The main application of anionic polyacrylamide emulsion (FLOPAM DW 533) lies in its use as a high-performance flocculant for solid-liquid separation processes. It is especially effective in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, mineral processing, and oil and gas drilling applications. This high molecular weight, highly anionic polymer is designed to improve particle aggregation, enhance water clarity, and optimize dewatering operations across a wide range of industries.

1. Overview of FLOPAM DW 533

FLOPAM DW 533 is a dewatered anionic polyacrylamide emulsion developed by SNF Floerger. It is a member of the FLOPAM DW series, which is characterized by high molecular weight and strong anionic charge density. These characteristics allow the polymer to effectively destabilize and aggregate suspended solids in water systems, enabling fast and efficient solid-liquid separation.

2. Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment

The most common and essential use of FLOPAM DW 533 is in the treatment of wastewater, where it functions as a flocculant. In both municipal and industrial sectors, water is often laden with organic matter, fine particles, colloids, and metal hydroxides. These materials are typically stable in suspension and resist settling.

FLOPAM DW 533 is added to the system to:

• Neutralize charges on particles: The negative charges on the polymer attract positively charged particles and colloids.

• Form large flocs: The long polymer chains create a bridging effect that aggregates fine particles into larger flocs.

• Accelerate settling or filtration: The larger and heavier flocs settle more rapidly or can be removed more easily by filtration, reducing turbidity and enhancing the quality of the treated water.

This process significantly improves clarity, reduces total suspended solids (TSS), and assists in meeting environmental discharge regulations.

3. Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

In wastewater treatment plants, another critical step is sludge management. After primary and secondary treatment, large volumes of sludge are generated, which need to be reduced in volume before final disposal or further treatment. FLOPAM DW 533 plays a vital role in:

• Thickening sludge prior to digestion or further dewatering steps.

• Dewatering using mechanical equipment such as belt filter presses, centrifuges, or screw presses.

The polymer enhances water release from the sludge matrix by flocculating the fine particles into larger, compressible flocs. This results in:

• Higher solids content in the dewatered sludge cake.

• Lower volume of material to be transported or disposed of.

• Reduced costs for hauling and disposal.

In both municipal sewage and industrial sludge applications (such as from food processing, pulp & paper, or textile industries), FLOPAM DW 533 improves efficiency, reduces energy usage, and ensures higher throughput in dewatering systems.

4. Mineral Processing and Tailings Management

Another significant application of FLOPAM DW 533 is in mineral processing, especially in industries like:

• Coal washing

• Copper, iron, and bauxite ore beneficiation

• Phosphate and potash mining

In these processes, fine particles suspended in water must be separated to recover valuable minerals or to manage tailings. FLOPAM DW 533 is used in:

• Thickening circuits to clarify overflow water and recycle it back to the plant.

• Tailings ponds to promote rapid settling of fine solids, reducing environmental impact and reclaiming process water.

• Clarification of process and stormwater runoff.

Its high molecular weight and anionic charge allow it to bind effectively with positively charged mineral particles, increasing the settling rate and improving clarity.

5. Oil and Gas Industry

FLOPAM DW 533 also finds application in the oil and gas sector, particularly in drilling mud treatment, produced water clarification, and enhanced oil recovery. Specific applications include:

• Drilling fluid conditioning: Used to flocculate and settle out drill cuttings, improving fluid reuse and minimizing solids in recirculated mud.

• Produced water treatment: Helps remove suspended solids and oil droplets from water separated during oil production.

• Fracturing fluid cleanup: Enhances separation of proppant and other particulates post-fracturing operations.

Because of its ability to form strong, rapid flocs even in high salinity environments, FLOPAM DW 533 is a preferred choice in offshore and onshore drilling applications.

6. Compatibility and Dosage

FLOPAM DW 533 is highly versatile in terms of:

• pH Range: Works efficiently in systems with a pH from 5 to 9, making it compatible with most wastewater and process streams.

• Dosage: Varies depending on solids concentration and the nature of suspended materials, but typical dosages range from 1–20 ppm in water treatment and 50–500 g/t in mineral processing.

Proper dilution and mixing are required to activate the emulsion before dosing. It is usually prepared at 0.1–0.5% concentration in water before use.

7. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

FLOPAM DW 533 is NSF-certified for use in drinking water treatment (with limitations on dosage) and complies with safety regulations in multiple countries. It is non-toxic at recommended dosages and biologically inert, meaning it does not degrade into harmful byproducts in natural ecosystems.

Its use helps industries and municipalities:

• Meet environmental discharge standards

• Comply with sludge disposal regulations

• Reduce their carbon and water footprints

8. Summary Table

FLOPAM DW 533 is a powerful anionic polyacrylamide emulsion with broad utility in solid-liquid separation processes across water treatment, industrial processing, and resource extraction. Its high molecular weight and strong anionic charge make it highly efficient at forming dense, rapid-settling flocs that enhance clarity, reduce sludge volumes, and increase operational efficiency. Whether used for dewatering sewage sludge, clarifying mineral tailings, or treating drilling wastewater, FLOPAM DW 533 delivers consistent performance and regulatory compliance.