Application of Anionic Polyacrylamide ZETAG 4120

ZETAG 4120 is a high–molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide widely used as a flocculating agent in solid–liquid separation processes. Owing to its strong anionic charge, extended polymer chain structure, and excellent adsorption–bridging ability, ZETAG 4120 is especially effective for aggregating fine suspended solids into large, fast-settling flocs. It is commonly applied in mining, alumina refining, industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, and several heavy industrial processes where efficient clarification and water recovery are essential.

1. Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

One of the most important applications of ZETAG 4120 is in mining and mineral processing operations. During ore beneficiation, grinding and flotation generate large volumes of slurry containing fine mineral particles that are difficult to settle naturally. ZETAG 4120 adsorbs onto particle surfaces and creates polymer bridges between them, forming compact flocs with high settling velocity.

In tailings thickening and clarification systems for copper, gold, iron ore, coal, bauxite, and phosphate mining, ZETAG 4120 significantly improves thickener performance. It increases settling rates, enhances underflow density, and produces clearer overflow water. This allows mining plants to recycle process water efficiently, reduce freshwater consumption, and minimize tailings pond volumes, supporting both cost control and environmental compliance.

2. Application in Alumina Refining and Red Mud Separation

ZETAG 4120 is extensively used in alumina refineries operating the Bayer process, particularly in red mud settling, thickening, and washing circuits. Red mud consists of extremely fine, highly alkaline particles that exhibit strong electrostatic repulsion, making separation challenging.

Anionic polyacrylamide ZETAG 4120 performs reliably under high pH and high temperature conditions typical of alumina refining. When added to settlers and washers, it accelerates red mud settling, improves mud compaction, and enhances washing efficiency. Clearer overflow liquor is achieved, resulting in better recovery of sodium aluminate and reduced caustic soda losses. Its use contributes directly to improved refinery stability and reduced operating costs.

3. Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

In industrial wastewater treatment, ZETAG 4120 is applied to remove suspended solids, colloidal particles, and fine inorganic matter from effluents. Industries such as metal processing, cement production, chemical manufacturing, textiles, and power generation rely on effective flocculation to meet discharge standards or reuse requirements.

ZETAG 4120 is typically used in combination with inorganic coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, or polyaluminum chloride. The coagulant neutralizes particle charges, while ZETAG 4120 promotes floc growth through bridging. This synergy improves sedimentation, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and filtration efficiency, leading to lower turbidity, reduced sludge volume, and more stable plant operation.

4. Application in Municipal Water Treatment

In municipal water treatment plants, ZETAG 4120 is used for raw water clarification, especially when treating surface water with high turbidity caused by clay, silt, or fine organic particles. Its strong flocculation ability enables the formation of large, shear-resistant flocs that settle quickly in sedimentation basins.

The use of ZETAG 4120 improves clarified water quality and reduces the load on downstream filtration units, such as sand filters or membranes. This results in longer filter run times, lower backwash frequency, and overall improvement in treatment efficiency.

5. Application in Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

ZETAG 4120 is also widely used as a sludge conditioning agent in both industrial and municipal sludge treatment. When applied prior to thickening or mechanical dewatering, it enhances sludge floc structure and promotes rapid water release.

In belt filter presses, centrifuges, and filter presses, ZETAG 4120 increases cake solids content and improves filtrate clarity. This leads to reduced sludge volume, lower transportation and disposal costs, and more efficient sludge management. Its consistent performance makes it suitable for continuous operation in large treatment facilities.

6. Application in Energy, Oil, and Power Industries

In the energy sector, ZETAG 4120 is used in coal-fired power plants for fly ash and bottom ash pond clarification, as well as cooling water treatment. By accelerating ash particle settling, it supports efficient water reuse and reduces environmental discharge risks.

In oil and gas operations, ZETAG 4120 is applied in produced water treatment and drilling waste clarification. It helps remove suspended solids and improves separation efficiency, supporting compliance with environmental regulations and reuse of treated water.

7. Key Performance Advantages

ZETAG 4120 offers several advantages, including high efficiency at low dosage, rapid floc formation, strong floc strength, and adaptability to a wide pH range. It is easy to prepare, compatible with most coagulants, and suitable for harsh industrial conditions. These characteristics make it a preferred anionic polyacrylamide for large-scale solid–liquid separation processes.

8. Conclusion

Anionic polyacrylamide ZETAG® 4120 is a versatile and high-performance flocculant used extensively in mining, alumina refining, wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, and energy industries. By improving settling, thickening, and clarification efficiency, it helps reduce water consumption, optimize process performance, and enhance environmental sustainability. Its reliability and broad applicability make ZETAG 4120 an essential component in modern water and solids management systems.