Application of ZETAG 8115

ZETAG 8115 is a cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) flocculant designed for efficient solid–liquid separation in municipal and industrial treatment systems. It typically combines high molecular weight with a medium cationic charge density, allowing it to effectively neutralize negatively charged particles while forming strong polymer bridges. This structure enables ZETAG 8115 to produce large, dense, and shear-resistant flocs with excellent water-release characteristics. As a result, it is widely applied in sludge dewatering, sludge thickening, and wastewater clarification processes.

1. Municipal Wastewater Treatment

One of the main applications of ZETAG 8115 is in municipal wastewater treatment plants, especially for conditioning biological, primary, and mixed sludges prior to mechanical dewatering. Municipal sludge typically contains high levels of negatively charged bacteria, extracellular polymers, and organic colloids, which respond effectively to cationic flocculants.

ZETAG 8115 is commonly used with centrifuges, belt filter presses, screw presses, and chamber filter presses. It promotes rapid floc formation and maintains floc integrity under high shear conditions. This leads to improved water release, higher cake solids content, and clearer filtrate. By improving dewatering efficiency, ZETAG 8115 reduces sludge volume, lowers transportation and disposal costs, and enhances overall plant operational stability.

2. Sludge Dewatering Performance

As a sludge dewatering aid, ZETAG 8115 provides reliable performance across a wide range of sludge types, including waste activated sludge, digested sludge, primary sludge, and blended sludges. Its high molecular weight enables effective bridging of fine particles, while its cationic charge neutralizes repulsive forces between solids.

Key benefits in dewatering applications include:

• Faster drainage and improved filtrate clarity

• Increased dry solids content in the sludge cake

• Reduced polymer consumption due to efficient flocculation

• Stable operation in high-speed dewatering equipment

These advantages make ZETAG 8115 suitable for both new installations and plant optimization projects.

3. Industrial Wastewater Treatment

ZETAG 8115 is widely used in industrial wastewater treatment systems to remove suspended solids, emulsified organic matter, and colloidal particles from complex effluents.

Typical industrial applications include food and beverage processing, chemical and pharmaceutical production, textile and dyeing operations, and metal processing industries. In these systems, ZETAG 8115 enhances clarification efficiency by forming large flocs that settle or float quickly. This reduces turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS), helping facilities meet discharge or reuse standards.

4. Sludge Thickening Applications

Another important application of ZETAG 8115 is in sludge thickening, where increasing solids concentration prior to dewatering is essential for efficient plant operation. In gravity thickeners and dissolved air flotation (DAF) thickeners, ZETAG 8115 improves particle aggregation and settling behavior.

Benefits in thickening processes include:

• Faster settling rates

• Higher underflow solids concentration

• Reduced hydraulic load on downstream dewatering equipment

• Improved thickener capacity and operational stability

Effective thickening reduces energy consumption and chemical demand in subsequent treatment steps.

5. Pulp and Paper Industry

In the pulp and paper industry, ZETAG 8115 is applied primarily as a sludge dewatering aid and retention aid. It improves dewatering of primary and secondary paper mill sludges, reducing disposal volumes and costs. Additionally, it enhances retention of fine fibers and fillers during paper sheet formation and improves white water clarification. This allows mills to recycle process water and reduce fresh water usage while maintaining consistent paper quality.

6. Mining and Mineral-Related Water Treatment

Although ZETAG 8115 is optimized for organic sludges, it is also used in mine water and mineral-related wastewater treatment. Typical applications include clarification of process water, dewatering of mineral slurries, and treatment of tailings pond overflow. The polymer forms flocs with good shear resistance and moderate tolerance to dissolved salts, supporting water recovery and environmental compliance.

7. Dosage, Preparation, and Safety

• Typical dosage ranges:

  • Wastewater clarification: 1–10 mg/L

  • Sludge dewatering: 2–8 kg per ton of dry solids
    Actual dosage should be determined by laboratory jar testing and on-site trials.

• Preparation: Supplied as a dry powder, ZETAG 8115 should be properly dissolved and aged to achieve full polymer hydration.

• Safety: Non-hazardous under normal industrial conditions; standard personal protective equipment is recommended.

Conclusion

ZETAG 8115 is a high-performance cationic polyacrylamide flocculant widely applied in municipal wastewater treatment, industrial effluent clarification, sludge thickening, sludge dewatering, pulp and paper processing, and mining-related water treatment. Its combination of high molecular weight and balanced cationic charge ensures rapid floc formation, strong floc structure, and efficient water release. By improving solid–liquid separation efficiency and reducing sludge handling costs, ZETAG 8115 provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for modern treatment operations.