Polyacrylamide (PAM) is a water-soluble synthetic linear polymer with exceptional flocculation properties, widely recognized for its ability to reduce friction between liquids and facilitate efficient solid-liquid separation processes. This versatile polymer exists as a white powder or granules in solid form and as a colorless transparent colloid in emulsion form. It is readily soluble in water but generally insoluble in most organic solvents. With a typical pH range of 6.0-7.5 for its 1% aqueous solution, PAM offers remarkable flexibility across numerous industrial applications.

The molecular weight of polyacrylamide can range from 500,000 to 25 million, allowing for customization based on specific requirements. Different ionic types—anionic, cationic, non-ionic, and amphoteric—provide tailored solutions for diverse industry needs, making PAM an indispensable chemical additive across multiple sectors.

 Product Classification and Specifications

Polyacrylamide is categorized based on its ionic characteristics, each type offering distinct properties and advantages:

-   Anionic Polyacrylamide (APAM): Features negative charge characteristics with molecular weights ranging from 8-20 million. It demonstrates high hydrolysis degree and is particularly effective in high turbidity water treatment. Effective in pH ranges between 7-14.

-   Cationic Polyacrylamide (CPAM): Carries positive charge with molecular weights between 5-12 million. This type is especially suitable for organic sludge dewatering and operates effectively across a broad pH range of 1-14.

-   Non-ionic Polyacrylamide (NPAM): possesses no charge and offers molecular weights from 3-15 million. It maintains stable performance across wide pH variations.

-   Amphoteric Polyacrylamide: Contains both positive and negative charges, providing exceptional performance for treating complex wastewater compositions with molecular weights ranging from 6-18 million.

Standard technical specifications include solid content ≥88% (powder), residual monomer ≤0.05% (food grade), and dissolution time ≤60 minutes for conventional products.

 Industrial Applications and Uses

Water Treatment Applications:

Polyacrylamide serves as an effective flocculant in municipal wastewater treatment for primary and secondary sedimentation ponds. It efficiently treats industrial wastewater from papermaking, printing, dyeing, and electroplating operations. For sludge dewatering processes using belt or centrifugal dewaterers, PAM significantly enhances efficiency and reduces moisture content in treated sludge.

Petroleum Extraction Operations:

In oil recovery processes, particularly tertiary recovery methods, polyacrylamide improves oil recovery rates. It also functions effectively as a drilling fluid additive, enhancing viscosity and lubrication properties.

Paper Manufacturing Industry:

PAM serves as a retention and filtration aid in paper production while simultaneously acting as an enhancing agent that improves paper strength and quality.

Additional Application Fields:

Other significant applications include coal washing wastewater treatment, soil conditioning agents, and construction materials where it functions as a cement additive. The textile industry utilizes PAM as a sizing agent, providing stable pulp performance and reduced shedding while improving fabric breakage rates and surface smoothness.

 Advantages and Benefits

Polyacrylamide delivers exceptional flocculation performance, rapidly forming large dense flocs that settle quickly. Its adaptive compatibility allows it to perform effectively across various water quality conditions and different ionic types address specific treatment needs. Economical and environmentally friendly, PAM requires minimal dosage (typically 0.1-10 ppm) and creates no secondary pollution. The polymer demonstrates excellent stability, resisting acids, alkalis, and shear forces while maintaining performance under challenging conditions.

 Usage Guidelines and Recommendations

For optimal results, begin with laboratory tests to determine the appropriate polymer type and dosage. Prepare solutions at 0.1% concentration (solid content) using salt-free neutral water. When dissolving, uniformly sprinkle the product into stirred water while avoiding excessive mechanical shear that can degrade molecular chains. Elevated temperatures below 60°C can accelerate dissolution but should be controlled to prevent polymer damage.

Product packaging typically consists of polypropylene woven bags with inner plastic liners at 25kg per bag for solid forms. Emulsion types utilize plastic barrels containing 50kg or 200kg capacities. Proper storage requires sealed containers in cool, dry environments with temperatures maintained below 35°C due to the product's hygroscopic nature.

 Technical Support and Customization

We provide comprehensive technical support including product selection guidance, dosage determination assistance, and application optimization recommendations. Customized solutions are available based on specific water quality characteristics, treatment objectives, and operational parameters. Our laboratory facilities can analyze customer samples and recommend optimal product configurations for particular applications.

 Compliance and Quality Assurance

Our polyacrylamide products meet international quality standards and comply with relevant industry specifications. Detailed product documentation including Material Safety Data Sheets and technical specifications are available upon request. We maintain strict quality control throughout the manufacturing process to ensure consistent product performance and reliability.

 Environmental Considerations

Polyacrylamide demonstrates favorable environmental characteristics when used according to recommended guidelines. The product's efficiency at low concentrations minimizes environmental impact while providing effective treatment solutions. We recommend proper handling procedures and dosage controls to ensure environmentally responsible usage.