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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Process for flocculating oil and clay-containing slimes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6815612

Finely divided clay having hydrocarbons in intimate association therewith which is suspended in an aqueous medium having a pH of at least 6.0, preferably from 6.0 to 10.0, can be flocculated and settled by the addition of acrylic acid or a water-soluble acrylic acid-derived polymer in an amount sufficient to form a floc of the clay. In accordance with this procedure, a water-soluble primary flocculant of the group consisting of acrylic acid and an anionic acrylic acid-derived polymer is added to the suspension in an amount sufficient to form a floc of the clay and associated hydrocarbons. A water-soluble secondary flocculant of the group consisting of a nonionic polymer, a cationic polymer, and an inorganic salt also is added to the suspension in an amount sufficient to form a floc of the silica content of the suspension. (2 claims)

Assignee:
Internat Min and Chem Corp
Patent Number(s):
US 3723310
OSTI ID:
6815612
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English