Production of oxidized humic acids by an oxygen-alkali process
AssigneeLignoTech USA, Inc.
InventorsStuart E. Lebo, Jr., Kevin R. Wirtz, Stephen L. Dickman
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Abstract
A method is disclosed for the production of oxidized humic acids. The process of the invention comprises reacting humic acid bearing ores with oxygen under alkaline conditions at a temperature between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. for at least 1/2 hour, but usually for 1-2 hours, to produce oxidized humic acids which are soluble at pH as low as 2.9 and which are formed in yields of at least 70%. The oxidized humic acids produced according to the process of the invention are also superior viscosity reducers.
Claims20
A method of producing oxidized humic acid concentrates, comprising the steps of:
- (a) dissolving a humic acid containing ore in alkali to form a reaction mixture;
- (b) reacting said reaction mixture with an oxidant under conditions of temperature and pressure and for a time sufficient to cause the oxidation of the humic acid containing ore to produce an oxidized humic acid concentrate;
- and
- (c) separating the oxidized humic acid concentrate from the reaction mixture.
A method for producing oxidized humic acid concentrates, comprising the steps of:
- (a) dissolving a humic acid containing ore in alkali at a concentration of 5-40% solids to form a reaction mixture;
- (b) reacting said mixture at 100.degree. C.-200.degree. C. with oxygen for at least 0.5 hour;
- and
- (c) separating the resulting oxidized humic acid concentrates from the reaction mixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.