Application of RHEOMAX DR-1030 Anionic Polyacrylamide

1. Product Overview

RHEOMAX DR-1030 is a high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide flocculant designed for solid–liquid separation processes in mining, mineral processing, industrial water treatment, and wastewater clarification. As an anionic polyacrylamide, RHEOMAX DR-1030 carries negatively charged functional groups along a long polymer backbone, allowing it to effectively interact with positively charged or weakly charged suspended solids.

RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is typically supplied in dry granular or powder form, enabling long shelf life, easy transportation, and flexible on-site solution preparation. Its primary function is to improve settling, thickening, clarification, and dewatering efficiency by forming large, strong flocs through polymer bridging.

2. Working Mechanism of RHEOMAX DR-1030

The performance of RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is based mainly on polymer bridging rather than charge neutralization. Due to its very high molecular weight, a single polymer chain can adsorb onto multiple fine particles simultaneously. This creates strong inter-particle connections, resulting in:

• Rapid floc growth

• Formation of large, shear-resistant flocs

• Improved settling velocity

• Clearer supernatant water

In many industrial systems, RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is applied after a coagulant or polyamine, which first destabilizes the colloidal particles. Once destabilized, RHEOMAX DR-1030 builds large flocs that settle or separate efficiently.

3. Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

3.1 Tailings Thickening

One of the most important applications of RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is in tailings thickening operations. Mining tailings usually contain fine mineral particles, clay, silica, and metal oxides that are difficult to settle naturally.

RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide improves tailings thickening by:

• Accelerating sedimentation rates

• Increasing underflow solids concentration

• Enhancing thickener stability

• Producing clear overflow water suitable for reuse

This makes RHEOMAX DR-1030 particularly suitable for copper, iron ore, gold, phosphate, coal, and bauxite operations.

3.2 Clarification of Process Water

In mineral processing plants, large volumes of water must be clarified and recycled. RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is widely used in clarifiers and settlers to remove fine suspended solids from process water.

Benefits include:

• Reduced turbidity

• Improved water recovery

• Lower fresh water consumption

• Stable operation of downstream processes

Because RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide performs well under high solids and variable pH conditions, it is well suited for harsh mining environments.

3.3 Red Mud and Alumina Processing

In alumina refineries using the Bayer process, RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide can be applied in red mud settling and washing circuits. The flocculant helps aggregate fine red mud particles, improving settling performance and enhancing caustic liquor recovery.

Its high molecular weight allows RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide to function effectively even in high-alkalinity and high-temperature conditions, which are typical in alumina production.

4. Application in Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment

4.1 Industrial Wastewater Clarification

RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is commonly used in industrial wastewater treatment systems, especially where wastewater contains inorganic solids, mineral fines, or metal hydroxide precipitates.

Typical industries include:

• Steel and metallurgical plants

• Power plants (ash handling wastewater)

• Chemical manufacturing

• Cement and building materials industries

In these systems, RHEOMAX DR-1030 improves sedimentation efficiency and reduces suspended solids in treated effluent.

4.2 Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

Another important application of RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is sludge thickening and mechanical dewatering. When used in gravity thickeners, belt presses, filter presses, or centrifuges, it enhances sludge floc structure and water release.

Key advantages include:

• Higher solids content in sludge cake

• Improved filtration rates

• Reduced sludge volume

• Lower disposal and handling costs

RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide is often used in combination with coagulants to optimize dewatering performance.

5. Dosage and Application Conditions

The typical dosage of RHEOMAX DR-1030 anionic polyacrylamide depends on:

• Type of solids

• Particle size distribution

• Solids concentration

• Water chemistry and pH

In most applications, dosage ranges from 5 to 100 g/t of dry solids, although site-specific testing is always recommended. The product is usually prepared as a 0.05–0.2% aqueous solution and dosed with controlled mixing to avoid polymer degradation.

6. Advantages of RHEOMAX DR-1030 Anionic Polyacrylamide

Key advantages include:

• High molecular weight for superior flocculation

• Excellent performance in high-solids systems

• Strong, fast-settling flocs

• Compatibility with various coagulants

• Reduced overall chemical consumption

• Improved water recovery and process efficiency