Application of Anionic Polyacrylamide ALCOTAC FE-14

Anionic polyacrylamide ALCOTAC FE-14 is a high-molecular-weight, water-soluble synthetic polymer that functions primarily as a flocculant, settling aid, thickener, and filtration enhancer. Owing to its strong anionic charge density and long polymer chain structure, it is widely applied in water treatment, mining, mineral processing, papermaking, oil and gas operations, and sludge dewatering. ALCOTAC FE-14 is engineered to improve solid–liquid separation efficiency, enhance sedimentation rate, and reduce operating costs across multiple industrial sectors.

1. Water and Wastewater Treatment

One of the most important applications of ALCOTAC FE-14 is in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. In wastewater systems, suspended particles such as clay, silica, organic matter, metal hydroxides, and colloidal solids typically carry negative surface charges, making them resistant to natural settling. ALCOTAC FE-14 overcomes this problem through polymer bridging and electrostatic attraction, causing fine particles to aggregate into large, dense flocs.

In primary clarification, the product accelerates suspended solids removal, reduces turbidity, and improves effluent clarity. In secondary treatment systems, it enhances biological sludge settling performance, especially in activated sludge processes. ALCOTAC FE-14 is also widely used in tertiary treatment for polishing wastewater before discharge or reuse.

Industrial wastewater streams from textiles, electroplating, chemical manufacturing, food processing, palm oil mills, and dye factories benefit significantly from ALCOTAC FE-14. It effectively removes color bodies, oils, proteins, heavy metal hydroxides, and organic solids, thereby allowing plants to meet strict environmental discharge standards.

2. Sludge Dewatering and Solid–Liquid Separation

ALCOTAC FE-14 is extensively applied as a sludge dewatering aid in belt filter presses, centrifuges, plate-and-frame filter presses, and screw presses. When added to sludge prior to mechanical dewatering, it binds fine particles together, forming rigid, fast-draining flocs.

This results in:

• Higher cake solids content

• Faster filtration rates

• Reduced sludge volume

• Lower energy consumption

• Decreased disposal and transportation costs

ALCOTAC FE-14 performs particularly well in dewatering inorganic sludges, such as those generated from mining wastewater, coal washing plants, sand washing plants, and metallurgical effluents. It is also effective for municipal sewage sludge, where moisture reduction is critical for landfill disposal, composting, or incineration.

3. Mining and Mineral Processing

In the mining industry, ALCOTAC FE-14 serves as a critical flocculant for thickening, clarification, and tailings management. It is widely used in the processing of:

• Iron ore

• Copper ore

• Gold ore

• Phosphate

• Bauxite

• Coal washing plants

During mineral beneficiation, large amounts of fine mineral particles are suspended in water after grinding and flotation. ALCOTAC FE-14 rapidly aggregates these fines, allowing for fast sedimentation in thickeners and clear overflow water for recycling. This improves water recovery, reduces fresh water consumption, and supports environmentally sustainable mining operations.

In tailings treatment, ALCOTAC FE-14 promotes rapid tailings settling, improves dam stability, and minimizes the risk of slurry leakage and water pollution. Its use significantly improves solid waste management efficiency, making it indispensable in large-scale mining operations.

4. Papermaking and Pulp Processing

ALCOTAC FE-14 plays a vital role in the papermaking industry, where it is mainly used as a retention and drainage aid. It enhances the retention of fibers, fillers, and fine particles within the paper sheet during the forming process. This improves:

• Paper strength

• Formation uniformity

• Filler utilization efficiency

• Machine running stability

In pulp washing and white water clarification, ALCOTAC FE-14 facilitates fiber and suspended solids recovery, reducing raw material losses and wastewater load. By improving water reuse efficiency, it also supports energy-saving and environmentally friendly papermaking practices.

5. Oil and Gas Field Applications

In the oil and gas industry, ALCOTAC FE-14 is applied in several critical operations. One important role is in produced water treatment, where it removes suspended solids, oil-water emulsions, and fine hydrocarbons generated during crude oil extraction. This ensures discharge compliance and protects downstream injection systems.

It is also used in drilling fluid treatment as a rheology modifier and viscosity stabilizer, improving the carrying capacity of drilling muds while maintaining fluid stability under high shear conditions. In addition, ALCOTAC FE-14 assists in fracturing flowback water clarification, allowing clean water to be recycled for reuse in subsequent operations.

6. Sand Washing and Aggregates Processing

ALCOTAC FE-14 is widely used in sand washing plants, aggregate processing units, and quarry operations. Fine clay, silt, and mud particles suspended in wash water are difficult to settle naturally due to their negative charges and small size. By applying ALCOTAC FE-14, these fines flocculate rapidly, enabling:

• Faster settling in clarifiers

• Cleaner recycled process water

• Improved sand quality

• Reduced pond residence time

This enhances production efficiency and minimizes environmental discharge problems.

7. Soil Stabilization and Erosion Control

Another important application of ALCOTAC FE-14 is in soil stabilization, erosion control, and dust suppression. When sprayed onto loose soil surfaces, it binds soil particles together, forming a stable crust that resists wind and water erosion. This application is commonly used in:

• Road construction

• Mining site rehabilitation

• Landfill capping

• Slopes and embankments

• Desertification control projects

By improving soil cohesion, ALCOTAC FE-14 reduces runoff, improves water infiltration, and protects infrastructure.

8. Textile and Dyeing Industry Effluent Treatment

The textile industry generates highly colored and chemically complex wastewater. ALCOTAC FE-14 effectively removes disperse dyes, reactive dyes, starch residues, and suspended fibers through flocculation and sedimentation. This leads to:

• Reduced COD and turbidity

• Improved color removal

• Lower load on biological treatment systems

As a result, textile manufacturers can comply with stringent environmental regulations while reducing operational costs.

9. Food and Beverage Processing Wastewater Treatment

In food processing plants, wastewater contains proteins, fats, starches, and organic solids. ALCOTAC FE-14 aggregates these contaminants efficiently, improving clarification and floc separation. It is widely used in:

• Dairy wastewater treatment

• Brewery and beverage effluent treatment

• Meat and poultry processing plants

• Sugar and starch processing facilities

Its ability to reduce suspended solids and COD contributes to stable biological treatment and efficient sludge dewatering.

10. Advantages of Using ALCOTAC FE-14

The industrial performance of ALCOTAC FE-14 offers several critical advantages:

• High flocculation speed and strong floc structure

• Excellent performance in inorganic and mineral-rich systems

• Low dosage requirement with high economic efficiency

• Good solubility and rapid dissolution

• Broad pH working range

• Low toxicity and environmental compatibility

These features make ALCOTAC FE-14 a reliable solution for both heavy-duty industrial applications and municipal environmental protection projects.