(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0234032 A1 PURCELL, Jr

Home , Carpathite, Evenkite

US 20140234032A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0234032 A1 PURCELL, Jr. et al. (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 21, 2014

(54) METHOD OF TRANSSHIPPING SOLD Publication Classification PARTICULATES IN AN AQUEOUS SUSPENSION OF SOLID PARTICULATES (51) Int. Cl. USING MINERAL SUSPENDINGAGENT B65G 53/30 (2006.01) (71) Applicant: Active Minerals International, Hunt (52) U.S. Cl. Valley, MD (US) CPC ...... B65G-53/30 (2013.01) USPC ...... 406/51 (72) Inventors: Robert J. PURCELL, Jr., Baltimore, MD (US); Dennis C. PARKER, Sparks, MD (US); Steven B. FELDMAN, (57) ABSTRACT Cockeysville, MD (US); Rudolph COETZEE, Paxton, MD (US) A method of transshipping Solid particulates in an aqueous (73) Assignee: Active Minerals International, Hunt Suspension of solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid Valley, MD (US) particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one (21) Appl. No.: 14/266,650 mineral Suspending agent to form the aqueous Suspension of (22) Filed: Apr. 30, 2014 Solid particulates. The aqueous Suspension of the Solid par ticulates is hauled via a first vehicle a distance greater than or Related U.S. Application Data equal to 1 km. The aqueous Suspension of the Solid particu (63) Continuation-in-part of application No. PCT/US 13/ lates is transferred from the first vehicle to a second vehicle. 661 14, filed on Oct. 22, 2013, Continuation-in-part of The aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates is hauled via a application No. 13/664,948, filed on Oct. 31, 2012. second vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km. Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 1 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 1

isf{:} Wiscosity & A3 ::it: Viscosity 83.38 3. 8:f3 Wiscosity 3f.3%. As ::f33 viscessity 86 &

\ : Viscosity 0.18% AG 74% Solid

------Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 2 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 2A

Wiscosity wifs. Shear Stress at 0.05%. Acti-Gei

3. 8. s 33. ox-78% saids, No 3. s

s Rx r : 3. 3. 3.

; :------, S: 383 8.3: 383 : 383 3:3 &: 3: 88 55: 888 ... Sheaf fate is

Figure 2B Viscosity wifs Shear Stress at 0.075%. Acti-Gei

X % Sicis, : No Acti-ge: w8x8% Sotiris, {{fi:% Act {se: :

3 :...... 8 :38 is 883 : 383 &SR 88 S8, S88 SS 88 838: Shear Rate {3fs

Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 4 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 2E

: ------~~--~~~~~~~: S3 : 383 53 ::: S: 3:3: 3: 83 : 388: 533 3: 388 Shea Rate is:

× 78%. Saicis, No & £383.38: 8 :

2 .

... : : s: 383 338 XX X: 388 38 3x3 &58: S:X SS 88 S3 Shsar Bate ifs Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 5 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 2G

» (8 Sexiids, &c. 8 {{-R38: S. w8x {3% Sicis, 3.3% £8

i ...... : ------...... : ...... ------383 3: {3 388 & 33 3: :X: 383 83 Sis: 8: 83 Shear 8ate ifs

Figure2H

88.

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x7.8%. So:ds, 33.3% & E3-ge: ;

3: --~~~~~~~~~~ 3 :: 83 288 & 33& 33 ::: 3: 533 is: 8:8; 653 Sea: Rate is Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 6 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 3

24% <10 Microns, 65%. Solids with Acti-Gel

x 65% Solids, 2.5 NNN 0.05% Acti-Gel s : A. > 2 x 65% Solids, 1.5 pixem 0.075% Acti-Get g : *::x: *& 65%. Soids, 1. 3...... 8.8 ...... 0.1% Acti-Ge. 0.5 ...... 8&::::::::::::...... O ------t 50 OO 150 200 250 3OO 350 AOO 450 500 550 6OO 650 : Shear Rate (1/s)

Figure 4

250 gr. o65% Solids, x” 0.05% Acti-Ge: : St - Oa - 3 150 ... --65%O.O.75%. solids, Act Gel 100 x8...... *8x 65%. Soids, 0.1% Acti-Get ; V 50 ......

O ir ...... 's 50 100 SO 200 25 O 3OO 3SO 400 450 SOO SSO 600 650 Shear Rate (1/s) Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 7 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 5A

6 :------5 &- x 24% <10 Microns, : 65% Solids, no 1.: 4 : Acti-Ge st 8 3 -- ~x-24%.<10 Microns, 8 65% Solids, 0.10% g Acti-Ge 8

------,

4.5 4 - N : X28% KO Microns, 3.5 65% Solids, no 3 : Acti-Ge: , 2.5 - «28% < 10 Microns, 2 65% Solids, 0.10% Acti-Ge: 8 S 1.5 3. --

0.5 six-w8 sax&six O : ...... ;...... ;...... ;...... ;...... ;...... 8 5O OO 150 200 25O 3OO 350 4OO 450 SOO 55O 6OO 650

Shear Rate (1/s) , Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 8 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 5C 32% <10 Microns, 65% Solids

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

x32% <10 Microns, 65% Solids, 0.10% Acti-Ge:

O ic------~; 50 OO SO 20O 25O 3OO 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 Shear Rate (1/s) Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 9 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 6A

rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, TiO2 Slurry 1 Adjusted with Acti-Gel 4500 --~~ 4000 i 3 oSL1, 0.15% 35005 Acti-Get 3OOO : ~x-SL1, 0.20% 2 5 OO : ------Acti -G e , 2000 or *x-SL1, 0.30% 1500 : Acti-GetCti-Ge 1000 oxor 500 irrö8xsor.

O i ...... '; ...... : s . . . ; O 5 O 15 20 25 3O 3S 40 45 SO 55 6.O 6 Brookfield RPM

6OOO --- --SL2, 0.15% Acti-Gel 5OOO . ox-SL2, 0.20% 4. O O O 8s Acti-Gel «SL2, 0.25% 3000 . Acti-Gel 2000 ****«SL2, 0.30% Acti-Ge. OOO NN NN NN NN NN

O O 5 O 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 SO 55 6.O 65 Brookfied RPM , Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 10 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

Figure 6C

TiO2Slurry 3 Adjusted with Acti-Gel 9000 gr. ------MXSL3, 0.15% Acti-Ge. oxSL3, 0.20% Acti-Ge: •SL3, 0.25% Acti-Ge. SL3, 0.30% Acti-Ge O ics-r ~. O 5 30 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 SO 55 6.O 65 Brookfied RPM

, an

Figure 6D : : : 8000 ------& 7000 & 6000 ...... ox-SL1, 0.15% 5000 p.r. Acti-Get : C x SL2, 0.15% :

is 4000 -- Acti-Get &

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Figure 6E

TiO2 Slurries at 0.20% Acti-Gei 8000 ...... 7000 -8-8------6000 - oxo-SL1, 0.20% Acti-Get : 85000 :-- C «SL2, 0.20% g 4000 Acti-Get g 3000 3.88...... x SL3, 0.20% 2OOO ------&:------Acti-Ge OOO ...... %x8::::::::::::......

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

Figure 6F

TiO2 Slurries at 0.30% Acti-Gei 8000 -

6000 .3-8...... ox-SL1,Acti-Gel 0.30% 5000 - wx-SL2, 0.30% 4. O O O Acti-Gel

3000 prym.:SL3, 0.30% 2000 Acti-Ge

OOO ...... O horro. O 5 O 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 SO 55 60 6S Brookfied RPM Patent Application Publication Aug. 21, 2014 Sheet 12 of 12 US 2014/0234032 A1

9 OOO . 8000 t , 7OOO i WSurry with g 6OOO i. NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN no Acti-Ge. 5OOO ur-styryat

3 AOOO t 2% Act-Gel g 3000 T X'X'X'X'.:*. E. at 2000 6 Acti-Ge 1000 or o ...... , O 5 O 15 20 25 3O 35 40 45 50 55 6.O 65 Brookfield RPM US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

METHOD OF TRANSSHIPPING SOLID 0009 FIG.3 is a plot of viscosity (m) versus shear rate f(y) PARTICULATES IN AN AQUEOUS for a bauxite slurry. SUSPENSION OF SOLID PARTICULATES (0010 FIG. 4 is a plot of shear stress (t) versus shear rate USING MINERAL SUSPENDINGAGENT f(y) for a bauxite slurry. (0011) Each of FIGS.5A-C is a plot of viscosity (m) versus CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED shear rate f(y) for a bauxite slurry. APPLICATIONS 0012. Each of FIG. 6A-F is a plot of viscosity (m) versus 0001. This application is a continuation in part of Interna Brookfield RPM for aTiO, slurry. tional Application no. PCT/US13/661 14, filed Oct. 22, 2013, (0013 FIG. 7 is a plot of viscosity (m) versus Brookfield which application claim priority benefit to U.S. application RPM for a MgOH slurry. Ser. No. 13/664,948, filed Oct. 31, 2012. Each application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 0014 Reference will now be made in detail to the embodi FIELD ments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in 0002. A composition, in the form of an aqueous Suspen the accompanying drawings. Sion, comprising at least one mineral Suspending agent 0015. A method of transporting solid particulates in an present in an aqueous liquid in an amount Sufficient to dis aqueous Suspension of the solid particulates, comprising dis perse Solid particulates upon agitation. Although Suitable for persing Solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence many uses, the composition is Suitable for use in a transship of at least one mineral Suspending agent and/or optionally at ping process, e.g., associated in mining or mineral processing least one additive in the dispersed and/or liquid phase, operations, where hauling over water, land, and/or air covers wherein solid particulates are transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m. In some embodiments, the distance is distances greater than 15 km. greater than 15 km. BACKGROUND 0016. As used herein, a suspension is a liquid in which Solid particles are dispersed. 0003 Moving mined or other mineral materials is per 0017. In some embodiments of an aqueous suspension, the formable by several methods. Transporting liquids or Suspen liquid is water. In some embodiments of an aqueous Suspen sions can be dangerous due to the shifting of a fluid during Sion, the liquid comprises water and at least one other liquid. transport. Transporting solids can be dangerous since Smaller In some embodiments of an aqueous suspension, the water is particles can liquefy during transit and lead to the same dan present in an amount greater than 50% V/v relative to the total gers as fluid transport. Loading Solids for transport can be volume of the water plus the volume of the at least one other difficult, and transported solids can be difficult to off-load liquid. In some embodiments, the amount is greater than 60% once the solids reach the destination. Both off-loading and v/v or 70% w/v or 96% w/v or 99% v/v. In some embodiments, on-loading can have environmental effects. the amount ranges from 75% to 95% v/v or from 80% to 90% 0004 Some mining processes recover solids, grind the V/v. recovered solids, and transport the ground, recovered Solids 0018 Water is obtainable from many sources, including to a station using extremely large conveyor belts. Such trans process water and mine water. In some embodiments, the porting generates dust, which, depending on the Solids, may water is from sources of freshwater or sources of saline water. influence the quality of the environment or its inhabitants. In some embodiments, the water is brackish or brine. In some Furthermore, sometimes solids are dewatered and thereafter embodiments, the water is from a source chosen from brine hauled to deepwater ports where the dewatered solids are to ponds, sea water, ocean water, lakes, ponds, and ground be loaded on shipping containers. These shipping containers Water. are usually hauled to yet another deepwater port, where the 0019. In some embodiments, the at least one other liquid is dewatered solids are once again offloaded and hauled off. Not an organic liquid. In some embodiments, the organic liquid is only does each loading and offloading create more dust but chosen from silicones, hydrocarbons, and alcohols. In some the deepwater ports also Substantially increase the cost of embodiments, the organic liquidis from tarsand, oil sand, and hauling because of the significant cost required for making, coal lignite. In some embodiments, the organic liquid is cho maintaining, and using a deepwater port. Sen from a glycol or a silicone. In some embodiments, the at 0005. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general least one other liquid is miscible with water or at least par description and the following detailed description are repre tially miscible with water. In some embodiments, the at least sentative and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the one other liquid is mined, e.g., in the process of gathering invention, as claimed. Solid particulates. In some embodiments, the at least one 0006 The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo other liquid is added, e.g., by a processing step before or after rated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate mining Solid particulates or for any other reason. embodiments of the invention and together with the descrip 0020. In some embodiments, the aqueous phase of the tion, serve to explain the principles of the invention. liquid has a pH ranging from 2 to 13. In some embodiments, the pH ranges from 2 to 7 or from 4.5 to 9.5 or from 7 to 13. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In some embodiments, the pH is adjusted using a neutralizer. 10007 FIG. 1 is a plot of viscosity (m) versus shear rate f(y) 0021. In some embodiments, the neutralizer is selected for an iron ore slurry. from gypsum, hydrated lime, ammonium nitrate, and alumi I0008. Each of FIGS. 2A-D is a plot of viscosity (m) versus num Sulfate. In some embodiments, the neutralizer is chosen shear rate f(y) for an iron ore slurry, and each of FIGS. 2E-H from Sodium hydroxide, caustic soda, hydrated lime, shell is a plot of shear stress versus shear rate f(y) for an iron ore meal, limestone, burned lime, dolomite, Sugar beet lime, and slurry. calcium silicate. In some embodiments, the neutralizer is US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

chosen from aluminum Sulfate, calcium chloride, lime Sulfur, 0034. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are ferric sulfate, Sulfuric acid, Sulfur, and gypsum. In some chosen from those comprising nickel, silver, diamond, gold, embodiments, the neutralizer is selected from gypsum, and platinum group minerals. hydrated lime, ammonium nitrate, and aluminum Sulfate. 0035. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are 0022. In some embodiments, at least one other solid sub mineraloids, and in Some embodiments the mineraloids are stance is present in the aqueous liquid. In some embodiments, chosen from obsidian, amber, ilmenite, opal, amber, jet, and the at least one other Solid Substance is miscible in a compo limonite. nent of the aqueous liquid phase, e.g., water. In some embodi 0036. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are ments, the at least one other solid Substance is immiscible in chosen from minerals chosen from those in the silicate class, a component of the aqueous liquid phase. In some embodi carbonate class, Sulfate class, halide class, oxide class, Sulfide ments, the at least one other Solid Substance is in the Source of class, phosphate class, element class, and organic class. water or is added in a process of gathering the Solid particu 0037. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the sili lates. cate class. In some embodiments, the silicates are in the form 0023. An aqueous suspension of the solid particulates is of rocks. In some embodiments, the silicates are chosen from defined as from 5% to 95% by weight of solid particulates feldspars, quartzes, olivines, pyroxenes, amphiboles, garnets, relative to the total weight of the water plus the dry weight of and micas. the solid particulates (% w/w). In some embodiments, the 0038. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the car aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates is present in an bonate class. In some embodiments, the carbonates are cho amount ranging from 10% to 90% w/w by weight of solid Sen from calcites, aragonites, dolomites, and siderites. In particulates relative to the total weight of the water plus the Some embodiments, the carbonate is hanksite. dry weight of the Solid particulates. In some embodiments, 0039. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the sulfate the amount ranges from 20% to 85% w/w, 15% to 80% w/w class. In some embodiments, the Sulfates are chosen from or from 20% to 70% w/w or from 25% to 60% w/w. anhydrites, celestines, barites, and gypsums. In some 0024. The solid particles of the suspension are the solid embodiments, related minerals are chosen from chromate, particulates. molybdate, selenate, Sulfite, tellurate, and tungstate minerals. 0025. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are embodiments, manmade, of natural origin, or mixtures thereof. In some 0040. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the halide embodiments, the Solid particulates are inorganics, organics, class. In some embodiments, the halide minerals are natural or mixtures thereof. salts, such as, fluorites, halites, Sylvites, and salammoniac. In 0026. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are Some embodiments, the halide class is chosen from fluoride, chosen from rocks, mineral colloids, organic colloids, min chloride, bromide, and iodide minerals. eraloids, and minerals. Mixtures thereofare contemplated. In 0041. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the borate Some embodiments, the Solid particulates are mined. class. In some embodiments, the borate minerals are borates 0027. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are are chosen from borax, ulexite, colemanite, or boracite. chosen from polymers, metallic minerals, and fuels. 0042. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the oxide class. In some embodiments, the oxide minerals are chosen 0028. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are from hematites, magnetites, chromites, spinels, ilmenites, rocks, and in some embodiments, the rocks are chosen from and rutiles. In some embodiments, the oxide minerals are limestone and gravel. chosen from oxide and hydroxide minerals. 0029. In some embodiments, the mineral colloids and 0043. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the sulfide organic colloids are from soil. In some embodiments, colloids class. In some embodiments, the Sulfide minerals are chosen are chosen from crystalline silicate clays, noncrystalline sili from pyrite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite, and galena. In some cate clays, iron and aluminum oxide clays (such as crystalline embodiments, the Sulfide minerals are chosen from Selenides, and noncrystalline varieties thereof), and organic colloid. In tellurides, arsenides, antimonides, bismuthinides, and Sulfo Some embodiments, the organic colloid is humus. salts. 0030. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are 0044. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the phos industrial minerals. In some embodiments, the industrial min phate class. In some embodiments, the phosphate minerals erals are chosen from aggregates, alunite, asbestos, asphalt are chosen from any mineral having a tetrahedral unit AO, in (natural), barite, bentonite, borates, brines, carbonates, clays, which A is chosen from phosphorus, antimony, arsenic or ball clays, corundum, diamond, diatomite, feldspar, Vanadium. In some embodiments, the phosphate mineral is nepheline-syenite, fluorspar, Fuller's earth, garnet, gem min apatite. In some embodiments, the phosphate minerals are erals, granite, graphite, gypsum, kaolin, kyanite, sillimanite, chosen from arsenate, Vanadate, and antimonate minerals. andalusite, limestone, dolomite, marble, mica, olivine, per 0045. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the lite, phosphate, potash, potassium minerals, pumice, quartz, elemental class. In some embodiments, the elemental miner salt, slate, silica sand, Tripoli, Soda ash, Sodium bicarbonate, als are chosen from gold, silver, copper, antimony, bismuth, Sodium sulfate, staurolite, Sulfur, talc, Vermiculite, Wollasto graphite, and Sulfur. In some embodiments, the elemental nite, and Zeolites. minerals are natural alloys, such as, electrum, phosphides, 0031. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are silicides, nitrides, and carbides. chosen from limestone, clays, sand, gravel, diatomite, kaolin, 0046. In some embodiments, the minerals are in the bentonite, silica, barite, gypsum, and talc. organic class. In some embodiments, the organic minerals are 0032. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are chosen from oxalates, mellitates, citrates, cyanates, acetates, chosen from coal, lignite, and peat. formates, and hydrocarbons. In some embodiments, the 0033. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are organic minerals are chosen from whewellite, moolooite, chosen from cement, slag, and silica fume. mellite, fichtelite, carpathite, evenkite, and abelsonite. US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

0047. The solid particulates in the aqueous suspension of ments, the effective amount ranges from 0.1% to 4.5% or the solid particulates have a size sufficient for the solid par from 0.4% to 3.0% or from 1% to 2%. ticulates to be suspended. In some embodiments, the size is 0056. The above amounts of the at least one mineral sus measured using D50. In some embodiments, the D50 ranges pending agent make it possible, in some embodiments, to from about 0.0001 to 0.15 mm. In some embodiments, the increase the maximum percent by weight of the solid particu D50 ranges from 0.00024 to 0.004 mm or 0.004 to 0.062 mm lates from 2% to 6% compared to a corresponding aqueous or from 0.063 to 0.125 mm. In some embodiments, D50 Suspension without the at least one mineral Suspending agent. ranges from 0.00045 to 0.1 or from 0.01 to 0.08 mm. In some 0057. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral sus embodiments, the D50 ranges from about 0.1 to 75 mm. In pending agent is a clay chosen from palygorskite, attapulgite, some embodiments, the D50 ranges from 0.25 to 50 mm or and Sepiolite. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral 0.4 to 40 mm or from 0.6 to 32 mm. In some embodiments, Suspending agent is palygorskite. In some embodiments, the D50 ranges from 0.5 to 25 or from 1 to 20 mm. palygorskite is from Attapulgus, Ga. 0048. In some embodiments, particle size distribution 0058. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral sus ranges from 10 um to 10 mm. pending agent is attapulgite. In some embodiments, the atta 0049. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension of pulgite is from a locality chosen from Palygorskaya, near the the solid particulates has a size measured using D10. In some Popovka River, Perm, Russia; Attapulgus, Decatur Co., Geor embodiments, the D10 ranges from about 0.0001 to 6.5 mm. gia; at Tafraout, Morocco; western Macedonia, Greece; In some embodiments, the D10 ranges from 0.0001 to 0.01 Jiangsu and Anhui Provinces, China; Hekiman District, mm or 0.0024 to 4.0 mm or 0.04 to 2.0 mm or from 0.6 to 1.3 Malatya, Turkey; and in the Hyderabad deposit, Andhra mm. In some embodiments, D10 ranges from 0.0045 to 1.0 Pradesh, India. In some embodiments, the attapulgite is from mm or from 0.1 to 5.0 mm. Attapulgus, Decatur Co., Georgia. In some embodiments, the 0050. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension of attapulgite is associated with other non-attapulgite minerals, the solid particulates has a size measured using D90. In some Such as montmorillonite, dolomite, calcite, talc, chlorite, embodiments, the D90 ranges from about 0.001 to 35 mm. In quartz, and the like. In some embodiments, the attapulgite is some embodiments, the D90 ranges from 0.01 to 32 mm. In Substantially free of non-attapulgite minerals. Such purified some embodiments, D90 ranges from 0.0024 to 4.0 mm or attapulgite is, in Some embodiments, available by using the 0.01 to 32 mm or 0.04 to 2.0 mm or from 0.6 to 1.3 mm. In methods in U.S. Pat. No. 6,444,601 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,130, some embodiments, D90 ranges from 0.0045 to 1.0 mm or 179, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. from 0.1 to 5.0 mm. 0059. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral Sus pending agent is sepiolite. In some embodiments, the Sepio 0051. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension of lite is from a locality chosen from Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Solid particulates has a size measured using D10 and/or Salt Lake Co., Utah; from Crestmore, Riverside Co., Califor D50 and/or D90. In some embodiments, the values are any nia; at Ash Meadows, Nye Co., Nevada; at Vallecas, Madrid, combination of those noted above for D10, D50, and D90. In Spain, and Cerro Mercado, Durango, Mexico. In some some embodiments, D10 is from 0.0001 to 0.01 mm; D90 is embodiments, the Sepiolite is associated with other non-se from 0.01 to 32 mm; and D50 is from 0.0001 to 0.15 mm. piolite minerals. Such as dolomite. In some embodiments, the 0052. The size of the solid particulates (D10, D50, D90, Sepiolite is Substantially free of non-sepiolite minerals. etc.), in Some embodiments, is manufactured using one or 0060. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension more sizing process. In some embodiments, the sizing pro comprises a clay dispersant. In some embodiments, the clay cess is chosen from filtering, straining, grinding, and pound dispersant is chosen from Substances that, in an aqueous ing the solid particulates. environment, either absorb on the at least one mineral Sus 0053. In some embodiments, the solid particulates pending agent and have the ability to disaggregate the at least changes size during transporting due to attrition. For one mineral Suspending agent or to stabilize a suspension of example, mixing or shear sometimes causes the size of the the at least one mineral Suspending agent. In some embodi Solid particulates to decrease over time. As such, in some ments, the clay dispersant is chosen from condensed phos embodiments, the size is measured at the initiation of trans phates, polyacrylates, organic phosphonates, polysulfonates, porting. Sulfonated polycondensates, polymaleates, and polymers 0054. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are derived from natural products. In some embodiments, the round, but other shapes, such as rods, and angular surfaces are clay dispersant is chosen from poly-anionic, poly-cationic, possible. In some embodiments, the Solid particulates have poly non-ionic, and poly-amphoteric dispersants that func members having various shapes. In some embodiments, the tion as clay dispersants. aspect ratio of the majority of particulates ranges from 1 to 0061. In some embodiments, the clay dispersant is chosen 1,000,000. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the from tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, majority of particulates is less than 25 or 100 or 1,000. In condensed phosphate dispersants, and Sodium salts thereof. Some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the majority of par In some embodiments, the clay dispersant is chosen from ticulates ranges from 25 to 500 or from 1,500 to 15,000 or silicates, quaternary amines, petroleum, Sulfonates, soda ash, from 150,000 to 750,000. and lime. In some embodiments, the silicates are chosen from 0055 As noted above, the aqueous suspension comprises Sodium silicates and potassium silicates. In some embodi an amount of at least one mineral Suspending agent Sufficient ments, the lime is chosen from lime carbonates. to disperse the solid particulates in the aqueous liquid. In 0062. In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension some embodiments, the effective amount of the at least one comprises at least one wetting/dispersing agent in an amount mineral suspending agent ranges from 0.05% to 5.0% by ranging from 0.01% to 6% by weight relative to the weight of weight relative to the total weight of the at least one mineral the at least one mineral Suspending agent and the solid par Suspending agent and the solid particulates. In some embodi ticulates. In some embodiments, the amount ranges from 0.05 US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014 to 4% or from 0.1 to 3.5%. The choice of a wetting/dispersing aqueous Suspension. In some embodiments, the homogeniza agent is not particularly limited and is sometimes added dur tion makes it possible for the solid particulates to settle in a ing processing of the Solid particulates. In some embodi manner inconsistent with that predicted by Stokes Law of ments, the at least one mineral Suspending agent does not settling. interfere with the wetting/dispersing agent, which is added, 0071. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is an e.g., during processing of the Solid particulates. inhomogeneous aqueous Suspension. 0063. In some embodiments, the wetting/dispersing agent 0072. In some embodiments, the agitation is mechanical. is low to non-foaming in water and has a structure comprising In some embodiments, the agitation is chosen from stirring, an organic portion that is capable to adsorb onto the Surface of pumping, and milling. In some embodiments, the solid par the Suspended solid particulate. If, e.g., the Solid particulate ticulates are present in an amount Sufficient to create shear comprises organic particles (e.g., coal, peat, and the like), the forces on the aqueous liquid and to facilitate homogenization wetting/dispersing agent has a charged hydrophilic portion of the aqueous Suspension. In some embodiments, agitation is that is compatible to the continuous phase (e.g., water). If the result of concrete drilling, ultrasound dispersing, or cavi e.g., the Solid particulate comprises inorganic particles, the tation. wetting dispersing agent has an organic portion that is capable 0073. In some embodiments, the mineral suspending to adsorb onto the Surface of inorganic particles (bauxite, iron agent is added in the form of a powder clay. In some embodi ore, sand, copper, molybdenum, talc, titanium dioxide, cal ments, the powder clay is dry before the addition. cium carbonate, potash, other industrial minerals, and the 0074. In some embodiments, the mineral suspending like) and a charged hydrophilic portion that is compatible to agent is added in the form of a pre-gel consisting of the at least the continuous phase (e.g., water). one mineral Suspending agent and water. In some embodi 0064. In some embodiments, the at least one wetting/dis ments, the pre-gel consists of from 1% to 15% of the at least persing agent is chosen from poly anionic organic dispers one mineral Suspending agent by weight and the remainder ants, poly cationic organic dispersants, poly non-ionic water. In some embodiments, the water has a pH chosen from organic dispersants, poly amphoteric organic dispersants that values already disclosed herein regarding the liquid phase of function as organic (e.g., coal, peat, and the like) particulate the aqueous Suspension. In some embodiments, the water dispersants, and poly amphoteric organic dispersants that comprises at least one neutralizer chosen from those already function as inorganic (bauxite, iron ore, sand, copper, molyb disclosed herein regarding the liquid phase of the aqueous denum, talc, titanium dioxide, calcium carbonate, potash, Suspension. other industrial minerals, and the like) particulate dispersants. 0075. In some embodiments, the mineral suspending 0065. In some embodiments, the at least one wetting/dis agent is added in the form of a pre-dispersion consisting of the persing agent for the particulate is chosen from salts of con at least one mineral Suspending agent, a clay dispersant, and densed naphthalene formaldehyde Sulfonates, polymerized water. In some embodiments, the pre-dispersion consists of salts of alkyl naphthalene Sulfonic acids, salts of polymerized from 1% to 45% of the at least one mineral Suspending agent Substituted benzoic alkyl Sulfonic acids, salts of ligno Sul by weight, from 0.05% to 1.0% by weight of the clay dispers fonates, and salts of polyacrylates. ant, and the remainder water. In some embodiments, the water 0.066. In some embodiments, additives, other than those has a pH chosen from values already disclosed herein regard noted above, are added to the aqueous Suspension. In some ing the liquid phase of the aqueous Suspension. In some embodiments, additives are chosen from Substances added embodiments, the water comprises at least one neutralizer for processing the Solid particulates or water sources. chosen from those already disclosed herein regarding the 0067. In some embodiments, the suspension is made by liquid phase of the aqueous Suspension. dispersing Solid particles in the aqueous liquid through agi 0076. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is tation in the presence of at least one mineral Suspending made by adding a wetting/dispersing agent to an aqueous agent. In some embodiments, the agitation is in the presence liquid; and thereafter adding at least one mineral Suspending of one or more additives. In some embodiments, the agitation agent; and thereafter adding solid particulates with agitation. is in the presence of at least one wetting/dispersing agent 0077. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is and/or at least one clay dispersing agent. made by preparing a mineral Suspending agent in the form of 0068. The aqueous liquid, solid particulates, and the at a pre-gel adding a dispersing agent fortheat least one mineral least one mineral Suspending agent are mixed in any order. In Suspending agent to the aqueous liquid; adding the pre-gel to Some embodiments, the aqueous liquid, Solid particulates, the said slurry water, and thereafter adding at least one mineral at least one mineral Suspending agent, and/or optionally theat Suspending agent; and thereafter adding Solid particulates least one dispersing agent for the at least one mineral Sus with agitating. pending agent, and/or optionally the at least one wetting/ 0078. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is dispersing agent for the Solid particulates, and/or one or more made by preparing a mineral Suspending agent in the form of additional additives (a neutralizer, the at least one other solid a pre-dispersion by adding a clay dispersant and a clay to the Substance, and the others noted herein) are mixed in any aqueous liquid while agitating and continuing to agitate until order. the clay is dispersed to form a pre-dispersion; adding a dis 0069. In some embodiments, both the aqueous liquid and persing agent for the at least one mineral Suspending agent to Solid particulates are added to the at least one mineral Sus the aqueous liquid; adding said mineral Suspending agent in pending agent. In some embodiments, both the at least one the form of a pre-dispersion to the aqueous liquid; and adding mineral Suspending agent and the Solid particulates are added Solid particulates with agitation. to the aqueous liquid. 007.9 The aqueous suspension makes it possible to trans 0070. In some embodiments, agitation is sufficient to sub port minerals long distances. Transporting is facilitated by the stantially homogenize the aqueous Suspension. In some addition of an effective amount of at least one mineral Sus embodiments, the agitation is sufficient to homogenize the pending agent. US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

0080. In some embodiments, the solid particulates are particulates is collected in a shipping container. The shipping transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m. In some container is thereafter Suitable for storing and/or hauling the embodiments, the distance is greater than or equal 0.600 km container containing the aqueous Suspension of solid particu or 5 km or 10 km. In some embodiments, the distance ranges lates a second distance greater than or equal to 100 km. from 40 km to 500 km or from 100 km to 420 km or from 200 0090. In some embodiments, the hauling the aqueous sus km to 380 km. pension of Solid particulates is achieved using a vehicle cho 0081. In some embodiments, transportation comprises Sen from trains, trucks, planes, and ships. In some embodi flowing the aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates in a ments, the hauling the aqueous Suspension is achieved while conduit. In some embodiments, the conduit comprises a pipe the aqueous Suspension is in or on a vehicle. In some embodi line, weirs, u-shaped structures, moving conveyers, and other ments, the hauling the aqueous Suspension is achieved while structures to convey water over distances greater than 200 m. aqueous Suspension, e.g., is in the cargo area of the fuselage In some embodiments, the distance is greater than 15 km. In of a plane; is in or on the coach of a railcar, or is in the cargo Some embodiments, the pipes in the pipeline have in inner hold or on the deck of a ship. In some embodiments, the diameter of at least 1.28 cm or 5 cm or 300 cm. In some hauling the aqueous Suspension is achieved, e.g., by a ship, embodiments the pipes have an inner diameter ranging from Such as a tugboat, which propels a barge carrying the aqueous 1.28 cm to 200 cm or from 5 cm to 100 cm or from 10 cm to Suspension; by a semi-trailer truck having a trailer Suitable for 75 cm. In some embodiments, the conduits, pipelines, containing or carrying the aqueous Suspension; or by a train, u-shaped structures, weirs, moving conveyers and other Such as a railway engine, which propels a freight car Such as structures to convey water over distances greater than 200 m a tanker Suitable for containing or carrying the aqueous Sus have a transversedimension of at least 1.28 cm or 5 cm or 100 pension. cm. In some embodiments, the conduits, pipelines, u-shaped 0091 After reaching its destination, the stored and trans structures, weirs, moving conveyers and other structures to ported aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates is, in some convey water over distances greater than 200 m have a trans embodiments, further transported yet again (as described verse dimension ranging from 1.28 cm to 300 cm or from 10 herein above) for yet another distance greater than or equal to cm to 200 cm or from 75 cm to 150 cm. 200 m by flowing the aqueous Suspension of the Solid par 0082 In some embodiments, the transporting comprises ticulates in a second conduit (as described herein above). flowing the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates in the 0092. In some embodiments, transporting solid particu conduit such that the solid particulates are transported the lates in an aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates, com entire distance. In some embodiments, the transporting com prising dispersing, in a shipping container, solid particulates prises flowing the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particu in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral lates in the conduit such that the Solid particulates are trans Suspending agent, and thereafter hauling the container a dis ported the at least 200 m of the distance. tance greater than or equal to 100 km. Of course, during the 0083. In some embodiment, during transporting by flow hauling, the aqueous Suspension is stored (as described herein ing the aqueous Suspension, the flowing has a Reynolds num above). ber below 4,000. In some embodiments, the Reynolds num 0093. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is ber is below 2,000. In some embodiments, the Reynolds stored before the solid particulates are transported. In some number ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 or from 500 to 1,750. embodiments, the aqueous Suspension is stored while the 0084. In some embodiments, during transporting by flow Solid particulates are hauled. In some embodiments, the aque ing, the flowing changes in rate by at least 10% or 25% or ous Suspension is stored after it is transported. 50%. 0094. In some embodiments, transporting comprises 0085. In some embodiments, transporting comprises flowing the aqueous Suspension via a conduit directly to a pumping the aqueous Suspension. In some embodiments, container Suitable for storing an aqueous Suspension of solid transporting is further facilitated by gravity and the placement particulates. In some embodiments, the containers are inte of the conduit. grated with the vehicle. I0086. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is 0.095 For example, loading/unloading of the aqueous sus stored in a container Suitable for storing an aqueous Suspen pension is performed by positioning the conduit into a posi sion of solid particulates. In some embodiments, the contain tion where the integrated container of a vehicle can receive ers are chosen from the conduit and shipping containers. In the aqueous Suspension. After the vehicle arrives at its desti Some embodiments, the shipping containers are chosen from nation, the aqueous Suspension is optionally agitated and the intermodal freight containers, intermediate bulk shipping aqueous Suspension is unloaded under negative or positive containers, drums, unit load devices, and specialized shipping pressure, e.g., to another conduit such as a pipeline or another containers suitable for an aqueous Suspension of Solid par vehicle. ticulates. 0096. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension of 0087. In some embodiments, the storage is for a period the solid particulates is hauled a distance greater than or equal greater than 8 hours. In some embodiments, the storage is for to 15 km in a transshipping process for shipping at least one a period ranging from 8 hours to 90 days. In some embodi ton (907 kg) of the aqueous suspension of the Solid particu ments, the storage is for a period ranging from 7 to 70 days or lates. In some embodiments, an amount of the aqueous Sus from 20 to 60 days or from 30 to 40 days. In some embodi pension of the Solid particulates transshipped ranges from 1 to ments, the storage period is from 30 days to one year. 150,000 tons. In some embodiments, the range is from 1 to 20 0088. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is tons or from 5 to 10 tons. In some embodiments, the range is stored on the conduit, because the flow of the aqueous Sus from 50,000 to 150,000 tons or from 75,000 to 125,000 tons. pension has never started or is interrupted. 0097 Although suitable for many uses, the transshipping 0089. In some embodiments, after transporting by flowing process is suitable, e.g., in mining operations, where hauling the aqueous Suspension, the aqueous Suspension of the Solid over water, land, and/or air covers distances greater than 15 US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

km. In some embodiments, the distance is greater than or aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates is in a shipping equal to 20 km. In some embodiments, the distance ranges container that is integrated with the first vehicle (e.g., a cargo from 15 km to greater than 100km. In some embodiments, the hold of a ship), and the aqueous suspension of the Solid distance ranges from 5 to 80 km or from 10 to 50 km or from particulates is transferred via transporting by flowing (de 20 to 40 km. scribed herein) to a second container, which is integrated with 0098. In some embodiments, the distance is traversed cov at least one other vehicle (cargo hold of a ship) or which ering a body of water (rivers, lakes, bays, channels, coves, container is transferred, e.g., via cranes (gantry cranes, bridge straits, oceans, and the like), land (islands, isthmuses, penin cranes, overhead cranes, and the like), forklifts, conveyer Sulas, mountains, hills, plateaus, plains, and the like), air, and belts and the like, to at least one second vehicle. combinations thereof. 0102. In some embodiments, the transferring of the aque 0099. In some embodiments, the transshipping process is ous Suspension of the solid particulates from a first vehicle to a process in which the aqueous suspension of the solid par at least one other vehicle is interrupted at a staging area. In ticulates is transferred from a first vehicle to at least one other Some embodiments, the staging area is a ship yard, harbor, vehicle. The first vehicle and the at least one other vehicle are floating harbor, trainyard, trucking depot, airport and the like. independently chosen from the vehicles noted herein. The The staging area facilitates on-loading or off-loading (trans first vehicle and the at least one other vehicle are indepen ferring) of the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates dently and typically chosen based on the path along the dis from a first vehicle to at least one other vehicle. tance hauled, i.e., whether the path covers water, land, air, or (0103. In some embodiments, two or more vehicles each combinations thereof. For example, the first vehicle and the at haul one or more containers, which are stored (as described least one other vehicle are independently a ship and a train (or herein) at the staging area to await yet another vehicle. In truck) to traverse water and land. For example, the first Some embodiments, the sets of the one or more containers are vehicle and the at least one other vehicle are independently a stacked to await transfer to the second vehicle. In some separate ships, e.g., a tugboat having a barge and bulk carrier embodiments, the contents (the aqueous Suspension of Solid ship to traverse water. particulates) of the sets of the one or more containers are 0100. The aqueous suspension of the solid particulates is combined (or divided) into one or more storage containers transferred from a first vehicle to at least one other vehicle in and are stored (as described herein) before at least being various ways. In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension partial transferred to yet another vehicle. of the Solid particulates is in a shipping container separate 0104. In some embodiments, the first vehicle hauls one or from the first vehicle, and the shipping container is moved more containers, which are stored (as described herein) at the from the first vehicle to the at least one other vehicle. For staging area to await the at least one other vehicle. In some example, the shipping container is transferred, e.g., via cranes embodiments, the one or more containers are stacked to await (gantry cranes, bridge cranes, overhead cranes, and the like), transfer to the at least one other vehicle. In some embodi forklifts, conveyer belts and the like, from a first vehicle to at ments, the contents (the aqueous Suspension of solid particu least one other vehicle. lates) of the one or more containers are combined (or divided) 0101. In some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension of into one or more storage containers and are stored (as the Solid particulates is in a shipping container, and the con described herein) before at least being partial transferred to tents of the shipping container (the aqueous Suspension of yet another vehicle. Solid particulates) are transferred to a second container. In 0105. In some embodiments, the first vehicle hauls the Some embodiments, the shipping container is integrated with aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates a distance greater the first vehicle, e.g., a cargo hold of a ship, a tanker-trailer of than or equal to 1 km, and the at least one other vehicle hauls a semi-trailer truck, a tanker-freight carofa train, and the like. the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates a distance In some embodiments, the second container is integrated with greater than or equal to 1 km. In some embodiments, the first the at least one other vehicle, e.g., a cargo hold of a ship, a vehicle hauls the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates tanker-trailer of a semi-trailer truck, a tanker-freight car of a a distance greater than or equal to 5 km, and the at least one train, and the like. In some embodiments, the second con other vehicle hauls the aqueous Suspension of the Solid par tainer is separate from the at least one other vehicle and the ticulates a distance greater than or equal to 1 km and less than second container containing the aqueous Suspension of the or equal to 75 km. solid particulates is transferred to the at least one other 0106. In some embodiments, during storage and/or trans vehicle. For example, the aqueous Suspension of the Solid porting, settling of the Solid particulates occurs in a manner particulates is in a shipping container separate from the first inconsistent with that predicted by Stokes law of settling. In vehicle, and the shipping container is transferred from the Some embodiments, the aqueous Suspension prevents hard first vehicle, e.g., via tipping, using a tippler, the shipping packing. container to empty the contents (the aqueous Suspension of 0107. In some embodiments, the aqueous suspension is a the solid particulates) to a second container which is thereaf non-settling slurry. A non-settling slurry is a homogeneous ter transferred, e.g., via cranes (gantry cranes, bridge cranes, aqueous Suspension which does not settle for 24 hours. overhead cranes, and the like), forklifts, conveyer belts and the like, to at least one other vehicle. In some embodiments, Example 1 the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates is in a ship ping container separate from the first vehicle, and the ship 0108. The purpose of this example is to test the rheological ping container is transferred from a first vehicle, e.g., via properties of an iron ore slurry in the presence and in the tipping, using a tippler, the shipping container to empty the absence of a mineral Suspending agent. contents (the aqueous Suspension of the solid particulates) to 0109 Iron ore slurries having a solids weight percentage a second container which is integrated with at least one other of 70% and 74% were received from an Iron Ore Slurry vehicle, e.g., a cargo hold of a ship. In some embodiments, the Pipeline Operator. The liquid phase is water. Both slurries US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014 were hard settled or packed in the bottom of the containers. (m) versus shear rate f(y). Also shown in FIGS. 2E-Hare plots Clearly, these suspensions were inadequate for flowing in a of the shear stress versus shear rate f(y) under analogous pipeline. conditions. 0110 Aqueous Suspensions were prepared as shown in 0119) Each of FIGS. 2A-H demonstrates that Samples table 1. B-E have no minimal velocity. Furthermore, the lack of hys teresis means, e.g., that pipeline operators do not necessarily TABLE 1. have to keep track of the history of flow rates to efficiently operate the pipeline. Aqueous Suspensions of iron ore I0120 Each sample B-E is suitable for transporting by AG weight relative to solids flowing in a conduit. Sample Sw weight Example 2 A. 70 O.O B 70 O.OS I0121 A Bauxite slurry samples from a bauxite mining and C 70 0.075 slurry pipeline company having 65% solids weight percent D 70 O.1 and a particle size of 24%.<10 um were received. E 74 O.1 0.122 Aqueous Suspensions were prepared as shown in Sw = solids weight percentage; Table 2 below. AG = (Acti-Gel (R) 208, available from Active Mineral International). TABLE 2 0111 For samples A-D, the 70% solids slurry was divided into four fractions, and aqueous Suspensions of a mineral Bauxite slurry samples suspending agent (Acti-Gel(R) 208, available from Active Mineral Suspe AG weight relative Mineral International) were made by mixing 0%, 0.05%, Bauxite Particle Sw to solids weight nding Agent % 0.075%, and 0.10% by weight of the solids, weight percent age of a mineral Suspending agent (Acti-Gel R. 208, available Sample size (%) A. B C D from Active Mineral International). 1 24% < 10 m 65 O% O.OS 0.075 O.10 0112 Similarly, for sample E, the aqueous Suspension was 60 made by mixing 0.10% weight of the weight percentage of a 55 50 mineral suspending agent (Acti-Gel(R) 208, available from 2 28% < 10 lim 65 O% O.OS 0.075 O.10 Active Mineral International). 60 0113 Samples A-E were re-suspended using a concrete 55 3 32% < 10 lim 65 O% O.OS 0.075 O.10 drill to agitate the mixtures. 60 0114 For Samples B-E, no hard-packing was observed for 55 60 days using the rod penetrometer test AMI-WI-ORE-003 Sw = Solids weight percentage. AG = (Acti-Gel (R) 208, available from Active Mineral By way of comparison, Sample A hard-packed within one International). The nomenclature is as follows: Sample-it-Sw-(letter A, B, C, D). The # denotes the bauxite particle size; Sw denotes the solids weightpercentageyy96, in which yy hour. Based on these observations, Samples B-E were stor % = 65%, 60%, 55%, or 50%; and the Letter A,B,C,D represent the amount of AG, and For example, Sample 1-65-A has a bauxite particle size of 24% < 10 um, 65% solids weight able for 60 days without hard-packing or need of re-suspen percent, and 0% of Acti-Gel (R) 208. Sample 3- 60-C has a bauxite particle size of 32% < 10 Sion. Thus, Samples B-E are suitable for hauling long dis Lim, 60% solids weight percent, and 0.075% of Acti-Gel (R) 208, etc. tances and/or storing for an analogous time period. (0123 For Samples 1-65-A-D, the 65% solids slurry was 0115 Samples B-E were qualitatively observed to deter divided into four fractions, and aqueous Suspensions were mine that both coarse and fine solid particulates were sus made by mixing 0%, 0.05%, 0.075%, and 0.10% by weight of pended. the Solids weight percentage of a mineral Suspending agent 0116 For Samples B-E, viscosity measurement profile (Acti-Gel(R) 208, available from Active Minerals Interna tests were run using a Brookfield RS+Rheometer Concentric tional). Cylinder CC-40 with: 20 mm and 21 mm radius for bob and 0.124. The process was repeated for Samples 1-60-A-D, cup, 1 mm gap: Software: Rheo 3000; Program Profile: Slur 1-55-A-D etc. until the 40 samples in Table 2 were prepared. ries were run using a shear rate ramped from 0 sec' to 180 0.125 All Slurries, as received (Samples 1-yy-A: 2-yy-A: sec' over 90 sec, no hold, and then ramped from 180 sec' to & 3-yy-A, in which yy=50, 55, 60, or 65 as shown in Table 2), 0 secover 90 sec. These results are shown in FIG.1, which is were hard-packed in the bottom of the containers. Thus, these a plot of viscosity (m) versus the shear rate f(y) for each Samples were not suitable for transporting by flowing in a Sample A-E. pipeline. I0117. The change in viscosity (m) at lower shear rates f(s) 0.126 The various slurries were re-suspended using a con for each Sample A-E indicates that (1) minimal energy is crete drill and mixing equipment. Sufficient to alter the aqueous Suspensions from a static state I0127 Viscosity profile measurements were made using a to a flowing state and (2) decreasing viscosity with increasing Brookfield RS+Rheometer, Concentric Cylinder CC-40, 20 shear rates (shear-thinning behavior) ensures that relatively mm and 21 mm radius for bob and cup, 1 mm gap, Software: low energy expenditures are sufficient to flow Samples A-E. Rheo 3000. Program Profile: Slurries were run using a shear 0118. Next, the viscosity measurement profile was rate ramped from 0 sec' to 600 sec' over 90 sec, no hold, repeated using the same equipment and conditions but the and then ramped from 600 sec to 0 sec' over 90 sec. The systems were checked for hysteresis. The Rheometer was results are shown in FIGS. 3-5. ramped at shear rates from 0 s' to 600 s' over 90 sec; no I0128. The results in FIG.3 plot of viscosity (m) versus the hold, and then ramped from 600s to 0s over 90 sec. These shear rate f(y) for the four Samples 1-65-B-D, each having a results are shown in FIGS. 2A-D, which is a plot of viscosity 65% solids weight percentage and a particle size of 24%-10 US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

um, i.e., the coarsest with the highest Solids of example 2. TABLE 3 Sample 1-65-A, i.e., the one with 0% mineral suspending agent, was too thick to run on the Brookfield and thus not Titanium dioxide slurry samples Suitable for transporting by flowing in a pipeline. Nor are Sw solids weight AG weight relative to solids weight these data for Sample 1-65-A shown, because the settling rate is too high. (Similarly, nor are data for Sample 3-65-A shown, Sample percent (%) A. B C D because the settling rate is too high.) 1 75.2 O.15 O.20 O.25 O.30 2 76.4 O.15 O.20 O.25 O.30 0129. These data also show that remaining three Samples 3 77.8 O.15 O.20 O.25 O.30 1-65-B-D use a minimal amount of energy to alter the aque Sw = Solids weight percentage. AG = (Acti-Gel (R) 208, available from Active Mineral ous Suspensions from a static state to a flowing state and International). The nomenclature is as follows: Sample-ti- (letter A,B,C,D). The # denotes the solids weight percentageyy%, in which yy% = 75.2%, 76.4%, or 77.8%; and the Letter relatively low energy expenditures are sufficient to flow A,B,C,D represents the amount of AG. For example, Sample 1-A has 75.2% solids weight Samples 1-65-B-D. Furthermore, the lack of hysteresis percent, and 0.15% of AG, Sample 3-C has 77.8% solids weight percent, and 0.25% of AG, makes it easier for a pipeline operator to monitor Samples etc. 1-65-B-D during flowing for analogous reasons to those 0.138 Brookfield viscosity measurements were made of noted in Example 1. these slurries under the conditions noted above. These results are in FIG. 6A-F, which are plots of viscosity (m) versus the 0130. The results in FIG. 4 plot shear stress (t) versus the Brookfield RPM. It is clear from observing the data that the shear rate f(y) for the four Samples 1-65-A-D, each having a mineral Suspending agent raised the low shear viscosity pref 65% solids weight percentage and a particle size of 24%-10 erentially, which accounts for the elimination of settling and um, i.e., the coarsest with the second highest solids of syneresis behavior. example 2. Sample 1-65-A, i.e., the one with 0% mineral 0.139. The mineral suspending agent increased low shear Suspending agent, was too thick to run on the Brookfield and Viscosity to eliminate pigment settling. This was especially thus not suitable for transporting by flowing in a pipeline. apparent at higher TiO loadings. 0140. The data show that for the lowest amount of TiO, 0131 These data also show that remaining three Samples (75.2%), Samples 1 A, B, & D (FIG. 6A), the level of mineral 1-65-B-D use a minimal amount of energy to alter the aque Suspending agent did not provide as much low shear viscosity ous Suspensions from a static state to a flowing state and rise as it did for the higher levels of TiO, in the Samples-2- relatively low energy expenditures are sufficient to flow A-D (FIG. 6B) or Samples 3-A-D (FIG.6C) (i.e., 76.4, 77.8% Samples 1-65-B-D. Furthermore, the lack of hysteresis weight percent TiO). See also FIG. 6D comparing 0.15% AG makes it easier for a pipeline operator to monitor Samples for samples 1-3. 1-65-B-D during flowing for analogous reasons to those 0.141. The use of mineral Suspending agent makes it pos noted in Example 1. sible for the slurry maker to ship less water or other aqueous (0132) The results are in FIGS. 5A-D, which are plots of liquid phase to customers while not exceeding viscosity lim viscosity (m) versus the shear rate f(y) for Samples-1-65-A: its. 2-65-A; 3-65A, i.e., the samples with 65% solids weight 0142. In Samples 3 (FIG. 6C), adding the mineral sus percent and no AG; and for Samples 1-65-D, 2-65-D, 3-65D, pending agent to levels of 0.15% and 0.20% (Samples 3-A-B) i.e., the samples with 65% solids weight percent and 0.10% were more effective than in the counterpart examples for AG. Samples 1-A-B (FIG. 6A) or Samples 2-A-B (FIG. 6B). This is because less mineral Suspending agent is needed at higher 0.133 Sample-1-65-A, i.e., with the least fines added at Solids. 24%.<10 um, was too thick to run without the mineral sus 0.143 Mineral suspending agent addition levels of 0.25% pending agent. Sample-1-65-A is clearly not suitable for and 0.30% in Samples 2-C-D were very effective. No hard flowing in a pipeline. See FIG. 5A. packing occurred over a period of 26 weeks. 0134. As seen for Samples 1-65-D; 2-65-D; & 3-65D, the 0144 Brookfield Viscosities of all mineral suspending particle size (the amount of fine particles) has little effect on agent-stabilized Slurries were below 500 cps. the efficiency of the mineral Suspending agent. Each Samples 0145 Mineral suspending agent-stabilized slurries allow 1-65-D, 2-65-D; & 3-65D is suitable for flowing in a pipeline. for no hard packing, ease of flow under shear and less caking See FIGS 5A-C. of the slurry to the sides of the vessel. This can translate to 0135 No hard packing occurred with any sample compris more efficient TiO offloading. ing AG (1-65-D; 2-65-D; & 3-65D, etc.) for a period of 52 Example 4 weeks as measured by physical inspection using a spatula. 0146 Magnesium Hydroxide (MgOH) suspensions were 0.136 Samples without mineral suspending agent dispersed in the presence of a mineral Suspending agent AG (Samples-1-65-A: 2-65-A; 3-65A, etc.) were hard packed (above) to compare the viscosities of mineral Suspending within 2 weeks time. agent-stabilized versus non-stabilized MgOH samples. 0147 A 30% solids weight percent MgOH in water was Example 3 made in water using a high speed mixer. The mineral Sus pending agent AG was then added at 2% and at 5%, by weight, I0137 Titanium Dioxide (TiO) slurries containing 75.2%, to the MgOH suspension. This equates to 0.6% (Sample A) 76.4% and 77.8% solids were dispersed using 0.10%–0.30% and 1.5% (Sample B) mineral Suspending agent loading on a by weight of AG. The slurries were labeled as follows: Slurry dry weight% basis. #1: 75.2% TiO, Slurry #2: 76.4% TiO, Slurry #3: 77.8% 0.148. The slurries were combined under high shear mix TiO. 1ng. US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

014.9 These results are shown in FIG. 7, which plots vis floating harbor transshipping (FHT) staging area. At the FHT, cosity (m) versus Brookfield RPM (1/s). the iron ore slurry is agitated and transported by flowing 0150. An immediate rise in viscosity was noted in the under negative pressure to a 30,000 ton storage capacity curves in FIG. 7. container on the FHT. The process is repeated using several 0151. Upon shearing, Samples A-B exhibit excellent barges and tugboats until the 30,000 ton storage capacity Bingham plastic flow properties (i.e., excellent flow under container is at capacity. shear). 0.161 The iron ore is optionally further stored for about 6 0152. After 30 days of storage in a sealed container, the hours. During this period, a bulk transport ship positions itself slurries were checked for Suspension properties using the rod to receive the iron ore in its cargo bay of a bulk carrier ship. penetrometer test AMI-W1-ORE-003. The Samples A-B had The iron ore slurry is agitated and transferred by transporting some supernatant. No Hard Packing was observed over a by flowing under negative pressure to the cargo bay. period of 30 days. (0162. The bulk carriership thereafter leaves the FHT, trav Example 5 els at least 20km into open waters and begins to transport the iron ore to a destination over 100 km from the initial point 0153. A coal deposit contains a combination of minerals, where the iron ore was loaded on the barge. sulfoxides, and ash. A pipeline is run at 55-60% solids weight percentage in an aqueous slurry. 3 million tons of Solids is Example 10 believed moveable per year using 400,000 gallons of water. 0154) To the slurry is added palygorskite in an amount of 0163 A transshipment method of transporting solid par 1.0% of the Solids weight percentage and Sepiolite in an ticulates in an aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates is amount of 0.01% of the solids weight percentage. 3 million described. The bulk carrier containing 30,000 tons of iron ore tons of solids is believed moveable per year using 360,000 Suspension travels past open waters for about 20km to a port. gallons of water. After about 30 hours, the aqueous suspension of the iron ore 0155. Furthermore, the amount of electricity used to pump particulates is agitated and removed underpressure to a series the slurry is decreased by about 10% based on a belief that the of storages containers. The storage containers are stacked to decrease in head pressure decreases electrical consumption. await a train having freight cars sufficient to transport the storage containers. The storage containers are transferred to Example 6 the freight cars. After loading (about 40 hours), the train departs and travels at least 20 km or more to its target desti 0156 Caustic red mud, a solid waste product produced in nation. mining bauxite, has a pH of about 12-13. Typically caustic red mud is pumped to be stored, e.g., in a holding pond. Pumping Example 11 caustic red mud is extremely difficult. 0157 Caustic red mud is suspended in water in the pres 0164 Bauxite samples 1-65-C from example 2 is collected ence of 0.3% by weight of the solids of attapulgite. Caustic from the flow of a slurry pipeline and stored in a 3 ton red mud is believed easily transported via flowing of the shipping container. The shipping container is transported on a aqueous Suspension. Attapulgite is believed to be able to flatbed semi-tractor for 50 km to a port. The container is withstand the caustic environment with minimal attrition. thereafterloaded onto a barge and transported 4km to an edge of an island, where cranes are configured to move the ship Example 7 ping container to a bulk carrier having 100,000 ton capacity. 0158 Tailings are produced. Tailings are suspended in The process is repeated until the order is filled. The bulk water in the presence of 0.2% by weight of the solids of carrier travels 20 km to open water and continues on to its sepiolite. Tailing is believed easily transported via flowing of destination. the aqueous Suspension. Example 12 Example 8 0.165. The bulk carrier of example 11 travels the last 20km 0159. A mineral deposit is discovered on the ocean floor to its destination port. The containers containing bauxite approximately 2000 feet underwater. Solids are pumped up samples 1-65-C from example 2 are placed on a train having from the ocean floor using flexible piping and pumps. At the freight cars. The train travels 200 km to a location of a reser entrance of the flexible tubing is introduced 2% by solids Voir container connected to a slurry pipeline. The containers weight percent of bentonite and 1% by solids weight percent are off-loaded from the train by tippler, which empties the of montmorillonite. The mineral Suspending agent is believed content of the containers into the reservoir container for stor to have facilitated transporting via the solids by flowing of the age. After 24 hours, the reservoir container is opened and the aqueous Suspension. pipeline is opened to flow of the bauxite slurry. Example 9 Example 13 0160 A transshipment method of transporting solid par 0166 A slurry pipeline is directed by a series of floating, ticulates in an aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates is off-shore transshipment buoys and platforms directly from described. Iron ore from Example 1, sample C (a slurry hav mineral producer's slurry pipeline to a position overwater. ing a solids weight percentage of 74% and 0.075% Acti-Gel R. The slurry Bauxite samples 1-65-D from example 2 is 208, available from Active Mineral International) is trans pumped directly from pipelines terminus to a cargo bay of a ported by flowing via a conduit to a barge having a capacity of ship or a barge. The ship or barge transports the slurry greater 1.5 tons. The barge is propelled by a tugboat 10 km to a than 20 km. US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

Example 14 hauling the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates via 0167. The ship or barge of example 13 travels 20 km to a a second vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km. floating platform. The slurry Bauxite samples 1-65-D from 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous Suspension example 2 is agitated and pumped under negative pressure to of solid particulates comprises: a second pipeline, which is also directed by a series offloat an aqueous liquid, comprising water and optionally at least ing, off-shore transshipment buoys and platforms directly one other liquid, wherein the water is present in an from the docking floating platform to a buyer's slurry pipe amount greater than 50% V/v relative to the total volume of the water plus the volume of the at least one other line. liquid; Example 15 Solid particulates present in an amount ranging from 5% to 95% solids; and 0168 A second ship or barge arrives at the floating plat at least one mineral Suspending agent present in an amount form of Example 14. The second ship is hauling iron ore from ranging from 0.05% to 5.0% by weight of the solid Example 1, sample C. The iron ore slurry is agitated and particulates, wherein the at least one mineral Suspending pumped under negative pressure to the same second pipeline, agent is chosen from palygorskite, attapulgite, bento which is also directed by a series of floating, off-shore trans nite, montmorillonite, and Sepiolite. shipment buoys and platforms directly from the docking 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispersing com floating platform to a buyer's slurry pipeline. prises agitating Solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the 0169. At the terminus of the buyer's slurry pipeline, the presence of at least one mineral Suspending agent. iron ore slurry and the bauxite slurry (example 14) are 4. The method of claim3, wherein the aqueous Suspension blended. The blend is sent to a blast furnace. of solid particulates further comprises at least one additive. 0170 As evident from examples 9-15 and information 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one additive loading/unloading by means of floating, off-shore transship is chosen from: ment buoys or platforms directly from mineral producers at least one wetting/dispersing agent for the Solid particu slurry pipeline is possible. It is possible for a mineral slurry to lates present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 5% by be pumped directly from pipeline terminus to ship and weight of Solid particulates; exported. In other words, the process uses a pipeline/tanker at least one dispersing agent for the at least one mineral compatible system. Suspending agent; and (0171 Tanker transport of mineral slurries is not currently at least one neutralizer. possible because of particle settling/packing which is elimi 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising flowing the nated by, e.g., Acti-Gel(R) 208. aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates in a conduit Such 0172 There are a cost savings and benefits, e.g., in using that the Solid particulates are transported a distance greater Acti-Gel R. 208. For example, the presence of a sufficient than or equal to 200 m. amount of Acti-Gel(R) 208 makes it possible to facilitate ease 7. The method of claim 1, wherein a hauling step lasts for of loading directly from mineral slurry pipeline; eliminate the a period of time greater than 7 days. need for bulk, agitated holding tanks at end of pipeline net 8. A method of transshipping solid particulates in an aque work; eliminate dewatering or filtration of the transported ous Suspension of solid particulates, comprising: slurry (water treatment and disposal are optional); achieve dispersing, in a container, Solid particulates in an aqueous fasterloading/unloading times; load directly into a vehicle by liquid in the presence of at least one mineral Suspending continuous pumping; (conveyors, chutes, or bucket loaders agent to form the aqueous Suspension of Solid particu used for a dry bulk carrier are optional); eliminate shore lates; based bottlenecks associated with port operations; reduce transferring the container containing the aqueous Suspen demurrage charges; make more efficient use of tanker space, sion of solid particulates to a first vehicle; and thereafter e.g., by minimizing void space or improving packing; elimi hauling the container via a first vehicle a distance greater nates or minimize cargo shift; to eliminate open air storage of than or equal to 1 km; solids; eliminate fugitive dust or rainfall/runoff eliminate or transferring the aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates minimize need for preprocessing prior/after loading; or make from the first vehicle to a second vehicle; and optional crushing or pelletizing solids. hauling the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates via 0173 Other embodiments of the invention will be appar a second vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km. ent to those of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the amount of the the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates is greater than or herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be equal to 1 ton. considered as nonlimiting, with a true scope and spirit of the 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the amount of the invention being indicated by the following claims. aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates is greater than or What is claimed is: equal to 30,000 tons. 1. A method of transshipping Solid particulates in an aque 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the transferring the ous Suspension of Solid particulates, comprising: aqueous Suspension of solid particulates from the first vehicle dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the to a second vehicle includes transferring at least a portion of presence of at least one mineral Suspending agent to the aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates from the con form the aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates; tainer to a second container. hauling the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates via 12. The method of claim 11, wherein, following the trans a first vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km; fer, the second container contains an amount of the aqueous transferring the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particu Suspension of Solid particulates greater than or equal to lates from the first vehicle to a second vehicle; and 30,000 tons. US 2014/0234032A1 Aug. 21, 2014

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising transfer dispersing, in a container, Solid particulates in an aqueous ring at least a portion of the aqueous Suspension of Solid liquid in the presence of at least one mineral Suspending particulates from the second container to the second vehicle. agent to form the aqueous Suspension of Solid particu lates; 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second vehicle is transferring the container containing the aqueous Suspen a bulk carrier ship and the amount transferred is greater than sion of solid particulates to a first vehicle; and thereafter or equal to 20,000 tons. hauling the container via a first vehicle a distance greater 15. The method of claim 8, wherein the hauling the con than or equal to 1 km; tainer via the first vehicle is for a distance greater than or equal transferring the aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates to 20 km. from the first vehicle to a second vehicle; and hauling the aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates via 16. The method of claim 8, wherein the hauling the con a second vehicle a distance greater than or equal to 1 km. tainer via the second vehicle is for a distance greater than or 19. The method of claim 19, the first vehicle and the second equal to 20 km. vehicle are independently chosen from trains, trucks, planes, 17. The method of claim 8, further comprising flowing the and ships. aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates in a conduit Such 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising flowing the that the Solid particulates are transported a distance greater aqueous Suspension of the Solid particulates in a conduit Such than or equal to 200 m. that the Solid particulates are transported a distance greater 18. A method of transshipping solid particulates in an than or equal to 200 m. aqueous Suspension of Solid particulates, comprising: k k k k k