Application of PolyDADMAC (Cat-Floc 8102 Plus, 8103 Plus, 8108 Plus, 8799 Plus)

1. General Role of PolyDADMAC in Water Treatment

PolyDADMAC (polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride) is a high-charge-density cationic polymer primarily used as a primary coagulant or coagulant aid. Unlike long-chain polyacrylamide flocculants that rely mainly on bridging mechanisms, PolyDADMAC works mainly through charge neutralization. It rapidly destabilizes negatively charged colloids, suspended solids, natural organic matter (NOM), algae, and fine particles.

The Cat-Floc® Plus series from Nalco/Ecolab is designed to deliver fast clarification, improved solids removal, reduced sludge volume, and stable performance across varying water qualities. These products are liquid, easy to dose, and compatible with both inorganic coagulants and polymer flocculants.

2. Cat-Floc® 8102 Plus – Applications

Cat-Floc 8102 Plus is a medium-to-high charge PolyDADMAC commonly applied where moderate organic and turbidity removal is required.

Municipal Drinking Water Treatment

• Used as a primary coagulant to remove turbidity, fine clay, silt, and color.

• Particularly effective in low-to-medium turbidity surface waters.

• Enhances clarification performance in conventional sedimentation and filtration systems.

Coagulant Aid for Metal Salts

• Frequently combined with alum or ferric chloride to improve floc formation.

• Reduces metal salt dosage and lowers sludge production.

Industrial Process Water

• Applied in cooling water pretreatment and boiler feed water clarification.

• Helps prevent fouling by removing suspended solids and organic contaminants.

3. Cat-Floc® 8103 Plus – Applications

Cat-Floc 8103 Plus has higher cationic charge density than 8102 Plus, making it suitable for more demanding waters.

High Turbidity Surface Water Clarification

• Effective in rivers, reservoirs, and lakes with seasonal turbidity spikes.

• Rapid neutralization of highly charged colloidal particles.

Organic Matter and Color Removal

• Improves removal of humic and fulvic acids.

• Helps reduce disinfection by-product (DBP) precursors such as THMs and HAAs.

Wastewater Pretreatment

• Used in industrial wastewater systems for primary clarification.

• Common in food processing, beverage, and chemical industries where suspended solids are fine and negatively charged.

4. Cat-Floc® 8108 Plus – Applications

Cat-Floc 8108 Plus is a high-performance, broad-spectrum PolyDADMAC designed for difficult clarification conditions.

Algae and Seasonal Bloom Control

• Highly effective in destabilizing algae and cyanobacteria cells.

• Reduces filter headloss and improves filter run times.

Low-Temperature and Low-Alkalinity Water

• Performs well in cold water where metal coagulants alone may struggle.

• Minimizes pH depression compared with alum or ferric salts.

Advanced Pretreatment for Membranes

• Used upstream of ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO).

• Reduces fouling by removing colloids and organic matter.

Industrial Wastewater Clarification

• Effective for emulsified solids and fine particulates.

• Often paired with anionic or nonionic flocculants to build strong flocs.

5. Cat-Floc® 8799 Plus – Applications

Cat-Floc 8799 Plus is typically a lower-to-moderate charge PolyDADMAC, designed for versatility and stable performance.

Filtration Enhancement

• Improves filter effluent quality by reducing fines carryover.

• Helps maintain consistent turbidity removal under fluctuating influent conditions.

Secondary Clarification Support

• Used as a polishing coagulant after primary clarification.

• Enhances settling and reduces residual suspended solids.

Industrial Effluent Treatment

• Applied in textile, pulp and paper, and general manufacturing wastewater.

• Effective for removing dyes, pigments, and colloidal solids.

Sludge Conditioning Aid

• Used upstream of dewatering processes to improve solids capture.

• Reduces polymer consumption when used in combination with PAM flocculants.

6. Key Advantages of the Cat-Floc® Plus Series

• Fast reaction time due to high cationic charge density

• Wide pH operating range

• Lower sludge volume compared to inorganic coagulants

• Reduced chemical handling complexity

• Improved downstream filtration and dewatering performance

These advantages make Cat-Floc 8102 Plus, 8103 Plus, 8108 Plus, and 8799 Plus suitable for both municipal and industrial water treatment systems, especially where process stability and regulatory compliance are critical.

7. Typical Dosing and Integration

• Common dosage range: 0.5–10 mg/L, depending on raw water quality.

• Often applied ahead of rapid mixing or inline injection.

• Can be used alone or followed by anionic polyacrylamide flocculants for enhanced floc size and settling speed.

8. Summary