Methods and compositions for dust control and freeze conditioning

Abstract

Dust control and/or freeze conditioning compositions and methods of using the compositions are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides methods of utilizing the dust control and/or freeze conditioning products. For example, the method can comprise preventing the agglomeration of particulate material comprising coal and the adhesion thereof to surfaces in subfreezing weather. The method can also comprise preventing dust formation from particulate material handling processes. The dust control and/or freeze conditioning compositions can comprise a bottom stream derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. The dust control and/or freeze conditioning compositions can also comprise a bottom stream of transesterification reactions involving triglycerides.

1 . A method of controlling the generation of dust from a surface bearing particulate materials comprising:
 a) providing a composition comprising a bottom stream formed from a manufacturing process for making fatty acid esters from at least one oil selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils, plant oils and animal fats, wherein the glycerin content is less than 45%; and   b) applying said composition to the surface an amount sufficient to suppress the generation of dust wherein the glycerin dosage is less than 200 grams per ton of particulate material, wherein the glycerin dosage is less than 200 grams of glycerin per square yard of road surface, wherein the glycerin dosage is substantially less than is required for de-icing the surface with pure glycerin, and wherein the glycerin dosage is substantially less than is required for anti-icing the surface with pure glycerin.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the particulate materials are positioned on a road. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the road comprises sand, gravel and clay. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said composition is applied to the particulate material at a dosage of about 1 pint to about 8 pints of the bottom stream per square yard of road surface. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said manufacturing process is a biodiesel manufacturing process of forming fatty acid esters from vegetable oils, plant oils, and/or animal fats. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the bottom stream contains one item selected from the list consisting of: about 15 to about 25 weight percent glycerin, and about 10 to about 30 weight percent salt. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein after step a) said composition is formed by diluting said bottom stream with about 10 to about 400 weight percent water, based on the weight of said bottom stream. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein a surfactant is added to the composition. 
     
     
         9 . The method of method of  claim 7  wherein said composition is applied as a foam. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said particulate material is selected from the list consisting of: dust, coal, wood chips, mineral ores, agricultural products, fertilizers, fruits, aggregates, clay, other fine materials, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said composition further comprises, a freeze point depressant, a de-icing agent, an anti-icing agent, another freeze conditioning agent, methyl esters, carbohydrates, glycerin, salt, iron, phosphorus, sulfur, and any combination thereof.