(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9,511.955 B2 Purcell, Jr

USO0951 1955B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 9,511.955 B2 Purcell, Jr. et al. (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 6, 2016

(54) MINERAL SUSPENDING AGENT, METHOD (2013.01); C04B 28/02 (2013.01): E2IB OF MAKING, AND USE THEREOF 4I/005 (2013.01); COIP 2004/61 (2013.01); COIP 2006/22 (2013.01); C04B 2103/0079 (71) Applicant: Active Minerals International, Hunt (2013.01); C04B 2 III/00146 (2013.01) Valley, MD (US) (58) Field of Classification Search CPC ... B65G 53/30 (72) Inventors: Robert J. Purcell, Jr., Hunt Valley, USPC ...... 4O671.97 MD (US); Dennis C. Parker, Hunt See application file for complete search history. Valley, MD (US); Matthew J. Lyman, Hunt Valley, MD (US); James M. (56) References Cited Smith, Hunt Valley, MD (US) U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS (73) Assignee: ACTIVE MINERALS 2,610,901 A * 9, 1952 Cross, Jr...... 406/49 INTERNATIONAL, LLC, Sparks, MD 3,168,350 A * 2/1965 Phinney et al...... 406,197 (US) 3,179,496 A * 4, 1965 Skinner ...... CO1B 25/28 423,275 3,220.947 A * 11/1965 Sawyer, Jr...... CO9K 8,206 (*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 507/110 patent is extended or adjusted under 35 3,384,419 A * 5, 1968 Anderson et al...... 406/49 U.S.C. 154(b) by 546 days. 3,405,976 A * 10/1968 Anderson et al...... 406/49 3,509,066 A * 4, 1970 Jacobs ...... C04B 33/13 (21) Appl. No.: 13/664,948 106,468 3.990,748 A * 1 1/1976 Ghusnet al...... 406,115 4,062,694. A * 12/1977 Sawyer, Jr...... 106,473 (22) Filed: Oct. 31, 2012 4,089,669 A * 5/1978 Sawyer, Jr...... COSD 3.02 423,165 (65) Prior Publication Data 4,147,519 A * 4/1979 Sawyer, Jr...... C1 OL1,322 44,281 US 2014/0119841 A1 May 1, 2014 4,155,741 A * 5/1979 Scher ...... B01J 13.02 424/419 (51) Int. Cl. 4,251,230 A * 2/1981 Sawyer, Jr...... C1 OL1,322 B65G 53/00 (2006.01) 44,281 B65G 53/30 (2006.01) (Continued) B09B I/00 (2006.01) C04B I4/00 (2006.01) Primary Examiner — William R. Harp E2IB 4I/00 (2006.01) (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Hauptman Ham, LLP C04B 28/02 (2006.01) B09B 3/00 (2006.01) (57) ABSTRACT B09B 5/00 (2006.01) A method of transporting Solid particulates in an aqueous B09C I/00 (2006.01) Suspension of the Solid particulates, comprising dispersing CO4B 103/OO (2006.01) Solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at CO4B III/OO (2006.01) least one mineral Suspending agent, wherein Solid particu (52) U.S. Cl. lates are transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 CPC ...... B65G 53/30 (2013.01); B09B I/00 (2013.01); B09B 3/00 (2013.01); B09B 5/00 (2013.01); B09C I/00 (2013.01); C04B I4/00 20 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets

Wiscosity

assa eff Wiscosity 3.38% A373%, Soids:

US 9,511.955 B2 Page 2

(56) References Cited 4,770,708 A * 9/1988 Atkins ...... C04B 28/04 106,708 U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5.439,317 A * 8/1995 Bishop et al...... 405/1292 6,130,179 A * 10/2000 Sampson ...... B01J 21, 16 4,422,855 A * 12/1983 Sawyer, Jr...... B01J 19,06 209/47 44,270 6,444,601 B1* 9/2002 Purcell, Jr...... BO1F 17,0028 4,432,771 A * 2/1984 Sawyer, Jr...... C1OL 1.326 209/47 406,197 7,727,939 B2 6/2010 Bradbury et al. 4496,367 A * 1/1985 Mathiesen ...... C1OL 1.326 2008/0179097 A1* 7, 2008 Eia ...... E21B 21,066 406,197 175/66 4,505,716 A * 3/1985 Sawyer, Jr...... C1OL 1.326 406,197 * cited by examiner

U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 2 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 2A

3. ...*.73% Sa:ds. 3. 3.35% Asia-Se:

to ------...... '; ...... '; ...... ;...... ;...... 88: 8: 8: 383 3: 388 333 x3:83 :: 83. SS8: 8X: 838:

$8888 &a:8. 3 is: U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 3 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 2C Wiscosity wifs Shear Stress at 0.1%. Acti-ge

3 : s: o 3. 2 8. :

33 3: 83: 383 : 3:3: 353 :::::::: 583 : 383 .338 Sitaa: Rate is

Figure 2D

Wiscosity wifs Shear Stress at 0.1%. Acti-Gei

:::S ::::, ......

3. 2. S., 3. 3. a: : E. ~ x 3: Sc:ris, :

& 7.8% Sc:ds, :: 3.8% sc:-Ge: :

5: 3:3: 35 33 : 3:33 35: 888 353 S3: SS3: 533 3: Sea:E 8ate is U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 4 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 2E

Shear Stresswf's Shear Rate at 0.05% Acti-Gel

E s: mm 23 Slids, NC & 5 l Ati-GE g 4. mas C: Solids, 3 C.E.3 (ti-G

5 SC 35 - 15 ECC 55 5 Shear Rate (1/s)

Figure 2F

Shear Stress wifs Shear Rate at 0.075% Acti-Gel 7

6 1 5 --70% Solids, No & Acti-Ge 34 -I-70% Solids, O.O75% ACti Ge 2

: i ...... Shear Rate ifs U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet S of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 2G

Sear Strex is see Kate a . xiie

~7.8% Soids, No A$3.38: s

x78% Seiicis, 8.3% Acti-Ge:

Figure 2H

E3: 383 : 33.38 23: 3:3: 353 ::: 4:3 S: , S: 33.3 Sitaa: Rata is U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 6 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

35 3 w65% Solids, 2.5 m. 0.05% Acti-Ge: s st 2 rx-65% Solids, 3 1.5 0.075%o Act-Geli- : g •: 65% Solids, 1 :...... :38&s...... 0.1% ACti-Ge O.S :...... 88::::::::......

O ;...... ;...... ;...... : : : ...... s 5O 3OO SO 200 250 3OO 350 4OO ASO SOO 550 600 65O Shear Rate (1/s)

250 prior &:8 8 65% Solids, :

: s 200 toI.xxix.x:8:”&x 28 ------& 0.05% Acti-Get :

: un 150 s.s...s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s...s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s.... s.s. s.s. s.s. s.s. W&W.65% Solids, 3 0.075% ACti Ge. 100 x8.- *&c. 65% Soids, : 0.1% Acti-Ge. : 5 O

O ...... '; ...... '; ...... :------50 100 50 200 250 300 350 A.OO 45O 500 5SO 600 650 Shear Rate (1/s) U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 7 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 5A

24% <10 Microns, 65% Solids oxo.24% <10 Microns, 65% Solids, no Acti-Ge 4. ------.

-- N N N N N NN N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N ox-24%.<10 Microns, 65% Solids, 0.10% Acti-Ge

50 OO SO 200 2SO 3OO 350 400 A5O 500 55O 600 650 Shear Rate (1/s)

4 :- x·28% < 10 Microns, 3.5 -&------65% Soids, no Acti-Ge:

or . 8-28% < 10 Microns, N- 65% Solids, 0.10% 1. 8-8- Acti-Ge :

O ~~ ~------a. ~ 50 100 5O 200 2SO 3OO 350 400 ASO SOO 550 600 650 Shear Rate (1/s) U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 8 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 5C

- x32% <10 Microns, 65% Solids, no : 1.2 ------&------Acti-Ge

O x32% <10 Microns, : 65% Solids, 0.10% pm m Acti-Ge. :

O ------SO 100 150 200 25O 3OO 350 AOO 45O 500 550 600 650 Shear Rate (1/s) U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 9 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 6A

TiO2 Slurry 1 Adjusted with Acti-Gel

-- SL1, 0.15% Acti-Gel g o-- SL1, 0.20% Sl Acti-Gel g SL1, 0.30% Acti-Gel S

O 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 6O 65 Brookfield RPM

Figure 6B

TiO2 Slurry 2 Adjusted with Acti-Gel 7OOO r 6000 - --SL2, 0.15% 5000 Acti-Gel 3. --SL2, 0.20% 4OOO - Acti-Gel

s O 3V 3000 SL2,025%Acti-Gel 2000 o SL2, O.30% Acti-Gel 1OOO

O 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 6.O 65 Brookfield RPM U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 10 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 6C

x SL3, 0.15% ~ Acti-Ge. pigm x SL3, 0.20% 5000 :...:- Acti-Ge. r;--~ *&SL3, 0.25% 3000 -- Acti-Ge: 2000 ukur&SL3, 0.30% : Acti-Ge:

O 5 O 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 6.O 65 Brookfied RPM

Figure 6D

TiO2 Surries at 0.15% Acti-Ge

8000 prior

6000 --SL1, 0.15% Acti-Get 5OOO ox-SL2, 0.15% 4000 i. Acti-Gel 3000 i. -SL3, 0.15% 2000 - Acti-Get 8 OOO ...... 3 s O O 5 O 3.5 2O 25 3O 35 40 45 SO 55 6O 65 8 Brookfied RPM U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 11 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

Figure 6E

TiO2 Surries at 0.20% Acti-Ge 8000 :- 7000 : 6000 or -- SL1, 0.20% Acti-Gei 85000 : C «SL2, 0.20% 4000 Acti-Get ig --SL3, 0.20% Acti-Get

O 5 10 15 20 25 3O 35 A.O 45 SO 55 60 65 Brookfield RPM

Figure 6F

TiO2 Surries at 0.30% Acti-Ge 8000 gr.

ouuu pigm oSL1,Acti-Get 0.30% $5000 --- : S. : «SL2, 0.30% 4000 - Acti-Get c : : 3000 irr. 8-SL3, 0.30% e 2OOO i 8...... Acti-Ge. 8

OOO . . . . .Y. . . . . O : O S O 3.5 20 25 30 35 4O 45 SO 55 60 65 Brookfied RPM U.S. Patent Dec. 6, 2016 Sheet 12 of 12 US 9,511.955 B2

9000 - 8000 7000 i -M Surry with a 6000 no Acti-Get is 5000 -x-Slurry at 4000 2% Acti-Gel

-x:* Surry at ce 3000 - 2000 . . . 5%. Acti-Gel 1000 - O O S 10 5, 2O 25 30 35 4O 45 50 55 6O 65 Brookfield RPM US 9,511.955 B2 1. 2 MINERAL SUSPENDING AGENT, METHOD FIG. 4 is a plot of shear stress (t) versus shear rate f(y) for OF MAKING, AND USE THEREOF a bauxite slurry. Each of FIGS. 5A-C is a plot of viscosity (m) versus shear FIELD rate f(y) for a bauxite slurry. Each of FIG. 6A-F is a plot of viscosity (m) versus A composition, in the form of an aqueous Suspension, Brookfield RPM for aTiO, slurry. comprising at least one mineral Suspending agent present in FIG. 7 is a plot of viscosity (m) versus Brookfield RPM for an aqueous liquid in an amount Sufficient to disperse solid a MgOH slurry. particulates upon agitation. Although subject to many uses, in some embodiments, the composition is Suitable for trans 10 DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS porting Solid particulates in an aqueous Suspension compris ing the Solid particulates distances greater than 200 m. Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments Although makeable by multiple methods, in some embodi of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the ments, the composition is made by dispersing the Solid accompanying drawings. particulates in the aqueous liquid in the presence of the at 15 A method of transporting solid particulates in an aqueous least one mineral Suspending agent. In some embodiments, Suspension of the Solid particulates, comprising dispersing the mineral Suspending agent withstands high shear and Solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at resists degradation by attrition. least one mineral Suspending agent and/or optionally at least BACKGROUND one additive in the dispersed and/or liquid phase, wherein Solid particulates are transported a distance greater than or Moving mined minerals is performable by several meth equal to 200 m. ods. For example, sometimes minerals are Suspended in As used herein, a Suspension is a liquid in which solid water and transported from one location to another, some particles are dispersed. times over distances greater than or equal to 50 m, by 25 In Some embodiments of an aqueous Suspension, the flowing the aqueous Suspension. If, for whatever reason, the liquid is water. In some embodiments of an aqueous Sus flow stops or is substantially reduced, the Suspended min pension, the liquid comprises water and at least one other erals begin to settle. Settled minerals, especially for hard liquid. In some embodiments of an aqueous Suspension, the packing settling slurries, are inefficiently transported by water is present in an amount greater than 50% v/v relative flowing water. 30 to the total volume of the water plus the volume of the at Furthermore, the increasing Volume of water and rela least one other liquid. In some embodiments, the amount is tively low solids content of the suspension makes it less greater than 60%v/v or 70% w/v or 96% w/v or 99% v?v. In desirable to operate a pipeline, especially when the flow is some embodiments, the amount ranges from 75% to 95% regularly stopped or Substantially reduced. v/v or from 80% to 90% w/v. Some mining processes recover Solids, grind the recov 35 Water is obtainable from many sources. In some embodi ered Solids, and transport the ground, recovered solids to a ments, the water is from sources of freshwater or sources of station using extremely large conveyor belts. Such trans saline water. In some embodiments, the water is brackish or porting generates dust, which, depending on the Solids, may brine. In some embodiments, the water is from a source influence the quality of the environment or its inhabitants. chosen from brine ponds, sea water, ocean water, lakes, Furthermore, sometimes solids are dewatered and thereafter 40 ponds, and ground water. hauled to deepwater ports where the dewatered solids are to In some embodiments, the at least one other liquid is an be loaded on shipping containers. These shipping containers organic liquid. In some embodiments, the organic liquid is are usually hauled to yet another deepwater port, where the chosen from silicones, hydrocarbons, and alcohols. In some dewatered solids are once again offloaded and hauled off. embodiments, the organic liquid is from tar sand, oil sand, Not only does each loading and offloading create more dust 45 and coal lignite. In some embodiments, the organic liquid is but the deepwater ports also substantially increase the cost chosen from a glycol or a silicone. In some embodiments, of hauling because of the significant cost required for the at least one other liquid is miscible with water or at least making, maintaining, and using a deepwater port. partially miscible with water. In some embodiments, the at It is to be understood that both the foregoing general least one other liquid is mined, e.g., in the process of description and the following detailed description are rep 50 gathering Solid particulates. In some embodiments, the at resentative and explanatory only and are not restrictive of least one other liquid is added, e.g., by a processing step the invention, as claimed. before or after mining solid particulates or for any other The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in CaSO. and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodi In some embodiments, the aqueous phase of the liquid has ments of the invention and together with the description, 55 a pH ranging from 2 to 13. In some embodiments, the pH serve to explain the principles of the invention. ranges from 2 to 7 or from 4.5 to 9.5 or from 7 to 13. In some embodiments, the pH is adjusted using a neutralizer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In some embodiments, the neutralizer is selected from gypsum, hydrated lime, ammonium nitrate, and aluminum FIG. 1 is a plot of viscosity (m) versus shear rate f(y) for 60 Sulfate. In some embodiments, the neutralizer is chosen from an iron ore slurry. Sodium hydroxide, caustic soda, hydrated lime, shell meal, Each of FIGS. 2A-D is a plot of viscosity (m) versus shear limestone, burned lime, dolomite, Sugar beet lime, and rate (Y) for an iron ore slurry, and each of FIGS. 2E-H is a calcium silicate. In some embodiments, the neutralizer is plot of shear stress versus shear rate f(y) for an iron ore chosen from aluminum Sulfate, calcium chloride, lime Sul slurry. 65 fur, ferric Sulfate, Sulfuric acid, Sulfur, and gypsum. In some FIG. 3 is a plot of viscosity (m) versus shear rate f(y) for embodiments, the neutralizer is selected from gypsum, a bauxite slurry. hydrated lime, ammonium nitrate, and aluminum Sulfate. US 9,511.955 B2 3 4 In some embodiments, at least one other solid Substance carbonate class, Sulfate class, halide class, oxide class, is present in the aqueous liquid. In some embodiments, the Sulfide class, phosphate class, element class, and organic at least one other solid Substance is miscible in a component class. of the aqueous liquid phase, e.g., water. In some embodi In some embodiments, the minerals are in the silicate ments, the at least one other solid Substance is immiscible in class. In some embodiments, the silicates are in the form of a component of the aqueous liquid phase. In some embodi rocks. In some embodiments, the silicates are chosen from ments, the at least one other Solid Substance is in the Source feldspars, quartzes, olivines, pyroxenes, amphiboles, gar of water or is added in a process of gathering the Solid nets, and micas. particulates. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the carbonate An aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates is defined 10 as from 5% to 95% by weight of solid particulates relative class. In some embodiments, the carbonates are chosen from to the total weight of the water plus the dry weight of the calcites, aragonites, dolomites, and siderites. In some solid particulates (% w/w). In some embodiments, the embodiments, the carbonate is hanksite. aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates is present in an In Some embodiments, the minerals are in the Sulfate amount ranging from 10% to 90% w/w by weight of solid 15 class. In some embodiments, the Sulfates are chosen from particulates relative to the total weight of the water plus the anhydrites, celestines, barites, and gypsums. In some dry weight of the Solid particulates. In some embodiments, embodiments, the Sulfates are chosen from chromate, the amount ranges from 20% to 85% w/w, 15% to 80% w/w molybdate, selenate, Sulfite, tellurate, and tungstate miner or from 20% to 70% w/w or from 25% to 60% w/w. als. The solid particles of the suspension are the solid par In some embodiments, the minerals are in the halide class. ticulates. In some embodiments, the halide minerals are natural salts, In some embodiments, the solid particulates are man Such as, fluorites, halites, Sylvites, and Sal ammoniac. In made, of natural origin, or mixtures thereof. In some Some embodiments, the halide class is chosen from fluoride, embodiments, the Solid particulates are inorganics, organics, chloride, bromide, and iodide minerals. or mixtures thereof. 25 In some embodiments, the minerals are in the oxide class. In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are chosen In some embodiments, the oxide minerals are chosen from from rocks, mineral colloids, organic colloids, mineraloids, hematites, magnetites, chromites, spinels, ilmenites, and and minerals. Mixtures thereof are contemplated. In some rutiles. In some embodiments, the oxide minerals are chosen embodiments, the Solid particulates are mined. from oxide and hydroxide minerals. In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are chosen 30 In some embodiments, the minerals are in the sulfide from polymers, metallic minerals, and fuels. class. In some embodiments, the Sulfide minerals are chosen In some embodiments, the solid particulates are rocks, from pyrite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite, and galena. In some and in some embodiments, the rocks are chosen from embodiments, the sulfide minerals are chosen from sele limestone and gravel. nides, tellurides, arsenides, antimonides, bismuthinides, and In some embodiments, the mineral colloids and organic 35 Sulfosalts. colloids are from soil. In some embodiments, colloids are In some embodiments, the minerals are in the phosphate chosen from crystalline silicate clays, noncrystallinesilicate class. In some embodiments, the phosphate minerals are clays, iron and aluminium oxide clays (such as crystalline chosen from any mineral having a tetrahedral unit AO, in and noncrystalline varieties thereof), and organic colloid. In which A is chosen from phosphorus, antimony, arsenic or Some embodiments, the organic colloid is humus. 40 Vanadium. In some embodiments, the phosphate mineral is In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are industrial apatite. In some embodiments, the phosphate minerals are minerals. In some embodiments, the industrial minerals are chosen from arsenate, Vanadate, and antimonate minerals. chosen from aggregates, alunite, asbestos, asphalt (natural), In some embodiments, the minerals are in the elemental barite, bentonite, borates, brines, carbonates, clays, ball class. In some embodiments, the elemental minerals are clays, corundum, diamond, diatomite, feldspar, nepheline 45 chosen from gold, silver, copper, antimony, bismuth, graph syenite, fluorspar, Fuller's earth, garnet, gem minerals, gran ite, and Sulfur. In some embodiments, the elemental minerals ite, graphite, gypsum, kaolin, kyanite, sillimanite, andalus are natural alloys, such as, electrum, phosphides, silicides, ite, limestone, dolomite, marble, mica, olivine, perlite, nitrides, and carbides. phosphate, potash, potassium minerals, pumice, quartz, salt, In some embodiments, the minerals are in the organic slate, silica sand, Tripoli, Soda ash, Sodium bicarbonate, 50 class. In some embodiments, the organic minerals are cho Sodium Sulfate, staurolite, Sulfur, talc, Vermiculite, wollas Sen from oxalates, mellitates, citrates, cyanates, acetates, tonite, and Zeolites. formates, and hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are chosen organic minerals are chosen from whewellite, moolooite, from limestone, clays, sand, gravel, diatomite, kaolin, ben mellite, fichtelite, carpathite, evenkite, and abelsonite. tonite, silica, barite, gypsum, and talc. 55 The Solid particulates in the aqueous suspension of the In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are chosen solid particulates have a size sufficient for the solid particu from coal, lignite, and peat. lates to be suspended. In some embodiments, the size is In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are chosen measured using D50. In some embodiments, the D50 ranges from cement, slag, and silica fume. from about 0.0001 to 0.15 mm. In some embodiments, the In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are chosen 60 D50 ranges from 0.00024 to 0.004 mm or 0.004 to 0.062 mm from those comprising nickel, silver, diamond, and gold. or from 0.063 to 0.125 mm. In some embodiments, D50 In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are mineral ranges from 0.00045 to 0.1 or from 0.01 to 0.08 mm. In oids, and in some embodiments the mineraloids are chosen some embodiments, the D50 ranges from about 0.1 to 75 from obsidian, amber, ilmenite, opal, amber, jet, and limo mm. In some embodiments, the D50 ranges from 0.25 to 50 nite. 65 mm or 0.4 to 40 mm or from 0.6 to 32 mm. In some In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are chosen embodiments, D50 ranges from 0.5 to 25 or from 1 to 20 from minerals chosen from those in the silicate class, . US 9,511.955 B2 5 6 In some embodiments, particle size distribution ranges River, Perm, Russia; Attapulgus, Decatur Co., Georgia; at from 10 um to 10 mm. Tafraout, Morocco; and in the Hyderabad deposit, Andhra In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension of the Pradesh, India. In some embodiments, the attapulgite is from Solid particulates has a size measured using D10. In some Attapulgus, Decatur Co., Georgia. In some embodiments, embodiments, the D10 ranges from about 0.0001 to 6.5 mm. 5 the attapulgite is associated with other non-attapulgite min In some embodiments, the D10 ranges from 0.0001 to 0.01 erals, such as montmorillonite, dolomite, calcite, talc, chlo mm or 0.0024 to 4.0 mm or 0.04 to 2.0 mm or from 0.6 to rite, quartz, and the like. In some embodiments, the atta 1.3 mm. In some embodiments, D10 ranges from 0.0045 to pulgite is Substantially free of non-attapulgite minerals. 1.0 mm or from 0.1 to 5.0 mm. Such purified attapulgite is, in Some embodiments, available In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension of the 10 by using the methods in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,444,601 and Solid particulates has a size measured using D90. In some 6,130,179, each of which is incorporated herein in its embodiments, the D90 ranges from about 0.001 to 35 mm. entirety. In some embodiments, the D90 ranges from 0.01 to 32 mm. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral Suspending In some embodiments, D90 ranges from 0.0024 to 4.0 mm agent is bentonite. In some embodiments, the bentonite is or 0.01 to 32 mm or 0.04 to 2.0 mm or from 0.6 to 1.3 mm. 15 from a locality chosen from near Rock River, Wyoming and In some embodiments, D90 ranges from 0.0045 to 1.0 mm Mississippi. In some embodiments, the bentonite is chosen or from 0.1 to 5.0 mm. from calcium bentonite and sodium benonite. In some In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension of the embodiments, the bentonite is substantially free of non solid particulates has a size measured using D10 and/or D50 bentonite minerals. In some embodiments, the at least one and/or D90. In some embodiments, the values are any 20 mineral Suspending agent is montmorillonite. In some combination of those noted above for D10, D50, and D90. embodiments, the montmorillonite is from a locality chosen In some embodiments, D10 is from 0.0001 to 0.01 mm; D90 from Montmorillon, Vienne, France; at Belle Fourche, Butte is from 0.01 to 32 mm; and D50 is from 0.0001 to 0.15 mm. Co., S. Dak.; and at Clay Spur, near Newcastle, Crook Co., The size of the solid particulates (D10, D50, D90, etc.), in and at Strasburg, Shenandoah Co., Va. In some embodi Some embodiments, is manufactured using one or more 25 ments, the montmorillonite is associated with other non sizing process. In some embodiments, the sizing process is montmorillonite minerals, such as cristobalite, Zeolites, bio chosen from filtering, straining, grinding, and pounding the tite, quartz, orthoclase, dolomite, and the like. In some Solid particulates. embodiments, the montmorillonite is substantially free of In some embodiments, the solid particulates changes size non-montmorillonite minerals. In some embodiments, the at during transporting due to attrition. For example, mixing or 30 least one mineral Suspending agent is sepiolite. In some shear Sometimes causes the size of the Solid particulates to embodiments, the Sepiolite is from a locality chosen from in decrease over time. As such, in some embodiments, the size Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake Co., Utah; from is measured at the initiation of transporting. Crestmore, Riverside Co., Calif.; at Ash Meadows, Nye Co., In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are round, Nev.; and Cerro Mercado. Durango, Mexico. In some but other shapes, such as rods, and angular Surfaces are 35 embodiments, the Sepiolite is associated with other non possible. In some embodiments, the Solid particulates have Sepiolite minerals, such as dolomite. In some embodiments, members having various shapes. In some embodiments, the the sepiolite is substantially free of non-sepiolite minerals. aspect ratio of the majority of particulates ranges from 1 to In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension comprises 1,000,000. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the a clay dispersant. In some embodiments, the clay dispersant majority of particulates is less than 25 or 100 or 1,000. In 40 is chosen from Substances that, in an aqueous environment, Some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the majority of absorb on the at least one mineral Suspending agent and have particulates ranges from 25 to 500 or from 1,500 to 15,000 the ability to disaggregate the at least one mineral Suspend or from 150,000 to 750,000. ing agent or to stabilize a Suspension of the at least one As noted above, the aqueous Suspension comprises an mineral Suspending agent. In some embodiments, the clay amount of at least one mineral Suspending agent sufficient to 45 dispersant is chosen from condensed phosphates, polyacry disperse the Solid particulates in the aqueous liquid. In some lates, organic phosphonates, polysulfonates, Sulfonated embodiments, the effective amount of the at least one polycondensates, polymaleates, and polymers derived from mineral suspending agent ranges from 0.05% to 5.0% by natural products. In some embodiments, the clay dispersant weight relative to the total weight of the at least one mineral is chosen from poly-anionic, poly-cationic, poly non-ionic, Suspending agent and the Solid particulates. In some 50 and poly-amphoteric dispersants that function as clay dis embodiments, the effective amount ranges from 0.1% to persants. 4.5% or from 0.4% to 3.0% or from 1% to 2%. In some embodiments, the clay dispersant is chosen from The above amounts of the at least one mineral Suspending tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, con agent make it possible, in some embodiments, to increase densed phosphate dispersants, and Sodium salts thereof. In the maximum percent by weight of the solid particulates 55 Some embodiments, the clay dispersant is chosen from from 2% to 6% compared to a corresponding aqueous silicates, quaternary amines, petroleum, Sulfonates, Soda Suspension without the at least one mineral Suspending ash, and lime. In some embodiments, the silicates are chosen agent. from sodium silicates and potassium silicates. In some In some embodiments, the at least one mineral Suspending embodiments, the lime is chosen from lime carbonates. agent is a clay chosen from palygorskite, attapulgite, ben- 60 In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension comprises tonite, montmorillonite, and Sepiolite. In some embodi at least one wetting/dispersing agent in an amount ranging ments, the at least one mineral Suspending agent is palygor from 0.01% to 6% by weight relative to the weight of the at skite. In some embodiments, the palygorskite is from least one mineral Suspending agent and the Solid particu Attapulgus, Ga. lates. In some embodiments, the amount ranges from 0.05 to In some embodiments, the at least one mineral Suspending 65 4% or from 0.1 to 3.5%. The choice of a wetting/dispersing agent is attapulgite. In some embodiments, the attapulgite is agent is not particularly limited and is sometimes added from a locality chosen from Palygorskaya, near the Popovka during processing of the Solid particulates. In some embodi US 9,511.955 B2 7 8 ments, the at least one mineral Suspending agent does not In Some embodiments, the agitation is mechanical. In interfere with the wetting/dispersing agent, which is added, Some embodiments, the agitation is chosen stirring, pump e.g., during processing of the solid particulates. ing, and milling. In some embodiments, the Solid particu In some embodiments, the wetting/dispersing agent is low lates are present in an amount Sufficient to create shear to non-foaming in water and has a structure comprising an 5 forces on the aqueous liquid and to facilitate homogeniza organic portion that is capable to adsorb onto the Surface of tion of the aqueous Suspension. In some embodiments, the Suspended solid particulate. If, e.g., the Solid particulate agitation is the result of concrete drilling, ultrasound dis comprises organic particles (e.g., coal, peat, and the like), persing, or cavitation. the wetting/dispersing agent has a charged hydrophilic por In some embodiments, the mineral Suspending agent is tion that is compatible to the continuous phase (e.g., water). 10 added in the form of a powder clay. In some embodiments, If, e.g., the Solid particulate comprises inorganic particles, the powder clay is dry before the addition. the wetting dispersing agent has an organic portion that is In some embodiments, the mineral Suspending agent is capable to adsorb onto the Surface of inorganic particles added in the form of a pre-gel consisting of the at least one (Bauxite, Iron Ore, Sand, Copper, Molybdenum, Talc, Tita mineral Suspending agent and water. In some embodiments, nium Dioxide, Calcium Carbonate, Potash, other Industrial 15 the pre-gel consists of from 1% to 15% of the at least one Minerals, and the like) and a charged hydrophilic portion mineral Suspending agent by weight and the remainder that is compatible to the continuous phase (e.g., water). water. In some embodiments, the water has a pH chosen In some embodiments, the at least one wetting/dispersing from values already disclosed herein regarding the liquid agent is chosen from poly anionic organic dispersants, poly phase of the aqueous Suspension. In some embodiments, the cationic organic dispersants, poly non-ionic organic disper water comprises at least one neutralizer chosen from those sants, poly amphoteric organic dispersants that function as already disclosed herein regarding the liquid phase of the organic (e.g., coal, peat, and the like) particulate dispersants, aqueous Suspension. and poly amphoteric organic dispersants that function as In some embodiments, the mineral Suspending agent is inorganic (Bauxite, Iron Ore, Sand, Copper, Molybdenum, added in the form of a pre-dispersion consisting of the at Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Calcium Carbonate, Potash, other 25 least one mineral Suspending agent, a clay dispersant, and Industrial Minerals, and the like) particulate dispersants. water. In some embodiments, the pre-dispersion consists of In some embodiments, the at least one wetting/dispersing from 1% to 45% of the at least one mineral Suspending agent agent for the particulate is chosen from salts of condensed by weight, from 0.05 to 1.0% by weight of the clay disper naphthalene formaldehyde Sulfonates, polymerized salts of sant, and the remainder water. In some embodiments, the alkyl naphthalene Sulfonic acids, salts of polymerized Sub 30 water has a pH chosen from values already disclosed herein stituted benzoic alkyl Sulfonic acids, salts of ligno Sul regarding the liquid phase of the aqueous Suspension. In fonates, and salts of polyacrylates. some embodiments, the water comprises at least one neu In some embodiments, additives, other than those noted tralizer chosen from those already disclosed herein regard above, are added to the aqueous Suspension. In some ing the liquid phase of the aqueous Suspension. embodiments, additives are chosen from Substances added 35 In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is made by for processing the Solid particulates or water sources. adding a wetting/dispersing agent to an aqueous liquid; and In some embodiments, the Suspension is made by dis thereafter adding at least one mineral Suspending agent; and persing Solid particles in the aqueous liquid through agita thereafter adding solid particulates with agitation. tion in the presence of at least one mineral Suspending agent. In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is made by In some embodiments, the agitation is in the presence of one 40 preparing a mineral Suspending agent in the form of a or more additives. In some embodiments, the agitation is in pre-gel adding a dispersing agent for the at least one mineral the presence of at least one wetting/dispersing agent and/or Suspending agent to the aqueous liquid; adding the pre-gel to at least one clay dispersing agent. said slurry water; and thereafter adding at least one mineral The aqueous liquid, Solid particulates, and the at least one Suspending agent; and thereafter adding Solid particulates mineral Suspending agent are mixed in any order. In some 45 with agitating. embodiments, the aqueous liquid, Solid particulates, the at In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is made by least one mineral Suspending agent, and/or optionally the at preparing a mineral Suspending agent in the form of a least one dispersing agent for the at least one mineral pre-dispersion by adding a clay dispersant and a clay to the Suspending agent, and/or optionally the at least one wetting/ aqueous liquid while agitating and continuing to agitate until dispersing agent for the Solid particulates, and/or one or 50 the clay is dispersed to form a pre-dispersion; adding a more additional additives (a neutralizer, the at least one other dispersing agent for the at least one mineral Suspending Solid Substance, and the others noted herein) are mixed in agent to the aqueous liquid; adding said mineral Suspending any order. agent in the form of a pre-dispersion to the aqueous liquid; In some embodiments, both the aqueous liquid and Solid and adding Solid particulates with agitation. particulates are added to the at least one mineral Suspending 55 The aqueous Suspension makes it possible to transport agent. In some embodiments, both the at least one mineral minerals long distances. Transporting is facilitated by the Suspending agent and the solid particulates are added to the addition of an effective amount of at least one mineral aqueous liquid. Suspending agent. In some embodiments, agitation is sufficient to Substan In some embodiments, the Solid particulates are trans tially homogenize the aqueous Suspension. In some embodi 60 ported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m. In some ments, the agitation is Sufficient to homogenize the aqueous embodiments, the distance is greater than or equal 0.600 km Suspension. In some embodiments, the homogenization or 5 km or 10 km. In some embodiments, the distance ranges makes is possible for the solid particulates to settle in a from 40 km to 500 km or from 100 km to 420 km or from manner inconsistent with that predicted by Stokes Law of 200 km to 380 km. settling. 65 In some embodiments, transportation comprises flowing In Some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is an the aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates in a conduit. In inhomogeneous aqueous Suspension. Some embodiments, the conduit comprises a pipeline, weirs, US 9,511.955 B2 9 10 u-shaped structures, moving conveyers, and other structures In some embodiments, transporting Solid particulates in to convey water over distances greater than 200 m. In some an aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates, comprising embodiments, the pipes in the pipeline have in inner diam dispersing, in a shipping container, Solid particulates in an eter of at least 1.28 cm or 5 cm or 300 cm. In some aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral embodiments the pipes have an inner diameter ranging from Suspending agent, and thereafter hauling the container a 1.28 cm to 200 cm or from 5 cm to 100 cm or from 10 cm distance greater than or equal to 100 km. Of course, during to 75 cm. In some embodiments, the conduits, pipelines, the hauling, the aqueous Suspension is stored (as described u-shaped structures, weirs, moving conveyers and other herein above). structures to convey water over distances greater than 200 m In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is stored have a transverse dimension of at least 1.28 cm or 5 cm or 10 before the solid particulates are transported. In some 100 cm. In some embodiments, the conduits, pipelines, embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is stored while the u-shaped structures, weirs, moving conveyers and other Solid particulates are hauled. In some embodiments, the structures to convey water over distances greater than 200 m aqueous Suspension is stored after it is transported. have a transverse dimension ranging from 1.28 cm to 300 15 In some embodiments, during storage and/or transporting, cm or from 10 cm to 200 cm or from 75 cm to 150 cm. settling of the Solid particulates occurs in a manner incon In some embodiments, the transporting comprises flowing sistent with that predicted by Stokes law of settling. In some the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates in the embodiments, the aqueous Suspension prevents hard-pack conduit such that the solid particulates are transported the ing. entire distance. In some embodiments, the transporting In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is a non comprises flowing the aqueous Suspension of the Solid settling slurry. A non-settling slurry is a homogeneous particulates in the conduit such that the Solid particulates are aqueous Suspension which does not settle for 24 hours. transported the at least 200 m of the distance. In some embodiment, during transporting by flowing the EXAMPLE 1. aqueous Suspension, the flowing has a Renyolds number 25 The purpose of this example is to test the rheological below 4,000. In some embodiments, the Renyolds number is properties of an iron ore slurry in the presence and in the below 2,000. In some embodiments, the Renyolds number absence of a mineral Suspending agent. ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 or from 500 to 1,750. Iron ore slurries having a solids weight percentage of 70% In some embodiments, during transporting by flowing, the and 74% were received from an Iron Ore Slurry Pipeline flowing changes in rate by at least 10% or 25% or 50%. 30 Operator. The liquid phase is water. Both slurries were hard In some embodiments, transporting comprises pumping settled or packed in the bottom of the containers. Clearly, the aqueous suspension. In some embodiments, transporting these Suspensions were inadequate for flowing in a pipeline. is further facilitated by gravity and the placement of the conduit. Aqueous Suspensions were prepared as shown in table 1. In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is stored in 35 a container Suitable for storing an aqueous Suspension of TABLE 1. Solid particulates. In some embodiments, the containers are Aqueous Suspensions of iron ore chosen from the conduit and shipping containers. In some AG weight relative to solids embodiments, the shipping containers are chosen from inter Sample Sw weight modial freight containers, intermediate bulk shipping con 40 tainers, drums, unit load devices, and specialized shipping A. 70 O.O containers suitable for an aqueous Suspension of Solid par B 70 O.OS C 70 0.075 ticulates. D 70 O.1 In some embodiments, the storage is for a period is greater E 74 O.1 than 8 hours. In some embodiments, the storage is for a 45 F 68 O.O period ranging from 8 hours to 90 days. In some embodi ments, the storage is for a period ranging from 7 to 70 days Sw = solids weight percentage; or from 20 to 60 days or from 30 to 40 days. In some AG = (Actiiel 208 (R, available from Active Mineral International). embodiments, the storage period is from 30 days to one year. For samples A-D, the 70% solids slurry was divided into In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is stored 50 four fractions, and aqueous Suspensions were made by on the conduit, because the flow of the aqueous Suspension mixing 0%, 0.05%, 0.075%, and 0.10% by weight of the has never started or is interrupted. Solids weight percentage of a mineral Suspending agent In some embodiments, after transporting by flowing the (ActiCiel 208(R), available from Active Mineral Interna aqueous Suspension, the aqueous Suspension of the Solid tional). particulates is collected in a shipping container. The ship 55 Similarly, for sample E, the aqueous Suspension was made ping container is thereafter Suitable for storing and/or haul by mixing 0.10% weight of the solids weight percentage of ing the container containing the aqueous Suspension of Solid a mineral suspending agent (Actigel 208(R), available from particulates a second distance greater than or equal to Active Mineral International). 100km. In some embodiments, the hauling the stored aque Samples A-E were re-suspended using a concrete drill to ous Suspension of Solid particulates is achieved using a 60 agitate the mixtures. vehicle chosen from trains, trucks, planes, and ships. After For Samples B-E, no hard-packing was observed for 60 reaching its destination, the stored and transported aqueous days using the rod penetrometer test AMI-WI-ORE-003 By Suspension of Solid particulates is, in some embodiments, way of comparison, Sample A hard-packed within one hour. further transported yet again (as described herein above) for Based on these observations, Samples B-E were storable for yet another distance greater than or equal to 200 m by 65 60 days without hard-packing or need of re-suspension. flowing the aqueous Suspension of the solid particulates in a Thus, Samples B-E are Suitable for hauling long distances second conduit (as described herein above). and/or storing for an analogous time period. US 9,511.955 B2 11 12 Samples B-E were qualitatively observed to determine For Samples 1-65-A-D, the 65% solids slurry was divided that both coarse and fine Solid particulates were suspended. into four fractions, and aqueous Suspensions were made by For Samples B-E, viscosity measurement profile tests mixing 0%, 0.05%, 0.075%, and 0.10% by weight of the were run using a Brookfield RS+ Rheometer Concentric Solids weight percentage of a mineral Suspending agent Cylinder CC-40 with: 20 mm and 21 mm radius for bob and (ActiCiel 208(R), available from Active Mineral Interna cup, 1 mm gap: Software: Rheo 3000 : Program Profile: tional). Samples B-E were run in the Step Program using shear rates The process was repeated for Samples 1-60-A-D. 1-55 of 178s, 156s, 134s, 112 s, 89 s', 67 s, 45s', A-D etc. until the 40 samples in Table 2 were prepared. and 23 s'. These results are shown in FIG. 1, which is a plot All Slurries, as received (Samples 1-yy-A: 2-yy-A; & of viscosity (m) versus the shear rate f(y) for each Sample 10 3-yy-A, in which yy=50, 55, 60, or 65 as shown in table 2), B-E. were hard-packed in the bottom of the containers. Thus, The change in viscosity (m) at lower shear rates f(i) for these Samples were not suitable for transporting by flowing each Sample B-E indicates that minimal energy is Sufficient in a pipeline. to alter the aqueous Suspensions from a static State to a The various slurries were re-suspended using a concrete flowing state and relatively low energy expenditures are 15 drill and mixing equipment. sufficient to flow Samples B-E. Furthermore, Samples B-E Viscosity profile measurements were made using a Brook have from 2 to 6 solids weight percent higher than Sample field RS+ Rheometer, Concentric Cylinder CC-40, 20 mm F, a comparison sample used for iron ore. Stated differently, and 21 mm radius for bob and cup, 1 mm gap, Software: Samples B-E have 2.9 to 8.8% higher solids weight per Rheo 3000. Program Profile: Slurries were run using a shear centage than comparison Sample F. rate ramped from 0 sec' to 600 sec' over 90 sec, no hold, Next, the viscosity measurement profile was repeated and then ramped from 600 sec to 0 sec over 90 sec. The using the same equipment and conditions but the systems results are shown in FIGS. 3-5. were checked for hysteresis. The Rheometer was ramped at The results in FIG.3 plot of viscosity (m) versus the shear shear rates from 0 s to 600 s' over 90 sec; no hold, and rate f(y) for the four Samples 1-65-B-D, each having a 65% then ramped from 600 s to 0s over 90 sec. These results 25 Solids weight percentage and a particle size of 24%<10 um, are shown in FIGS 2A-D, which is a plot of viscosity (m) i.e., the coarsest with the highest Solids of example 2. versus shear rate f(y). Also shown in FIGS. 2E-H are plots Sample 1-65-A, i.e., the one with 0% mineral suspending of the shear stress versus shear rate f(y) under analogous agent, was too thick to run on the Brookfield and thus not conditions. Suitable for transporting by flowing in a pipeline. Nor are Each of FIGS. 2A-H demonstrates that Samples B-E have 30 these data for Sample 1-65-A shown, because the settling no minimal velocity. Furthermore, the lack of hystersis rate is too high. (Similarly, nor are data for Sample 3-65-A means, e.g., that pipeline operators do not necessarily have shown, because the settling rate is too high.) to keep track of the history of flow rates to efficiently operate These data also show that remaining three Samples 1-65 the pipeline. B-D use a minimal amount of energy to alter the aqueous 35 Suspensions from a static state to a flowing state and Each sample B-E is suitable for transporting by flowing in relatively low energy expenditures are sufficient to flow a conduit. Samples 1-65-B-D. Furthermore, the lack of hysteresis makes it easier for a pipeline operator to monitor Samples EXAMPLE 2 1-65-B-D during flowing for analogous reasons to those A Bauxite slurry samples from a bauxite mining and 40 noted in Example 1. slurry pipeline company having 65% solids weight percent The results in FIG. 4 plot shear stress (t) versus the shear and a particle size of 24%.<10 um were received. rate f(y) for the four Samples 1-65-A-D, each having a 65% Aqueous suspensions were prepared as shown in Table 2 Solids weight percentage and a particle size of 24%<10 um, below. i.e., the coarsest with the second highest Solids of example 45 2. Sample 1-65-A, i.e., the one with 0% mineral suspending agent, was too thick to run on the Brookfield and thus not TABLE 2 Suitable for transporting by flowing in a pipeline. Bauxite slurry samples These data also show that remaining three Samples 1-65 B-D use a minimal amount of energy to alter the aqueous Bauxite Particle Sw AG weight relative to Solids weight 50 Suspensions from a static state to a flowing state and Sample size (%) A B C D relatively low energy expenditures are sufficient to flow Samples 1-65-B-D. Furthermore, the lack of hysteresis 1 24% < 10 m 65 O% O.OS 0.075 O.10 makes it easier for a pipeline operator to monitor Samples 60 55 1-65-B-D during flowing for analogous reasons to those 50 55 noted in Example 1. 2 28% < 10 m 65 O% O.OS 0.075 O.10 The results are in FIGS. 5A-D, which are plots of vis 60 cosity (m) versus the shear rate f(y) for Samples-1-65-A: 55 3 32% < 10 m 65 O% O.OS 0.075 O.10 2-65-A; 3-65A, i.e., the samples with 65% solids weight 60 percent and no AG; and for Samples 1-65-D, 2-65-D, 3-65D, 55 60 i.e., the samples with 65% solids weight percent and 0.10% AG. Sw = Solids weight percentage, AG = (Actiiel 208 (R, available from Active Mineral International). Sample-1-65-A, i.e., with the least fines added at 24%-10 The nomenclature is as follows: Sample-it-Sw-(letter A, B, C, D). The # denotes the um, was too thick to run without the mineral Suspending bauxite particle size; Sw denotes the solids weight percentageyy%, in which yy% = 65%, 60%, 55%, or 50%; and the Letter A, B, C, D represent the amount of AG, and For agent. Sample-1-65-A is clearly not suitable for flowing in example, Sample 1-65-A has a bauxite particle size of 24% < 10 um, 65% solids weight 65 percent, and 0% of AG, Sample 3-60-C has a bauxite particle size of 32% < 10 lum, 60% a pipeline. See FIG. 5A. solids weight percent, and 0.075% of AG, etc. As seen for Samples 1-65-D, 2-65-D; & 3-65D, the particle size (the amount of fine particles) has little effect on US 9,511.955 B2 13 14 the efficiency of the mineral Suspending agent. Each Mineral Suspending agent-stabilized slurries allow for no Samples 1-65-D, 2-65-D; & 3-65D is suitable for flowing in hard packing, ease of flow under shear and less caking of the a pipeline. See FIGS. 5A-C. slurry to the sides of the vessel. This can translate to more No hard packing occurred with any sample comprising efficient TiO, off loading. AG (1-65-D: 2-65-D; & 3-65D, etc.) for a period of 52 5 weeks as measured by physical inspection using a spatula. EXAMPLE 4 Samples without mineral Suspending agent (Samples-1- Magnesium Hydroxide (MgOH) suspensions were dis 65-A; 2-65-A: 3-65A, etc.) were hard packed within 2 weeks persed in the presence of a mineral Suspending agent AG time. (above) to compare the Viscosities of mineral Suspending 10 agent-stabilized versus non-stabilized MgOH samples. EXAMPLE 3 A 30% solids weight percent MgOH in water was made in water using a high speed mixer. The mineral Suspending Titanium Dioxide (TiO) slurries containing 75.2%, agent AG was then added at 2% and at 5%, by weight, to the 76.4% and 77.8% solids were dispersed using 0.10%–0.30% MgOH suspension. This equates to 0.6% (Sample A) and by weight of AG. The slurries were labeled as follows: 15 1.5% (Sample B) mineral Suspending agent loading on a dry Slurry #1: 75.2% TiO, Slurry #2: 76.4% TiO, Slurry #3: weight % basis. 77.8% TiO, The slurries were combined under high shear mixing. These results are shown in FIG. 7, which plots viscosity TABLE 3 2O (ii) versus Brookfield RPM (1/s). An immediate rise in Viscosity was noted in the curves in Titanium dioxide slurry samples FIG. 7. Upon shearing, Samples A-B exhibit excellent Bingham AG weight relative to solids Sw solids weight plastic flow properties (i.e., excellent flow under shear). After 30 days of storage in a sealed container, the slurries Sample weight percent (%) A. B C D 25 were checked for Suspension properties using the rod pen 1 75.2 O.15 O.20 O.25 O.30 etrometer test AMI-WI-ORE-003. The Samples A-B had 76.4 O.15 O.20 O.25 O.30 some supernatant. No Hard Packing was observed over a 3 77.8 O.15 O.20 O.25 O.30 period of 30 days. Sw = Solids weight percentage, 30 EXAMPLE 5 AG = (Actiiel 208 (R, available from Active Mineral International). The nomenclature is as follows: Sample-ti- (letter A, B, C, D). The # denotes the solids weight percentage yy%, in which yy 96 = 75.2%, 76.4%, or 77.8%; and the Letter A, B, C, D represents the amount of AG. For example, Sample 1-A has 75.2% solids weight A coal deposit contains a combination of minerals, Sul percent, and 0.15% of AG, Sample 3-C has 77.8% solids weight percent, and 0.25% of AG, foxides, and ash. A pipeline is run at 55-60% solids weight etc. percentage in an aqueous slurry. 3 million tons of Solids is Brookfield viscosity measurements were made of these 35 believed moveable per year using 400,000 gallons of water. slurries under the conditions noted above. These results are To the slurry is added palygorskite in an amount of 1.0% in FIG. 6A-G, which are plots of viscosity (m) versus the of the solids weight percentage and Sepiolite in an amount of 0.01% of the solids weight percentage. 3 million tons of Brookfield RPM. It is clear from observing the data that the solids is believed moveable per year using 360,000 gallons mineral Suspending agent raised the low shear viscosity 40 preferentially, which accounts for the elimination of settling of water. and syneresis behavior. Furthermore, the amount of electricity used to pump the The mineral Suspending agent increased low shear vis slurry is decreased by about 10% based on a belief that the cosity to eliminate pigment settling. This was especially decrease in head pressure decreases electrical consumption. apparent at higher TiO loadings. 45 EXAMPLE 6 The data show that for the lowest amount of TiO, (75.2%), Samples-1-A-D (FIG. 6A), the level of mineral Caustic red mud is a Solid waste product produced in Suspending agent did not provide as much low shear vis mining bauxite has a pH of about 12-13. Typically caustic cosity rise as it did for the higher levels of TiO in the red mud is pumped to be stored, e.g., in a holding pond. Samples-2-A-D (FIG. 6B) or Samples 3-A-D (FIG. 6C) (i.e., 50 Pumping caustic red mud is extremely difficult. 76.4, 77.8% weight percent TiO). See also FIG. 6D com Caustic red mud is Suspended in water in the presence of paring 0.15% AG for samples 1-3. 0.3% by weight of the solids of attapulgite. Caustic red mud The use of mineral Suspending agent makes it possible for is believed easily transported via flowing of the aqueous the slurry maker to ship less water or other aqueous liquid suspension. Attapulgite is believed to be able to withstand phase to customers while not exceeding viscosity limits. 55 the caustic environment with minimal attrition. In Samples 3 (FIG. 6C), adding the mineral suspending agent to levels of 0.15% and 0.20% (Samples 3-A-B) were EXAMPLE 7 more effective than in the counterpart examples for Samples Tailings are produced. Tailings are suspended in water in 1-A-B (FIG. 6A) or Samples 2-A-B (FIG. 6B). This is 60 the presence of 0.2% by weight of the solids of sepiolite. because less mineral Suspending agent is needed at higher Tailings is believed easily transported via flowing of the Solids. aqueous Suspension. Mineral suspending agent addition levels of 0.25% and 0.30% in Samples 2-C-D were very effective. No hard EXAMPLE 8 packing occurred over a period of 26 weeks. 65 Brookfield Viscosities of all mineral Suspending agent A mineral deposit is discovered on the ocean floor stabilized Slurries were below 500 cps. approximately 2000 feet underwater. Solids are pumped up US 9,511.955 B2 15 16 from the ocean floor using flexible piping and pumps. At the 10. The method of claim 9, wherein hauling is achieved entrance of the flexible tubing is introduced 2% by solids using a vehicle chosen from trains, trucks, planes, and ships. weight percent of bentonite and 1% by solids weight percent 11. The method of claim 9, thereafter further comprising of montmorillonite. The mineral suspending agent is thereafter transporting the solid particulates a third distance believed to have facilitated transporting via the solids by greater than or equal to 200 m by flowing the aqueous flowing of the aqueous suspension. Suspension of the solid particulates in a second conduit. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the solid particulates Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to are chosen from rocks, mineral colloids, organic colloids, those of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of the mineraloids, and minerals. specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous suspen herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be 10 Sion is a homogeneous aqueous suspension. considered as nonlimiting, with a true scope and spirit of the 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous suspen invention being indicated by the following claims. Sion is an inhomogeneous aqueous suspension. What is claimed is: 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous suspen 1. A method of transporting solid particulates in an Sion is a non-settling slurry. aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising 15 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the mineral Suspending agent is present in an amount ranging presence of at least one mineral suspending agent, and from 0.05% to 0.1% by weight of the solid particulates. transporting the solid particulates in the aqueous suspension 17. A method of transporting solid particulates in an of solid particulates a distance greater than or equal to 200 aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising m, dispersing, in a container, solid particulates in an aqueous wherein the aqueous suspension of solid particulates liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending comprises: agent, and thereafter hauling the container a distance greater than or equal to 100 km, an aqueous liquid, comprising water and optionally at wherein the aqueous suspension of solid particulates least one other liquid, wherein the water is present in an 25 amount greater than 50% v/v relative to the total comprises: volume of the water plus the volume of the at least one an aqueous liquid, comprising water and optionally at other liquid; least one other liquid, wherein the water is present in an Solid particulates present in an amount ranging from 5% amount greater than 50% v/v relative to the total to 95% solids; and Volume of the water plus the volume of the at least one at least one mineral suspending agent present in an 30 other liquid; amount ranging from 0.05% to 0.15% by weight of the Solid particulates present in an amount ranging from 5% Solid particulates, wherein the at least one mineral to 95% solids; and Suspending agent is purified attapulgite substantially at least one mineral suspending agent present in an amount ranging from 0.05% to 0.15% by weight of the free of non-attapulgite minerals. 35 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispersing com Solid particulates, wherein the at least one mineral prises agitating solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the Suspending agent is purified attapulgite substantially presence of the at least one mineral suspending agent. free of non-attapulgite minerals. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the at least one 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the aqueous suspension mineral Suspending agent is present in an amount ranging of solid particulates further comprises at least one additive. 40 from 0.05% to 0.1% by weight of the solid particulates. 4. The method of claim3, wherein the at least one additive 19. A method of transporting solid particulates in an is chosen from: aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising at least one wetting/dispersing agent for the solid particu dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the lates present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 5% presence of at least one mineral suspending agent, and by weight of solid particulates: 45 at least one dispersing agent for the at least one mineral transporting the solid particulates in the aqueous suspension Suspending agent; and of Solid particulates a distance greater than or equal to 200 at least one neutralizer. m in a pipeline, 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transporting wherein the aqueous suspension of solid particulates comprises flowing the aqueous suspension of the solid comprises: particulates in a conduit such that the solid particulates are 50 an aqueous liquid, comprising water and optionally at transported the distance. least one other liquid, wherein the water is present in an amount greater than 50% v/v relative to the total 6. The method of claim 5, wherein, during transporting Volume of the water plus the volume of the at least one and during the time the solid particulates are transported the other liquid; distance, the flowing has a Renyolds number below 4,000. 55 Solid particulates present in an amount ranging from 5% 7. The method of claim 5, wherein, during transporting, to 95% solids; and the flow changes in rate by 50%. at least one mineral suspending agent present in an 8. The method of claim 5, wherein, during transporting, amount ranging from 0.05% to 0.15% by weight of the the flowing is interrupted for a period of time greater than 8 Solid particulates, wherein the at least one mineral hours and thereafter the flowing is resumed. 60 9. The method of claim 5, further comprising, after Suspending agent is purified attapulgite substantially transporting, collecting the aqueous suspension of the solid free of non-attapulgite minerals. particulates in a shipping container and thereafter hauling 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one the container containing the aqueous suspension of the solid mineral Suspending agent is present in an amount ranging particulates a second distance greater than or equal to 100 from 0.05% to 0.1% by weight of the solid particulates. km. ck k *k k k