Solidification of aqueous sludge
OwnerDavid Krofchakinventor
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Abstract
A process for treating aqueous sludge comprising a slurry of clay minerals and silica in water includes rapidly dispersing throughout the sludge at least one additive compound selected from the group consisting of mineral acids, acid salts of alkaline earth metals, alkaline earth metal oxides and alkaline earth metal hydroxides. The additive is provided in an amount sufficient to cause formation in the sludge of large silicate molecules with resultant solidification of the sludge by gelling and setting into an inert solid material.
Claims9
A process for treating tailings sludge from the recovery of bitumen from a source selected from the group consisting of oil sands and oil shales by a hot water separation method, said sludge comprising a slurry of clay minerals and silica in water and having a solids content of at least about 25%, said process consisting essentially of rapidly dispersing throughout the sludge at least one additive compound selected from the group consisting of sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, said additive being provided in an amount sufficient to cause formation in said sludge of large silicate molecules with resultant solidification of the sludge by gelling and setting into an inert solid material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.