WO1988005067A1 - Matiere absorbante degradable et procede de fabrication de celle-ci - Google Patents

Matiere absorbante degradable et procede de fabrication de celle-ci Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1988005067A1
WO1988005067A1 PCT/US1987/003497 US8703497W WO8805067A1 WO 1988005067 A1 WO1988005067 A1 WO 1988005067A1 US 8703497 W US8703497 W US 8703497W WO 8805067 A1 WO8805067 A1 WO 8805067A1
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Prior art keywords
absorbent material
weight
degradable
set forth
slurry
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Application number
PCT/US1987/003497
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English (en)
Inventor
Christopher R. Phillips
Original Assignee
Phillips Christopher R
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Application filed by Phillips Christopher R filed Critical Phillips Christopher R
Publication of WO1988005067A1 publication Critical patent/WO1988005067A1/fr

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K3/00—Materials not provided for elsewhere
    • C09K3/32—Materials not provided for elsewhere for absorbing liquids to remove pollution, e.g. oil, gasoline, fat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/015—Floor coverings, e.g. bedding-down sheets ; Stable floors
    • A01K1/0152—Litter
    • A01K1/0155—Litter comprising organic material

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to absorbent materials and processes for the manufacture thereof; and, more particularly, to absorbent materials which are readily degradable by incineration or the like following usage as an absorbent and which may be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic i nature, thereby permitting usage of the hydrophilic forms of the invention as industrial floor sweeps, beddings for use in animal transport, kitty litter and the like, while permitting usage of the hydrophobic forms of the invention for species specific absorption purposes such, merely by way of example, a the absorption of oil spills from both land and water environments, as well as absorption of other toxic liquid materials and/or other liquid contaminants.
  • the present invention utilizes, as basic ingredient, waste cellulose fibers of the type commonly generated in wood pulping or paper making operations; and, mor particularly, waste cellulose fibers having a relatively low content of inorganic solids—____g_., clays and/or other silica compounds, commonly referred to as "fillers".
  • the waste cellulose fibers used with the present invention include not more than 10% inorganic solids by weight and, in any event, less than 30% inorganic solids by weight.
  • the waste cellulose fibers employed with the present invention have no inorganic solids content; but, as a practical matter, the waste streams fran most pulp and/or paper mills will include some inorganic solids or "fillers", -typically, such waste cellulose fiber materials having relatively low inorgani solids content are generated as a waste bi-product at the discharge end of a sulfite bleach mill used in the pulping industry such, for example, as in the pulp mill of Georgia Pacific Corporation located in Bellingham, Washington.
  • clay-based materials and other inorganic absorbents have been utilized in the control and removal of undesired liquids fr ⁇ m industrial floors and walkways and similar industrial environments. But, such materials are not: i) sufficiently effective as determined by absorptive capacity; ii) convenient as determined by bulk density, typically 25 to 40 lbs./ft. 3 ; or iii) , readily decomposable or degradable, as the wholly inorganic constituents preclude incineration even when saturated with combustible liquid material or the like.
  • a recent advance in absorptive media entails the pelletization of cellulose fibers and clay and/or other inorganic solids as disclosed in U.S. Letters Patent No. 4,374,794—Kok. However, the action of pelletizing a combination of cellulose fibers and inorganic solids or
  • fillers requires use of considerable force applied to the material in order to extrude it from a die orifice.
  • the requisite force is a compres ⁇ ive action that: i) eliminates interstitial spaces in the body of the pellet; ii) creates a non-porous surface; iii) creates a dimensionally stable cylindrical shape; and iv) , results in a product having a bulk density typically ranging from 25 to 40 lbs./ft.3
  • the extruded pellets when used as an absorptive media on floor surfaces, the extruded pellets present a hazardous rolling interface between the floor surface and pedestrian traffic. Further, such extruded pellets exhibit low absorptive capacities.
  • fillers tend to increase the bulk density of the resulting product which generally ranges from 16 to 20 lbs./ft.3; and, a a consequence, even though the product is hydrophobic, upon saturation with oil it will not float.
  • the large amount of inorganic solids present tends to reduce both the rate of absorption and the absorptive capacity of the product produced.
  • the inorganic solids are not readily flammable and/or degradable; and, cannot be satisfactorily disposed of by incineration, thus producing a significant quantity of non-degradable ash, which creates a high-cost disposal problem, and reducing the amount of heat that can be generated per cubic volume of waste material.
  • the inorganic solids present further create significant dust problems resulting in eye and/or breathing irritants, undesirable abrasion of production equipment and, indeed, a severe explosion hazard.
  • the present invention overcomes all of the disadvantages inherent in the prior art as exemplified by the foregoing Kok, Ericsson and Ericsson g£ ⁇ 1 patents by providing particulate absorbent materials which: i) in most forms of the invention have a relatively low content of inorganic materials and in all forms have less than 30% inorganic solids by weight; ii) are not in pellet form; iii) are characterized by an open porous fiber structure having relatively low bulk densities, high rates of absorption, and high absorptive capacities; iv) are highly flammable both before and after absorption of liquid materials which are often themselves non-flammable, and, therefore, are characterized by high heat values during recycling; v) produce relatively little ash when incinerated, thus minimizing disposal costs and problems; and vi) , readily permit of treatment to render the absorbent material hydrophobic and/or characterized by its ability to remove, and/or form a barrier for, toxic and/or nox
  • the invention contemplates the use of waste cellulose fiber materials having no inorganic solids or "fillers" at all; although, given the state of the known technology available today, it is generally necessary to use waste cellulose materials having from on the order of 2%, or less, inorganic solids by weight to on the order of 10% inorganic solids by weight, but in any event, less than 30% inorganic solids by weight.
  • waste cellulose materials having "minimal inorganic solids content” shall mean a waste cellulose material having: i) less than 30% inorganic solids content by weight even when used as a litter material where inorganic solids may be added to increase the inorganic solids content to on the order of 25% so as to increase the flushability of used litter material; ii) preferably not more than 10% inorganic solids content by weight; and iii) , ideally, either no inorganic solids content or as little inorganic solids content as possible.
  • the waste cellulose fibers are mixed with water, a latex emulsion and aluminum sulfate or other material capable of reducing the pH level, so as to form a slurry comprising approximately 96.5% water by weight and approximately 3.5% total solids by weight.
  • a suitable flocculant is added to the slurry, preferably during transfer of the slurry to a press where excess water is removed from the slurry so as to produce a mat or press cake which is approximately 40% total solids by weight.
  • the mat or press cake is then shredded and passed through a conditioning conveyor where the particulate shredded materials are tumbled in a water mist in the presence of a surfactant so as to condition the particulate materials by folding in projecting fibers and fiber ends to form non-fuzzy particles and to enhance the wetability thereof.
  • the resulting particulate material is then dried to increase the solids content to preferably on the order of from 88% to 90% total solids by weight. While it is prefered to dry the particulate material to a range of from 88% to 90% total solids by weight, it is essential that the material be dried to at least 75% total solids by weight so as to minimize bacteriologic degradation; and, indeed, preferably all moisture in excess of water of hydration is removed.
  • a degradable absorbent material produced in accordance with the foregoing process will be hydrophilic by nature, having a relatively low bulk density which is preferably on the order of from about 8 to 10 lbs./ft. 3 as contrasted with the bulk densities inherent in the Ericsson and the Ericsson g£ ⁇ 1 products which range from 16 to 20 lbs./ft. 3 .
  • the lower bulk density serves to substantially enhance the absorptive capacity of the product; and, when the product is treated to render it hydrophobic, serves to ensure that the product will float on water for prolonged periods of time, even when saturated with oil, so as to permit the ready absorption and retention of oil and similar liquids in a floating environment.
  • the substantially reduced amount of inorganic solids present in the product of the present invention as contrasted with prior products ensures ready degradation of the product after use by incineration or the like, thus maximizing heat values produced and minimizing the quantity of ash that must be disposed of as well as attendant disposal costs.
  • inorganic solids When used as a litter material for cats and similar animals, inorganic solids may be added to the slurry so as to increase the total inorganic content of the solids in the slurry to approximately 25% of the total solids present by weight but, in any event, less than 30% of the total solids present by weight, thus enhancing the flushability of used litter material.
  • the absorbent material of the present invention can incorporate a suitable deodorant and/or vapor barrier which either serves to absorb noxious fumes and/or odorants or to prevent dissemination thereof into the surrounding atmosphere.
  • the absorbent material of the present invention When it is desired to convert the absorbent material of the present invention to one that is hydrophobic in nature, it is possible to add resins and/or other water repellants to the material—preferably water repellants that are species specific with regard to attraction of the liquids to be absorbed. Alternatively, plastic materials may be added to the basic absorbent material of the present invention so as to render the material hydrophobic in nature.
  • FIGURE 1 is a microphotograph (20OX magnification) depicting a typical conventional prior art absorbent material of the type resulting from the processes disclosed in the foregoing Ericsson and/or Ericsson gt ⁇ 1 patents, here
  • FIG. 2 is a microphotograph (20OX magnification) illustrating the fibrous array in absorbent materials made in
  • FIG. 3 is a highly magnified (500X magnification) microphotograph here illustrating the conventional prior art
  • FIG. 4 is a highly magnified (500X magnification) microphotograph of an absorbent material made in accordance with the present invention, here particularly emphasizing both the lack of inorganic solids present within the product and the
  • Suitable waste cellulose fibers can be obtained from sulfite, sulfite-acid, groundwood, sulfate, thermomechanical and kraft process mills for forming pulp, as well as from variety of other paper making operations; and, the types of inorganic solids which are commonly present in such waste cellulose fiber materials include, but are not limited to, kaolin, China clay, talc, calcium carbonate and silica mineral complexes; but, as previously indicated, it is preferable to employ a waste cellulosic fiber material having a minimal content of inorganic solids of the foregoing types.
  • the process initially involves the formation of a slurry comprisin approximately 96.5% water and approximately 3.5% total solids by weight wherein the solids content of the slurry comprises: i) waste cellulose fibers having minimal inorganic solids content and constituting in the range of 94% to 99.5% and, preferably, approximately 99% by weight of total dry solids; ii) a suitable latex emulsion to promote adhesion of the fiber one to another and constituting in the range of about 0.5% to 5%, and preferably approximately 1%, of total dry solids by weight; and iii) , a suitable acidic material in such quantity as required to reduce the pH level of the slurry to in the range of from about 4.5 to 5.5.
  • the waste cellulose fibers having minimal inorganic solids content are added to water in any suitable agitation tank. Thereafter, th requisite .amount of -latex emulsion is added to the slurry. While those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wide variety of latex emulsions can be employed to promote adhesion of the fibers one to another, particularly advantageous result have been obtained when using a water insoluble latex emulsion marketed by Dow Chemical U.S.A. of Midland, Michigan under the product designation DL244A. Thereafter, a suitable acidic material is added to the slurry, as required, in order to adjust the pH level down to a range of from 4.5 to 5.5.
  • the slurry produced in the agitation tank is, after sufficient agitation to insure a homogeneous mix of the slurry constituents, transferred to a conventional press to dewater the slurry and form a mat or press cake having in the range of 30% to 45%, and preferably on the order of about 40%, total dry- solids by weight.
  • the press may take many well known, conventional and commercially available forms— ⁇ ______, a V-press, a screw press, a vacuum drum, or the like—but, excellent results have been achieved using a conventional high-pressure belt press of the type manufactured by Parkson Co. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and marketed under the product designation Magnum Series 3000-2.0.
  • a suitable flocculating agent to the slurry produced in the agitation tank prior to delivery thereof to the press.
  • Such flocculating agent may take various forms; but, particularly desirable results have been achieved when using Polymer 1264 manufactured by Betz Paper Chem, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida as a flocculating agent.
  • Such flocculating agent may be added to the slurry in the agitation tank; but, is preferably added to the slurry as it is transferred from the agitation tank to the press.
  • the quantity of flocculating agent added may vary widely dependent upon such diverse variables as the type of flocculating agent employed, the nature and content of the slurry, etc.
  • the quantity of flocculating agent is not critical provided only that as the flocculating agent is added to the slurry, the operator visually observes the slurry; and, when floccluation or "clumping" of the fibers is observed, accompanied by clearing of the water which theretofore exhibited a milky appearance due to the presence of the latex emulsion, the addition of further flocculating agent can be terminated.
  • the press cake output from the conventional press is shredded to form discrete particles exhibiting predominantly flat planes by means of a dual shaft counterrotating shredding device incorporating circular toothed blades.
  • a shredding device is completely conventional and may take the form of a shredder of the type manufactured by Miller Franklin Co. of Livingston, New Jersey and marketed under the trademark "TASKMASTER". Again, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that other readily available particulating devices may be substituted without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
  • the flat planed discrete particles of absorbent material composed of randomly aligned fibers and minimal inorganic solids formed by the non-compressive shearing action of the shredding device are then conveyed to a conventional screw conveyor wherein the particles are conditioned by tumbling in the presence of a water mist so as to cause the loose fibers and fiber ends protruding from the flat planes and edges of the particles to be combined with the body thereof, thus converting the fuzzy particles produced by the shredder to non-fuzzy particles.
  • Drying of the particles is accomplished in a fluidized bed dryer of conventional manufacture and available from such entities as, for example: Carmen Ind. of Jeffersonville, Indiana; and. Dresser Industries of Hillsboro, Oregon, utilizing an inlet airstream temperature in the range of 170"C. to 240°C. and, preferably, 180°C. to 200°C.
  • the particles exit the dryer after a residence time of approximately six (6) minutes with a total dry solids content in excess of 75% by weight, preferably in the range " of 80% to 92% by weight, and most preferably in the range of from 88% to 90% by weight.
  • the final bulk, density of the liquid absorbent particles is, of course, a function of the origin of the fibers, the ratio of inorganic.solids to organic fibers by weight, and the final total dry solids content. Such variables may be adjusted, as desired, to better suit the material to specific applications. However, an acceptable range is equal to, or less than, 13 lbs./ft. 3 , with a preferred bulk density ranging from 6 to 10 lbs./ft. 3
  • a general purpose industrial grade liquid absorbent embodying features of the present invention was made as follows:
  • waste cellulose fibers having minimal inorganic solids content were obtained from a sulfite-acid pulping facility having a waste discharge stream containing a total solids content of 28% with an inorganic solids content of 5%.
  • a 400 gallon batch of slurry was prepared as described above by addition of sufficient water to the cellulose fibers in an agitation tank to produce a water/fiber slurry containing 96.5% water and 3.5% total dry solids; and, wherein the total dry solids comprised: i) approximately 99% organic cellulose fibers having minimal inorganic solids content (5%); ii) approximatel 1% of water insoluble latex emulsion (DL244A) ; and iii), a small quantity of Alum sufficient to reduce the pH value of th slurry to approximately 5.
  • the resultant slurry was then transferred to a Parkson Co. belt press while a small amount o flocculant (Polymer 1264) was added sufficient to evidence initiation of visibly observable flocculation of the solids and clarification of the milky appearance of the water resulting from the latex added to the original slurry.
  • the resultant slurry and flocculant was dewatered in the Parkson Co. belt press to form a press cake containing 40% total solids by weight. Thereafter, the press cake was shredded in a Miller Franklin TASKMASTER shredder, conditioned in a screw conveyor under the influence of a water mist containing 0.5% surfactant (DPS1104) , and dried to 90% total dry solids.
  • the resulting.liquid absorbent material- manufactured in accordance with the present invention was then compared with conventional clay floor sweeps purchased locally with three varieties of pellets designated herein as "A”, “B” and “C", each of which were composed of cellulose and inorganic solids and which are available commercially from various retail establishments located throughout the United States.
  • the comparative bulk densities of the product of the present invention and commercially available pellets "A”, “B” and “C” are set forth in Table I below, while the superior absorptive abilities of the liquid absorbent media produced in accordance with the present invention as compared with those of the pellets "A", “B” and “C” are listed in Table II below.
  • Absorptive Capacity % by weight (uptake media, standard hydraulic oil)
  • the absorbent media prepared in accordance with the present invention is far superior to conventional commercially available pellets in absorption capacities and lighter in weight given comparative volumes.
  • time is of the essence in containing liquid spills.
  • the limiting factor in containment-and cleanup response is the weight-carrying ability of an employee.
  • an employee Utilizing the absorptive media of the present invention, an employee will be able to deliver from two (2) to three (3) times the volume of absorptive media to a spill location in a given period of time with a consequent significant increase in absorptive capacity.
  • the absorptive media prepared in accordance with the present invention does not present a round rolling interface between the floor surface and pedestrian traffic.
  • the present invention exhibits many advancements over the known prior art as exemplified by, for example, the commercially available pellets designated "A”, "B” and *C” and/or the pellets disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 4,374,794— ok.
  • the absorbent media of the present invention was then compared with absorbent media of the type disclosed in the foregoing Ericsson patent.
  • the bulk density of the absorbent media of the present invention was, as indicated above, 7.0 lbs./ft. 3 ; whereas the bulk density of the Ericsson absorbent material was 19.36 lbs./ft. 3 .
  • the present invention exhibited the capacity to absorb an amount of standard hydraulic oil equal to 290% of its weight in only one (1) minute as compared with 301% in sixteen (16) hours—viz. .! , the absorbent material of the invention reached virtually its full capacity of absorption in only one (1) minute.
  • the Ericsson material was capable of absorbing an amount of the standard hydraulic oil equal to only 133% of its weight in one (1) minute and did not reach its maximum capacity of 156% of its weight until sixteen (16) hours, thus clearly demonstrating the superior absorbing characteristics of the present invention, both in terms of total absorptive capacity and rate of absorption.
  • FIGS. 1 and 3 which respectively depict the Ericsson absorbent media at 20OX and 50OX magnification, one can readily observe that the interstitial spaces between adjacent fibers contain large amounts of inorganic solids consistent with Ericsson's teaching that his media must contain "...at least 30% up to 50% of an inorganic cellulose paper pulp filler" £gg. Col. 1, lines 48 and 49 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,877.
  • FIGS. 2 and 4 which respectively depict the absorbent media of the type produced in Example I of the present invention
  • the interstitial spaces between adjacent fibers are essentially devoid of inorganic solids or "fillers”.
  • the particles are characterized by their open internal structure and a porous surface defined by randomly oriented fibers wherein the fibers and fiber ends are laid into the particle body as a result of passage through the conditioning conveyor in the presence of a water mist.
  • the absorbent media of the present invention is not fuzzy and is essentially dust free.
  • a liquid absorbent material was prepared in accordance " with the present invention in the same manner as that described above in connection with Example I except that in this instance 0.75% by weight of a water soluble deodorizing chemical commercially available from Cox Family Laboratories, Inc. of Lynden, Washington, and marketed under the trademark "CONTACT", was added to the product during transit through the screw-type conditioning conveyor. The resulting dried absorbent material was then tested for use as an animal bedding material. To this end, 48 lbs. of liquid absorbent material were distributed evenly throughout a pen 6*x8' (48 sq. ft.), forming a bedding of approximately 2" in depth. Fifteen (15) mixed breed pigs weighing approximately 20 lbs. each were placed in the pen and provided with water, but with no feed.
  • the pigs were left in the pen for a period of 24 hours. It was noted that at the outset the test pigs chewed on the absorbent material; but, that did not continue after the first hour or so. Throughout the test period the absorbent material maintained its absorbency and resiliency; and, no dust was observed. The pigs were observed for four days following the test and showed no ill effects. Based upon the observations made during this test, the absorbent material of the present invention appeared to work as an excellent bedding for shipping swine via air; and, of course, the lightness in weight of the material attributable to its low bulk density as contrasted with the bulk density of other conventional bedding materials, is a contributing factor to minimal cost for air freight charges.
  • a liquid absorbent material was formed in accordance with the process as described above for Example II except that in this instance the inorganic solids content of the waste cellulose fibers (which were input to the slurry at 5% inorganic solids) was adjusted upwardly by the addition of silica sand having an 8 micron mean size to raise the total content of inorganic solids in the slurry to 28%, thus reducing the content of organic cellulose fibers to approximately 71%. The amount of latex emulsion and Alum remained unchanged, "as did all other variables in the process.
  • the resulting liquid absorbent material exhibited a bulk density of 11.7 lbs./ft. 3 and showed an absorptive capacity of 204% of its weight after one minute, 209% after one hour, and 213% after 16 hours.
  • the material has proved excellent as a flushable kitty or pet litter since the addition of inorganic solids increased the bulk density to a level which enabled used litter material to be readily flushed dcwn a toilet, whereas the materials of Examples I and II tend to float on the surface of the toilet water unless left unflushed for a sufficient period of time as to be completely wetted by the water.
  • a hydrophobic liquid absorbent material was prepared as follows:
  • a water/solids slurry containing 96.5% water and 3.5% total solids was prepared in precisely the same manner as described above in conj unction with Example I except that in this instance the solids were sized by the addition of
  • Nuepfor 635 a resin material marketed by Hercules Incorporated of Wilmington, Delaware. To this end, approximately 3% resin by weight was added to the slurry, reducing the content of waste cellulose fibers in the slurry to approximately 96%. The quantity of latex and Alum remained the same. After suitable agitation, the slurry was transferred to the press in precisely the same manner described above for Example I; but, in this instance a water insoluble ionic wax was added to the slurry during the transfer in a quantity comprising 1.5% of the total solids present in the slurry.
  • non-ionic waxes may be . employed to enhance the hydrophobicity of the product; but, excellent results have been observed when the non-ionic wax was comprised of either Cascowax EW403H as provided by Bordon, Inc. of Columbus, Ohio or a silicon material manufactured by Union Carbide Corporation of Sistersville, West Virginia marketed under the product designation LE9300. The product was then dried in precisely the same manner described above in connection with Example I.
  • the resulting product was then tested for its ability to absorb oil spills on water.
  • the product had a bulk density of 7.4 lbs./ft. 3 ; and, when placed in water containing an oil spill, readily floated. Indeed, the product remained floating long after all oil had been absorbed; effectively absorbed a quantity of oil equal to 246% of its weight in less than 16 hours; and, thereafter remained floating for a sufficient period of time to have permitted its removal from the water with all absorbed oil. However, the absorbent material with the absorbed oil was permitted to remain in the water. It wa noted that after 24 hours, some sinkage began to occur; but, all of the material did not sink until two (2) weeks had elapsed. After sinkage, the product exhibited some propensit to release a portion of the absorbed oil.
  • Example IV the quantities of the process additives used in Example IV are no critical, and may be varied as desired and/or required.
  • the amount of resin (Nemphor 635) added to the slurry in Example IV was 3% resin by weight, excellent results have also been obtained using both less and more resin—for example, from 2% or less to 4% or more resin.
  • the amounts of ionic and/or non-ionic wax employed may also differ from the quantities used in Example IV dependent on the result desired.
  • a second hydrophobic absorbent material embodying features of the present invention was manufactured as follows:
  • a water/solids slurry was prepared in precisely the manner described above in Example I. Thereafter, the slurry was transferred to a Parkson Co. belt press for dewatering in the manner previously described; but, as the slurry was transferred, 3% by weight of a liquid plastic of the type manufactured by Betz Paper Chem, Inc. of Jacksonville, Florida and marketed under the product designation DPS863C was added t the slurry. The product was then dewatered, shredded, conditioned and dried in precisely the manner described in Example I.
  • the resulting product had a bulk density of 7.7 lbs./ft. 3 , an affinity for oil spilled on water and an absorptive capacity for oil of 326% of its weight after one minute, 330% after one hour, and 336% after sixteen (16) hours by which time all oil in the spill had been absorbed.
  • product sinkage did not begin until more than 24 hours after the absorbent material was placed in the water—i_.g. » , long after full absorption had occurred, thus permitting ample time to have removed the product and the absorbed oil. Indeed, sinkage of all of the absorbent media did not occur for three (3) weeks; and, even then the product retained all of the absorbed oil and none was released.
  • One additional advantageous application for liquid absorbent materials embodying features of, and made in accordance with, the present invention comprises usage as a shock absorbent packing material for packaging containers—particularly containers of noxious and/or toxic chemicals and/or liquids.
  • the absorbent media of the present invention is both suitable and highly effective as a replacement for conventional packing materials such as "vermiculite", an expanded silica material containing fibrous silica dust in the form of asbestos.
  • the absorbent media of the present invention serves to effectively absorb and retain the leaking liquid, thereby preventing hazardous spills which might otherwise occur—all without any dust problem and particularly without distribution of hazardous asbestos dust.
  • improved processes for forming improved liquid absorbent media which may be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic and which, in either case, are characterized by: i) their loose porous cellulose fiber structure essentially devoid of appreciable amounts of inorganic solids or "fillers”—i.e. , a cellulose fiber structure having minimal inorganic solids content as closely approximating 0% inorganic solids by weight as possible (except where inorganic solids are added to such material when intended for use as kitty litter or the like to improve flushability of used litter) and, in any event, less than 30% inorganic solids by weight; ii) a relatively low bulk density (not more than 13 lbs./ft.

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Abstract

Matières dégradables à particules absorbantes et procédés de fabrication de ces matières, celles-ci ayant les caractéristiques suivantes: i) elles contiennent, dans la plupart des formes que comporte l'invention seulement une proportion en poids de l'ordre de 0 à 10 % de solides inorganiques ou matières inertes, et, dans toutes les formes de cette invention, moins de 30 % en poids de solides inorganiques; ii) elles ne se présentent pas sous forme de granules; iii) elles ont une structure fibreuse, poreuse et ouverte, de densité relativement faible, de l'ordre de 13 lbs./ft.3 au maximum et comprise de préférence entre environ 6 et environ 10 lbs./ft.3; iv) elles sont caractérisées par des taux et des capacités d'absorption élevés; v) elles sont très inflammables tant avant qu'après absorption de matières liquides qui, souvent, sont elles-mêmes ininflammables et, de ce fait, sont caractérisées par une grande valeur thermique en cours de recyclage; vi) elles donnent relativement peu de cendres lorsqu'on les incinère, ce qui réduit au minimum les coûts et les problèmes d'élimination; vii) elles se prêtent facilement à un traitement destiné à rendre les matières à particules absorbantes hydrophobes et/ou caractérisées par leur capacité à éliminer et/ou à empêcher la formation de substances odorantes toxiques et/ou nocives.
PCT/US1987/003497 1987-01-02 1987-12-31 Matiere absorbante degradable et procede de fabrication de celle-ci WO1988005067A1 (fr)

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL7706339A (nl) * 1976-06-15 1977-12-19 Keyes Fibre Co Olie-absorberend produkt.
AT347362B (de) * 1977-02-15 1978-12-27 Borregaard Oesterreich Mittel auf basis von zellulose bzw. holzfasern zum aufnehmen und/oder binden von insbesondere umweltgefaehrdenden fluessigkeiten und verfahren zur herstellung des mittels
US4374794A (en) * 1980-05-02 1983-02-22 Kok Cornelis Jacobus M Process for the preparation of a liquid-absorbing and shock-absorbing material
US4458629A (en) * 1980-08-15 1984-07-10 Gerber Milton L Litter for mammals and fowl
DE3514806A1 (de) * 1984-04-24 1985-10-24 Kimberly-Clark Corp., Neenah, Wis. Agglomerierte, cellulosische teilchen und verfahren zu ihrer herstellung
US4625679A (en) * 1984-08-14 1986-12-02 Hill Robert V Bedding product for animals and method of making same

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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NL7706339A (nl) * 1976-06-15 1977-12-19 Keyes Fibre Co Olie-absorberend produkt.
AT347362B (de) * 1977-02-15 1978-12-27 Borregaard Oesterreich Mittel auf basis von zellulose bzw. holzfasern zum aufnehmen und/oder binden von insbesondere umweltgefaehrdenden fluessigkeiten und verfahren zur herstellung des mittels
US4374794A (en) * 1980-05-02 1983-02-22 Kok Cornelis Jacobus M Process for the preparation of a liquid-absorbing and shock-absorbing material
US4458629A (en) * 1980-08-15 1984-07-10 Gerber Milton L Litter for mammals and fowl
DE3514806A1 (de) * 1984-04-24 1985-10-24 Kimberly-Clark Corp., Neenah, Wis. Agglomerierte, cellulosische teilchen und verfahren zu ihrer herstellung
US4625679A (en) * 1984-08-14 1986-12-02 Hill Robert V Bedding product for animals and method of making same

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CA1313468C (fr) 1993-02-09
AU1223988A (en) 1988-07-27

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