Application of ZETAG 4100 Anionic Polyacrylamide

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is a high-molecular-weight anionic flocculant widely used in solid–liquid separation processes across municipal water treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, mining, mineral processing, and sludge management operations. As an anionic polyacrylamide, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide functions primarily through polymer bridging, forming large, strong flocs that enhance settling, thickening, clarification, and dewatering efficiency. It is typically supplied as a free-flowing powder and prepared as a dilute aqueous solution before use.

1. General Function of ZETAG 4100 Anionic Polyacrylamide

In aqueous systems, many suspended solids—such as mineral particles, metal hydroxides, and inorganic fines—carry neutral or positively charged surfaces after coagulation. ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide adsorbs onto these particle surfaces and creates polymer bridges between them, producing larger and more robust flocs. These flocs settle faster, release water more effectively, and are easier to separate through sedimentation, filtration, or centrifugation.

Because ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide relies mainly on bridging rather than charge neutralization, it is especially effective in systems with high inorganic content, high solids concentration, or pre-coagulated suspensions.

2. Application in Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment

One of the key applications of ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, particularly in clarification and sludge handling processes. Typical uses include:

• Sludge thickening in gravity thickeners

• Sludge conditioning prior to belt presses or centrifuges

• Clarification of secondary or tertiary effluent

In these applications, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide improves floc size and strength, leading to faster settling rates, clearer supernatant, and higher solids concentration in thickened sludge. This reduces the hydraulic load on downstream dewatering equipment and lowers overall sludge disposal costs.

3. Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is widely applied in industrial wastewater treatment, where effluents often contain large amounts of suspended inorganic solids. Common industrial sectors include:

• Steel and metal processing

• Power plants and cooling water systems

• Chemical manufacturing

• Construction material production

In these systems, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide enhances clarification efficiency by rapidly aggregating fine solids, improving settling in clarifiers and lamella settlers. It is often used in combination with inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride or aluminum sulfate to maximize solids removal.

4. Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

Mining and mineral processing represent one of the most important application areas for ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide. It is extensively used in:

• Tailings thickening

• Clarification of process water

• Solid–liquid separation in ore beneficiation circuits

In mineral slurries containing fine particles, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide promotes rapid floc formation and improves settling velocity. This allows mining operations to recover and recycle process water efficiently, reduce tailings pond volume, and improve overall plant sustainability.

5. Application in Coal Washing and Fine Mineral Recovery

In coal preparation plants and fine mineral recovery systems, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is used to aggregate ultrafine particles that would otherwise remain suspended. Its benefits include:

• Faster clarification of wash water

• Improved recovery of fine coal or valuable minerals

• Reduced solids loss to overflow streams

The strong, shear-resistant flocs formed by ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide are particularly suitable for high-throughput operations.

6. Application in Sludge Dewatering Processes

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is commonly applied in sludge dewatering equipment such as belt filter presses, centrifuges, and filter presses. In these applications, it provides:

• Improved water release from sludge

• Higher cake solids content

• Reduced polymer consumption compared to lower-efficiency flocculants

• Cleaner filtrate or centrate

The improved dewatering performance translates into lower transportation and disposal costs for sludge.

7. Application in Construction and Tunnel Slurry Treatment

In civil engineering and tunneling projects, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is used to treat bentonite and slurry waste generated during excavation and piling operations. It helps separate solids from slurry, allowing water reuse and reducing waste volume.

8. Compatibility and Use with Coagulants

ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is compatible with most inorganic and organic coagulants, including:

• Ferric salts and aluminum salts

• Lime and other pH adjustment agents

• Polyamines and polyDADMAC

It is typically applied after coagulation, where it acts as a bridging flocculant to strengthen flocs and improve separation efficiency.

9. Dosage and Preparation Guidelines

Typical dosage levels of ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide range from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration, particle size, and process conditions. The product is usually prepared as a 0.05–0.3% aqueous solution and requires adequate aging time for full polymer hydration.

Correct solution preparation, gentle mixing, and controlled dosing are essential to achieve optimal performance.

10. Summary of Application Benefits

In summary, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide is a versatile and efficient flocculant used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, coal washing, sludge thickening, sludge dewatering, and construction slurry treatment. Through effective polymer bridging, ZETAG 4100 anionic polyacrylamide improves settling, clarification, and dewatering performance, reduces operational costs, and supports sustainable water management across a wide range of industries.