MAGNAFLOC-338 is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide widely used as a flocculant in a variety of water treatment, industrial wastewater management, mining, mineral processing, and sludge handling applications. Designed for effective solid–liquid separation, MAGNAFLOC-338 improves settling, thickening, clarification, and dewatering performance by forming large, dense, and shear-resistant flocs. It is supplied as a free-flowing powder and is typically prepared as a dilute aqueous solution before application.

General Flocculation Mechanism

MAGNAFLOC-338 functions primarily through polymer bridging. In aqueous systems, suspended solids such as mineral fines, clay particles, coal, or metal hydroxides carry neutral or low positive surface charges. When MAGNAFLOC-338 is added, it adsorbs onto particle surfaces and forms long polymer chains that link multiple particles together, creating large, dense flocs.

Because MAGNAFLOC-338 relies primarily on bridging rather than charge neutralization, it is highly effective in high-solids suspensions, pre-coagulated systems, and inorganic-rich slurries. Its performance is stable across variable pH ranges, high salinity conditions, and changing water chemistry, making it versatile for diverse industrial environments.

Application in Municipal Water Treatment

One of the major applications of MAGNAFLOC-338 is in municipal water treatment. It is commonly used for:

• Clarification of raw water

• Sedimentation in primary and secondary clarifiers

• Conditioning of sludge prior to dewatering

MAGNAFLOC-338 promotes the formation of strong, cohesive flocs that settle quickly, resulting in improved effluent clarity and higher sludge solids concentration. The enhanced settling reduces hydraulic loading on downstream filters and thickening equipment, ensuring stable operation and lower operating costs.

Application in Municipal Wastewater Treatment

In municipal wastewater treatment plants, MAGNAFLOC-338 is applied for:

• Sludge thickening

• Sludge dewatering using belt presses, centrifuges, or filter presses

• Tertiary clarification of treated effluent

By increasing floc size and strength, MAGNAFLOC-338 enhances the efficiency of gravity thickeners and clarifiers. Improved sludge thickening leads to higher cake solids, reduced water content, and lower sludge disposal costs. Furthermore, the clarified effluent meets stricter discharge standards.

Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

MAGNAFLOC-338 is widely used in industrial wastewater treatment, particularly in processes that produce high levels of suspended solids. Typical industries include:

• Steel and metal processing

• Power generation and cooling water systems

• Chemical, petrochemical, and fertilizer manufacturing

• Construction materials and ceramics production

In these applications, MAGNAFLOC-338 aggregates fine particles that are difficult to settle naturally. It is typically used after inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride to improve floc density and enhance sedimentation. MAGNAFLOC-338 produces clearer effluent, reduces turbidity, and minimizes solids carryover.

Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

Mining and mineral processing represent key application areas for MAGNAFLOC-338. It is commonly used in:

• Tailings thickening

• Clarification of process and recycled water

• Solid–liquid separation in ore beneficiation circuits

In slurries containing fine and ultrafine particles, MAGNAFLOC-338 promotes rapid floc formation, increases settling velocity, and improves thickener throughput. Strong, dense flocs reduce overflow solids and produce high-quality underflow. The use of MAGNAFLOC-338 contributes to efficient water recovery, reduced tailings volume, and improved plant sustainability.

Application in Coal Preparation and Fine Particle Recovery

In coal preparation plants, MAGNAFLOC-338 is applied for wash water clarification and recovery of fine coal particles. Coal slurries often contain variable particle sizes and high mineral content, making polymer bridging particularly effective. MAGNAFLOC-338 aggregates ultrafine coal and mineral particles into strong flocs that settle quickly. This enhances coal recovery, reduces solids loss, and improves overall plant efficiency.

Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

MAGNAFLOC-338 is extensively used in sludge thickening and dewatering equipment such as belt filter presses, centrifuges, and filter presses. Its bridging mechanism improves water release, increases cake solids content, and produces clearer filtrate or centrate. Improved dewatering reduces sludge volume, which lowers transportation and disposal costs. MAGNAFLOC-338 is particularly effective for inorganic and mineral-rich sludges, such as those generated in municipal, mining, or industrial processes.

Construction and Drilling Slurry Treatment

In civil engineering, tunneling, and drilling operations, MAGNAFLOC-338 is used to treat bentonite or drilling slurries. It effectively separates suspended solids from slurry, enabling water reuse on-site and reducing the environmental footprint of construction activities. By producing stable, high-density flocs, MAGNAFLOC-338 ensures smooth slurry treatment, reduced downtime, and better water management.

Compatibility and Chemical Integration

MAGNAFLOC-338 is compatible with a wide range of coagulants, pH adjustment agents, and other treatment chemicals. It can be used alone or in combination with anionic or cationic products to optimize flocculation performance. Proper dosing and sequence of addition are essential for achieving maximum efficiency.

Dosage and Preparation Guidelines

Typical dosage levels of MAGNAFLOC-338 range from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration, particle size, and system conditions. The product is usually prepared as a 0.05–0.3% aqueous solution, with sufficient hydration time to ensure full polymer activation. Gentle mixing and controlled dosing are critical to achieving optimal flocculation and separation efficiency.

Summary

In summary, MAGNAFLOC-338 is a high-performance, versatile flocculant used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, coal preparation, sludge thickening and dewatering, and construction slurry treatment. Through effective polymer bridging, MAGNAFLOC-338 enhances settling, clarification, and water recovery, reduces operational costs, and supports sustainable solid–liquid separation across diverse industrial applications. Its stable performance under variable conditions, compatibility with coagulants, and efficiency in high-solids systems make it a reliable choice for a wide range of water and slurry treatment processes.