Application of ZETAG 4120 Anionic Polyacrylamide

ZETAG 4120 is a high–molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide flocculant designed for efficient solid–liquid separation in a wide range of industrial and municipal processes. It is characterized by strong anionic charge density, long polymer chains, and excellent bridging capability, which allow it to aggregate fine suspended particles into large, rapidly settling flocs. Because of its consistent performance, chemical stability, and adaptability to different process conditions, ZETAG 4120 is widely applied in mining, mineral processing, alumina refining, wastewater treatment, and sludge management systems.

1. Application in Mining and Mineral Processing

One of the primary applications of ZETAG 4120 is in mining and mineral processing operations, particularly in tailings thickening and clarification circuits. During ore beneficiation, fine mineral particles remain suspended in process water, making natural settling slow and inefficient. ZETAG 4120 adsorbs onto the surface of these particles and forms polymer bridges between them, creating dense flocs that settle quickly.

In copper, gold, iron ore, coal, and phosphate mining, ZETAG 4120 improves thickener performance by increasing settling rates and underflow solids concentration while producing clearer overflow water. This enhances water recovery and allows for recycling of process water back into the plant, reducing fresh water consumption and tailings storage requirements.

2. Application in Alumina Refining and Red Mud Treatment

ZETAG 4120 is extensively used in alumina refineries operating under the Bayer process, especially in red mud settling, thickening, and washing stages. Red mud particles are extremely fine and highly alkaline, creating strong electrostatic repulsion that hinders settling. ZETAG 4120 performs effectively under high pH conditions and promotes rapid flocculation of red mud solids.

When applied in settlers and washers, ZETAG 4120 improves mud settling rates, enhances washing efficiency, and increases mud compaction. This results in clearer overflow liquor, improved recovery of sodium aluminate, and reduced caustic soda losses. Its reliable performance helps refineries maintain stable operation and optimize productivity.

3. Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment

In industrial wastewater treatment, ZETAG 4120 is used to clarify effluents containing suspended solids, colloids, and fine particulates. Industries such as metallurgy, cement, chemical manufacturing, textile processing, and power generation rely on effective flocculation to meet discharge or reuse standards.

ZETAG 4120 is often used together with inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride. The coagulant destabilizes the particles, while ZETAG 4120 enhances floc growth through polymer bridging. This combination improves sedimentation, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and filtration efficiency, resulting in clearer treated water and reduced sludge volumes.

4. Application in Municipal Water and Sludge Treatment

ZETAG 4120 is also applied in municipal water treatment plants for raw water clarification, particularly when treating surface water with high turbidity. Its ability to form strong, shear-resistant flocs improves the performance of sedimentation basins and reduces the load on sand filters and membrane systems.

In sludge treatment, ZETAG 4120 serves as a conditioning agent for sludge thickening and dewatering. It enhances floc strength and water release, improving performance in belt filter presses, centrifuges, and filter presses. Higher cake solids content and improved filtrate clarity lead to lower sludge disposal and transportation costs.

5. Application in Oil, Gas, and Energy Industries

In the oil and gas sector, ZETAG 4120 is used for produced water treatment, drilling waste clarification, and refinery effluent treatment. Produced water often contains fine solids and residual oil droplets that require efficient separation. ZETAG 4120 promotes aggregation of suspended solids, improving clarification and supporting downstream oil–water separation processes.

In power plants, particularly coal-fired facilities, ZETAG 4120 is used in ash pond clarification and cooling water treatment systems. By accelerating solids settling, it improves water reuse efficiency and reduces environmental discharge impacts.

6. Application in Paper and Pulp Industry

The pulp and paper industry uses ZETAG 4120 for white water clarification, fiber recovery, and effluent treatment. Fine fibers, fillers, and coating particles can be effectively flocculated using ZETAG 4120, allowing mills to recover valuable materials and reduce the organic load in wastewater. Improved clarification also enhances the efficiency of dissolved air flotation units and biological treatment systems.

7. Operational Advantages

ZETAG 4120 offers several operational advantages, including high efficiency at low dosage, rapid floc formation, and consistent performance across a wide pH range. It is easy to prepare and dose and is compatible with most inorganic coagulants. These characteristics make ZETAG 4120 suitable for continuous, large-scale industrial operations.

8. Conclusion

ZETAG® 4120 anionic polyacrylamide is a versatile and high-performance flocculant widely applied in mining, alumina refining, wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, energy production, and pulp and paper industries. By improving settling, thickening, and clarification efficiency, ZETAG 4120 helps reduce water consumption, lower operating costs, and improve environmental compliance, making it an essential component of modern solid–liquid separation systems.