Application of MAGNAFLOC-338

MAGNAFLOC-338 is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide designed for solid–liquid separation across a wide range of industrial, municipal, and mining applications. As an anionic flocculant, MAGNAFLOC-338 functions primarily through polymer bridging, creating large, cohesive, and shear-resistant flocs that improve settling, thickening, clarification, and dewatering performance. The product is typically supplied as a free-flowing powder and is prepared as a dilute aqueous solution prior to use.

General Flocculation Mechanism

In aqueous systems, suspended solids such as clay, mineral fines, coal particles, and metal hydroxides often carry neutral or positive surface charges. MAGNAFLOC-338 adsorbs onto these particle surfaces and extends long polymer chains into the surrounding water, linking multiple particles together. This bridging mechanism produces dense flocs that settle rapidly, improving separation efficiency.

Because MAGNAFLOC-338 relies primarily on bridging rather than charge neutralization, it is effective in high-solids suspensions, pre-coagulated slurries, and inorganic-rich systems. Its performance remains stable across a wide pH range and varying salinity conditions, making it highly versatile for diverse industrial environments.

Application in Municipal Water Treatment

MAGNAFLOC-338 is widely used in municipal water treatment for:

• Clarification of raw water

• Sedimentation in primary and secondary clarifiers

• Conditioning of sludge prior to dewatering

By promoting the formation of strong, cohesive flocs, MAGNAFLOC-338 enhances settling efficiency, resulting in clearer overflow and higher sludge solids concentration. The improved thickening and clarification reduce hydraulic load on downstream filters and enhance overall plant stability.

Application in Municipal Wastewater Treatment

In municipal wastewater treatment plants, MAGNAFLOC-338 is applied for:

• Sludge thickening

• Dewatering using belt presses, centrifuges, and filter presses

• Tertiary clarification of treated effluent

By increasing floc size and strength, MAGNAFLOC-338 improves the efficiency of gravity thickeners and clarifiers. Enhanced sludge thickening produces higher cake solids, reduces water content, and lowers disposal costs. Additionally, clarified effluent meets stricter discharge standards, contributing to environmental compliance.

Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

MAGNAFLOC-338 is widely applied in industries generating high levels of suspended solids, including:

• Steel and metal processing

• Power generation and cooling water systems

• Chemical, petrochemical, and fertilizer manufacturing

• Construction materials and ceramics production

In these systems, MAGNAFLOC-338 aggregates fine particles that are difficult to settle naturally. It is commonly used following inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride to enhance floc density and sedimentation. MAGNAFLOC-338 produces clear effluent, minimizes solids carryover, and reduces turbidity.

Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

Mining and mineral processing are major application areas for MAGNAFLOC-338. Typical uses include:

• Tailings thickening

• Clarification of recycled process water

• Solid–liquid separation in ore beneficiation

In mineral slurries containing fine and ultrafine particles, MAGNAFLOC-338 promotes rapid floc formation and high settling velocity. This improves thickener throughput, produces high-quality overflow, and increases underflow density. Effective use of MAGNAFLOC-338 supports water recovery, reduces tailings storage volume, and enhances environmental sustainability.

Application in Coal Washing and Fine Particle Recovery

In coal preparation plants, MAGNAFLOC-338 is used for wash water clarification and fine particle recovery. Coal slurries often exhibit a wide particle size distribution and high mineral content. MAGNAFLOC-338 aggregates ultrafine coal and mineral particles into strong, shear-resistant flocs, enhancing recovery of valuable fines, reducing solids loss, and improving overall plant efficiency.

Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

MAGNAFLOC-338 is widely applied in sludge thickening and dewatering using belt filter presses, centrifuges, screw presses, and filter presses. Its bridging mechanism improves water release, increases cake solids content, and produces clearer filtrate or centrate. Enhanced dewatering reduces sludge volume, lowering transportation and disposal costs. MAGNAFLOC-338 is particularly effective for inorganic and mineral-rich sludges generated in municipal, industrial, and mining operations.

Construction and Drilling Slurry Treatment

In civil engineering, tunneling, and drilling operations, MAGNAFLOC-338 is used to treat bentonite and drilling slurries. It separates suspended solids efficiently, enabling water reuse on-site and reducing waste disposal. The strong and stable flocs produced by MAGNAFLOC-338 ensure smooth slurry handling and improved water management.

Compatibility and Chemical Integration

MAGNAFLOC-338 is compatible with a wide range of coagulants, pH adjustment chemicals, and other flocculants. It can be applied alone or in combination with anionic or cationic products to optimize flocculation performance. Proper sequence of addition and controlled dosing are critical to achieving maximum efficiency.

Dosage and Preparation

Typical dosage of MAGNAFLOC-338 ranges from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration, particle size, and system conditions. The product is prepared as a 0.05–0.3% aqueous solution with sufficient hydration time to activate the polymer fully. Gentle mixing and controlled dosing are essential to obtain optimal flocculation performance.

Summary

In summary, MAGNAFLOC-338 is a versatile, high-performance anionic polyacrylamide used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, coal preparation, sludge thickening and dewatering, and construction slurry treatment. By forming large, stable, and shear-resistant flocs through polymer bridging, MAGNAFLOC-338 improves settling, clarification, and water recovery while reducing operational costs. Its stable performance under variable conditions, compatibility with other treatment chemicals, and efficiency in high-solids systems make MAGNAFLOC-338 a reliable choice for a wide range of water and slurry treatment processes.