How to Use Polyacrylamide for Water Treatment

How to Use Polyacrylamide for Water Treatment
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Polyacrylamide helps you split solids from liquids. It makes water clearer and treats sludge in city and factory systems. You get better results if you pick the right product, like DERYPOL’s HIMOLOC. You also need to follow the right steps to prepare and use it.

If you use advanced aqueous dispersion formats, you get these benefits:

Key Takeaways

Polyacrylamide Types

When you pick a water treatment solution, you should know about the different types of polyacrylamide. The type you pick changes how well you can take out bad stuff from water. It also affects how easy the product is to use. DERYPOL’s HIMOLOC line has advanced choices, especially in aqueous dispersion format. This makes it much easier and safer to get ready and use.

Ionic Forms

Polyacrylamide comes in a few ionic forms. Each one works best for certain contaminants and water types.

Anionic

Anionic polyacrylamide has a negative charge. You use it for water with positive particles, like heavy metals and clay. This type works best in neutral or alkaline water. It is often used in wastewater from steel plants, electroplating, and coal washing. Anionic polyacrylamide makes strong flocs that settle fast. This helps you remove lots of solids and turbidity.

Cationic

Cationic polyacrylamide has a positive charge. You use it to get rid of negative contaminants, like organic matter, oils, and dyes. This type makes big flocs that separate from water quickly. It is very helpful for sludge dewatering and treating water with lots of organic stuff.

Amphoteric

Amphoteric polyacrylamide has both positive and negative charges. This lets you use it in many pH levels and for many contaminants. You can remove solids, organic matter, and metal ions very well. Amphoteric types work in city and factory wastewater. They also help with sludge dewatering and lowering turbidity in drinking water.

Nonionic

Nonionic polyacrylamide does not have a charge. You use it mostly to take out solids by bridging flocculation. It works well when water has low ionic content or when you do not want to add more charges.

Tip: Pick the ionic form that matches the charge of the contaminants in your water. This gives you the best results.

Ionic Form

Charge Characteristic

Target Contaminants

Removal Mechanism

Typical Efficiency / Notes

Nonionic

Neutral, hydrophilic

Suspended solids

Bridging flocculation

Up to 97% solids removal in industrial wastewater.

Anionic

Negative

Positively charged particles

Electrostatic attraction, adsorption

Up to 99% turbidity reduction; ideal for heavy metals and clay.

Cationic

Positive

Negatively charged organics, oils

Electrostatic attraction, hydrophobic interactions

Forms large flocs for fast separation.

Amphoteric

Both

Wide range (solids, organics, metals)

Dual charge mechanisms

Highly versatile; works across broad pH and contaminant types.

Physical Forms

Polyacrylamide comes in different physical forms. Each one changes how you get it ready and use it.

Powder

Powdered polyacrylamide is common and easy to keep. You must mix it with water before using it. You need to mix it well and wait so it does not clump.

Liquid

Liquid polyacrylamide is ready to use and dissolves faster than powder. It is easier to handle, but you need to store it right so it does not go bad.

Dispersion

Dispersion, like DERYPOL’s HIMOLOC aqueous dispersions, is the easiest to use. It is water-based and dissolves fast without solvents or mineral oils. This kind is safer to use, better for the environment, and easier to measure. You can use simple mixers and do not need special tools.

Note: Dispersion forms help you save time, make less chemical waste, and are better for the environment. They also work well for a long time and last longer on the shelf.

Product Selection

Picking the right polyacrylamide is very important. You need to know what is in your water. Think about what you want to fix. The polyacrylamide type should match the charge and amount of contaminants. This helps you make strong flocs and get clear water.

Water Characteristics

Suspended Solids

Suspended solids are found in drinking water and wastewater. These solids can have different charges. Anionic polyacrylamide works best for solids with a positive charge, like clay or some metals. Cationic polyacrylamide is good for solids or organic matter with a negative charge. Nonionic types help when water has low ionic content or when you do not want more charge.

PAM Type

Charge Characteristic

Suitable Water Characteristics

Typical Applications

Anionic

Negative

Positively charged suspended solids, organic colloids

Municipal effluent, mining tailings

Cationic

Positive

Acidic or negatively charged organic wastes

Textile, oilfield wastewater

Nonionic

No net charge

High or variable pH, minimal charge effects

Minimal charge interaction needed

The charge type of polyacrylamide helps particles stick together. This makes them form bigger flocs. The polymer’s molecular weight is also important. Higher molecular weight gives you bigger, stronger flocs. This is good for water with lots of solids.

Organic Matter

Organic matter, like oils and dyes, usually has a negative charge. Cationic polyacrylamide is best for these. It sticks to the organic particles and helps them clump. If your water has both solids and organic matter, you might need amphoteric polyacrylamide. This type works for many pH levels and contaminant types.

Tip: Always check your water’s pH and turbidity. These things change how well polyacrylamide works. Some types work better at certain pH or with more turbidity.

Application Scenarios

Drinking Water

You want your drinking water to be safe and clear. Polyacrylamide helps small particles stick together. This makes them easier to remove. For drinking water, you often use a low dose of cationic polyacrylamide. This lowers turbidity and reduces disinfection byproducts. You also keep the water safe by controlling how much polymer stays in it.

Wastewater

Factory and city wastewater has lots of solids and organic matter. Polyacrylamide works very well here. It helps solids settle fast and separates them from water. You can use anionic, cationic, or nonionic types. The type depends on what is in the water. This makes treatment faster and better.

Sludge Treatment

Sludge treatment needs strong flocculation to shrink sludge volume. Polyacrylamide acts as a conditioner. It forms thick flocs that help remove water from sludge. This can cut sludge volume by more than half and lower disposal costs. You get the best results by picking the right type and molecular weight for your sludge.

Note: Polyacrylamide works best when you pick the right type, use the right dose, and match your water’s conditions.

How to Find the Best Dosage: Jar-Tests

You should always do a Jar-test before using polyacrylamide on a big scale. This test helps you find the best type and amount for your water.

  1. Get water samples that are like your real water, with solids and organic matter.

  2. Make a polyacrylamide solution by mixing it in clean, neutral water. Stir gently so you do not break the polymer.

  3. Add polyacrylamide in two steps. Mix after each step to help flocs form without breaking.

  4. Let the water settle and see how clear it gets.

  5. Try different doses to find which one works best.

  6. If your water is very turbid, you can add a coagulant like alum before polyacrylamide.

  7. Repeat the test to make sure your results are the same each time.

Tip: Do not use too much polyacrylamide. Using too much can cause clumping and make it harder to remove solids.

By matching the polyacrylamide type to your water and testing the dose, you get the best results and save money.

Polyacrylamide Preparation

Polyacrylamide Preparation
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Getting your treatment solution ready the right way helps you get good results. If you follow the steps, the process is quicker and safer. It also works better. DERYPOL’s HIMOLOC aqueous dispersions make things easier. They dissolve fast and do not have solvents or mineral oils. You can use simple mixers. You do not need special equipment.

Dissolution

Water Temperature

Use clean water at room temperature to dissolve HIMOLOC dispersions. Cold water makes the process slow. Hot water can hurt the polymer chains. Room temperature water helps the product mix well. It also keeps the polymer working.

Stirring Speed

How fast you stir matters when you make your solution. Stir slowly and gently. This stops the polymer chains from breaking. Do not stir too fast. Fast stirring can damage the polymer and make it work less well. Simple static mixers are fine for HIMOLOC dispersions. You do not need fancy tools.

Tip: Always pour the dispersion into water. Do not add water to the dispersion. This stops clumping and helps the product mix all the way.

Concentration

Standard Ratios

You must mix your solution at the right strength for your job. The table below shows common ratios for different uses:

Application Area

Standard Concentration Ratio for PAM Solution

Dosage Range / Notes

Adjustment Factors / Remarks

Sludge Dehydration

0.1% - 0.2% (PAM dissolved in water)

PAM to sludge ratio: usually 5% - 10%, can be lower if sludge is thick

Dosage and type set by field beaker tests; changes with sludge type, chemicals, equipment, and management

Coal Washing Wastewater

N/A

30 kg to 110 kg per 1000 tons of wastewater

Change amount based on wastewater type

Chemical Industry Wastewater

N/A

50 kg to 120 kg per 1000 tons of wastewater

Change amount based on wastewater type

Paper Industry Wastewater

N/A

100 kg to 300 kg per 1000 tons of wastewater (needs more because it is harder to treat)

Add more if needed

Electroplating Wastewater

N/A

Not more than 50 kg per 1000 tons of wastewater

Change amount based on wastewater type

Adjustments

You might need to change the concentration if your water is different. If flocs do not form well, try changing the amount a little. Start with the usual ratio. Then make small changes to get better results. Jar-tests help you find the best amount for your system.

Handling

Storage

Keep your product in a cool, dry place with good air flow. Close containers tightly. Do not freeze the product. Do not let it get too hot for a long time. Good storage keeps the product safe and ready to use.

Safety

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when you use these chemicals. Put on chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothes. If there is dust or mist, wear a mask or respirator. If you get it on your skin or in your eyes, wash with lots of water. Get medical help if you need it.

Note: Always follow local rules for storing and throwing away chemicals. Stop spills and do not let large amounts go into the environment.

Key advantages of HIMOLOC aqueous dispersions:

If you follow these steps, your water treatment process will be safer, faster, and work better.

Dosing and Application

Dosing and Application
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Getting the right dose and using it the right way is important. You must measure carefully and follow the right steps. Pick the best method for your system. These actions help you use polyacrylamide safely and well.

Dosage Calculation

Water Volume

First, find out how much water you need to treat. This helps you know how much polyacrylamide to add. Most plants use flow meters or check tank sizes. If you treat one batch, look at the tank size. For water that keeps moving, use the average daily amount.

Contaminant Load

Next, test your water for contamination. Check for solids, turbidity, and organic matter. More contamination means you need more polyacrylamide. Jar-tests help you pick the right dose. Always change the amount if your tests show you need to.

Tip: Too much polyacrylamide can cause clumps and waste. Too little may not clean the water enough. Start with a small dose and add more slowly.

Dosing Sequence

Order of Addition

You get better results if you add chemicals in the right order. Do these steps:

  1. Change the pH of your water first. This helps break up particles and gets them ready.

  2. Add coagulants like polyaluminum chloride (PAC) or ferric salts. These help small particles stick together.

  3. Add polyacrylamide last. It connects the particles into bigger flocs.

This order lets each chemical work best. You get bigger flocs and faster settling.

Timing

Let each chemical work before adding the next one. Mix gently after each step. If you go too fast, flocs may not form well. Wait a few minutes between steps. Watch for flocs before you move on.

Application Methods

Manual

Manual dosing means you add chemicals by hand. You measure and pour polyacrylamide yourself. This works for small plants or batches. You must watch closely and make changes if needed.

Automated

Automated systems use pumps and sensors to add chemicals. They check water quality and change the dose as needed. This gives better accuracy and saves time. Automated systems also collect data and help you see how things are going.

Feature

Manual Dosing Systems

Automated Dosing Systems

Dosing Accuracy

Changes, depends on people

Very accurate, uses machines

Real-time Monitoring

Little or none

Always checks and adjusts

Chemical Efficiency

Can use too much or too little

Uses the right amount

Safety

More work by hand

Less work by hand, safer

Maintenance

Needs regular checks by people

Needs less checking, fewer problems

Automated systems help you use polyacrylamide better. You waste less and keep things safer.

Polyacrylamide works well with other chemicals. You can use it with coagulants and pH adjusters for better results. Always follow the right order and change the dose if your water tests say so.

Operational Tips

Best Practices

Monitoring

You should always watch your water treatment process. Use sensors to check pH, turbidity, and flow. Automated systems help you keep dosing right and steady. These systems change the amount of chemical added using real-time data. This lowers mistakes and chemical waste. Regular checks let you find problems early and fix them fast.

Adjustments

Make small changes when water quality or results change. If you see cloudy water or weak flocs, try changing the dose or mixing speed. Jar-tests help you pick the best settings. Start with the suggested dose, then change it if needed. Write down your changes and results to help future treatments.

Mistakes to Avoid

Clumping

Clumping happens if you add too much product at once or mix it badly. This stops flocs from forming and makes treatment work less well. To stop clumping:

Overdosing

Overdosing can make sludge bulky, water thick, and filtration hard. It can also cause more pollution. You can stop overdosing by:

Mistake

Description

Troubleshooting Steps

Overdosing

Makes flocs float, thickens water, and makes filtration and sludge handling harder.

Keep the right concentration; do not go over the dose; use automated dosing to lower mistakes.

Underdosing

Makes weak flocs and cloudy water.

Set the best dose and molecular weight; do lab tests to find what works best.

Improper Mixing

Stops flocs from forming right.

Stir gently after adding; use air or machine mixers to help floc form.

Manual Dosing Errors

Makes dosing uneven.

Use automated systems with sensors and smart controls for even dosing.

Tip: Mixing well and using the right dose helps you make big flocs that settle and keeps your process working well.

Safety

PPE

Wear the right safety gear when you use these chemicals. For dry powders, wear a dust mask or respirator, safety goggles, and gloves. For solutions, gloves and eye protection are enough. Always work in a place with good air flow or use exhaust fans. These steps keep you safe from dust, splashes, and skin problems.

Environmental Impact

You must follow all local and world rules for the environment. Some products may have unpolymerized acrylamide monomer, which can be harmful. Always use products that meet safety rules. Good treatment and dosing help you lower pollution risks and support clean water. Using advanced products like DERYPOL’s HIMOLOC helps you meet strict rules and shrink your impact on the environment.

Note: Using and throwing away chemicals the right way keeps people and nature safe. Always check your local rules and follow good steps for clean water treatment.

Troubleshooting

When you treat water, you might have problems. These problems can hurt your results or your equipment. If you know how to find and fix these issues, your system will work better.

Ineffective Results

Poor Flocculation

You may see small flocs, slow settling, or cloudy water. These signs mean your treatment is not working well. Many things can cause this. You might use the wrong product type or dose. Sometimes, water quality changes. Other ions in the water can also cause problems by fighting with your target contaminants.

Solutions

You can fix most flocculation problems by finding the cause. Make simple changes to help your system. The table below lists common reasons for poor results and what you can do:

Cause of Ineffective Results

Explanation

Recommended Solution

Natural hydrophobicity of AO-based polymers

Dense polymer alignment limits ion movement, so adsorption happens only at the surface

Use hydrophilic 3D network hydrogels to help ions move inside and boost efficiency

Poor selectivity due to competing ions (e.g., V(V))

Other ions bind first, lowering removal of your target

Add graphene oxide to improve selectivity and give more binding sites

Slow adsorption kinetics

Ions move and bind slowly, so treatment takes longer

Use photothermal materials and UV photoinitiation to speed up ion movement and reaction

Mechanical limits of powdered adsorbents

Powders are hard to handle and recycle

Use crosslinked hydrogel networks for better strength and easier recycling

Tip: Always run small tests if you see poor results. Try changing the dose, mixing speed, or product type. Watch for changes in water quality, like pH or turbidity. Adjust your process if you need to.

Equipment Maintenance

Clogging

Clogging can stop your system and waste time. You can stop this by checking your chemical injection system every three months. Look for blockages in pipes. Make sure your dosing pumps work well. If water turbidity changes a lot, run a small test and change your dosing. This helps you avoid sudden clogs.

Build-Up

Build-up happens when chemicals stick inside pipes or tanks. You can lower this risk by using corrosion-resistant materials like PVC. Clean your system on a regular schedule. Always wear protective gear when you handle chemicals or clean equipment.

Regular care keeps your equipment working longer. This helps you avoid expensive repairs.

Environmental Considerations

When you clean water, you must care about the environment. You also need to follow strict rules. Using advanced products like HIMOLOC helps you meet these rules and protect nature.

Compliance

Regulations

You have to follow local and world rules when using water treatment chemicals. Many places set limits on what you can put in water and how you use chemicals. Here are some important facts:

You should always read product labels and safety sheets. Pick products that meet these rules to keep your water safe.

Discharge Limits

You must also follow rules about what leaves your plant. These rules help keep rivers, lakes, and people safe. The table below shows some important discharge limits and rules:

Regulatory Aspect

Requirement/Limit

Standard

China’s Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard (GB 8978-2024)

Total Suspended Solids (TSS) Limits

Reduced by 15-20% across most industrial categories

Aluminum/Iron Residues

≤0.2 mg/L for municipal treatment plants

Acute Toxicity Test

Daphnia magna LC50 ≥ 100 mg/L mandatory for flocculant formulations

Traceability

Full disclosure of raw material sources and polymerization catalysts

Eco-label Certifications

Ecolabel China or EU Ecolabel recommended for compliance

Compliance Deadline

Grace period ends June 30, 2024

Note: Always keep records of your chemical use. Test your water often. This helps you show you follow the rules and avoid fines.

Sustainability

Waste Reduction

You can help the planet by picking products that make less waste. HIMOLOC uses a water-based formula with no solvents, mineral oils, or surfactants. This means you make less chemical waste and lower your risk of polluting. The product works well, so you use fewer extra chemicals. This also cuts down on waste.

Energy Savings

Saving energy is good for your wallet and the earth. HIMOLOC works quickly and makes strong flocs. This means you spend less time mixing and treating water. You use less electricity.

Tip: Always follow best steps for storing and throwing away chemicals. Use only what you need. Recycle or throw away leftover chemicals the right way.

By choosing advanced solutions like HIMOLOC, you help keep water clean, protect nature, and meet high standards for safety and sustainability.

You get the best water treatment results by picking the right product. Prepare it with care and use the correct amount. Follow each step closely when you use it. Advanced products like DERYPOL’s HIMOLOC help you work better and make less waste. They also help protect the environment. Always check guides and rules for each job. This keeps your treatment safe, legal, and working well.

FAQ

What is polyacrylamide used for in water treatment?

Polyacrylamide helps solids and liquids split apart. It makes small particles stick together. This lets you take them out of water. The water gets clearer and sludge is easier to treat.

How do you choose the right polyacrylamide type?

Pick the polyacrylamide type that matches your water’s problem. Look to see if your water has more solids or organic stuff. Use Jar-tests to find the best kind and amount for your system.

Can you mix polyacrylamide with other treatment chemicals?

Yes, you can use polyacrylamide with coagulants and pH adjusters. Always add polyacrylamide after you add coagulants. This order helps you get the best results when making flocs.

How do you store HIMOLOC polyacrylamide dispersions?

Keep HIMOLOC dispersions in a cool, dry spot. Make sure the containers are closed tight. Do not freeze them or let them get too hot. Good storage keeps the product safe and ready to use.

What safety steps should you follow when handling polyacrylamide?

Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothes when you use it. Work where there is fresh air. If you spill some on your skin, wash it off with water. Always follow your local safety rules.

How do you know if you are using too much polyacrylamide?

You might see clumps, thick water, or slow filtering. If this happens, use less product. Jar-tests help you find the right amount for your water.

Is HIMOLOC polyacrylamide safe for the environment?

HIMOLOC dispersions use water-based formulas with no solvents or mineral oils. Using these products helps protect the environment and meets strict safety rules.

What should you do if flocculation does not work well?

Try changing how much you use or how fast you mix. Check your water’s pH and what is in it. Do another Jar-test to find the best settings for your system.

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