American Colloid Company

Robert S Nebergall

Dennis R Taylor

Carolyn J Kucharz

Russell E Hynes

A three step process for regenerating spent bleaching clays and acid-activated smectite catalyst granules includes: (1) an extraction step to remove a majority of entrained oil, preferably about 75% to about 95% by weight of the entrained oil, when regenerating bleaching clays; (2) an oxidation step to remove the majority of remaining carbonaceous adsorbates which are not removed by the preceding extraction step, and (3) an acid wash step to restore the acidity normally associated with fresh acid-activated bleaching clays. The features of steps 2 and 3 may be combined into a single step by using an appropriate oxidant, for example, a source of acidic protons, such as peracetic acid.

Process for regenerating spent acid-activated bentonite clays and

A bentonite clay-based polymerization catalyst is manufactured by adhering together a plurality of smaller acid-activated bentonite clay particles, using a strong mineral acid, such as H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, as a binder. An acid-activated bentonite clay having a particle size below about 60 mesh, U.S. Sieve Series, preferably calcium bentonite, having calcium as a predominant exchangeable action, is mixed with a strong mineral acid, preferably H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, and water to form the catalyst. The mixture is subjected to intensive mixing, curing and drying to form strong particles capable of grinding to a desired particle size distribution, e.g., -6 mesh to +60 mesh, U.S. Sieve Series, to form the catalyst. Fines resulting from the grinding step are completely recycled to the intensive mixing stage of the process to achieve 100% yield. Some adjustment of acid content of the mix may be needed to take into account the acid carried into the mix by recycled fines.

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Lombard, IL, United States of America

Robert S Nebergall