Abstract: A filter aid composition may include a first acid-treated silica-based filter aid having a first particle size distribution and a second acid-treated silica-based filter aid having a second particle size distribution. A method of making a filter aid composition may include providing a first silica-based filter aid having a first particle size distribution, providing a second silica-based filter aid having a second particle size distribution, and blending the first silica-based filter aid with the second silica-based filter aid to form the filter aid composition. A method of filtering a fluid may include providing a filter aid composition including a first acid-treated silica-based filter aid and a second acid-treated silica-based filter aid and filtering the fluid through the filter aid composition. The filter aid composition may have a multimodal particle size distribution such that the first particle size distribution has a d50 greater than the second particle size distribution.

Abstract: Methods of wellbore cementing are provided. A method of cementing may comprise: calculating a lime to silica correlation for two or more cementitious components of a cement composition; and adjusting a concentration of at least one of the cementitious components such that the lime to silica correlation meets or exceeds a target.

Abstract: A propulsion system is disclosed that uses metal fuel particles heated to a range from 3000° K to 6000° K by reaction with oxygen in air inside a cyclone combustor to form metal oxides that are retained and removed from the combustor for re-conversion to metal, while nitrogen in the air is heated to the temperatures that on supersonic exhaust propels 50,000 ton monohull ships to from 50 to 100 knots. The ship can accelerate by electromagnetic force from a MHD generator-accelerator rendered electrically conducting by alkali metal seed injection into the gas. Also disclosed are 10 MW to 1000 MW Closed Cycle MHD power plants fired by natural gas into a top half of a falling pebble bed heat exchanger that transfers 2000° K to 3000° K heat to a noble or diatomic gas in a bottom half of the exchanger that on exit is seeded with an alkali metal rendering the gas conducting.

Abstract: A process for removing mercury from a gas or liquid phase, wherein the gas or liquid phase containing mercury is placed in contact with a composition comprising a precipitated metal sulfide. The precipitated metal sulfide may be made by the process of combining a metal source, sulfide source, and modifier to form the precipitated metal sulfide. The metal source may comprise iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, silver, or gold salts. The metal salt may be selected from metal nitrate, metal sulfate, metal phosphate, metal acetate, metal carbonate, metal hydroxide, metal ammonium carbonate, and metal hydroxycarbonate. The sulfide source is selected from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (COS), salts of sulfide (S2?), salts of hydrosulfide (HS?), and salts of polysulfide (Sn2?). The modifier may be selected from alumina, silica, aluminosilicate, clay, zeolites, carbon, cement, titania, zirconia.

Abstract: An agglomerated zeolite adsorbent which comprises 95-99.5 mass % of X zeolite and 0.5-5.0 mass % of binder, wherein the exchangeable cationic sites of said X zeolite are occupied by Group IIA metal and/or K, the total pore volume of said adsorbent is no less than 0.26 mL/g as measured by mercury porosimetry, the volume of pores with pore diameters from 100 to 500 nm is at least 60% based on the total pore volume. During shaping, a pore-forming agent is added to this adsorbent, and then the adsorbent is alkali treated for in-situ crystallization, followed by ion exchange. Said adsorbent has high adsorption capacity, fast mass transfer rate and good mechanical strength. Said adsorbent is suitable for liquid phase adsorptive separation of para-xylene from C8 aromatic hydrocarbons and is also suitable for adsorptive separation of other alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons isomers.

Abstract: A process for removing mercury from a gas or liquid phase, wherein the gas or liquid phase containing mercury is placed in contact with a composition comprising a precipitated metal sulfide. The precipitated metal sulfide may be made by the process of combining a metal source, sulfide source, and modifier to form the precipitated metal sulfide. The metal source may comprise iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, zirconium, molybdenum, silver, or gold salts. The metal salt may be selected from metal nitrate, metal sulfate, metal phosphate, metal acetate, metal carbonate, metal hydroxide, metal ammonium carbonate, and metal hydroxycarbonate. The sulfide source is selected from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (COS), salts of sulfide (S2?), salts of hydrosulfide (HS?), and salts of polysulfide (Sn2?). The modifier may be selected from alumina, silica, aluminosilicate, clay, zeolites, carbon, cement, titania, zirconia.

Abstract: A supported composite particle material comprises: a composite particle formed of an oxidized nickel and X (wherein X represents at least one of elements selected from the group consisting of nickel, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, gold, silver and copper); and a support on which the composite particle is supported, the supported composite particle material having a supported layer in which the composite particle is localized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell catalyst containing ruthenium as an active metal, alone or together with at least one other metal of the auxiliary group IB, VIIB or VIII of the periodical system of the elements (CAS version), and applied to a carrier containing silicon dioxide as a carrier material. The invention also relates to a method for producing said shell catalyst, and to a method for hydrogenating an organic compound containing hydrogenable groups, preferably for hydrogenating a carbocyclic aromatic group to form the corresponding carbocyclic aliphatic groups or for hydrogenating aldehydes to form the corresponding alcohols, using the inventive shell catalyst. The invention further relates to the use of the inventive shell catalyst for hydrogenating an organic compound containing hydrogenable groups, preferably for hydrogenating a carbocyclic aromatic group to form the corresponding carbocyclic aliphatic groups or for hydrogenating aldehydes to form the corresponding alcohols.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid inorganic composition for reducing dioxins and furans, as well as heavy metals, in particular mercury, present in flue gases, to a method for preparing such a composition, and to the use thereof for reducing dioxins and furans as well as heavy metals, in particular mercury, present in flue gases, by contacting said flue gases with said solid inorganic composition.

Abstract: A porous ceramic material is disclosed having a principal cordierite phase, the porous ceramic material exhibiting a normalized strength greater than 20 MPa. The cordierite phase has a reticular microstructure. A method for forming a porous ceramic body having a predominant phase of cordierite is provided which includes forming a body from a plasticized mixture of inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients that include a magnesia source, a silica source, and an alumina source, the alumina source including alumina-containing elongated particles, wherein at least 90 wt % of the alumina-containing elongated particles have a length of 50 to 150 ?m, and then firing the body.

Abstract: A dry product that permanently removes oil and oil stains from liquid or dry surfaces and is environmentally safe. The dry product is formed by mixing efficacious proportions of untreated amorphous silica with a dry, inert organic, inorganic or synthetic carrier, or combinations of said carriers. Suitable inert carriers include, but are not limited to, (a) inert inorganic carriers including, but not limited to, clays, perlite, vermiculite, crushed glass, volcanic ash and sand; (b) inert organic carriers, including, but not limited to, peat moss, straw, hay, sawdust, ground corncobs, flours, and coconut coir, and (c) inert synthetic carriers, including, but not limited to, polyurethane, polyethylene and polypropylene. The dry product can be applied directly to oil stains either on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt, or to oil spills on water.

Abstract: A porous ceramic material is disclosed having a principal cordierite phase, the porous ceramic material exhibiting a normalized strength greater than 20 MPa. The cordierite phase has a reticular microstructure. A method for forming a porous ceramic body having a predominant phase of cordierite is provided which includes forming a body from a plasticized mixture of inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients that include a magnesia source, a silica source, and an alumina source, the alumina source including alumina-containing elongated particles, wherein at least 90 wt % of the alumina-containing elongated particles have a length of 50 to 150 ?m, and then firing the body.

Abstract: The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a monolith adsorbent which can adsorb a target sample easily in a short time or regardless of whether the amount of the sample is small or large and extract the sample with a small amount of solvent, and easily secure the sample necessary for analysis, and a method and an apparatus for adsorption and retention using the same. The present invention, as the means for solving the problem, is a monolith adsorbent formed by allowing a monolith structure body to contain an adsorbing material such as activated carbon or graphite, exposing the adsorbing material on the surface of the structure body and further surface-treating the surface of the monolith structure body with a hydrophobic or hydrophilic compound or a resin.

Abstract: Materials with a porous structure including calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate of mineral origin or from algae or pieces of mollusc shells, formed mainly by together with clays of the bentonite, a-sepiolite and aluminium silicate type. Their industrial use in the removal of acid gases and vapors in fixed and mobile beds and their use as agricultural fertilizers and for water treatment such as mineralization. These materials are shaped like hollow cylinders of the smooth or ribbed, straight, curved, regular or irregular cut macaroni type, and have parallel channels along the longitudinal axis in a number greater than 2 and less than 100 per square centimeter cross section generally known as monolith or honeycomb.

Abstract: Processes for preparing diatomaceous earth filter aids having a reduced beer soluble iron content, diatomaceous earth filter aids and compositions comprising the same, and methods for using the improved diatomaceous earth filter aids are disclosed herein. Further disclosed herein are processes for reducing beer soluble iron content by saturated steam treatment of a diatomaceous earth material in an enclosed vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides a modified adsorbent material impregnated with a metal oxide, which can be used in a filter element adapted for use in a smoking article. The modified adsorbent material exhibits increased filtration efficiency with respect to certain gas phase species of mainstream cigarette smoke. Exemplary adsorbent materials that can be modified according to the invention include activated carbon, molecular sieves, clays, ion exchange resins, activated aluminas, silica gels, meerschaum, and mixtures thereof. One example of a metal oxide is cerium oxide. Impregnation with a metal oxide can be accomplished by directly treating the adsorbent with a metal oxide or impregnating the adsorbent with a metal oxide precursor, such as cerium nitrate, followed by calcining the impregnated material to convert the precursor to the desired metal oxide. Methods of forming the modified adsorbent material and smoking article filters incorporating the modified adsorbent material are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a sorbent composition, the preparation method thereof, and the process for removing sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides in a flue gas by the sorbent composition. The sorbent composition comprises at least one refractory inorganic oxide matrix, at least one metal component I and at least one metal component II, wherein each of the at least one refractory inorganic oxide matrix has a specific surface area of more than 130 m2/g, the at least one metal component I is selected from elements of Group IA and Group IIA in the Periodic Table of Elements, and the at least one metal component II is selected from transition metals of Group IIB, Group VIB, Group VIIB, and Group VIII in the Periodic Table of Elements, and wherein the at least one metal component II is present in at least two different valence-states, as characterized by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for producing a catalytically-active material having at least one base component and at least one catalytically-active component in which the at least one base component is heated to a softening or melting temperature to form a softened or molten base component. While the base component is in the softened or molten state, at least one catalytically-active component is incorporated into or onto the base component, forming the catalytically-active material. In accordance with one embodiment, a catalyst precursor is introduced into the base component and subsequently transformed to a catalytically-active component.

Abstract: A flow-through sorbent comprising at least 30 wt % of a metal sulfide, and a binder. The sorbent may be used, for example, for the removal of a contaminant, such as mercury, from a fluid stream.

Abstract: Sorbents for removal of mercury and other pollutants from gas streams, such as a flue gas stream from coal-fired utility plants, and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. Embodiments include brominated sorbent substrate particles having a carbon content of less than about 10%. Other embodiments include one or more oxidatively active halides of a nonoxidative metal dispersed on sorbent substrate particles mixed with activated carbon in an amount up to 30% by weight.

Abstract: This invention discloses an optimum set of adsorbents for use in H2-PSA processes. Each adsorbent bed is divided into four regions; Region 1 contains adsorbent for removing water; Region 2 contains a mixture of strong and weak adsorbents to remove bulk impurities like CO2; Region 3 contains a high bulk density (>38 lbm/ft3) adsorbent to remove remaining CO2; and most of CH4 and CO present in H2 containing feed mixtures; and Region 4 contains adsorbent having high Henry's law constants for the final cleanup of N2 and residual impurities to produce hydrogen at the desired high purity.

Abstract: The invention relates a method for incorporating a functional additive within a porous material, which method comprises impregnating the porous material with a slurry of a nano-sized material that carries the functional additive, wherein in the slurry the weight ratio of the additive (A) and the nano-sized material (B) is in the range of from 0.01 to 1.0 (A/B). The invention further relates to a porous material obtainable by said method.

Abstract: A method for producing a catalytically-active material having at least one base component and at least one catalytically-active component in which the at least one base component is heated to a softening or melting temperature to form a softened or molten base component. While the base component is in the softened or molten state, at least one catalytically-active component is incorporated into or onto the base component, forming the catalytically-active material. In accordance with one embodiment, a catalyst precursor is introduced into the base component and subsequently transformed to a catalytically-active component.

Abstract: It is now possible to purify diene-contaminated liquid and gas streams by treating these streams with adsorbents comprising single or multiple transition metal polycation-exchanged faujasites having silicon to aluminum ratio from 0.9 to about 9.0, wherein said transition metal (Tr) polycations have the general formula [Tr?O?]n+, wherein a varies from 2 to 8, ?—from 0 to 4, and n—from 1 to 3 and wherein said transition metals include IB. IIB, VIIB and VIII Group metals preferably selected from the group consisting of copper, cadmium, zinc, manganese, nickel and iron.

Abstract: A moisture absorbent composition is provided with a thermoplastic resin; and a moisture absorbent kneaded into the thermoplastic resin, having a secondary particle size of substantially 1 to 40 ?m, wherein equilibrium humidity is controlled by selecting the specific gravity of the thermoplastic resin. A method for controlling equilibrium humidity in a moisture absorbent composition obtained by kneading a moisture absorbent into a thermoplastic resin is provided, which includes kneading the moisture absorbent such that a secondary particle size of the moisture absorbent is substantially 1 to 40 ?m; and controlling equilibrium humidity by selecting specific gravity of the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: A process for making a granular sorbent to capture carbon dioxide from gas streams comprising homogeneously mixing an alkali metal oxide, alkali metal hydroxide, alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali titanate, alkali zirconate, alkali silicate and combinations thereof with a binder selected from the group consisting of sodium ortho silicate, calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O), alkali silicates, calcium aluminate, bentonite, inorganic clays and organic clays and combinations thereof and water; drying the mixture and placing the sorbent in a container permeable to a gas stream.

Abstract: A regenerable, high-capacity sorbent for removal of mercury from flue gas and processes and systems for making and using the sorbent. A phyllosilicate substrate, for example vermiculite or montmorillinite, acts as an inexpensive support to a thin layer for a polyvalent metal sulfide, ensuring that more of the metal sulfide is engaged in the sorption process. The sorbent is prepared by ion exchange between the silicate substrate material and a solution containing one or more of a group of polyvalent metals including tin (both Sn(II) and Sn(IV)), iron (both Fe(II) and Fe(III)), titanium, manganese, zirconium and molybdenum, dissolved as salts, to produce an exchanged substrate. Controlled reaction of a sulfide ion source with the one or more polyvalent metals that are exchanged on the silicate substrate produces the sorbent. The sorbent is used to absorb elemental mercury or oxidized mercury species such as mercuric chloride from flue gas containing acid gases (e.g.

Abstract: A composition comprising a promoter and a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of a gallium oxide, an indium oxide, and combinations of any two or more thereof, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sorbent comprising a disordered polyvalent metal oxide on the surface of an inert substrate. The substrate can be a layered silicate, such as vermiculite, an aluminosilicate such as montmorillonite, or a nonlayered silicate such as a zeolite. The sorbent removes ionic contaminants, such as arsenic, from process streams.

Abstract: Chlorite-like phyllosilicate materials are found useful as SOx sorbents. A novel process of sulfur oxide sorption is provided utilizing these layered materials as contact solids. Typical industrial applications include sulfur removal from fluid catalyst cracking process, cold-side combustion gas sulfur abatement and cleaner coal gasification.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and a method to remove a plurality of radioactive isotopes and/or heavy metals simultaneously from water or wastewater. The compositions comprise lattice clays; flocculants; a neutron absorbent; catalysts; and a setter. The selected compositions is entered into a vessel and agitated with the water to produce a sludge containing the contaminants.

Abstract: This invention relates to filterable composite adsorbents comprising one or more adsorbent components and one or more filtration components, and methods for preparing and using same. More particularly, this invention pertains to filterable composite adsorbents and filterable composite adsorbent products which are suitable for use in filtration applications, and which comprise one or more microparticulate or colloidal adsorbent components selected from the group consisting of silica gel, fumed silica, neutral clay, alkaline clay, zeolite, solid catalyst, alumina, adsorbent polymer, alkaline earth silicate hydrate, and combinations thereof, which bear the property of adsorption, which are intimately bound to one or more functional filtration components selected from the group consisting of biogenic silica (e.g., diatomite, rice hull ash, sponge spicules), natural glass (e.g.

Abstract: An adsorbent product for the adsorption of trace elements of sulfur, arsenic, mercury, compounds which contain these elements or metal hydrides from a hydrocarbon gas stream, preferably an olefinic or paraffinic stream, wherein the adsorbent product is iron oxide and manganese oxide placed on a support material, preferably aluminum oxide. Also disclosed is a process for the use of this adsorbent product for the removal of trace elements of arsenic, mercury and sulfur or compounds containing those elements or metal hydrides from a hydrocarbon gas stream, preferably an olefinic or paraffinic gas stream.

Abstract: An absorbing composition containing alumino silicate containing schistose particles having at least partially a layered structure with substantially parallel layers, whereby at least for 30 percent by weight of the alumino silicate containing schistose particles the distance between two structurally adjacent layers is greater than 5 &mgr;m, but less than 100 &mgr;m, wherein at least 25 percent by weight of the alumino silicate containing schistose particles consist of aluminum containing di-octahedric layers, wherein the particles are provided with metallic flakes, whereby these metallic flakes are at least partially bound onto and between two structurally adjacent layers of the alumino silicate containing schistose particles, and in which at least 50 percent by weight of these metallic flakes have a thickness of 2 to 5 &mgr;m, a maximum length or diameter between 6 and 60 &mgr;m, and a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g.

Abstract: The useful life of SOx additives having a SO2→SO3 oxidation catalyst component and a SO3 absorption component can be extended by employing each of these components as separate and distinct physical particles, pellets, etc.

Abstract: Treatment and recovery of used frying oils uses combinations of adsorbents and antioxidants which provide unexpected improvements in used frying oil adsorptive and other properties, quality and service life such that the recovered frying oil can be reused. Used frying oil can be treated with a ternary mixture of adsorbents comprising calcium silicate, magnesium silicate and at least one of a porous rhyolitic material and silicon dioxide in effective amounts to unexpectedly and significantly reduce free fatty acids of the treated used frying oil as well as improve total polar component, oil stability and color thereof. Combinations of antioxidants can be included in the treated oil in effective amounts to provide unexpected, significant improvements in oil stability and service life of the treated used frying oil.

Abstract: A catalyst is described on the basis of acid-activated smectitic clay minerals for removing olefins from aromatic compounds or mixtures of aromatic compounds which is characterized in that the acid-activated clay mineral contains at least 5 milli-equivalents/100 g of exchangeable Al.sup.3+ cations.

Abstract: A polymer modifying agent for use in increasing the shelf life of natural rubber. The polymer modifying agent consists of a zeolite, a high molecular weight fatty acid, a starch, a catalyst, and rubber processing oil and aliphatic resin. The compound bonds with the rubber, particularly the polymer chains of the rubber being encapsulated by the zeolite, preventing the aging effect caused by oxidation and light. The compound also acts to disperse the silica evenly throughout the rubber. The inventive compound is also composed of components that are non-toxic. A method of blocking the effects of premature curing of rubber is also provided. The method includes a step of adding the inventive compound to the rubber.

Abstract: The useful life of SO.sub.X additives having a SO.sub.2 .fwdarw.SO.sub.3 oxidation catalyst component and a SO.sub.3 absorption component can be extended by employing each of these components as separate and distinct physical particles, pellets, etc.

Abstract: The useful life of SO.sub.X additives having a SO.sub.2 .fwdarw.SO.sub.3 oxidation catalyst component and a SO.sub.3 absorption component can be extended by employing each of these components as separate and distinct physical particles, pellets, etc., with each component having large proportions of certain ingredients and having small proportions of certain other ingredients.

Abstract: A preparation for removing dyestuff in dyeing waste water includes a carbonized carbonaceous material and powdery or granular bakuhanseki deposited on the surface of the carbonized carbonaceous material. In one aspect of the invention, a preparation for removing dyestuff in dyeing waste water includes a carbonized carbonaceous material and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of silicic acid anhydride, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, sodium oxide, calcium oxide, ferrous oxide, ferric oxide, titanium oxide, phosphorous pentaoxide and manganese oxide, said compound being deposited on the surface of the carbonized carbonaceous material. There is also provided a method for removing dyestuff in dyeing waste water by adding these dyestuff removing preparations.

Abstract: A sorbent based on smectitic clay minerals with originally low water uptake ability wherein the smectitic clay minerals are chemically reacted with at least one solid ion exchanger in alkaline form.

Abstract: The porous granular material according to the invention comprises carbon, silica, water-soluble mineral salts and water-insoluble mineral salts, does not disintegrate in the presence of water and has a particle size of approximately 1 to 5 mm, preferably from 1 to 3 mm, in particular from 1 to 2 mm; a crushing strength, or mechanical strength, in the range of 0.75 to 1 MPa; a density of between 0.7 and 0.8; a BET specific surface area of between 100 and 200 m.sup.2 /g; a microporous volume of between 0.25 and 1 cm.sup.3 /g; and a carbon content of 8 to 11 weight %, the balance being essentially made up by a mineral matrix of base nature, comprising a crystalline phase of insoluble aluminosilicates.Application, in particular, to the purification of liquids, as a catalyst in oxidation reactions and in the manufacture of composite catalysts, in particular in petrochemistry.

Abstract: Process for producing an active composite consisting of a support and an active agent is disclosed. The process comprises mixing expanded graphite and an exfoliated lamellar compound, compressing the mixture to form a support which has a graphite density between 0.02 and 0.5 kg/dm.sup.3, and impregnating the support with the active agent. Such active composites are employed as reactants in thermochemical systems.

Abstract: Reactant for thermochemical systems, including a support which is, for example, recompressed expanded graphite or vermiculite, and an active agent, for example a salt. According to the invention, the support is in the form of granules of graphite having a density of between 0.20 and 0.5 g/cm.sup.3 and whose diameter lies between 0.2 cm and 2.5 cm.

Abstract: A method for making an activated carbon supported catalyst, the method comprising combining a carbon precursor and a catalyst precursor, curing the carbon precursor if necessary, carbonizing the carbon precursor, and activating the carbon to produce the activated carbon supported catalyst. The activated carbon supported catalyst can take the form of a coating on a substrate, a powder, or a monolithic body.

Abstract: A synthetic double-layered permanganate material including a synthetic double-layered hydroxide material modified such that permanganate anion is included to a level greater than approximately 20% of the theoretical anion exchange capacity of the hydroxide material within its interstices.

Abstract: A novel silver-containing tobermorite usable in place of silver-, copper- or zing-incorporating zeolites and having ethylene-adsorbing ability and antibacterial properties. Stated more particularly, a silver-containing tobermorite having a composition of [Ca.sub.5-Y/2 Ag.sub.Y+Z M.sub.x-z (Si.sub.6-x Al.sub.x O.sub.18 H.sub.2).4H.sub.2 O, 0.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.1, 0.001.ltoreq.Y.ltoreq.2, 0.ltoreq.Z.ltoreq.0.1, M is a monovalent cation] and prepared from a tobermorite [Ca.sub.5 M.sub.x (Si.sub.6-x Al.sub.x O.sub.18 H.sub.2).4H.sub.2 O, 0.ltoreq.X.ltoreq.1, M is as defined above] by exchanging Ca.sup.2+, or Ca.sup.2+ and a monovalent cation which are interlayer ions of the tobermorite for silver ion. The silver-containing tobermorite is excellent in heat resistance, water resistance and mechanical strength, and also outstanding in ethylene-adsorbing ability and antibacterial properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to talc substances consisting of particles having a sheet structure. These substances are characterised in that each particle has internally the crystalline structure of talc which confers upon it certain specific properties of this mineral (softness, thermal stability) and has hydrophilic surface properties unlike the hydrophobic properties of mineral talc which give rise to useful reactivity. The substances according to the invention have a thermal and chemical stability range similar to that of talc. They can be manufactured by thermal or chemical means under conditions designed to avoid internal conversion of the talc and to effect the surface modifications consisting of replacing inert siloxane bridges by active hydrophilic groups.

Abstract: A regenerable, high-capacity sorbent for removal of mercury from flue gas and processes and systems for making and using the sorbent. A phyllosilicate substrate, for example vermiculite or montmorillinite, acts as an inexpensive support to a thin layer for a polyvalent metal sulfide, ensuring that more of the metal sulfide is engaged in the sorption process. The sorbent is prepared by ion exchange between the silicate substrate material and a solution containing one or more of a group of polyvalent metals including tin (both Sn(II) and Sn(IV)), iron (both Fe(II) and Fe(III)), titanium, manganese, zirconium and molybdenum, dissolved as salts, to produce an exchanged substrate. Controlled reaction of a sulfide ion source with the one or more polyvalent metals that are exchanged on the silicate substrate produces the sorbent. The sorbent is used to absorb elemental mercury or oxidized mercury species such as mercuric chloride from flue gas containing acid gases (e.g.