Nalco Company

Ecolab USA Inc.

Stephen J Blubaugh

Ronald V Davis

Bo L Tran

Kevin O'Brien

Jing Wang

Sankar Bhattacharja

Joseph M Hamnik

Walter Gerlach

Bo Tran

The invention provides methods and compositions for freeze conditioning particulating materials. The invention includes the use of the combination of crude glycerin with flowback or produced water. This combination prevents unwanted agglomeration when frozen. This combination also is non-corrosive and best of all facilitates the safe clean recycling of what would otherwise be unwanted dangerous waste material.

Freeze conditioning agents utilizing crude glycerin and flowback and produced water

Hydraulic fluid and fire-resistant fluid compositions and methods of using the compositions are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of utilizing fire-resistant fluid in hydraulic systems. For example, the method can comprise utilizing fire-resistant fluid in hydraulic systems of casters found in steel mills, in an environment where fire safety is of concern. The fire-resistant composition can comprise one or more glycerin by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. The fire-resistant composition can also comprise one or more glycerin by-products of transesterification reactions involving triglycerides. The fire-resistant fluid can be added to hydraulic systems as a solution.

Hydraulic fluids and fire-resistant fluids comprising glycerin containing by-products

The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for treating piles of low-rank coal to inhibit its spontaneous combustion. The method involves applying to the low-rank coal a composition containing VAE and crude glycerin. The composition prevents water from evaporating out of the low-rank coal. This prevents the formation within the low-rank coal of hollow openings which are a huge factor in causing its spontaneous combustion. The composition has better performance than its ingredients do alone. In fact it is so effective that certain cumbersome low-rank coal-handling methods, such as FIFO recordkeeping and inventorying, not using pinch points, or only using elbow-free equipment can be disregarded when the composition is used.

Chemical additives to inhibit the air oxidation and spontaneous combustion of coal

The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for treating piles of particulate materials to inhibit and prevent the loss of valuable fuel or mineral dust from being released from storage piles or open containers. The method involves applying to the pile a binder coating containing VAE and crude glycerin. The binder coating cures and hardens slowly so it is able to remain flexible while the pile or payload is still settling, jostling, being bumped, and otherwise moving around. This coating is especially effective for coal piles and also for piles within and for being moved by open topped railroad cars. The coating's flexibility prevents the coating from becoming brittle and shattering. The coating has better performance than its ingredients do alone. The coating is effective both when it is flexible and after it cures. As a result the invention can both prevent unwanted dust pollution as well as save its users money by avoiding loss of blown away material.

Chemical binder for coating payload in open top hopper cars, trucks, piles, and similar storage/shipping containers

Dust control and/or freeze control compositions and methods of using the compositions are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides methods of utilizing the dust control and/or freeze control products. For example, the method can comprise preventing the agglomeration of particulate material comprising coal and the adhesion thereof to surfaces in subfreezing weather. The method can also comprise preventing dust formation from particulate material handling processes. The dust control and/or freeze control compositions can comprise one or more glycerin by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. The dust control and/or freeze control compositions can also comprise one or more glycerin by-products of transesterification reactions involving triglycerides.

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Naperville, IL, United States of America

Stephen J Blubaugh