Tetra Technologies, Inc.

David J Hanlon

Surendra Kumar Mishra

Jeffrey S McKennis

Lyle H Howard

Raymond D Symens

Nam-Sook Bae

Joaquin Paz Cunanan

Weyman H Dunaway

Russell A Fisher

Paul Wayland

David Prince Heaner

A method for making zinc bromide from metallic zinc and bromine comprising contacting zinc with bromine dissolved in a reaction solvent containing a metal halide salt. During the practice of this method, the reaction temperature is maintained at less than 60.degree. C. The reaction solvent preferably comprises an alkali, alkaline earth or transition metal halide and the halide salt preferably comprises a chloride or a bromide. One preferred method includes the step of recirculating the zinc bromide product stream back to the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel can comprise either a one stage or a multiple stage reactor. The resulting product stream comprises a high density zinc bromide solution.

Method for producing zinc bromide

A method for utilization of zinc byproducts in the manufacture of clear brine fluids comprising the step of mixing zinc feedstock containing metal impurities with a halogenic acid to produce an impure zinc halide solution. The metal impurities are removed from the zinc halide solution in a two-stage process: the first stage comprises the steps of precipitating and filtering out manganese and iron and the second stage comprises the steps of contacting the zinc halide solution with elemental zinc to cement out the remaining metals comprising nickel, lead, cadmium, copper, mercury and cobalt. Preferably, the zinc halide solution is contacted with zinc shot in multiple passes through zinc-filled column systems. The pH is adjusted between each step, if necessary, to maintain the pH in the first stage within a range of from about 3.5 to 4.5 and the alkalinity during the second stage at less than 1.0% zinc oxide.

Method for manufacturing clear brine fluids from impure zinc feedstock

A dehumidifying pouch comprising a container having a moisture-absorption compartment and a collection compartment, the moisture-absorption compartment comprising semi-permeable material that encloses a deliquescent desiccant material and an optional deodorizing material. The collection compartment comprises walls made of a moisture impervious material. The collection compartment is connected to the moisture-absorption compartment, preferably by a broken seal, so that liquids from the moisture-absorption compartment can be transferred to the collection compartment of the pouch. The semi-permeable material can comprise polyethylene or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, individually or a combination thereof. The moisture impervious compartment can comprise either polyethylene film or polypropylene film. Alternatively, the dehumidifying pouch is comprised of one compartment having a moisture-absorption section and a moisture collection section. The dehumidifying pouch is non-spillable under normal use conditions and is disposable.

Dehumidifying pouch

A method for applying halide brine to surfaces requiring protection against freeze conditions, inhibition of snow and ice accumulating, deicing or freeze retardation, for example, or dust control with limited corrosion is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of forming an admixture of polyhydroxy carboxylate and polyalkoxylated amine dispersed in an halide brine solution in an amount effective to inhibit corrosion; and applying the admixture to surfaces. The method of this invention can be used to limit corrosion in the application of a halide brine to surfaces of dust-producing materials as well as surfaces requiring protection against freeze conditions.

Method for applying halide brines to surfaces

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Magnolia, TX, United States of America

David J Hanlon