Water continuous emulsion polymers for improving scale control in the bayer process

摘要

The present invention is directed to improvements in the Bayer mining process, used for the recovery of alumina from bauxite ore. Water-continuous emulsion polymers are advantageously used to improve the clarification, filtration and scale control of red-mud containing liquors generated during the Bayer process. Preferred polymers are high molecular weight poly(methyl acrylate/acrylic acid), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(vinyl acetate/acrylic acid/methyl acrylate) and a combination of a high molecular weight poly(methyl acrylate/acrylic acid) with a lower molecular weight poly(methyl acrylate/acrylic acid).