Application of ZETAG 8115

ZETAG 8115 is a cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) flocculant developed for high-efficiency solid–liquid separation in municipal and industrial processes. It typically features a high molecular weight combined with a medium cationic charge density, enabling it to effectively neutralize negatively charged particles while forming strong polymer bridges between solids. This balanced structure allows ZETAG 8115 to generate large, compact, and shear-resistant flocs that release water rapidly, making it highly suitable for sludge dewatering, sludge thickening, and wastewater clarification.

1. Municipal Wastewater Treatment

One of the primary applications of ZETAG 8115 is in municipal wastewater treatment plants, particularly for conditioning biological and mixed sludges before mechanical dewatering. Municipal sludges are rich in negatively charged bacteria, extracellular polymers, and organic colloids, which respond efficiently to cationic polymers.

ZETAG 8115 is widely applied in centrifuges, belt filter presses, screw presses, and chamber filter presses. During sludge conditioning, it promotes rapid flocculation and forms strong floc structures capable of withstanding mechanical shear. This leads to improved water release during dewatering, resulting in higher cake solids content and lower filtrate turbidity. The use of ZETAG 8115 helps reduce sludge volume, lower disposal and transportation costs, and improve the overall operational efficiency of wastewater treatment facilities.

Another advantage is its stable performance under fluctuating sludge conditions, such as variations in solids concentration, organic load, and temperature.

2. Sludge Dewatering Applications

ZETAG 8115 is particularly effective as a sludge dewatering aid. Its high molecular weight allows it to bridge fine particles into dense aggregates, while its cationic charge neutralizes surface charges that prevent aggregation.

Key benefits in dewatering applications include:

• Faster drainage and improved filtrate clarity

• Higher dry solids content in sludge cake

• Reduced polymer consumption due to efficient floc formation

• Improved equipment throughput and operational stability

ZETAG 8115 is suitable for waste activated sludge, digested sludge, primary sludge, and mixed sludge, making it a versatile choice across different treatment configurations.

3. Industrial Wastewater Treatment

ZETAG 8115 is widely used in industrial wastewater treatment systems to remove suspended solids, organic matter, and fine colloidal particles from complex effluents.

Typical industrial applications include:

• Food and beverage processing: Removal of proteins, fats, oils, starches, and organic solids, improving effluent clarity and reducing COD.

• Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing: Separation of reaction by-products, fine solids, and colloidal impurities.

• Textile and dyeing industries: Flocculation of fibers, dyes, and pigments, resulting in reduced turbidity and color.

• Metal processing and electroplating: Enhanced settling of metal hydroxide precipitates after chemical precipitation.

In these systems, ZETAG 8115 improves clarification efficiency, protects downstream biological treatment units, and supports compliance with discharge regulations.

4. Sludge Thickening Processes

Another important application of ZETAG 8115 is in sludge thickening, where it is used to increase solids concentration prior to dewatering. In gravity thickeners and dissolved air flotation (DAF) thickeners, ZETAG 8115 accelerates particle aggregation and settling.

Benefits in thickening applications include:

• Faster settling rates

• Higher underflow solids concentration

• Reduced hydraulic load on dewatering equipment

• Improved thickener capacity and stability

These improvements help optimize plant operation and reduce energy and chemical consumption.

5. Pulp and Paper Industry

In the pulp and paper industry, ZETAG 8115 is applied mainly as a sludge dewatering aid and retention aid.

Key uses include:

• Dewatering of primary and secondary paper mill sludge, reducing disposal volumes and costs

• Improving retention of fine fibers and fillers during paper sheet formation

• Clarification of white water, allowing internal reuse and reduced fresh water demand

By enhancing drainage and solids capture, ZETAG 8115 contributes to improved paper machine runnability and consistent product quality.

6. Mining and Mineral-Related Water Treatment

Although ZETAG 8115 is primarily designed for organic sludges, it is also used in mine water and mineral-related wastewater treatment.

Typical applications include:

• Clarification of mine water and process water

• Dewatering of mineral sludges generated during washing or beneficiation

• Treatment of tailings pond overflow to improve water quality for reuse or discharge

The flocs formed by ZETAG 8115 exhibit good shear resistance and moderate tolerance to salinity and dissolved solids.

7. Environmental and Operational Benefits

The application of ZETAG 8115 provides several operational and environmental advantages:

• Reduced chemical consumption through efficient flocculation

• Improved water recovery and reuse

• Lower sludge handling and disposal costs

• Enhanced process stability and reliability

These benefits support sustainable wastewater management and compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations.

8. Dosage and Handling Considerations

• Typical dosage:

  • Wastewater clarification: 1–10 mg/L

  • Sludge dewatering: 2–8 kg per ton of dry solids
    Actual dosage should be optimized through laboratory jar tests and on-site trials.

• Preparation: ZETAG 8115 is supplied as a dry powder and must be properly dissolved and aged to achieve full polymer activation.

• Safety: Non-hazardous under normal industrial use; standard handling precautions are recommended.

Conclusion

ZETAG 8115 is a high-performance cationic polyacrylamide flocculant widely applied in municipal wastewater treatment, industrial effluent clarification, sludge thickening, sludge dewatering, pulp and paper processing, and mining-related water treatment. Its combination of high molecular weight and balanced cationic charge enables rapid floc formation, strong floc structure, and excellent water release. By improving solid–liquid separation efficiency, reducing sludge volume, and enhancing water reuse, ZETAG 8115 plays a vital role in modern, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible treatment systems.