Abstract: Low density composite particles made of a binder and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler includes low density filler and optionally other filler. The binder includes a polymer and optionally cement. The particles may be employed as proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for gravel packing in subterranean formations, water filtration and artificial turf for sports fields. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for producing fluorine-containing polymer powder which comprises densifying fluorine-containing polymer raw powder with rolls under conditions for permitting its specific gravity to achieve at least 90% of the true specific gravity, then comminuting the densified material, removing fine particles in the range of 3 to 40% by weight of the whole particle size distribution of the comminuted material by air classification, and further removing by classification coarse particles in the range of 1 to 20% by weight of the whole particle size distribution of the comminuted material. Powder can be used as a powder paint which is excellent in productivity, in powder fluidity, and which does not generate pollution upon heat-fusion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coagglomeration of random vinyl substituted aromatic/C4-C6 conjugated diolefin polymers With sulfur. Said coagglomerate is storage stable and easily blended with asphalt under a variety of mixing conditions. Further, polymer/asphalt blends prepared with the sulfur coagglomerated polymers show improved storage stability against phase separation.

Abstract: A ceramic granule, obtained by granulating at least one ceramic particle into a granule together with a binder, optionally classifying the ceramic granule to remove fine particle having a particle size of not more than 10 &mgr;m, moistening the granulated ceramic granule in an agitation fluidized bed under the conditions of not aggregating said ceramic granule and regulating the water content of the moistened ceramic granule by fluidizing and drying the moistened ceramic granule in the agitation fluidized bed in such a manner that the resultant granule has a water content within the range which maintains a flowability sufficient for packing the ceramic granule in a mold in which the ceramic granule exhibits well-balanced properties of a crushing property at a low pressure and an anti-collapse property, excels in flowability, packing property into a mold, and anti-sticking property, and has a well-balanced properties of a crushing property at a low pressure and an anti-collapse property.

Abstract: Dry homogenized metal hydrides, in particular aluminum hydride compounds, as a material for reversible hydrogen storage is provided. The reversible hydrogen storage material comprises a dry homogenized material having transition metal catalytic sites on a metal aluminum hydride compound, or mixtures of metal aluminum hydride compounds. A method of making such reversible hydrogen storage materials by dry doping is also provided and comprises the steps of dry homogenizing metal hydrides by mechanical mixing, such as be crushing or ball milling a powder, of a metal aluminum hydride with a transition metal catalyst. In anotehr aspect of the invention, a method of powering a vehicle apparatus with the reversible hydrogen storage material is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coagglomeration of random vinyl substituted aromatic/C4-C6 conjugated diolefin polymers with sulfur. Said coagglomerate is storage stable and easily blended with asphalt under a variety of mixing conditions. Further, polymer/asphalt blends prepared with the sulfur coagglomerated polymers show improved storage stability against phase separation.

Abstract: A system is provided for pelletizing particulate raw matter having a first density, and thereafter subjecting the pellets to a milling process to obtain a powdered form of the particulate. During pelletizing steam can be added. The resulting powder is denser, or more granular or has better flow with less dust than the pre-pelletized particulate matter having the first density. The powderized particulate has applications for pharmaceutical, nutritional and herbal end products.

Abstract: A non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition having a low density of less than 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) mixing an anionic surfactant paste comprising from about 35% to about 85% anionic surfactant and from about 15% to about 65% water with a sufficient amount of a particulate water absorbing material to form a solid mass having a penetration value of from about 75 gf to about 4,000 gf, then (b) agglomerating the solid mass from step (a) and an amount of one or more other detergent ingredients in a mixer so as to produce agglomerates having an anionic surfactant content of from about 12% to about 60%.

Abstract: A method for producing urea having a low biuret content comprising providing solid crystals of urea and forming the solid crystals into discrete masses of urea by mechanical compacting.

Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by spraying a liquid binder to contact a particulate solid starting material in a low shear granulator such as a fluidised bed apparatus. The d3,2 average droplet diameter is not greater than ten times the d3,2 average particle diameter of that fraction of the solid starting material which has a d3,2 particle diameter of from 20 &mgr;m to 200 &mgr;m provided that if more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter less than 20 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total solid starting materials shall be taken to be 20 &mgr;m. If more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter greater than 200 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total starting solid material shall be taken to be 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: Apparatus for agglomerating and drying particulate material, including an agglomerator (4) for forming and discharging wet granules of a predetermined size or smaller, and a dryer (12). The agglomerator utilizes a rotary blade assembly (100) that repeatedly impacts and cuts the wet mixture of material to be agglomerated, which is forced radially outward through the blade assembly under centrifugal and air pressure force. Wet granules pass through an annular screen (104) where they reach a predetermined maximum size. The dryer has an inlet (50) for wet granules from the agglomerator, an outlet (78) for granules having passed through the dryer, and one or more baffles (64) within the dryer defining a spiral path through which the granules pass from the dryer inlet towards the dryer outlet. The baffles are configured such that their pitch increases with distance from the dryer inlet, whereby the cross-sectional area of the spiral path increases toward the dryer outlet.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of producing a synthetic silicate. The method is advantageous in providing material useful in glass making. Such method involves the reaction of calcium oxides and magnesium oxides, water and sodium silicates. The glass formation is performed at a lower temperature than usual and performed with a lower amount of volatile gas release. Less cristobalite formation in the glass occurs. The synthetic silicate produced can be a cylindrical pellet.

Abstract: [pre-glass agglomeration] A method of making a fragrance delivery system comprising forming fused microspheres and incorporating a fragrance therein. The method relates to the mixing together of two separate factions comprising a silicate part and a modifier part, drying the mixture, heating the mixture to form an agglomeration, removing any free-flowing spheres from the agglomeration, soaking the agglomeration in fragrances or essential oils, and then drying the agglomeration. [incorporated therein. The preglass agglomeration has an extended fragrance release time exceeding a year and a half, and uses microcapillary action to quickly uptake oils and alcohols. The pre-glass agglomeration provides a slow release of fragrance without the escape of any residual liquid. The pre-glass agglomeration may be replenished, an unlimited number of times, with fragrance containing oils and alcohols after the odor fades. The pre-glass agglomerations can be molded and may be colored or dyed.

Abstract: A process for preparing low density detergent agglomerates is provided. The process involves the step of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and dry starting detergent material having a median particle size in a range from about 5 microns to about 70 microns in a first high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates having a median particle size of from about 100 microns to about 250 microns; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates with a binder in a second high speed mixer to obtain built-up agglomerates having a median particle size in a range of from 140 microns to about 350 microns; and (c) feeding the built-up agglomerates into a fluid bed dryer in which the built-up agglomerates are agglomerated with another binder and dried to form detergent agglomerates having a median particle size in a range from about 300 microns to about 700 microns and a density in a range from about 300 g/l to about 550 g/l.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing an oral care composition of mixing at least one dry oral care ingredient and a dry water-soluble or water-swellable polymer, the improvement is by replacing the dry, water-soluble or water-swellable polymer with a particulate water-soluble or water-swellable polymer which has been at least partially agglomerated by treatment with water or an aqueous solution of polymer(s) and drying the agglomerated particles.

Abstract: Scaly silica particles having a laminated structure, consisting essentially of secondary particles of foliar silica, each formed by a plurality of flaky primary particles of scaly silica which are overlaid one on another and aligned face-to-face in parallel with one another, said secondary particles being present independent of one another.

Abstract: Kaolin clay agglomerates having improved bulk density, improved rheological properties and good optical properties are provided by mixing calcined kaolin clay, hydrous kaolin clay and water and then subjecting the mixture to high pressure in a compaction system.

Abstract: A process for continuous dry granulation of powdered carbon black. Granulation is performed with the assistance of a granulator. As a result, for comparable sized equipment, the carbon black throughput can be increased several times as compared with pelletizing drums used in the conventional manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for the formation of an encapsulated feedstock product matrix. A solid product matrix additive is spray ejected in a free-flow condition. The matrix additive is encapsulated in its free-flow condition with a matrix encapsulant. The encapsulant additive substantially solidifies in its free-flow condition to form the feedstock product matrix.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent compositions having a density of at least of about 600 g/l comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed and (b) granulating the first agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus.

Abstract: A process for preparing detergent agglomerates is disclosed. The process includes the steps of (a) preparing a mixture of detergent components in a mixer, and (b) agglomerating the mixture from step (a) in a moderate speed mixer to produce detergent agglomerates. The detergent components include (1) from about 20% to about 35% of a surfactant compound selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants and acid precursors of anionic surfactants; (2) from about 0% to about 65% of a particulate phosphate builder selected from the group consisting of polyphosphate, pyrophosphate, and mixtures thereof; (3) from about 6% to about 60% of a particulate carbonate selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A polytetrafluoroethylene powder having an average particle size of at most 200 &mgr;m is stirred and granulated in a 2 phase liquid medium comprising water and perfluoroalkyl alkyl ether, to obtain a granulated powder of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved, energy-saving granulation method, wherein use is made of a granulator (1) having a bottom floor (9) of a granulation section whose bottom is a perforated plate, an upper air feed pipe (23) for feeding air for fluidization to the bottom floor of the granulation section, a lower air feed pipe (2), air feed pipes (3, 4, 5) branched from the lower air feed pipe for jetting air into the granulation section, and jetting nozzles (6, 7, 8) provided at the centers of the air outlets for jetting a molten raw material; which involves the steps of jetting a molten raw material from the jetting nozzles to approximately spherical nuclei in the granulation section, which have been fed after the particle diameter has been caused to be an average particle diameter of 0.4 to 3.0 mm, to form granules. There is also disclosed an improved granulator.

Abstract: Granules are provided that are useful for oxidizing applications when the granules are dissolved in the presence of an active oxygen source.

Abstract: Storage-stable homogeneous granules with detersive properties, which are obtained by agglomeration of one or more solids with one or more granulation liquids in a free-fall mixer divided into a mixing zone and a post-mixing zone and comprising a knock-down bar fixed to an end plate from which it crosses the entire mixing zone and optionally extends into the post-mixing zone and are optionally aftertreated, may be produced by in situ neutralization of anionic surfactant acids. The products thus produced show distinct performance advantages, the process also having cost-efficient aspects.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer.

Abstract: A process for conditioning pastes comprising at least 40% by weight of anionic surfactant is provided. The paste is conditioned by mixing alkyl sulphate powder with the surfactant paste in a ratio of at least 1 part powder to 100 parts paste. This conditioning step increases the viscosity of the surfactant paste. The conditioned paste is processed into agglomerates by granulating with builder powders wherein the ratio of high viscosity paste to builder powder is from 9:1 to 1:5. This process enables detergent agglomerates with high surfactant activity to be formed.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a low density, preferably about 300 g/l to about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) (i) dispersing an aqueous or non-aqueous surfactant, and (ii) coating the surfactant with fine powders having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in the mixer which is operated under certain conditions to obtain irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders and, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the irregular shape granules and excessive fine powders from step (a), in a mixer which is operated under certain conditions to bind the excessive fine powders onto the irregular-shaped granules.

Abstract: A process for increasing the particles size of fines of a titaniferous mineral containing more that 45% by weight of titanium. The process comprises mixing the fines with a binding agent and water to produce an agglomerate. The agglomerate is then dried and sintered.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) thoroughly mixing the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) granulating the second agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process can also comprise further step (b'), i.e., spraying finely atomized liquid onto the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c).

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns in a mixer fitted with choppers, and (b) granulating the agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus, wherein finely atomized liquid is sprayed onto the first agglomerates in a mixer between step (a) and (b).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density greater than 650 g/l comprises the step of dispersing a liquid binder throughout a powder stream in a high speed mixer to form granular agglomerates, wherein the product stream comprises crystalline zeolite. A having an oil absorbing capacity of at least 40 ml/100 g.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed; (b) spraying finely atomized liquid onto the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed; and (c) granulating the third agglomerates in one or more fluidizing apparatus. The process is improved by further step (b'), by thoroughly mixing the second agglomerates in a mixer, between step (b) and step (c), wherein, in step (b'), choppers are used to reduce the amount of oversized agglomerates.

Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by contacting a liquid binder and a solid neutralizing agent. The binder has an acidic component comprising an anionic surfactant acidic precursor and an inorganic acid. The inorganic acid is at least 2.5% by weight of the acidic component. The neutralizing agent and at least some of the binder are granulated in a low-shear granulator.

Abstract: A system providing desirable properties for introducing a pigment to a polar polymer such as polyvinylchloride resin is disclosed. The system also is valuable in that pigments are conveniently dissolved or dispersed and blended in an a polyester component which is otherwise useful for polar polymer processing. Also disclosed is the mixing of the polyester component, phthalocyanine compounds, and the polyvinylchloride resins. Stronger color development is obtained by using the system of the present invention.

Abstract: An epoxy resin encapsulating material for molding in a semiconductor chip by the use of a transfer molding device. The material has constituents of an epoxy resin, a curing agent, an inorganic filler, and a release agent. The material consists of 99 wt % or more of granules having a diameter of 0.1 to 5.0 mm and 1 wt % or less of minute particles having a diameter of less than 0.1 mm. The mass of the material exhibit an angle of slide of 20 to 40.degree., which demonstrates good flowability free from clogging a passage leading to a mold cavity in the transfer molding device, thereby assuring enhanced encapsulation quality. The material is prepared firstly by kneading the encapsulating composition having the above constituents and by solidifying the composition into a semi-cured solid body of B-stage condition. The sem-cured solid body is then pulverized into pieces having a diameter of 5.0 mm or less. The pieces are composed of granules having a diameter of 0.1 mm to 5.

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the overall steps of (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, in a mixer, wherein first agglomerates are formed, (b) spraying on finely atomized liquid to the first agglomerates in a mixer, wherein second agglomerates are formed, and (c) the second agglomerates are thoroughly mixed in a mixer to provide rounding and growth.

Abstract: An apparatus for granulation of fine, light powder by mixing a powder and a mist of binder with a fluidizing air flow. The apparatus includes a container and a filter, provided along an inner peripheral surface of the container, for forming a high density powder layer thereon. A space, formed between the container and the filter, is divided into a plurality of ring-shaped zones. Also, a backwash mechanism and an exhaust mechanism are connected to the container so as to be selectively communicated with the ring-shaped zones.

Abstract: A process for producing granular detergents, cleaners or components thereof from dust-like solids having a particle size distribution such that at least 5% by weight of the solids have a diameter smaller than 0.1 mm, by placing the solids in a moving mixer and adding water in its vaporous state to the solids whereby the water in its vaporous state forms liquid water in situ on at least part of the solids in an amount of from 0.1% to 2% by weight, based on the weight of the granular detergents, cleaners or components thereof.

Abstract: Non-free flowable, non-dusting molding powders with a bulk density of more than 450 g/l are obtained when a suspension polymer of tetrafluoroethylene with a content of 0.01 to 1% by weight of units of at least one perfluoro(alkyl-vinyl) ether is ground to a particle diameter of 10 to 50 .mu.m and agglomerated in water.

Abstract: A process for producing an agglomerated detergent composition comprises premixing an acid precursor of a detersive surfactant and a water-soluble or dispersible, modified polyamine in a mixer to form a premix, inputting the premix and dry detergent materials such as builders into a high speed mixer/densifier and neutralizing the acid precursor to form agglomerates and further agglomerating in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to form a detergent composition having a bulk density of at least 650 g/l.

Abstract: A method for making a solid agglomerate, having a preset size and shape, including a plurality of inert material particles, comprises the steps of: rotating the inert material particles, applying to the surface of the rotating particle an at least one component reactive resin, supplying the particles into a vessel holding each of the particles in contact with the adjoining particles at least for a time necessary to carry out the chemical reaction of the reactive resin, to provide a solid agglomerate.The invention also relates to a system for carrying out the method and the product obtained thereby.

Abstract: A process for producing a detergent powder or a composition therefore involving partial granulation in a high or low shear granulator followed by granulation in a very low shear mixer, for example a fluid bed is disclosed. The process allows powders to be produced over a wide range of bulk densities without the use of a spray-drying step.

Abstract: A process of forming a granular detergent products, is effected in a gas fluidisation granulator. A fluidised particulate solid material is contacted with a spray of liquid binder. The excess velocity (U.sub.e) of fluidisation gas relative to the mass or volume flux of the spray (q.sub.mliq or q.sub.vliq) when determined at the normalised nozzle-to-bed distance (D.sub.0) is set so that the flux number (FN.sub.m or FN.sub.v) as determined by ##EQU1## (where .rho..sub.p is the particle density) is at a critical value of at least 2 for at least 30% of the process.

Abstract: A preparation process in which PTFE coarse particles are finely pulverized into particles in wet state, thus enabling the finely pulverized particles to be washed as they are and an amount of impurities to be decreased efficiently and after the washing, agglomeration granulation is carried out, thus enabling PTFE molding powder to be obtained in the reduced number of steps; a preparation process of a polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder, characterized in that polytetrafluoroethylene coarse particles obtained by suspension polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene are finely pulverized, in wet state, into an average particle size particularly in a range of 10 to 100 .mu.m and then washed; and a preparation process of a polytetrafluoroethylene molding powder, characterized in that after the washing, mechanical force is applied to the washed powder in wet state for agglomeration granulation, thus giving particles having an average particle size in a range of 200 to 800 .mu.m.

Abstract: This is a method of producing manufactured aggregates from coal combustion by-products having sulfur. Recycle fines containing calcium hydroxide, an aluminum-containing material, and water are mixed together to form a feed mix which is agglomerated into an agglomerated product. The agglomerated product is combined with curing fines which contain calcium oxide which together form a blended mix. The blended mix is cured using the moisture in the blended mix which is used to exothermally hydrate the calcium oxide in the blended mix to form calcium hydroxide and which autogenically provides the required heat for curing and converts the calcium oxide in the blended mix to a dry calcium hydroxide-containing material to form aggregate products and dry fines. The aggregate products are separated from the dry fines, the dry fines are recycled to the mixing step and the aggregates are taken and used as a useful product for other purposes.

Abstract: A method of forming pellets or agglomerates of high density boron nitride from high purity hexagonal boron nitride by crushing the high purity hexagonal boron nitride into boron nitride particles extending over a size range of at least 100 microns with the majority of the particles having a particle size above 50 microns and cold pressing the crushed particles into a compacted form. The compacted form is then granulated into a granulated powder and again cold pressed to form pellets or agglomerates of boron nitride particles with the operations of cold pressing and granulation occurring in one or more stages.

Abstract: An agglomerate and a process for its manufacture by providing a dry particulated fibrous organic material, mixing it with a powdered mineral to obtain a first mixture, adding a binding agent to the first mixture to obtain a second mixture, agglomerating the second mixture in an agglomeration dish and drying the agglomerate to a desired dried state.

Abstract: A non-spray-dried particulate detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least 600 g/liter, prepared by mixing and granulating liquid and solid ingredients in a high-speed mixer/granulator, contains a builder polymer and/or a soil-release polymer. The polymer is incorporated during the mixing and granulation process in the form of a non-aqueous premix with a non-aqueous diluent.

Abstract: Granular absorbent products with low amounts of paper fiber are described. The absorbent products are made from recycled paper and include less than about 10% of paper fibers having a length sufficient to be retained on a 100 mesh screen. A process for making such granular absorbent products is also provided. The granular absorbents are useful for absorbing liquids spilled on the floor, and are crushable when walked on to provide greater resistance to slipping, and yet have a high resistance to attrition.