Flopam EM 120, EM 140, EM 240, and EMR 300 are polyacrylamide emulsion flocculants produced by SNF Group, designed primarily for solid–liquid separation processes. These products are supplied in liquid emulsion form, allowing rapid dissolution, easy automated dosing, and consistent performance compared with dry polyacrylamide powders. Although each grade has its own molecular weight and charge characteristics, they all share common application principles while serving different industries and process conditions.

General Characteristics of Flopam Emulsion Grades

Flopam EM-series products are typically high-molecular-weight polyacrylamide emulsions, available in anionic or low-charge forms, while EMR grades are often engineered for rapid flocculation and robust floc strength. Their key functional mechanisms include polymer bridging, particle aggregation, and settling acceleration. Because they are emulsions, these products hydrate quickly, forming active polymer chains within minutes, which is especially valuable in continuous industrial operations.

Application of Flopam EM 120

Flopam EM 120 is commonly used as a medium-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide emulsion. Its balanced performance makes it suitable for applications where controlled floc growth and moderate settling rates are required.

In municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, EM 120 is widely applied for primary clarification and secondary effluent polishing. It effectively aggregates suspended solids, organic matter, and fine colloids, resulting in improved turbidity removal and clearer supernatant water. It is often used as a coagulant aid alongside aluminum or iron salts to enhance floc size and reduce chemical consumption.

In sludge thickening, EM 120 helps increase solids concentration before dewatering. It produces compact flocs that release free water efficiently, improving thickener performance and reducing downstream energy use.

In mining and mineral processing, EM 120 is applied in clarification circuits where moderate settling speed and stable floc formation are needed. It is particularly effective in low-to-medium solids slurries and process water recycling systems.

Application of Flopam EM 140

Flopam EM 140 is a higher molecular weight emulsion compared with EM 120, offering stronger bridging capability and faster sedimentation.

In sludge dewatering, EM 140 is frequently selected for belt filter presses, centrifuges, and screw presses. It improves cake dryness, reduces polymer dosage, and minimizes filtrate turbidity. This grade is well suited for biological sludge, industrial activated sludge, and mixed sludge systems.

In industrial wastewater treatment, EM 140 is used to treat effluents from steel plants, chemical factories, food processing facilities, and power stations. It rapidly agglomerates fine solids and organic particles, making it suitable for high-flow systems that require quick separation.

In papermaking wastewater, EM 140 assists in removing fibers, fillers, and fines, enabling fiber recovery and cleaner discharge water. Its emulsion form ensures quick activation, which is essential for paper mills operating at high production speeds.

Application of Flopam EM 240

Flopam EM 240 is a very high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide emulsion, designed for demanding solid–liquid separation applications where rapid settling and strong floc structure are critical.

In mining and tailings management, EM 240 is widely used in thickeners and tailings ponds. It accelerates the settling of ultra-fine mineral particles, improves overflow clarity, and enhances water recovery for reuse. This is especially important in large-scale operations such as coal preparation plants, iron ore beneficiation, copper mining, and alumina refining.

In red mud and bauxite residue treatment, EM 240 plays a key role in thickening and washing stages. It improves mud settling rates, reduces washer overflow turbidity, and enhances caustic soda recovery, contributing to lower operating costs and improved environmental performance.

In high-solids industrial wastewater, EM 240 forms large, shear-resistant flocs that maintain integrity during pumping and mechanical handling, making it ideal for challenging separation environments.

Application of Flopam EMR 300

Flopam EMR 300 is a specialized high-performance emulsion flocculant, often engineered for rapid reaction kinetics and strong floc resilience. The “EMR” designation typically indicates enhanced performance under variable or harsh process conditions.

In high-rate clarification systems, EMR 300 is used where very fast flocculation and settling are required, such as lamella clarifiers and high-throughput thickeners. It provides excellent turbidity reduction even at low dosages.

In oil and gas produced water treatment, EMR 300 assists in removing suspended solids and oil-associated particulates. It improves separation efficiency and supports water reuse or compliant discharge.

In municipal sludge dewatering, EMR 300 is applied where sludge characteristics fluctuate significantly. Its robust floc structure ensures consistent dewatering performance despite changes in solids concentration, pH, or organic content.

Advantages of Using Flopam Emulsion Grades

All Flopam EM and EMR products offer several operational advantages:

• Rapid dissolution and activation, minimizing make-down time

• Dust-free handling, improving workplace safety

• Accurate and automated dosing, ensuring stable process control

• Lower overall polymer consumption due to high efficiency