Application of Polyamine Nalcolyte 8100 and Nalcolyte 8105

1. Introduction to Nalcolyte  Polyamine Series

Nalcolyte  8100 and Nalcolyte 8105 are liquid cationic polyamine coagulants developed by Nalco (Ecolab) for use in municipal water treatment, municipal wastewater treatment, and industrial effluent clarification. These products belong to the polyamine polymer family, characterized by high cationic charge density, low to medium molecular weight, and strong charge neutralization capability.

Unlike high-molecular-weight flocculants such as polyacrylamide, Nalcolyte™ polyamines act primarily through coagulation, rapidly destabilizing negatively charged colloids, fine suspended solids, emulsified oils, and dissolved organic matter. Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 are formulated with different charge levels and performance profiles, allowing selection based on influent water quality and treatment objectives.

2. Municipal Drinking Water Treatment Applications

2.1 Raw Water Coagulation and Clarification

Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 are widely used in drinking water treatment plants for the clarification of surface water, river water, and reservoir water. Raw water typically contains negatively charged particles such as clay, silt, algae, and natural organic matter that remain stable in suspension.

When dosed into the rapid-mix zone, Nalcolyte™ polyamines neutralize these surface charges almost immediately, enabling particle collision and micro-floc formation. This improves sedimentation and filtration efficiency and leads to lower turbidity in clarified water.

• Nalcolyte™ 8100 is commonly applied to low to medium turbidity raw water, where controlled and economical coagulation is required.

• Nalcolyte™ 8105, with relatively higher charge strength, is preferred for higher turbidity or higher organic load conditions, including seasonal runoff events.

2.2 Coagulant Aid for Inorganic Salts

Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 are frequently used as coagulant aids together with aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride. Their use significantly reduces the required dosage of inorganic coagulants, resulting in:

• Reduced sludge volume

• Lower residual aluminum or iron

• Improved filter run times

• Reduced chemical handling and disposal costs

Because polyamines are effective over a wide pH range, they also minimize the need for pH correction.

3. Municipal Wastewater Treatment Applications

3.1 Primary Clarification Enhancement

In municipal wastewater treatment plants, Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 are applied in primary clarifiers to enhance the removal of suspended solids, fats, oils, and grease (FOG). Domestic wastewater often contains fine colloidal particles and emulsified oils that are difficult to remove by gravity alone.

Nalcolyte™ polyamines destabilize these particles, improving floc formation and settling velocity. Enhanced primary clarification reduces organic loading to secondary biological treatment systems, improving process stability and overall plant efficiency.

Nalcolyte™ 8105 is commonly selected for high-strength influent, while Nalcolyte™ 8100 is suitable for more stable municipal wastewater conditions.

3.2 Sludge Thickening and Conditioning

Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 are also used as sludge conditioning agents prior to gravity thickening or mechanical dewatering processes such as belt filter presses and centrifuges. By neutralizing the negative surface charge of sludge particles, these polyamines promote aggregation and improve free water release.

They are often applied as a pretreatment step before cationic polyacrylamide flocculants, which allows lower overall polymer consumption and improved sludge cake dryness.

4. Industrial Wastewater Treatment Applications

4.1 Paper and Pulp Industry

Paper and pulp mill wastewater contains fibers, fillers, inks, and dissolved organic substances. Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 are highly effective in this industry due to their strong charge neutralization capability.

Applications include:

• Improved fiber and filler recovery

• Reduced suspended solids

• Enhanced performance of clarifiers and dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems

• Lower turbidity and COD in treated effluent

Nalcolyte™ 8105 is particularly effective for recycled paper mills and coated paper operations with higher contaminant loads.

4.2 Textile and Dyeing Wastewater

Textile effluents often contain negatively charged dyes and surfactants that contribute to high color and COD. Nalcolyte™ polyamines neutralize dye molecules and promote aggregation, enabling efficient color removal through sedimentation or flotation.

Nalcolyte™ 8105 is commonly used for high-color wastewater, while Nalcolyte™ 8100 is suitable for moderate dye concentrations.

4.3 Food and Beverage Industry

In food processing industries such as breweries, dairies, and meat processing plants, wastewater contains proteins, fats, oils, and suspended solids. Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 effectively destabilize emulsified oils and organic matter, improving oil–water separation and reducing COD before biological treatment.

5. Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Wastewater

Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 are applied in oily wastewater treatment for refineries, petrochemical plants, and oilfield operations. They assist in breaking stable oil emulsions and removing dispersed oil droplets, improving the efficiency of API separators, flotation units, and secondary clarifiers. Nalcolyte™ 8105 is especially suitable for complex or high-oil emulsions.

6. Operational Advantages

Key operational benefits of Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 include:

• Rapid coagulation and short mixing time

• Broad pH adaptability

• Lower sludge generation than inorganic coagulants

• Improved downstream dewatering performance

• Easy handling and dosing as liquid products

7. Conclusion

Nalcolyte™ 8100 and Nalcolyte™ 8105 are versatile and high-performance cationic polyamine coagulants used across municipal drinking water treatment, municipal wastewater treatment, and a wide range of industrial effluent applications. Through effective charge neutralization and rapid coagulation, they improve clarification efficiency, reduce chemical consumption, and enhance overall treatment stability. Proper selection between Nalcolyte™ 8100 and 8105 allows operators to achieve reliable, economical, and environmentally compliant water treatment performance under varying process conditions.