Process for dewatering fine-particle solids suspensions

摘要

PCT No. PCT/EP93/01297 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 1, 1994 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 1, 1994 PCT Filed May 24, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO93/24798 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 9, 1993Finely divided solids suspensions can be dewatered by adding to the solids suspension a mixed hydroxy ether of the formula <IMAGE> wherein R1 is a linear hydroxy alkyl group containing from 2 to 16 carbon atoms with the hydroxyl group on the carbon atom adjacent to the carbon atom with the ether linkage and R2 is a linear alkyl group with 1 to 15 carbon atoms with the proviso that the sum of the total carbon atoms in R1 and R2 is 5 to 17, R3 is a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 12 carbon atoms and n is a number of from 1 to 20. The mixed hydroxy ethers are readily biodegradable, generate very little foam and have a low solidification point.