Polyacrylamide (PAM) | Flocculant & Thickening Agent for Water Treatment & Industry

📌 Detailed Introduction of Polyacrylamide (PAM)

✔ What is Polyacrylamide (PAM)?

Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a high-molecular-weight polymer derived from acrylamide monomers. It is water-soluble and widely used as a flocculant, coagulant aid, and thickening agent in diverse industries, including water treatment, oil and gas, mining, textiles, and paper production.

✔ CAS Number & Chemical Formula:

• CAS Number: 9003-05-8

• Chemical Formula: (C3H5NO)n

📌 Types of Polyacrylamide (PAM) & Their Applications

📌 Applications of Polyacrylamide (PAM) in Various Industries

✔ Water Treatment Industry

• Flocculant & Coagulant Aid: Enhances solid-liquid separation in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.

• Drinking Water Purification: Removes suspended particles and organic contaminants.

• Sludge Dewatering: Improves dehydration efficiency, reducing sludge volume and disposal costs.

✔ Oil & Gas Industry

• Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Used as a viscosity modifier in polymer flooding to increase crude oil extraction.

• Drilling Mud Additive: Improves fluid loss control and viscosity in drilling operations.

✔ Mining & Mineral Processing

• Tailings & Wastewater Treatment: Aids in dewatering and sedimentation of mining tailings.

• Flotation & Separation: Enhances particle aggregation for improved mineral recovery.

✔ Paper & Pulp Industry

• Retention & Drainage Aid: Increases fiber and filler retention, improving paper quality.

• Deinking & Recycling: Helps in removal of ink and contaminants from recycled paper.

✔ Textile & Dyeing Industry

• Dye Fixation & Wastewater Treatment: Enhances color fastness and assists in removal of dye residues.

• Sizing Agent: Improves yarn strength and smoothness in fabric processing.

✔ Agriculture & Soil Conditioning

• Soil Erosion Control: Reduces soil runoff and enhances moisture retention.

• Irrigation Water Treatment: Prevents sediment clogging in drip irrigation systems.

📌 Production Method & Raw Materials

✔ Raw Materials Used:

• Acrylamide Monomer (CH2=CHCONH2)

• Initiators & Crosslinkers

• Emulsifiers & Stabilizers (for liquid PAM)

✔ Production Process:

1. Polymerization: Acrylamide monomers undergo polymerization using radical initiators.

2. Crosslinking (if needed): The polymer structure is modified to achieve desired molecular weight and charge density.

3. Drying & Granulation: The polymer is dried and processed into powder, granules, or liquid form.

4. Quality Control & Packaging: Ensures optimal performance in different industrial applications.

📌 Product Specifications (Example for Anionic Polyacrylamide - APAM)

📌 Famous Polyacrylamide (PAM) Brands Worldwide

• SNF Floerger – France

• Kemira – Finland

• BASF – Germany

• Ashland – USA

• Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited – China

📌 Why Choose Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited?

✔ High-Purity Anionic, Cationic, and Non-Ionic PAM Available
✔ Tailored Molecular Weight & Charge Density for Various Applications
✔ Reliable Supply Chain & Competitive Pricing
✔ ISO-Certified Production & Strict Quality Control
✔ Customized Packaging & Fast Global Delivery

📌 Order High-Quality Polyacrylamide (PAM) from Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited Today!

Looking for a trusted supplier of Polyacrylamide (PAM)? Jiangsu Khonor Chemicals Co., Limited provides premium-grade PAM with bulk pricing and global shipping.

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Understanding Polyacrylamide (PAM) in Water Treatment: Applications, Mechanisms, and Environmental Implications

Introduction

Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a versatile polymer widely used in the water treatment industry due to its exceptional flocculation and coagulation properties. Its applications range from municipal wastewater treatment to industrial effluent remediation. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of PAM in water treatment, including its applications, mechanisms of action, and environmental considerations.

Applications of PAM in Water Treatment

1. Municipal Wastewater Treatment: PAM is extensively used in municipal wastewater treatment plants to improve solid-liquid separation processes. It aids in the flocculation of suspended solids, facilitating their removal through sedimentation or filtration.

2. Industrial Effluent Treatment: Many industries, including pulp and paper, mining, and food processing, produce effluents containing high levels of suspended solids and pollutants. PAM is employed to enhance the clarification and dewatering of these effluents, thus ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

3. Drinking Water Treatment: In drinking water treatment, PAM assists in the removal of turbidity, organic matter, and microorganisms. By promoting the aggregation of fine particles, it facilitates their removal by sedimentation or filtration, resulting in clearer and safer drinking water.

4. Soil Erosion Control: PAM is used in soil erosion control measures, such as erosion control blankets and hydroseeding, to improve soil structure and stability. It helps prevent soil particles from being washed away by rainfall or surface runoff, thereby reducing erosion and sedimentation in water bodies.

Mechanisms of Action

1. Flocculation: PAM molecules adsorb onto suspended particles in water, forming larger flocs through interparticle bridging and charge neutralization. These flocs settle more rapidly under gravity or are easier to filter out, resulting in improved clarification and dewatering processes.

2. Coagulation Aid: In conjunction with coagulants such as alum or ferric chloride, PAM enhances the coagulation process by promoting the formation of larger, denser flocs. This synergy leads to more efficient removal of suspended solids, colloids, and organic matter from water.

3. Filter Aid: PAM can also act as a filter aid by improving the cake formation on filter media. By promoting the formation of a stable and permeable filter cake, it enhances filtration efficiency and extends the lifespan of filter equipment.

Environmental Considerations

1. Biodegradability: While PAM itself is non-toxic, concerns have been raised regarding its biodegradability and potential environmental persistence. Efforts are underway to develop biodegradable alternatives or modify PAM formulations to enhance biodegradation rates.

2. Residual Monomers: The production of PAM involves the use of acrylamide monomers, which are considered neurotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. However, most commercial PAM products undergo polymerization processes that minimize residual monomer levels, reducing associated health risks.

3. Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems: Excessive use of PAM in water treatment applications can lead to the accumulation of polymer residues in aquatic ecosystems, potentially affecting aquatic organisms and ecosystem health. Proper dosage control and waste management practices are essential to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

Polyacrylamide (PAM) plays a vital role in the water treatment industry, offering effective solutions for flocculation, coagulation, and solid-liquid separation processes. Despite its widespread use, careful consideration of its environmental impact and appropriate management practices are necessary to ensure sustainable water treatment practices. Continued research and development efforts aimed at improving PAM formulations and enhancing environmental compatibility will further contribute to the advancement of water treatment technologies.