monofunctional monomer comprising one polymerisable double bond per molecule and a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons; ii) a residue of at least one multifunctional monomer comprising at least two polymerisable double bonds per molecule and a molecular weight of less than 1000 Daltons; and wherein the end termini of the copolymer chains comprise one or more of a residue of a chain transfer agent; an initiator or a terminal group derived from a termination reaction; wherein; the molar ratio of the monofunctional monomer to multifunctional monomer is between 50:1 to 2.5:1 respectively; and wherein the hydrophilic component is comprised solely of at least 1 mole % of one or more monofunctional monomer which is/are comprised of hydrophilic monomer each with a solubility of 0.

Abstract: A composition for erosion control, dust abatement, and/or water clarification comprising an anionic polyacrylamide, and at least one inorganic salt, wherein the combination of the anionic polyacrylamide and at least one inorganic salt form a molecule with a chain larger than 5×10?3 ?m (50 angstroms).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilizing composition comprising following components (A) a polymer having the following formula: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol, (B) a chelating agent, (C) a poly-alpha-hydroxyacrylic acid or an alkaline salt thereof or the corresponding polylactone thereof, and (D) optionally a polycarboxylic acid polymer or an alkaline salt thereof. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of a fiber material.

Abstract: Materials and a method are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR?)3 (where R? is H, an alkyl group, Na, K, or NH4) are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: A cleaning and purifying composition including at least one solvent, an alkaline agent, a deflocculant, at least one surfactant selected from the group comprising an alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, an alkylamino-polyethoxy-sulfate surfactant, a polyether-phosphate ester surfactant, a surfactant that is a phosphate ester of an ethoxylated alcohol, and a surfactant that is a polyethyleneglycol monoaklyl ether, and a bonding agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stabilizing composition comprising following components (A) a polymer having following formula wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol, (B) a chelating agent, and (C) an alkaline earth metal compound. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of a fiber material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost, efficient method for producing a glycolipid biosurfactant, in particular, lactonic sophorose lipids. This method is characterized by culturing a microorganism capable of producing the biosurfactant under limited oxygen supply. The present invention enables preferential production of lactonic sophorose lipids and facilitates recovery of the lactonic sophorose lipids in a solid form. Further, the present invention enables production of high purity acidic sophorose lipids by hydrolyzing high purity lactonic sophorose lipids produced by the above method. The present invention also provides lactonic sophorose lipids that possess strong antibacterial and antifungal activities, and an antibacterial and/or antifungal agent containing the sophorose lipids.

Abstract: A non-toxic waste water treatment composition is provided. The waste water treatment composition is formed from: (a) an alkanolamide; (b) an ethoxylated alkylphenol, ethoxylated aryl phenol, or combination thereof; (c) a first surfactant selected from the group consisting of: an ethoxylated alcohol, a glycerol ester, a propoxylated fatty acid, an ethoxylated fatty acid, a propoxylated alcohol, an ethoxylated alcohol, a propoxylated alkyl phenol, an ethoxylated alkyl phenol, and a combination thereof; (d) a second surfactant selected from the group consisting of: a sulfosuccinate, a sulfosuccinate derivative, an imidazoline, an imidazoline derivative, and a combination thereof; and (e) optionally, a foaming agent. Methods for forming the non-toxic composition and for treating waste water with the composition are also provided. Finally an apparatus for introducing a waste water treatment composition into a waste water system is provided.

Abstract: Composition and method of use for tannin based environmentally benign polymeric coagulants are disclosed. Tannin based coagulants are copolymers of naturally occurring tannins and a cationic monomer. One embodiment of the present invention provides for a composition, of a tannin based polymeric coagulant which is comprised of N,N-(dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate (MADAME) polymerized using t-butylhydroperoxide and sodium metabisulfite. The resulting polyMADAME is converted to hydrochloride and then blended/reacted in an aqueous medium with tannin to obtain a homogenous poly(MADAME)-tannin composition. The method of use comprises adding an amount of the composition effective for the purpose of clarifying oily wastewater from food and beverage, steel, automotive, transportation, refinery, pharmaceutical, metals, paper and pulp, chemical processing and hydrocarbon processing industries.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the treatment of a fibre material comprising the step of contacting the fibre material in an aqueous medium with a chelating agent and a polymer having following general formula wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R2 is —COOM or —CH2COOM, M is a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth metal ion, an ammonium ion or a mixture thereof, n, m and k are molar ratios of corresponding monomers, wherein n is 0 to 0.95, m is 0.05 to 0.9, and k is 0 to 0.8, and (n+m+k) equals 1, and the weight average molecular weight is between 500 and 20,000,000 g/mol. The invention also relates to a composition comprising a chelating agent and the above polymer.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided whereby polymers with least 0.5 mole % of the pendant group or end group containing —Si(OR?)3 are used to control aluminosilicate scaling in an industrial process having an alkaline process stream such as a pulping mill process stream or a high level nuclear waste processing plant. When materials of the present invention are added to the alkaline process stream, they reduce and even completely prevent formation of aluminosilicate scale on equipment surfaces such as evaporator walls and heating surfaces. The present materials are effective at treatment concentrations that make them economically practical.

Abstract: An efficient cyclic process and related compositions for the in-situ generation of chlorine dioxide from dilute solutions of chlorite anions at near neutral pH. The cyclic process provides a means of safe and effective use of chlorine dioxide with reduced concern of chlorite accumulation in the aqueous system. The disclosed chemistry used to support the cyclic process can be applied independently or in various combinations that are effectively inert. This dramatically reduces safety concerns since the chlorine dioxide is produced in-situ to the application and in dilute concentrations. Also, the process allows for regeneration of inert anions such as bromide and chlorite thereby reducing operating cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing glycerol into one or more useful products are provided. The method can include decreasing a pH of a mixture comprising glycerol and fatty acids to produce an emulsion comprising a glycerol-rich portion and a fatty acids-rich portion. At least a portion of the glycerol-rich portion can be reacted with at least one of an oxidant and a catalyst at conditions sufficient to produce a reacted product comprising glyceric acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, formic acid, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Use of copolymers comprising alkylene oxide units, which copolymers comprise incorporated randomly or blockwise by polymerization (a) 50 to 93 mol % of acrylic acid and/or a water-soluble salt of acrylic acid, (b) 5 to 30 mol % of methacrylic acid and/or a water-soluble salt of methacrylic acid and (c) 2 to 20 mol % of at least one nonionic monomer of the formula I where the variables have the following meaning: R1 hydrogen or methyl; R2 a chemical bond or unbranched or branched C1-C6-alkylene; R3 identical or different unbranched or branched C2-C4-alkylene radicals; R4 unbranched or branched C1-C6-alkyl; n 3 to 50, as additive to phosphate- and/or phosphonate-comprising aqueous systems in industrial technical plants.