1) QUESTION: WHAT IS TALL OIL PITCH (T.O.P.)?

ANSWER: When Tall Oil is processed in a distillation column several products are extracted from both the sugar and gum portions of the process. The lighter extractions, the sugars, are drawn off first. The heavier  extractions or gums are then drawn off. The remaining material at  the bottom of the column is classed as Tall Oil Pitch.

2) QUESTION: WHAT IS TALL OIL?

ANSWER: Tall Oil is a by-product of the wood pulp industry and is usually recovered from Pine wood in the sulfate or kraft paper process. A typical composition of tall oil includes 50-60% fatty acids (e.g. oleic, linoleic, etc.), 34-40% rosin acids, and 5-10% non-fatty acids, such as long chain alcohols and sterols.

3) QUESTION: IS TALL OIL PITCH PART OF THE LIGNOSULPHONATE FAMILY OF
PRODUCTS?

ANSWER: NO. Lignosulfonates are produced and extracted from the sugar side of the distillation process and they are water-soluble. Tall Oil Pitch is produced and extracted from the post gum side of the process. Tall Oil Pitch is not water-soluble once applied and cured.

4) QUESTION: HOW IS THE ELECTRICAL CHARGE OF THE EMULSION CHANGED AND CONTROLLED FROM POSITIVE (cationic) TO NEGATIVE (anionic) OR MADE NEUTRAL (nonionic).

Answer: The soap or water phase chemistry used in the production of the emulsions will alter the charge characteristics generating a positive, negative or neutral charge. This is refered to as the Zeta Potential (Electrokinetic Potential). The combination of these materials will increase or decrease the strength of the charge generated. Chemistry used by Entac and the mix ratios are classed as proprietary information. The majority of the sites Entac treats are negatively charged. Specialty applications in the mineral processing industry may require alterations to the charge, the need to make these charges are identified by the combined efforts of both the customers and Entac’s laboratory resources.

5) QUESTION: WHAT ARE EMULSIONS AND HOW ARE THEY MADE?

ANSWER: Entac emulsions are a blend of materials such as; water-surfactant based solutions and a base product, Tall Oil Pitch. Tall Oil Pitch in its raw state is extremely viscous at ambient temperature, meaning it doesn’t flow as a liquid rendering it non usable. The Tall Oil Pitch is heated and then mechanically blended with other products generating a chemically stable liquid environment. The pitch particles during the manufacturing process are properly sized,
concentrated to the desired percentage of pitch solids required and then evenly disbursed in the total fluids generating an emulsion that can be stored, transported, pumped and applied at ambient temperatures.

6) QUESTION: ARE THERE ANY NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS IF I USE
ENTAC EMULSIONS?

ANSWER: The Entac products have no negative environmental impacts. Extensive testing has been completed based on the most recent Ontario Ministry of Environment (M.O.E) Guidelines.

The testing included but was not limited to:

  ◦ Daphnia Magna, Fathead Minnow and Trout LC50 Toxicity Test
  ◦ Dioxins, Furans
  ◦ Full metal scan

Full details of the lab testing reports are available under the testing section of this website.

7) HOW LONG WILL THE PRODUCT LAST ONCE APPLIED?

ANSWER:  The longevity of the product once applied is dependant on the application chemistry, how the product is applied and the number of coats. Entac has the ability to adjust the emulsion chemistry and physical characteristics to meet a variety of applications. Typically, undisturbed material stockpiles and mine tailing fields can be sealed for a few months or in access of four years if required. Landfills and construction sites can be sealed daily, weekly or as required.


8) QUESTION: DOES ENTAC PRODUCE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF EMULSION?
WHY?

ANSWER: Yes. Entac products can be custom manufactured to meet a variety of unique performance requirements. The application specifications dictate the emulsion performance characteristics such as:

  ◦ Coating Characteristics
  ◦ Particle Size Distribution
  ◦ Curing Times
  ◦ Wetting Characteristics
  ◦ Electrical Charge
(Cationic +, Anionic - or Nonionic 0/neutral )


9) QUESTION: DOES ENTAC SUPPLY TECHNICAL SUPPORT IN THE FIELD?

ANSWER: Yes. Entac’s Techinical Support team is well trained to offer a wide range of field support:

10) QUESTION: CAN I (THE CUSTOMER) APPLY THE EMULSION, OR DOES ENTAC
HAVE TO APPLY IT FOR ME? IF SO, HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?

ANSWER: Yes. We have many customers that apply the Entac product to their own sites for various applications. Entac will also arrange for a local applicator to apply the product, if possible, or send one of our application crews to apply the product for you.

11) QUESTION: HOW IS THE EMULSION SHIPPED?

ANSWER: The most common shipping methods are:

  ◦ Truck Bulk Tanker
  ◦ Rail Car
  ◦ Totes (275 gallons)
  ◦ 45 or 55 Gallon Drums
  ◦ 5 Gallon Containers

12) QUESTION: DOES ENTAC SHIP PRODUCT INTERNATIONALLY?

ANSWER: Yes.