Thiele Kaolin Company

Jeffrey C Bruns

Jessica Elzea Kogel

Sharon M Drew

Joseph C Shi

Jessica E Kogel

William H Blue

Susan A Lewis

Kaolin clay materials containing discoloring impurities can be beneficiated by microwave irradiation in the presence of water and a polyprotic acid component to produce a beneficiated kaolin clay material having improved color and brightness.

Process for the microwave beneficiation of discolored kaolin clay

A biologically stable kaolin clay slurry is manufactured by heating a kaolin clay slurry for at least 15 minutes at a temperature of at least 93.degree. C., cooling the slurry to a temperature no greater than about 35.degree. C. and then adding a microbiocide to the slurry.

Reduction of microorganisms in kaolin clay slurries

A stable high solids structured clay slurry is manufactured by a process which comprises the sequential steps of forming a high solids slurry by mixing a structured clay material with water in a first stage mixing step under conditions which promote particle to liquid contact and which substantially prevent interaction between the structured clay particles, terminating the first stage mixing and then, in a second stage mixing step, mixing the high solids slurry under conditions which are different from the first stage mixing conditions and which promote substantial interaction between the structured clay particles.

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Sandersville, GA, United States of America

Jeffrey C Bruns