Application of Highly Branched Cationic Polyacrylamide Emulsion (EM640 HIB)

Highly branched cationic polyacrylamide emulsion EM640 HIB is a high-performance flocculant designed for rapid solid–liquid separation in demanding water and sludge treatment processes. As a cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) emulsion, EM640 HIB combines high molecular weight, strong cationic charge, and a highly branched polymer structure, delivering fast floc formation, strong flocs, and excellent dewatering performance. These characteristics make EM640 HIB widely applicable in municipal wastewater treatment, industrial effluent treatment, sludge dewatering, and process water clarification.

1. Structural Characteristics and Flocculation Mechanism

The performance of EM640 HIB is largely determined by its highly branched molecular architecture. Unlike linear polymers that rely mainly on long-chain bridging, highly branched CPAM provides a three-dimensional interaction network with suspended solids. This structure enhances charge neutralization and particle capture, especially for fine, compressible, or organic-rich solids.

As a cationic emulsion polymer, EM640 HIB must be properly inverted and diluted in water before application. Once activated, the polymer chains rapidly adsorb onto negatively charged particles, promoting polymer bridging, charge neutralization, and floc consolidation. The result is the formation of large, dense, and shear-resistant flocs suitable for a wide range of separation equipment.

2. Municipal Wastewater Treatment Applications

One of the primary applications of EM640 HIB is municipal wastewater treatment, particularly in sludge conditioning and dewatering. Waste activated sludge (WAS), primary sludge, and mixed sludge typically contain high levels of organic matter and fine particles that are difficult to dewater.

EM640 HIB is especially effective in these systems due to its rapid flocculation speed and strong floc structure. When used prior to centrifuges, belt filter presses, or screw presses, EM640 HIB improves cake solids content, reduces filtrate turbidity, and enhances overall dewatering stability. Its branched structure provides better resistance to shear forces, maintaining floc integrity during mechanical handling.

3. Industrial Sludge Dewatering

In industrial wastewater treatment, EM640 HIB is widely applied to the dewatering of sludges generated from industries such as chemical manufacturing, petrochemical processing, food and beverage production, textiles, pulp and paper, and metal finishing.

Industrial sludges often exhibit variable composition, high oil or grease content, and complex surface chemistry. The strong cationic charge and branched structure of EM640 HIB enable effective interaction with diverse solids, resulting in reduced polymer dosage, improved cake dryness, and clearer centrate or filtrate. This makes EM640 HIB particularly suitable for high-load and variable industrial treatment systems.

4. Clarification and Solid–Liquid Separation

Beyond dewatering, EM640 HIB is also applied in clarification and thickening processes. In gravity thickeners, dissolved air flotation (DAF) units, and lamella clarifiers, EM640 HIB accelerates solids settling and improves supernatant clarity.

The highly branched polymer structure enhances particle capture efficiency, especially for fine suspended solids and colloidal organic matter. This results in higher solids recovery, reduced carryover, and more stable clarifier operation, even under fluctuating flow or load conditions.

5. Compatibility with Coagulants and Process Chemicals

EM640 HIB demonstrates excellent compatibility with inorganic coagulants (aluminum and iron salts), PolyDADMAC, and polyamine coagulants. In many systems, EM640 HIB is used as a secondary flocculant, following charge neutralization by a coagulant.

This dual-chemical approach improves overall treatment efficiency, reduces total chemical consumption, and enhances sludge dewatering performance. EM640 HIB’s fast reaction kinetics make it particularly suitable for short retention time systems where rapid floc formation is essential.

6. Advantages of Emulsion Technology

As an emulsion polymer, EM640 HIB offers several operational advantages over dry powder flocculants:

• Rapid dissolution and activation

• Consistent polymer performance

• Reduced dust and improved handling safety

• Accurate dosing and easy automation

The emulsion form allows EM640 HIB to be quickly prepared into a ready-to-use polymer solution, supporting stable, continuous operation in automated treatment systems.

7. Performance Benefits and Economic Impact

The application of EM640 HIB delivers multiple performance and economic benefits, including:

• Faster flocculation and improved solids capture

• Strong, shear-resistant flocs suitable for mechanical dewatering

• Higher cake solids and reduced disposal volume

• Lower overall polymer consumption

• Improved filtrate and effluent clarity

These benefits translate into lower operating costs, improved process reliability, and enhanced compliance with discharge or disposal regulations.