What is polyacrylamide (PAM) used for?

In water treatment and industrial production, polyacrylamide (PAM) is widely used as an important flocculant in wastewater treatment, pulp production, ore processing, and other fields. Based on its ionic properties, PAM can be divided into anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) and cationic PAM (CPAM).

Which is better cationic or anionic polyacrylamide?

Cationic PAM is especially suitable for treating negatively charged organic substances such as high-concentration colloids and suspended solids in wastewater treatment. Due to its complex production process and superior performance, cationic PAM is usually priced higher than anionic polyacrylamide.

How does anionic polyacrylamide (Apam) work?

Anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) carries a negative charge, and its molecular chain contains polar groups such as carboxyl groups. These groups can neutralize charges with positively charged particles in water and form larger flocs through bridging, thus accelerating the sedimentation of particles in the suspension.

Why is anionic polyacrylamide important in water treatment?

These groups can neutralize charges with positively charged particles in water and form larger flocs through bridging, thus accelerating the sedimentation of particles in the suspension. Anionic polyacrylamide plays a significant role in water treatment in the following aspects:

What is anionic polyacrylamide used for?

Anionic polyacrylamide is suitable for treating positively charged particles such as suspended solids and colloids in wastewater. Compared to cationic PAM, anionic polyacrylamide is usually less expensive and is suitable for large-scale use.

Can cationic polyacrylamide flocculants be used in river water?

The amount of flocculant added is 1/50 of that of inorganic flocculants, but the effect is several times higher than that of inorganic flocculants. For river water with severe organic pollution, it is better to use inorganic flocculants in conjunction with cationic polyacrylamide flocculants.