FLOPAM FO 4490

FLOPAM FO 4490 is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide flocculant widely used for solid–liquid separation in mineral processing, industrial water treatment, and sludge management. Manufactured by SNF Group, this grade is designed to provide strong bridging flocculation, rapid settling, and clear overflow in high-throughput operations. Its performance is especially valued in systems containing negatively charged mineral particles where polymer chain length and charge density are critical for effective aggregation.

Below is a detailed overview of its major applications.

1. Mining and Mineral Processing

The primary application of FLOPAM FO 4490 is in the mining industry, where efficient separation of fine solids from process water is essential for productivity and environmental compliance.

(1) Tailings Thickening

In base metals (copper, lead, zinc), iron ore, phosphate, and coal processing plants, large volumes of fine tailings are generated. FLOPAM FO 4490 is added to tailings thickeners to promote rapid floc formation. The long polymer chains adsorb onto multiple particles simultaneously, creating large, dense flocs that settle quickly.

Key benefits include:

• Increased underflow density

• Improved overflow clarity

• Reduced water loss to tailings dams

• Lower polymer consumption due to high efficiency

By enhancing thickening performance, the product supports water recycling, which is especially important in water-scarce mining regions.

(2) Clarification Circuits

In clarification tanks, the polymer accelerates sedimentation of suspended solids. This ensures that recycled process water meets quality requirements for reuse in grinding, flotation, or washing stages. Clean overflow improves flotation selectivity and reduces scaling or contamination in downstream processes.

(3) Coal Preparation Plants

In coal washing plants, FLOPAM FO 4490 is used to treat fine coal slurry and thickener overflow. It improves settling of ultrafine coal particles, enabling water recovery and reducing environmental discharge loads. Faster settling rates allow higher plant throughput.

2. Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Another major application is industrial wastewater treatment, where suspended solids and colloidal particles must be removed before discharge or reuse.

(1) Primary and Secondary Clarification

FLOPAM FO 4490 is dosed after coagulation (often with aluminum or iron salts). The coagulant neutralizes particle charges, while the anionic polymer forms bridges between destabilized particles. This results in:

• Larger, stronger flocs

• Faster settling

• Lower turbidity in treated water

Industries using this process include:

• Metallurgical plants

• Power stations

• Chemical manufacturing facilities

• Pulp and paper mills

(2) Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

In sludge treatment, FLOPAM FO 4490 improves solid capture and cake dryness in belt filter presses, centrifuges, and filter presses. Higher cake solids reduce transportation and disposal costs. The product’s molecular structure allows efficient water release from sludge flocs while maintaining structural stability.

3. Water Recycling and Process Water Recovery

Water reuse is increasingly important in heavy industry. FLOPAM FO 4490 supports recycling by:

• Reducing suspended solids in return water

• Lowering turbidity levels

• Improving filtration performance

Clear recycled water minimizes scaling, corrosion, and equipment fouling. In mining operations, this directly contributes to operational stability and reduced freshwater intake.

4. Red Mud and Alumina Processing

In alumina refineries using the Bayer process, solid–liquid separation is critical in red mud washing circuits. Anionic flocculants like FLOPAM FO 4490 can enhance sedimentation of fine particles under alkaline conditions. Improved settling increases washer efficiency and reduces soda losses.

5. Sand and Aggregates Industry

In sand washing and aggregates processing, large volumes of muddy water are produced. FLOPAM FO 4490 aids rapid clarification in settling ponds and thickeners. Benefits include:

• Recovery of usable process water

• Reduction of suspended solids in discharge

• Decreased pond size requirements

This improves environmental compliance and lowers operating costs.

6. Environmental Remediation

In certain environmental remediation projects, such as sedimentation of contaminated soils or dredged materials, FLOPAM FO 4490 accelerates solid settling. Faster clarification reduces project timelines and improves containment of fine particulates.

7. Mechanism of Action

The effectiveness of FLOPAM FO 4490 is based on polymer bridging. The anionic functional groups adsorb onto particle surfaces, while extended polymer chains connect multiple particles into aggregates. Factors influencing performance include:

• pH of the slurry

• Ionic strength

• Solids concentration

• Mixing energy

• Dosage level

Optimal dosing is critical. Overdosing may restabilize particles or increase residual polymer in overflow water, while underdosing reduces settling efficiency.

8. Operational Advantages

Users select FLOPAM FO 4490 for several operational reasons:

• High molecular weight for strong floc formation

• Good performance across a wide pH range

• Effective at low dosages

• Improved sedimentation rates

• Enhanced underflow compaction

These properties contribute to lower total treatment costs and increased plant productivity.

9. Compatibility and Handling

The product is typically supplied as a dry granular powder. It must be properly dissolved (usually at 0.1–0.5% concentration) before dosing. Adequate aging time ensures full polymer hydration. Proper mixing systems are essential to maximize performance.