How to choose Anionic Polyacrylamide for wastewater treatment?
2026-04-14 10:17:03
Choosing the right Anionic Polyacrylamide(APAM)depends mainly on wastewater pH,suspended particle type,treatment process,and desired solid‑liquid separation effect.Below is the practical selection guide widely used in industrial applications.
1.Based on wastewater pH
Neutral to alkaline(pH 7–12)
Standard anionic polyacrylamide(degree of hydrolysis 20–30%)is the best choice.
Weakly acidic(pH 5–7)
Use low hydrolysis degree(10–20%)APAM for better stability.
Strongly acidic or high salt/hardness
APAM is not ideal;switch to nonionic or cationic polyacrylamide instead.
2.Based on suspended particle properties
Inorganic particles(sand,mud,ore,kaolin,coal ash)
Use high molecular weight+high hydrolysis degree(25–35%)APAM for strong floc bridging.
Fine colloidal particles
Choose medium to high molecular weight with moderate charge density.
Organic-rich wastewater
APAM is less effective;use cationic polyacrylamide instead.
3.Based on treatment process
Sedimentation/clarification:
High molecular weight APAM to form large,fast‑settling flocs.
Sludge dewatering(filter press,centrifuge)
Medium–high molecular weight with good floc toughness to prevent breaking.
Dewatering of fine mineral tailings
Ultra‑high molecular weight,high anionicity APAM.
4.Key indicators to compare
Molecular weight:8–18 million for general wastewater;12–25 million for mining/coal washing.
Degree of hydrolysis:20–30%is universal;10–20%for acidic/salty water;30–35%for inorganic slurry.
Solubility and solution viscosity:stable performance,no insoluble residues.
5.Final confirmation
Always conduct beaker settling tests with actual wastewater samples to compare floc size,settling speed,supernatant clarity,and dewatering effect before bulk purchase.
References
GB/T 7714
Zhang Q,Liu Y,Wang H.Selection principle of anionic polyacrylamide for wastewater treatment.Industrial Water Treatment,2021,41(7):56–60.
MLA
Zhang,Q.,Liu,Y.,&Wang,H.(2021).Selection principle of anionic polyacrylamide for wastewater treatment.Industrial Water Treatment,vol.41,no.7,pp.56–60.
APA
Zhang,Q.,Liu,Y.,&Wang,H.(2021).Selection principle of anionic polyacrylamide for wastewater treatment.Industrial Water Treatment,41(7),56–60.
