US4549966A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of removing organic contaminants from aqueous compositions
Assignee: Southern Clay Products Inc
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Filing: 1984-06-08
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Granted: 1985-10-29
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Expires: 2004-06-08
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided of removing organic contaminants from an aqueous composition contaminated therewith. The method comprises contacting the aqueous composition with a sufficient amount of organoclay for a sufficient amount of time to absorb a substantial portion of the contaminant, and to form an aqueous organoclay admixture. The organoclay and aqueous composition are then separated from each other. The method is particularly useful for separating oily contaminants from water toxic substance precursors, e.g. humic acid and toxic organics (e.g. PCB) from water.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary W. Beall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:27
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/28; C02F1/288; B; B01; B01D; B01D15/00; B09; B09B; B09B1/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/902; Y10S210/908; Y10S210/909
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of removing organic contaminants from an aqueous composition contaminated therewith, comprising: (a) contacting an aqueous composition containing organic contaminants selected from the group consisting of substantially water insoluble organic contaminants, aliphatic contaminants, humics and mixtures of the same with a sufficient amount of an organoclay which is the previously prepared reaction product of a quaternary amononium salt and a smectite-type clay, for a sufficient amount of time to adsorb a substantial portion of contaminant and to form an aqueous organoclay admixture; and (b) separating the organoclay and aqueous composition from each other.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of removing organic contaminants from an aqueous composition contaminated therewith, comprising: (a) contacting an aqueous composition containing organic contaminants selected from the group consisting of substantially water insoluble organic contaminants, aliphatic contaminants, humics and mixtures of the same with a sufficient amount of an organoclay which is the previously prepared reaction product of a quaternary amononium salt and a smectite-type clay, for a sufficient amount of time to adsorb a substantial portion of contaminant and to form an aqueous organoclay admixture; and (b) separating the organoclay and aqueous composition from each other.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step is performed in a packed tower.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step is performed in a fluidized bed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step is performed in a stirred bed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organoclay is admixed with a particulate diluent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 5, wherein the diluent is anthracite.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the separating step comprises filtering the organoclay from the admixture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the separating step comprises flocculating the organoclay from the admixture.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the separating step comprises centrifuging the organoclay from the admixture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organic contaminant is a polychlorobiphenyl (PCB).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organic contaminant is dibromochloropropane (DBCP).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organic contaminant is a precursor to a toxic substance.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organic contaminant is humic acid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising contacting the separated organoclay with an effective amount of caustic to neutralize the acid adsorbed thereon to produce a regenerated organoclay.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organic contaminant is chelated with metals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organic contaminant is oil.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organoclay is about 40 to 60 mesh size.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organoclay is a higher dialkyl dimethyl ammonium organoclay.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organoclay is a dimethyl benzyl(hydrogenated tallow)ammonium clay.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the organoclay is a dimethyl di(hydrogenated tallow)ammonium clay.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of organoclay is at least about 40% by weight of the amount of organic contaminant.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of organoclay is in the range of from about 40% to 500% by weight of the amount of organic contaminant.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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GB920797A
Cited
US3763040A
Cited
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Cited
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Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-10-28 | 1989-04-29 | 1989-10-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-10-28 | 1993-04-29 | 1993-10-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-10-28 | 1997-04-29 | 1997-10-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |