Concentration of solids by flocculating in the Bayer process
AssigneeCytec Technology Corp.
InventorsPeter V. Avotins, Roderick G. Ryles, Gregory Flieg
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Processes for improving solids/liquids separation efficiency in the Bayer process are disclosed, wherein Bayer process streams are treated with calcium or magnesium salts, flocculated with carboxylic acid or salt group-containing polymers, and centrifuged.
Claims19
A solids/liquids separation process comprising (a) contacting and mixing a Bayer process stream comprising red mud with amounts of (i) a multivalent cationic salt and (ii) a water-soluble polymer containing pendant carboxylic acid groups or salts thereof effective to form flocculated solids, said polymer having a molecular weight ranging from about 1.times.10.sup.6 to about 1.times.10.sup.8, and (b) centrifuging said flocculated solids to separate centrifuged solids from centrate, wherein said centrifuged solids have a solids content of greater than about 60% by weight based on total weight, and wherein said solids content is higher than when said (i) is not present.
A solids/liquids separation process, comprising (a) contacting and mixing a Bayer process stream comprising red mud with amounts of (i) a calcium or magnesium salt or mixture thereof, and (ii) a water-soluble polymer containing pendant carboxylic acid groups or salts thereof effective to form flocculated solids, said polymer having a molecular weight ranging from about 1.times.10.sup.6 to about 1.times.10.sup.8, and (b) centrifuging said flocculated solids to separate centrifuged solids from centrate, wherein said centrifuged solids have a solids content of greater than about 60% by weight based on total weight, and wherein said solids content is higher than when said (i) is not present.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.