A composition for solid pellets and a process for removing water from particulate material slurries produced by horizontal drilling, vertical drilling and dredging of bodies of water are disclosed. The composition comprises a precipitating agent, a purification agent and, optionally, a binding agent. The process comprises the steps of 1) water removal accomplished by diffusing a chemical reagent into the particulate material source stream that results in separating out a clean water fraction and 2) reacting the sludge with a demulsifier and a superabsorbent polymer that locks onto the water in the remaining slurry thus turning the slurry into a solid crust. The crust is ground into a particulate form and disposed in a landfill. The combined effect of the treatments is the thickening of the particulate material slurry from about 10% solids to about 25% solids. The removed water may be used for further drilling and drinking.

A water-based process was developed for the synthesis of aminated lignin copolymers with high MW, thermal stability and solubility in water over a wide range of p H values. The cationic lignin copolymer described herein comprises: a grafting ratio of (weight of cationic amine compound)/(weight of lignin) of 70 to 200% and a charge density of +1.4-3.0 meq/g. This cationic lignin copolymer can be used as a flocculant in numerous wastewater streams including municipal and industrial systems and sludge dewatering in the pulp & paper, mining and oil industries.

The invention relates to a method for controlling the sedimentation of an aqueous mineral suspension of a mining derivative by means of the gravimetric concentration of the aqueous suspension in the presence of a flocculating agent and a polymer (P) which has a GPC-measured molecular mass Mw of between 2000 and 20000 g/mol and is prepared using at least one free radical polymerisation reaction of at least one anionic monomer (M).

The invention also relates to the resulting suspension, which has a Brookfield viscosity of less than 1 800 mPa.Math.s or a yield point of less than 80 Pa.

The invention relates to a method for controlling the sedimentation of an aqueous mineral suspension of a mining derivative by means of the gravimetric concentration of the aqueous suspension in the presence of a flocculating agent and a polymer (P) which has a GPC-measured molecular mass Mw of between 2000 and 20000 g/mol and is prepared using at least one free radical polymerisation reaction of at least one anionic monomer (M).

The invention also relates to the resulting suspension, which has a Brookfield viscosity of less than 1 800 mPa.Math.s or a yield point of less than 80 Pa.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide encapsulation of waste (2) materials in a first (1), double (5), triple (7), or even quadruple (44) encapsulation. Encapsulation may include waste (2), ash (4), Portland cement (3), water, chemicals, or the like. Agglomerates formed perhaps with high energy mixing may be processed, cured, or the like.

A water absorption treatment material absorbs a liquid, and includes a grain. The grain has a water absorbing property. The grain is in an obliquely-cut columnar shape having a side surface, and first and second bottom surfaces.

A water absorption treatment material absorbs a liquid, and includes a grain. The grain has a water absorbing property. The grain is in an obliquely-cut columnar shape having a side surface, and first and second bottom surfaces.

A method for the treatment of oil-based sludge by thermal desorption, characterized in that it comprises a step of conditioning of the sludge to be treated which includes the conditioning of the oil-based sludge with rice husk in a 1:2 ratio, before entering the TDU, increasing the technical and economic viability and cost relation of the thermal desorption for oil-based sludge treatment, showing better performance, and making possible the treatment of sludge on an industrial scale with effective rates of 28.6 m3/day, oil recovery of 54%, with a volumetric increase of 19%, compared to the original volume, and a fuel consumption adjusted to the historical data of the TDU from the economic point of view, which allows to have a high amount of rice husk, reducing the costs associated with the elimination of this agro-industrial waste.

A method for the treatment of oil-based sludge by thermal desorption, characterized in that it comprises a step of conditioning of the sludge to be treated which includes the conditioning of the oil-based sludge with rice husk in a 1:2 ratio, before entering the TDU, increasing the technical and economic viability and cost relation of the thermal desorption for oil-based sludge treatment, showing better performance, and making possible the treatment of sludge on an industrial scale with effective rates of 28.6 m3/day, oil recovery of 54%, with a volumetric increase of 19%, compared to the original volume, and a fuel consumption adjusted to the historical data of the TDU from the economic point of view, which allows to have a high amount of rice husk, reducing the costs associated with the elimination of this agro-industrial waste.

Apparatuses and methods for cleaning accumulated sediment from storm drain conduits and other large-diameter conduits are disclosed. A nozzle assembly is arranged to deliver a high-volume flow of water at a pressure high enough to loosen sediment from the interior of a conduit and to propel the nozzle assembly and an associated nozzle feed hose upstream within a conduit being cleaned. Water from the nozzle assembly flushes the sediment downstream and is then collected, partially cleaned, and reused in the nozzle assembly. Mud and clay may be left in the water to increase its specific gravity and viscosity. A self-contained portable and mobile system includes a tank and apparatus for removal of high concentrations of entrained or suspended solids, and a pump and conduits for delivering a high-volume flow of water, containing quantities of suspended solids, to the nozzle assembly.