MAGNAFLOC® 155 is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide flocculant developed for solid–liquid separation processes in mining, mineral processing, coal preparation, metallurgy, alumina refining, and industrial wastewater treatment. With a moderate to high anionic charge density and excellent polymer chain length, MAGNAFLOC® 155 is particularly effective in flocculating fine mineral particles, clays, metal hydroxides, and oxide slurries, especially under neutral to alkaline conditions.

1. Flocculation Mechanism and Product Characteristics

MAGNAFLOC® 155 works primarily through polymer bridging combined with electrostatic attraction. The anionic functional groups along the polymer backbone adsorb onto positively charged sites on suspended solids, while the long polymer chains bridge multiple particles together, forming large, fast-settling flocs.

Key performance characteristics of MAGNAFLOC® 155 include:

• Rapid floc formation

• High settling velocity

• Strong and shear-resistant flocs

• Excellent overflow clarity

• Good tolerance to high solids and variable water chemistry

These characteristics make MAGNAFLOC® 155 a reliable flocculant for high-capacity thickeners and clarifiers.

2. Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

2.1 Tailings Thickening

One of the most important applications of MAGNAFLOC® 155 is in tailings thickening across a wide range of mineral operations, including:

• Copper and molybdenum

• Gold and silver

• Iron ore

• Phosphate and potash

• Base metal sulfide ores

In tailings thickeners, MAGNAFLOC® 155 promotes efficient aggregation of fine particles generated during grinding and flotation. This results in:

• Faster settling rates

• Higher underflow solids concentration

• Improved thickener throughput

• Reduced water content in discharged tailings

By enhancing water recovery, MAGNAFLOC® 155 helps mining operations reduce freshwater intake and improve environmental compliance.

2.2 Process Water Clarification

MAGNAFLOC® 155 is widely used for the clarification of recycled process water in mining plants. Removing suspended solids from return water:

• Improves downstream flotation and leaching efficiency

• Minimizes scaling and abrasion in pipelines

• Enhances overall plant stability

The product performs consistently even in circuits with high dissolved salts and fluctuating pH.

3. Application in Coal Preparation and Washing Plants

In coal washing and preparation plants, MAGNAFLOC® 155 is commonly applied in:

• Fine coal tailings thickeners

• Black water clarification systems

Coal slurries contain fine coal particles and clay minerals that remain suspended without effective flocculation. MAGNAFLOC® 155 produces large, dense flocs that settle rapidly, leading to:

• Improved overflow clarity

• Higher water recovery for reuse

• Increased thickener capacity

This application supports both operational efficiency and environmental discharge standards.

4. Application in Alumina and Bauxite Processing

In alumina refineries, MAGNAFLOC® 155 is used in red mud settling and washing circuits during the Bayer process. The digestion of bauxite produces highly alkaline slurries with fine red mud particles.

When dosed into settlers and washers, MAGNAFLOC® 155:

• Accelerates red mud settling

• Improves clarification of pregnant liquor

• Enhances recovery of caustic soda

• Reduces solids carryover to downstream processes

Its chemical stability under high pH and elevated temperatures makes it suitable for long-term operation in alumina plants.

5. Application in Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment

5.1 Primary Clarification

MAGNAFLOC® 155 is used as a primary flocculant or co-flocculant in industrial wastewater treatment systems handling:

• Mineral processing effluents

• Metallurgical wastewater

• Chemical plant process water

In combination with inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride or alum, MAGNAFLOC® 155 enhances:

• Floc size and strength

• Settling and clarification efficiency

• Sludge thickening performance

5.2 Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

MAGNAFLOC® 155 is also applied in sludge handling processes, including:

• Gravity thickeners

• Belt filter presses

• Vacuum filters

• Centrifuges

The polymer improves water release from sludge, producing:

• Higher cake solids

• Reduced polymer consumption

• Lower sludge disposal costs

6. Dosage, Preparation, and Application Guidelines

MAGNAFLOC® 155 is typically supplied as a free-flowing dry powder. For optimal performance:

• Recommended make-down concentration: 0.1–0.5%

• Hydration time: 45–60 minutes

• Gentle mixing is essential to avoid polymer chain breakage

Typical dosage rates range from 5 to 80 g per tonne of dry solids, depending on slurry characteristics and process conditions.

7. Summary of Key Benefits

In summary, anionic polyacrylamide MAGNAFLOC® 155 offers:

• Excellent flocculation efficiency for fine mineral particles

• Rapid settling and high clarification performance

• Strong flocs suitable for high-shear environments

• Stable performance in alkaline and high-salinity systems

• Improved water recovery and reduced operating costs

Because of these advantages, MAGNAFLOC® 155 is a widely trusted flocculant in mining, coal preparation, alumina refining, and industrial wastewater treatment applications.