Application of Anionic Flocculant (NALCO 9601 PULV)

NALCO 9601 PULV is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide flocculant supplied by Nalco Water (Ecolab) in powder form (“PULV” = pulverized). It is engineered for solid–liquid separation in industrial and municipal water treatment systems. As a dry polymer, NALCO 9601 PULV provides superior flocculation, sedimentation, and dewatering efficiency across a broad range of applications, especially where negatively charged suspended particles must be aggregated into large, rapidly settling flocs.NALCO 9601

1. Product Overview

NALCO 9601 PULV is a powdered anionic polyacrylamide polymer, soluble in water and highly active even at low dosages. Its key characteristics include:

• Form: White to off-white powder.

• Ionic charge type: Anionic.

• Molecular weight: Very high (typically >10 million Daltons).

• Charge density: Medium to high (approx. 15–30% anionic charge).

• Active content: 100% (dry polymer).

• Solubility: Fully soluble in water after proper aging and hydration.

• Shelf life: 24 months under dry conditions.

Because it is in powder form, NALCO 9601 PULV provides excellent stability, long storage life, and economical transportation compared with emulsion polymers.

2. Working Principle

Anionic polyacrylamide such as NALCO 9601 PULV functions primarily through electrostatic bridging and particle aggregation. Negatively charged polymer chains adsorb onto the surfaces of positively or neutrally charged particles (such as clays, organic colloids, or metal hydroxides), forming inter-particle bridges. The result is the creation of large, dense flocs that settle rapidly in clarifiers, thickeners, or sedimentation tanks.

The polymer can also enhance filtration and centrifugation processes by improving the structure and drainage characteristics of the formed sludge.

3. Applications in Water and Wastewater Treatment

a. Raw Water and Clarification SystemsNALCO 9601

NALCO 9601 PULV is widely used in surface water clarification, such as river, reservoir, or lake water treatment for industrial and municipal use. When applied after primary coagulants like aluminum sulfate, PAC, or ferric chloride, it enhances floc strength, shortens settling time, and produces clearer supernatant. It is especially effective in systems with high turbidity, suspended clay, or organic contamination.

b. Wastewater Treatment and Effluent Polishing

In industrial wastewater treatment, NALCO 9601 PULV is used to remove suspended solids, oil, and organic impurities. Industries such as chemical, textile, pulp and paper, food and beverage, metal processing, and petrochemical plants use it to improve settling in secondary clarifiers or dissolved air flotation (DAF) units.
The polymer helps achieve lower effluent turbidity and enhances biological sludge separation in activated sludge systems.

c. Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

In sludge management, NALCO 9601 PULV increases the density and filterability of sludge. By promoting compact, strong flocs, it improves the efficiency of dewatering equipment such as belt presses, centrifuges, and vacuum filters.
The polymer allows for:

• Reduced sludge volume.

• Lower disposal costs.

• Higher dry-solid content in the final cake.

• Shorter cycle times and better water recovery.

Typical dosage ranges from 0.1–0.5 kg per ton of dry solids (DS) for thickening and 1–5 kg/t DS for dewatering, depending on sludge characteristics.

4. Applications in Industrial Processes

a. Mining and Mineral Processing

NALCO 9601 PULV is a major flocculant in mineral beneficiation and tailings management. It is applied to separate fine solids from process water in mining of coal, iron ore, bauxite, phosphate, copper, and precious metals.
In tailings thickeners, it speeds up settling, clarifies overflow water, and allows recycling of process water back into the plant. It also aids in sediment control in ponds and dams.

b. Power Generation and Ash ManagementNALCO 9601

Power plants use NALCO 9601 PULV for ash water recovery and sludge clarification. It improves the settling of fly ash and bottom ash particles in settling ponds, reducing environmental discharge and recovering reusable water.

c. Pulp and Paper Industry

In the paper industry, this anionic flocculant enhances white water clarification, fiber recovery, and sludge treatment. It improves filler retention, promotes drainage on paper machines, and clarifies mill effluent before discharge.

d. Oil and Gas / Refinery Applications

In refinery wastewater and oil–water separation, NALCO 9601 PULV helps in removing suspended solids and fine oil droplets. It is also applied in produced-water clarification systems where oilfield water needs to be treated for reuse or disposal.

5. Key AdvantagesNALCO 9601

• High Efficiency at Low Dosage: Strong flocculation at very low concentrations (typically <10 ppm).

• Improved Settling Rate: Produces large, dense, and easily dewatered flocs.

• Versatile Performance: Works over a wide pH range (5–9) and compatible with most coagulants.

• Economic Benefits: Reduces chemical consumption and sludge handling costs.

• Enhanced Clarity: Produces clear overflow or filtrate for recycling or discharge.

• Stable and Safe: Non-toxic, environmentally safe when used correctly, and easily handled with automated dosing systems.

6. Application Method

NALCO 9601 PULV should be dissolved in water to form a 0.1–0.5% polymer solution, allowing sufficient aging (typically 30–60 minutes) for full hydration. The solution is then dosed continuously into the process stream using a metering pump.
For best performance, gentle agitation should be used to avoid polymer chain degradation. The polymer solution should be prepared using clean water (low hardness and low solids) at ambient temperature.

7. Safety and HandlingNALCO 9601

Although NALCO 9601 PULV is non-toxic and environmentally acceptable, care must be taken during handling to prevent inhalation of dust. Operators should wear gloves, masks, and eye protection. Equipment must be thoroughly rinsed after use to prevent gel buildup.

8. Summary

In summary, NALCO 9601 PULV is a high-molecular-weight, anionic powdered flocculant designed for solid–liquid separation in water and wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, and industrial process clarification. Its superior flocculation power, high purity, and operational flexibility make it suitable for a wide range of industries including municipal water treatment, mining, pulp and paper, power generation, and petrochemical sectors.NALCO 9601

By improving clarification rates, reducing sludge moisture, and enhancing system efficiency, NALCO 9601 PULV helps achieve cost-effective, environmentally sustainable water management.