FLOPAM DW 533 is a high-performance anionic polyacrylamide emulsion developed by SNF Floerger, a global leader in water-soluble polymer production. This flocculant plays a critical role in a wide range of industrial processes that require effective solid-liquid separation, particularly in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, mineral processing, and oil and gas operations. The product is recognized for its high molecular weight and high anionic charge, which make it highly efficient in floc formation and solids aggregation across diverse applications.

1. Municipal Wastewater Treatment

One of the most significant applications of FLOPAM DW 533 is in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). As urban populations expand, the volume and complexity of municipal wastewater increase. This necessitates the use of effective flocculants to enhance water purification and sludge handling processes.

• Primary Clarification: In this stage, FLOPAM DW 533 is used to improve the removal of suspended solids, fats, oils, and greases (FOGs). By aggregating fine particles, it accelerates sedimentation, reducing the load on secondary treatment units.

• Secondary Clarification: After biological treatment, the flocculant helps in settling microbial biomass (activated sludge), resulting in clarified effluent and concentrated sludge.

• Tertiary Treatment: In some advanced systems, FLOPAM DW 533 is used to polish effluents by removing fine particulate matter, thereby lowering turbidity and meeting stringent discharge limits.

2. Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Industries generate large volumes of wastewater with complex compositions, including heavy metals, organic compounds, oils, and suspended solids. FLOPAM DW 533 is applied in multiple industrial sectors:

• Food & Beverage: To remove organic solids and fats, especially in meat processing, dairies, and breweries.

• Textile Industry: For the removal of dye particles and treatment of rinse waters containing fibrous materials.

• Petrochemical and Refineries: For clarifying oily wastewater, removing hydrocarbons, and enhancing dissolved air flotation (DAF) performance.

• Pulp & Paper Industry: To enhance fiber recovery, improve white water clarification, and treat effluents from bleaching processes.

In each application, the polymer significantly enhances the performance of sedimentation tanks, flotation units, and filtration systems by forming larger, more compact flocs that settle faster and are easier to remove.

3. Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

One of the most critical and cost-intensive operations in wastewater treatment is sludge management. FLOPAM DW 533 plays a pivotal role in reducing the volume of sludge, thus minimizing disposal and transportation costs.

• Gravity Belt Thickeners (GBT): FLOPAM DW 533 improves the initial thickening of sludge, raising the solids concentration before it enters dewatering units.

• Centrifuges: It helps produce drier cakes with reduced polymer dosage, increasing energy efficiency and throughput.

• Screw Presses and Filter Presses: The polymer improves the structure of the sludge cake, enhancing water release and reducing filtration cycle times.

Its high anionic charge interacts with cationic sludge particles, resulting in strong and fast floc formation. This leads to a more consistent and efficient dewatering operation, even with fluctuating sludge compositions.

4. Mining and Mineral Processing

In the mining industry, FLOPAM DW 533 is used extensively for tailings management, ore beneficiation, and process water recycling. The product performs exceptionally well in systems containing fine suspended solids, which are prevalent in:

• Iron Ore: For thickening the tailings and recycling process water.

• Bauxite (Aluminum): To settle red mud and clarify sodium aluminate liquor during Bayer process operations.

• Coal Washing: To treat slurries, reduce total suspended solids (TSS), and increase water recovery.

• Phosphate and Potash Mining: For separation of valuable minerals from clay and gangue.

FLOPAM DW 533 works effectively in thickener feed systems and clarifiers by binding with fine particles, increasing the size and density of the flocs, and enhancing sedimentation rates.

5. Oil and Gas Sector Applications

The oil and gas industry presents highly challenging environments for water treatment due to the presence of emulsified oils, solids, and salts. FLOPAM DW 533 is used in the following ways:

• Produced Water Treatment: It aids in separating oil and solids from water extracted alongside hydrocarbons. This is vital for regulatory compliance and environmental safety.

• Drilling Fluids Management: It is applied to flocculate suspended drill cuttings, enabling their removal through centrifuges or shakers.

• Fracturing Fluid Recovery: After hydraulic fracturing, the return fluids (flowback water) are treated with FLOPAM DW 533 to settle suspended solids before reuse or discharge.

Its resistance to salinity and strong performance in variable pH environments make it suitable for both onshore and offshore drilling applications.

6. Compatibility and Optimal Use

• pH Range: FLOPAM DW 533 operates efficiently in a wide pH range of 5 to 9, making it compatible with most process waters and effluents.

• Dilution: Typically diluted to 0.1–0.5% before dosing. Proper mixing and aging (activation) are essential for optimal performance.

• Dosage: The required amount varies based on application, solids concentration, and system dynamics but generally ranges between 1 to 50 ppm in water treatment and higher in sludge dewatering.

7. Environmental and Operational Benefits

• Reduced Chemical Consumption: When used properly, FLOPAM DW 533 reduces the need for inorganic coagulants and other chemicals.

• Lower Sludge Volume: Effective flocculation reduces water content in sludge, lowering transport and disposal costs.

• Improved Effluent Quality: Leads to clear water suitable for reuse or safe discharge, complying with environmental regulations.

• Operational Efficiency: Enhances throughput in filtration and dewatering equipment, lowers energy consumption, and improves overall system stability.

8. Packaging and Handling

FLOPAM DW 533 is supplied as a liquid emulsion. To ensure performance and safety:

• Storage Temperature: Store between 5°C and 35°C.

• Shelf Life: Up to 6 months under recommended conditions.

• Handling Precautions: Avoid exposure to extreme heat, freezing, or direct sunlight. Use non-shear pumps (e.g., progressive cavity pumps) for transfer.