Abstract: Methods of making zirconium basic carbonate are further described which involve titrating an aqueous slurry of sodium zirconium carbonate to a pH of from about 3.5 to about 4.0 with an acidic agent wherein the sodium zirconium carbonate has a moisture content of from about 15% to about 25% LOD in solid form. The process further involves washing the aqueous slurry containing the formed zirconium basic carbonate with water. A novel zirconium basic carbonate is further disclosed which has a minimum adsorption capacity of from about 30 to about 35 mg/PO4-P/gm SCZ; a minimum HCO3- content of from about 2 to about 4 mEq HCO3-gm/SCZ; a leachable Na+ content of from about 1.5 to about 2.0 mEq Na+/gm SCZ; and/or a pH range of titrated sodium zirconium carbonate of from about 6 to about 7.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrogen gas from a reaction of an organic substance and a base with a recycling of a carbonate or bicarbonate by-product and a regeneration of the base. In one embodiment, reaction of an organic substance and a base produces hydrogen gas and a metal carbonate. The instant invention provides recycling of the metal carbonate by-product. In a preferred embodiment, the metal carbonate by-product is soluble and recycling includes a three step process. In a first step, the soluble metal carbonate is reacted with a metal hydroxide to form a weakly soluble or insoluble metal carbonate that precipitates in a metathesis reaction. The metal hydroxide reactant of the hydrogen producing reaction is also formed in the metathesis reaction and remains in solution. Precipitation of the carbonate thus permits ready isolation of the carbonate by-product, while leaving behind an aqueous metal hydroxide phase that can be returned to and further utilized in the hydrogen producing reaction.

Abstract: A unique process for deactivating residual sodium in Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) systems which uses humidified (but not saturated) carbon dioxide at ambient temperature and pressure to convert residual sodium into solid sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: An FCC catalyst which not only deactivates catalyst poison metals, such as nickel, vanadium and the like, in feedstock oils, inhibits the generation of hydrogen or coke, has excellent cracking activity and bottom oil-treating ability, and can yield a gasoline and LCO fraction in high yields, but also retains the performances on a high level over long and has an improved catalyst life; and an FCC method using the catalyst. The FCC catalyst has a compound of a bivalent metal or of bivalent and trivalent metals showing an XRD pattern of a carbonate of the bivalent metal; an inorganic oxide matrix and the compound dispersed therein; or an inorganic oxide matrix and the compound dispersed therein together with a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite, and relates to an FCC method in which at least one of the catalysts are used in combination with an FCC catalyst obtained by evenly dispersing a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite in an inorganic oxide matrix.

Abstract: A combination of compositions, products and methods of producing a new type of cement. The cementitious material is created by adding sodium carbonate (also known as soda ash, trona, natron, sodium carbonate decahydrate, sodium carbonate anhydrous, etc.) and one or more rocks or minerals selected from the following—granite, basalt, sandstone or schist. A new method and product are claimed by combining sodium carbonate and one or more rocks or minerals selected from the following—granite, basalt, sandstone or schist and water. The combination of sodium carbonate and one or more rocks or minerals selected from the granite, basalt, sandstone or schist group can be either layered or mixed in a dry or wet state. An exothermic reaction starts after the addition of water to the cementitious material.

Abstract: A process of recovering metals from waste lithium ion/Ni—H/Ni—Cd batteries, wherein the waste batteries are calcined and sieved to generate an ash containing metals and metal oxides. The process includes subjecting the ash to a first dissolution etching treatment, a first filtration treatment to obtain a filtrate containing Cd ions which are crystallized as cadmium sulfate, a second dissolution etching treatment for the filtered solid, and a second filtration treatment to obtain a second filtrate. Fe+3, Al+3 and rare earth metal ions in the second filtrate are precipitated as hydroxides by adding a base to the second filtrate. The remaining solution was extracted and counter-extracted to obtain aqueous solutions of Co and Ni ions, which were subjected separately to a electrolysis to deposit Co and Ni metals. Li ions in the residue solution from the electrolysis of Ni was precipitated as carbonate by adding a soluble carbonate salt.

Abstract: A method of treating aqueous salt solutions to provide a solution suitable for vitrification to a stable glass matrix for long term storage is described. In particular, salt solutions composed of aqueous nuclear waste materials are suitable for treatment by the described method. Specifically, salt solutions which have a sulfate to sodium mole ratio that does not permit easy vitrification into stable glasses may be treated by the present invention. The present method decreases the volume of vitrified glass.

Abstract: Mesoporous metal carbonate structures are formed by providing a solution containing a non-ionic surfactant and a calcium acetate salt, adding sufficient base to react with the acidic byproducts to be formed by the addition of carbon dioxide, and adding carbon dioxide, thereby forming a mesoporous metal carbonate structure containing the metal from said metal salt.

Abstract: The production of foam which occurs in many chemical and physical materials conversion processes can be avoided by performing the materials conversion process in an ascending jet reactor, including a baffle-free container with a tapering lower section, preferably a conical lower section, and a device for gas injection, and the contents of the reactor are thoroughly mixed by means of ascending jet circulation caused by gas injection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the production of low sodium lithium carbonate and lithium chloride from a brine concentrated to about 6.0 wt % lithium are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for direct recovery of technical grade lithium chloride from the concentrated brine are also disclosed.

Abstract: n the manufacture of sodium carbonate having increased CO2 uptakes the carbonation reaction to form sodium bicarbonate is enhanced by the addition of particular amounts of a cationic quaternary amine, selected from the family of dialkylethoxylated quaternary salts, benzylalkyl quaternary salts, or a combination of quaternary salts from these families, to treat the 25-30% by weight sodium carbonate liquor prior to filtration. The manufactured product yields a modified sodium carbonate liquor product that, when crystallized and converted to any anhydrous product, is more readily carbonated with CO2 in the production of sodium bicarbonate. The cationic additive reacts with organic materials in the sodium carbonate liquor to form solid polymeric by-products. Thus the treatment with a cationic compound is made prior to filtering the liquor. After filtering to remove the polymeric by-products and other solid materials, the liquor is evaporated or crystallized to produce a purified and modified sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous fabrication of homogeneous thin flake or powder electrolyte material from inorganic salt, metallic or similar materials or from mixtures of such materials for use in Carbonate Fuel Cell (“CFC”) power plants. Electrolyte precursor powders are fed to a continuous blender type mixer using precision metering equipment that controls material feed rates. The homogenous mixture of blended powders is then fed into a high temperature melting tank in which the mixture is melted, forming the desired molten eutectic composition. The liquid eutectic melt drips from the melting tank through ceramic or metallic nozzles and splat-cools on a rotating, water-cooled metal cylinder to produce uniform size, thin flake material. The thin flake electrolyte material can be used as-is, or it may be further processed using continuous grinding and powder fabrication equipment.

Abstract: A method of making a cesium salt is described and involves reacting a cesium sulfate containing solution with lime to form 1) a solution containing at least cesium hydroxide and 2) a residue comprising calcium sulfate. The method further involves removing the residue from the solution and converting the cesium hydroxide that is present in the solution to at least one type of cesium salt. The present invention further relates to uses of the cesium salt as well as methods of making cesium hydroxide using lime. Also, methods of making alkali metal salts and alkali metal hydroxides are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the calcination of materials using low temperature heating and indirect heating for calcination. Also disclosed are a variety of processes for calcination of materials which have-reduced emissions of pollutants compared to conventional processes.

Abstract: A novel method of producing metal chlorates is described which involves the reaction of ammonium chlorate with metal carbonates and/or metal bicarbonates. The reaction yields extremely pure metal chlorate, as well as ammonia and carbon dioxide by-products. These by-products combine to produce ammonium bicarbonate. The ammonium bicarbonate may then be reacted with sodium chlorate to produce ammonium chlorate, which may be recycled for use in the production of metal chlorates.

Abstract: A method for producing high grade soda ash from a solution mined brine containing sodium bicarbonate by processing the mine brine through a monohydrate crystallization step to the final product is described. The mine brine is treated to decompose and thereby convert sodium bicarbonate to sodium carbonate and to concentrate the sodium carbonate to a concentration such that a feed liquor is formed which is suitable for crystallizing sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals of high purity from the feed liquor. The sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals recovered from the process are converted to soda ash by known techniques.

Abstract: A process for producing sodium salts, which comprises adding solid sodium carbonate to a first aqueous solution containing sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogencarbonate, to prepare a second aqueous solution, precipitating, separating and recovering from the second aqueous solution sodium sesquicarbonate crystals containing at least 50 mol % of the sodium hydrogencarbonate component contained in the second aqueous solution, and further recovering sodium carbonate from a mother liquor remaining after separating the sodium sesquicarbonate crystals from the second aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method for converting sodium bicarbonate in a sodium carbonate monohydrate crystallization process to maintain a mother liquor composition in a sodium carbonate monohydrate crystallizer below the invariant point for the crystallizer for reducing or eliminating the cocrystallization of sodium sesquicarbonate crystals in the process. The mother liquor composition may be maintained below the invariant point by stripping carbon dioxide from a feed solution or from mother liquor recycled to the crystallizer.

Abstract: A process for recovering sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals from solutions and mother liquors supersaturated in sodium bicarbonate concentration. Feed liquors containing higher levels of sodium bicarbonate than traditionally fed to a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer are used to create a mother liquor within a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer that is supersaturated with respect to sodium bicarbonate. Substantially pure sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals may be precipitated from the supersaturated mother liquor without substantially precipitation of sodium bicarbonate containing crystals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the calcination of materials using low temperature heating and indirect heating for calcination. Also disclosed are a variety of processes for calcination of materials which have reduced emissions of pollutants compared to conventional processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals by introduction of anhydrous sodium carbonate into a saturated sodium carbonate brine solution under conditions in which sodium carbonate monohydrate formation is favored. As the anhydrous sodium carbonate dissolves, the brine becomes supersaturated resulting in relief of supersaturation by formation of sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals. The process includes controlling supersaturation and its relief to achieve growth of existing sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals rather than nucleation and formation of new sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals. The resulting crystals are separated from insoluble impurities on a size separation basis.

Abstract: Described are aqueous solutions comprising sodium hydroxide and potassium carbonate in a molar ratio of 1:1.7 to 1:0.5, which are useful for preparing alkaline dyeing liquors, especially padding liquors, of fiber-reactive dyes for producing dyeings on cellulosic textile material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the production of sodium carbonate-anhydrate having a bulk density of at least 800 kg/m3, said process comprising: providing a suspension of solid sodium carbonate and/or solid sodium bicarbonate and/or solid double salts at least comprising one of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, in a mixture containing water and an organic, water miscible or partly water miscible solvent, which solvent influences the transition temperature below which sodium carbonate monohydrate is stable, whereby the type and the amount of solvent is selected in such way that the said transition temperature is below the boiling point of the said mixture of water and an organic, water miscible or partly water miscible solvent, in case sodium bicarbonate is present, converting the bicarbonate into carbonate, crystallising sodium carbonate anhydrate from said mixture at a temperature above the said transition temperature and below the said boiling point, and recovering the sodium carbona

Abstract: A method for converting sodium bicarbonate in a sodium carbonate monohydrate crystallization process to maintain a mother liquor composition in a sodium carbonate monohydrate crystallizer below the invariant point for the crystallizer for reducing or eliminating the co-crystallization of sodium sesquicarbonate crystals in the process. The mother liquor composition may be maintained below the invariant point by stripping carbon dioxide from a feed solution or from mother liquor recycled to the crystallizer.

Abstract: A method for producing high grade soda ash from a solution mined brine containing sodium bicarbonate by processing the mine brine through a monohydrate crystallization step to the final product is described. The mine brine is treated to decompose and thereby to convert sodium bicarbonate to sodium carbonate and to concentrate the sodium carbonate to a concentration such that a feed liquor is formed which is suitable for crystallizing sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals of high purity from the feed liquor. The sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals recovered from the process are converted to soda ash by known techniques.

Abstract: The formation of scale on equipment surface in contact with sodium alkali containing brines is inhibited by the addition of an alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or salt thereof to the brines.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting dilute brines of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate to form feed solutions from which sodium based chemicals may be recovered. The sodium bicarbonate in a dilute brine is neutralized and the brine then fortified with calcined trona to form a feed liquor concentrated in sodium carbonate from which sodium based chemicals may be recovered in a Monohydrate or other crystallization process.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of residual liquors from the ammoniation and carbonation of alkali metal salts containing ammonium salts, sodium salts, soluble sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate and water and producing purified ammonium salts, comprising the steps of: eliminating the sodium bicarbonate, and ammonium bicarbonate mixed in the residual liquor by mixing sulfuric acid with the residual liquor in order to obtain a solution of an ammonium salt and a sodium salt; and separating the sodium salt from the solution or mixing the solution with sodium chloride crystals in order to obtain a magma containing sodium salt crystals and ammonium chloride crystals and separating the sodium salt crystals and the ammonium chloride crystals from the magma.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of dry free-flowing potassium carbonate sesquihydrate. The process involves the controlled hydration of high purity anhydrous potassium carbonate. The product of the process has at least about 90 percent particle size distribution in the range between about 200-1500 microns. The invention potassium carbonate sesquihydrate has properties which adapt the product for utility as a macromineral nutrient in animal feedstocks.

Abstract: Process for producing sodium carbonate, according to which a sodium sesquicarbonate ore is successively calcined and dispersed in an aqueous solution substantially saturated with hydrated sodium carbonate and the resulting aqueous suspension is subjected to an aging, at the end of which an aqueous mixture of a powder comprising hydrated sodium carbonate crystals is collected. During the aging, a fine particle size fraction is extracted from the aqueous suspension and removed.

Abstract: An acid component-removing agent which comprises sodium hydrogencarbonate having a volume-based mean particle diameter of from 1 to 9 &mgr;m as measured by a laser diffraction and scattering method.

Abstract: A process for the production of soda ash by withdrawing an aqueous mining solution containing dissolved sodium carbonate and at least about 1 wt % sodium bicarbonate from an underground alkali source; stripping CO2 gas from the withdrawn aqueous mining solution, to convert sodium bicarbonate dissolved therein to sodium carbonate; co-crystallizing sodium carbonate monohydrate and sodium sesquicarbonate by evaporation of water from the CO2-stripped aqueous mining solution, without co-crystallization of anhydrous sodium carbonate, to form a slurry of crystalline solids in an aqueous liquor; recovering crystalline solids from the slurry; and calcining the recovered crystalline solids to produce soda ash.

Abstract: Process for producing sodium carbonate, according to which a sodium sesquicarbonate ore is successively calcined and dispersed in an aqueous solution substantially saturated with hydrated sodium carbonate and the resulting aqueous suspension is subjected to an aging, at the end of which an aqueous mixture of a powder comprising hydrated sodium carbonate crystals is collected. During the aging, a fine particle size fraction is extracted from the aqueous suspension and removed.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of potassium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. The process involves the treatment of potash brines by the reaction of sodium chloride and potassium chloride with calcium sulfate and sodium sulfate. Syngenite precipitate (CaSO4.K2SO4&khgr;H2O) is produced and a first filtrate containing sodium chloride and potassium chloride. The syngenite precipitate is reacted with ammonium bicarbonate at between 70° C. and 100° C., with the result being calcium carbonate precipitate and a second filtrate containing ammonium sulfate and potassium sulfate. The second filtrate is cooled to a temperature of between 20° C. and 50° C. and treated with potassium chloride. A potassium sulfate precipitate results. The sodium bicarbonate is precipitated from the first filtrate by the addition of ammonium bicarbonate to the first precipitate. The sodium bicarbonate may be calcined to form sodium carbonate.

Abstract: A process for forming useful sodium salts by uniquely processing dilute brine solutions having sodium bicarbonate concentrations is disclosed. The dilute brine is reduced in sodium bicarbonate content to prevent precipitation of the sodium bicarbonate in subsequent crystallization of sodium carbonate decahydrate. The reduced brine is directed to a crystallizer operated to form pure sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals and a carbonate/bicarbonate containing mother liquor. The mother liquor is then recycled as a portion of said aqueous solvent to be used in the solution mining of the ore deposit.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing high purity lithium carbonate which can be used for pharmaceutical applications, electronic grade crystals of lithium or to prepare battery-grade lithium metal. Lithium carbonate as commercially produced from mineral extraction, lithium-containing brines or sea water, in aqueous solution is used as a feedstock and reacted with carbon dioxide under pressure to form dissolved lithium bicarbonate. Impurities in the lithium carbonate feedstock are either solubilized or precipitated out. Dissolved impurities are physically separated from the lithium bicarbonate using an ion selective means, such as an ion exchange material, or by liquid-liquid extraction. Purified lithium carbonate is then precipitated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals by introduction of anhydrous sodium carbonate into a saturated sodium carbonate brine solution under conditions in which sodium carbonate monohydrate formation is favored. As the anhydrous sodium carbonate dissolves, the brine becomes supersaturated resulting in relief of supersaturation by formation of sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals. The process includes controlling supersaturation and its relief to achieve growth of existing sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals rather than nucleation and formation of new sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals. The resulting crystals are separated from insoluble impurities on a size separation basis.

Abstract: An improved method of purifying sodium carbonate from a natural source whereby a dissolved sodium carbonate product is treated with a cationic compound, such as a quaternary amine, to react with carbon-containing contaminants and filtering the product. The filtered modified sodium carbonate solution is then crystallized and dried. The modified sodium carbonate has a greater reactivity or uptake of carbon dioxide for the manufacture of sodium bicarbonate than conventional sodium carbonates.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the calcination of materials using low temperature heating and indirect heating for calcination. Also disclosed are a variety of processes for calcination of materials which have reduced emissions of pollutants compared to conventional processes.

Abstract: A solution mining process for recovering sodium values from an underground deposit of a sodium bicarbonate containing ore is disclosed. The process involves contacting the ore with an aqueous sodium carbonate-containing solution to produce a dilute brine which is stripped with steam to reduce the bicarbonate content and increase the carbonate content. The dilute carbonate/bicarbonate solution from the stripper is fed to a sodium carbonate decahydrate crystallizer to produce pure sodium carbonate decahydrate crystals and a mother liquor containing less than about 4% sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: An infrared absorber which comprises containing as an effective ingredient a hydroxide complex salt represented by the formula [Al2(Li(1−x).+M2+(x+y)(OH)(6+2y)]n(An−)(1+x).mH2O (wherein M2+ is a divalent metal, An− is an anion having a valence of n, and m, x and y are numbers respectively in the ranges of 0≦m<5, 0.01≦x≦0.5 and 0≦y≦0.5), which has a high ability to absorp infrared rays and a refractive index close to that of the resin so that it has a good dispersibility with the resins when incorporated in the resin and the shaped film therefrom is excellent in the heat insulation property and transparency so that it is suitable as an agricultural film.

Abstract: An improved method of purifying sodium carbonate from a natural source whereby a dissolved sodium carbonate product is treated with a cationic compound, such as a quaternary amine, to react with carbon-containing contaminants and filtering the product. The filtered modified sodium carbonate solution is then crystallized and dried. The modified sodium carbonate has a greater reactivity or uptake of carbon dioxide for the manufacture of sodium bicarbonate than conventional sodium carbonates.

Abstract: A process for producing sodium salts, which comprises adding solid sodium carbonate to a first aqueous solution containing sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogencarbonate, to prepare a second aqueous solution, precipitating, separating and recovering from the second aqueous solution sodium sesquicarbonate crystals containing at least 50 mol % of the sodium hydrogencarbonate component contained in the second aqueous solution, and further recovering sodium carbonate from a mother liquor remaining after separating the sodium sesquicarbonate crystals from the second aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for the production of soda ash by withdrawing an aqueous mining solution containing dissolved sodium carbonate and at least about 1 wt % sodium bicarbonate from an underground alkali source; stripping CO2 gas from the withdrawn aqueous mining solution, to convert sodium bicarbonate dissolved therein to sodium carbonate; co-crystallizing sodium carbonate monohydrate and sodium sesquicarbonate by evaporation of water from the CO2-stripped aqueous mining solution, without co-crystallization of anhydrous sodium carbonate, to form a slurry of crystalline solids in an aqueous liquor; recovering crystalline solids from the slurry; and calcining the recovered crystalline solids to produce soda ash.

Abstract: A liquid alkali composition for use in fiber reactive dyeing of cotton and cotton blended fabrics or the like. The liquid alkali is a solution of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and potassium carbonate formed by reaction of CO2 with the potassium hydroxide solution, and adding sodium hydroxide to the resultant mixture. The resulting supersaturated solution has a high enough Total Alkalinity to achieve reaction between the dye, including vinyl sulfone dyes, and fiber but is sufficiently buffered to achieve this reaction slowly so that the fiber reactive dyes fix in a level, uniform fashion. Preferably the composition includes potassium carbonate, potassium citrate, and potassium polyacrylate. The citrate and polyacrylate act as dispersants in the dyeing process and also act as crystallization inhibitors in solution. The use of the carbonate compounds of the present invention in place of conventional silicates or phosphorus prevents the discharge of untreatable toxic wastewater into natural waterways.

Abstract: A process for producing sodium salts, which comprises adding solid sodium carbonate to a first aqueous solution containing sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogencarbonate, to prepare a second aqueous solution, precipitating, separating and recovering from the second aqueous solution sodium sesquicarbonate crystals containing at least 50 mol % of the sodium hydrogencarbonate component contained in the second aqueous solution, and further recovering sodium carbonate from a mother liquor remaining after separating the sodium sesquicarbonate crystals from the second aqueous solution.

Abstract: Method for the oxidation of at least one alkali metal, according to which this alkali metal is subjected in molten condition to an oxidation by a reaction with oxygen, characterized in that the molten alkali metal is dispersed in a fluidized bed (6) and is subjected to an oxidation by a reaction with oxygen in this bed (6), whereby the oxides formed in this manner are subjected to a carbonation by a reaction with carbonic gas supplied to the aforementioned bed (6).

Abstract: A method of preparing an anode material using sepiolite clay having channel-like interstices in its lattice structure. Carbonaceous material is deposited in the channel-like interstices of the sepiolite clay and then the sepiolite clay is removed leaving the carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material is formed into an anode. The anode is combined with suitable cathode and electrolyte materials to form a battery of the lithium-ion type.

Abstract: A process for preparing sodium carbonate is provided in which sodium bicarbonate is heated to a temperature of between 80 and 250 .degree. C. and at a pressure between grater than 1 bar and 20 bars. The sodium bicarbonate may be heated in the presence of an activation gas containing carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for preparing high purity lithium carbonate which can be used for pharmaceutical applications, electronic grade crystals of lithium or to prepare battery-grade lithium metal. Lithium carbonate as commercially produced from mineral extraction, lithium-containing brines or sea water, in aqueous solution is used as a feedstock and reacted with carbon dioxide under pressure to form dissolved lithium bicarbonate. Impurities in the lithium carbonate feedstock are either solubilized or precipitated out. Dissolved impurities are physically separated from the lithium bicarbonate using an ion selective means, such as an ion exchange material, or by liquid--liquid extraction. Purified lithium carbonate is then precipitated.