Application of Cationic Polyacrylamide ZETAG 8115

ZETAG 8115 is a high-performance cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) produced by Solenis. It features high molecular weight and medium-to-high cationic charge density, making it highly effective in sludge conditioning, wastewater clarification, solid–liquid separation, and industrial effluent treatment. Its cationic nature allows it to interact efficiently with negatively charged particles, colloids, fibers, and organic solids, resulting in fast floc formation, rapid settling, and improved dewatering performance. ZETAG 8115 is widely used in municipal wastewater treatment, industrial effluent management, sludge thickening and dewatering, papermaking, mining, and oilfield water treatment, demonstrating versatility and reliable performance across multiple industries.

1. Municipal Wastewater Treatment

One of the principal applications of ZETAG 8115 is in municipal wastewater treatment plants, where it serves as a primary flocculant or coagulant aid. Municipal wastewater contains suspended solids, colloidal particles, organic matter, and microorganisms that are negatively charged and resistant to natural sedimentation. ZETAG 8115 neutralizes these charges and promotes polymer bridging, leading to the formation of large, dense flocs.

• In primary clarification, ZETAG 8115 enhances settling efficiency, reducing total suspended solids (TSS) and part of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) before biological treatment.

• In secondary clarification, it improves sludge settleability, reduces bulking and floating issues caused by filamentous bacteria, and produces clearer treated effluent.

For sludge thickening and mechanical dewatering, ZETAG 8115 is highly effective. It is widely applied to waste activated sludge, primary sludge, chemically precipitated sludge, and mixed municipal–industrial sludges. The polymer is compatible with belt filter presses, decanter centrifuges, screw presses, plate-and-frame filter presses, and rotary drum thickeners. Its strong bridging ability forms large, porous, shear-resistant flocs, which release water efficiently, resulting in:

• Higher sludge cake dryness

• Lower filtrate turbidity

• Reduced polymer consumption

• Decreased energy use in dewatering

• Lower sludge disposal costs

2. Industrial Wastewater Treatment

ZETAG 8115 is extensively used in industrial effluent treatment. Industries producing wastewater with high organic content, suspended solids, oils, greases, and fine colloids benefit greatly from its application. Typical industries include:

• Food and beverage processing

• Meat, poultry, and seafood operations

• Textile and dyeing plants

• Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing

• Leather and tannery operations

• Pulp and paper production

• Electroplating and metal finishing

In industrial applications, ZETAG 8115 is often used in combination with inorganic coagulants such as polyaluminum chloride (PAC), ferric chloride, or alum. The coagulant destabilizes fine particles, while ZETAG 8115 bridges them into dense, stable flocs. It is particularly effective in dissolved air flotation (DAF) and sedimentation systems, offering:

• Rapid removal of oils, fats, and greases

• Reduction of COD, BOD, and color in effluent

• Improved water clarity and reuse potential

• Enhanced stability of downstream biological treatment processes

3. Sludge Conditioning and Dewatering

ZETAG 8115 excels in sludge conditioning, forming flocs that release water efficiently under mechanical pressure. Applications include:

• Belt filter presses

• Centrifuges

• Plate-and-frame presses

• Rotary drum thickeners

Its high molecular weight and cationic charge make it particularly effective for organic-rich or filamentous sludges, improving cake dryness, reducing polymer dosage, minimizing energy use, and ensuring consistent dewatering performance. This is especially valuable for municipal plants, food and beverage industries, and pulp and paper operations where sludge characteristics fluctuate.

4. Papermaking Industry

In paper and pulp production, ZETAG 8115 is used as a retention and drainage aid. It enhances:

• Retention of fibers, fillers, and fines on the wire section

• Drainage speed, reducing white water load

• Paper formation and uniformity

• Machine speed and overall production efficiency

Additionally, it can be applied to papermaking sludge dewatering, helping recover water for reuse and reduce environmental discharge.

5. Oilfield and Mining Applications

In oilfield wastewater treatment, ZETAG 8115 is applied to produced water and refinery effluent, efficiently aggregating oil droplets, residual polymers, and fine solids. This enhances oil–water separation, supports water reuse or reinjection, and ensures environmental compliance.

In mining and mineral processing, it is effective in water clarification, tailings thickening, and concentrate dewatering, particularly when organic matter or carbonaceous particles are present alongside mineral solids. It accelerates sedimentation, improves overflow clarity, and facilitates water recycling in processing plants.

6. Key Advantages of ZETAG 8115

• High molecular weight for strong bridging and floc formation

• Medium-to-high cationic charge density for effective charge neutralization

• Rapid flocculation with shear-resistant flocs

• Wide adaptability to municipal and industrial effluents

• Synergistic performance with PAC, ferric chloride, and alum

• Stable and reliable under fluctuating water conditions