ZETAG® 8108 DL is a cationic polyacrylamide flocculant supplied in liquid (DL = dispersion liquid) form and is widely used for solid–liquid separation in municipal and industrial processes. It is characterized by medium to high cationic charge density, high molecular weight, rapid dissolution, and excellent floc formation. These properties make ZETAG 8108 DL particularly suitable for sludge dewatering, wastewater clarification, and industrial separation systems where negatively charged particles dominate.

1. Municipal wastewater treatment

One of the primary applications of ZETAG 8108 DL is in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In activated sludge systems, suspended solids and biological flocs carry a net negative surface charge. ZETAG 8108 DL neutralizes these charges through its cationic functional groups and bridges particles via its long polymer chains, forming large, strong, and fast-settling flocs.

In secondary clarification, ZETAG 8108 DL improves sludge settleability, reduces turbidity in the effluent, and minimizes solids carryover. It enhances sludge compaction, resulting in clearer overflow water and more stable plant operation. The product performs well over a wide pH range and adapts effectively to fluctuations in sludge composition and organic loading.

2. Sludge thickening and dewatering

ZETAG 8108 DL is especially well known for its excellent sludge dewatering performance. It is widely used to condition:

• Waste activated sludge (WAS)

• Primary sludge

• Mixed sludge

• Digested sludge

In mechanical dewatering equipment such as belt filter presses, centrifuges, screw presses, and filter presses, ZETAG 8108 DL improves cake dryness and reduces filtrate turbidity. The strong flocs resist shear forces during centrifugation, minimizing polymer breakage and solids loss.

Key benefits in sludge dewatering include:

• Higher dry solids content in sludge cake

• Reduced polymer dosage compared with dry powder products

• Lower sludge disposal and transportation costs

• Improved equipment throughput and operational stability

Because it is supplied in liquid dispersion form, ZETAG 8108 DL offers fast make-down, consistent solution quality, and easier handling compared with powdered polymers.

3. Industrial wastewater treatment

ZETAG 8108 DL is widely applied in industrial wastewater treatment where effluents contain high concentrations of suspended solids, organic matter, oils, or colloids. Typical industries include:

• Food and beverage processing

• Pulp and paper mills

• Textile and dyeing plants

• Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing

• Metal finishing and surface treatment

In these applications, ZETAG 8108 DL acts as a primary flocculant or as a coagulant aid following inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride or aluminum sulfate. It improves solid capture, accelerates settling, and produces compact sludge with good dewatering characteristics.

4. Papermaking and pulp processing

In the papermaking industry, ZETAG 8108 DL is used in both process water treatment and sludge handling. It enhances the flocculation of fine fibers, fillers, and organic residues present in white water and effluent streams.

Applications include:

• Clarification of white water systems

• Treatment of biological sludge from paper mills

• Fiber recovery from wastewater

• Sludge dewatering before disposal or incineration

The cationic nature of ZETAG 8108 DL allows it to interact efficiently with cellulose fibers and negatively charged fillers such as clay and calcium carbonate, improving retention and reducing raw material losses.

5. Oil, grease, and organic sludge treatment

ZETAG 8108 DL performs well in oil- and grease-containing wastewater and sludge systems. Many organic sludges exhibit poor dewaterability due to emulsified oils and fine colloidal particles. ZETAG 8108 DL breaks emulsions, agglomerates organic solids, and forms hydrophobic flocs that release water more readily.

Typical applications include:

• Food processing wastewater (meat, dairy, vegetable oil plants)

• Slaughterhouse and rendering plant sludge

• Petrochemical and refinery wastewater treatment

Its performance stability under varying salinity and temperature conditions makes it suitable for challenging organic sludge systems.

6. Compatibility with treatment equipment

ZETAG 8108 DL is compatible with a wide range of solid–liquid separation equipment, including:

• Gravity thickeners

• Dissolved air flotation (DAF) units

• Lamella clarifiers

• Centrifuges and belt presses

The flocs formed are strong yet flexible, allowing efficient separation without excessive shear degradation. This versatility makes ZETAG 8108 DL a preferred choice for plants seeking a single polymer grade for multiple treatment steps.

7. Operational and economic advantages

Compared with dry powder flocculants, ZETAG 8108 DL offers several operational benefits:

• Rapid dissolution with minimal aging time

• Lower dust exposure and improved operator safety

• Consistent product quality and dosing accuracy

• Reduced preparation labor and equipment requirements

These advantages contribute to lower total treatment costs and more reliable plant operation, particularly in medium to large wastewater treatment facilities.

8. Environmental and regulatory relevance

By improving solids removal efficiency and sludge dewatering, ZETAG 8108 DL helps facilities:

• Meet stricter effluent discharge standards

• Reduce water consumption through recycling

• Minimize sludge volume and environmental footprint

Its effective performance at low dosages supports sustainable wastewater management and optimized chemical usage.