ZETAG 4145 is a high–molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide flocculant widely used in solid–liquid separation processes across mining, mineral processing, alumina refining, wastewater treatment, and other heavy industrial applications. With its strong anionic charge density and long polymer chains, ZETAG 4145 provides excellent adsorption and bridging capability, allowing fine suspended particles to aggregate into large, fast-settling flocs. Its stable performance under harsh chemical and physical conditions makes it a preferred flocculant in systems where efficient clarification, thickening, and water recovery are critical.

1. Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

One of the main application areas of ZETAG 4145 is in mining and mineral processing operations, particularly in tailings thickening and clarification circuits. During crushing, grinding, and flotation, large volumes of slurry containing fine mineral particles are produced. These fine particles remain suspended for long periods due to their small size and surface charge characteristics.

ZETAG 4145 adsorbs onto mineral particle surfaces and forms polymer bridges between multiple particles, resulting in the formation of large and dense flocs. These flocs settle rapidly in thickeners, improving settling rates and increasing underflow solids concentration. In copper, gold, iron ore, coal, phosphate, and bauxite mining, ZETAG 4145 enhances thickener throughput and produces clearer overflow water. This allows efficient recycling of process water, reduces freshwater demand, and minimizes tailings storage requirements.

2. Application in Alumina Refining and Red Mud Treatment

ZETAG 4145 is extensively applied in alumina refineries operating under the Bayer process, especially in red mud settling, thickening, and washing stages. Red mud consists of extremely fine particles and is highly alkaline, creating strong electrostatic repulsion that hinders natural settling.

Anionic polyacrylamide ZETAG 4145 performs reliably under the high pH and elevated temperature conditions typical of alumina refining. When dosed into settlers and washers, it accelerates red mud settling, improves mud compaction, and enhances washing efficiency. The result is clearer overflow liquor, which improves the recovery of sodium aluminate and reduces losses of caustic soda. Improved washing also lowers residual alkalinity in disposed mud, supporting environmental compliance and safer residue management.

3. Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

In industrial wastewater treatment, ZETAG 4145 is widely used to remove suspended solids, fine inorganic particles, and colloidal matter from effluents. Industries such as metallurgy, cement production, chemical manufacturing, textiles, power generation, and building materials depend on effective flocculation to meet discharge regulations or enable water reuse.

ZETAG 4145 is commonly used in combination with inorganic coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, or polyaluminum chloride. The coagulant neutralizes particle surface charges, while ZETAG 4145 promotes floc growth and strengthening through polymer bridging. This combined treatment improves sedimentation, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and filtration efficiency, resulting in lower turbidity, reduced sludge volume, and more stable wastewater treatment operation.

4. Application in Municipal Water Treatment

In municipal water treatment plants, ZETAG 4145 is used as a flocculant or flocculation aid for raw water clarification, particularly when treating surface water sources with high turbidity caused by silt, clay, or fine suspended solids.

ZETAG 4145 forms strong, shear-resistant flocs that settle efficiently in sedimentation basins. Improved clarification reduces the load on downstream filtration systems such as sand filters or membrane units. This leads to longer filter run times, lower backwash frequency, and improved overall treatment efficiency and drinking water quality.

5. Application in Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

ZETAG 4145 is also widely applied as a sludge conditioning agent in both industrial and municipal sludge treatment. Sludges often contain fine particles and colloids that retain water and are difficult to dewater effectively.

When added prior to gravity thickening or mechanical dewatering, ZETAG 4145 enhances floc structure and promotes rapid water release. In belt filter presses, centrifuges, and filter presses, it increases cake solids content and improves filtrate clarity. Higher cake dryness reduces sludge volume, transportation requirements, and disposal costs, contributing to more economical sludge management.

6. Application in Energy and Power Industries

In the energy sector, particularly in coal-fired power plants, ZETAG 4145 is used for fly ash and bottom ash pond clarification. Ash particles are often very fine and slow to settle, leading to large settling ponds and water loss. ZETAG 4145 accelerates ash settling and improves supernatant water clarity, enabling water reuse within the plant and reducing environmental discharge risks.

7. Performance Advantages

ZETAG 4145 offers high flocculation efficiency at relatively low dosage, rapid floc formation, and strong floc strength that resists shear forces. It performs effectively across a wide pH range and is compatible with most commonly used inorganic coagulants. These characteristics make it suitable for continuous, large-scale industrial operation.

8. Conclusion

ZETAG® 4145 anionic polyacrylamide is a versatile and high-performance flocculant with proven applications in mining, alumina refining, industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, and power generation. By improving settling, thickening, and clarification efficiency, it supports water recovery, reduces operating costs, and enhances environmental compliance, making it an essential component in modern solid–liquid separation and water management systems.