PURIFICATION OF BAYER PROCESS LIQUORS

摘要

of the Invention Bayer process liquors derived from the digestion of bauxites with a caustic solution are purified by removing at least a portion of the organic impurities present in the liquors. Removal of these impurities is accomplished by treating liquor containing dispersed therein solids generated by the Bayer process or added thereto, such as red mud particles, alumina trihydrate, oxalate salt, or filter aid with an organic polymeric, water-soluble cationic quaternary ammonium salt (POLYQUAT salt) which due to its cationic nature will adhere to the surface of the dispersed solids. The organic coating or layer adhered to the solids provides a receptive surface for the organic impurities, thus allowing formation of a solid-Polyquat-organic Adduct which is easily removed from the Bayer system.