Home / Products / PAM Cationic Flocculant
C50N3 process chain · Aqueous-phase chemical

PAM Cationic Flocculant

A polyacrylamide-based cationic flocculant responsible for the aqueous phase of the sludge treatment chain: it gathers the fines generated by hot-wash separation into large flocs that settle, giving fast solids–liquid separation and a clean water phase. It is the standard chemical of the C50N3 process chain.

Selection and preparation determine the result

PAM performance depends on two things: choosing the right ionic type and molecular weight, and preparing the solution properly. The same grade dissolved the wrong way can lose half its effect. We select the grade based on the material's properties and provide preparation parameters with each delivery.

  • Captures fine solids: fine particles and clay suspended in the water after hot washing flocculate into large flocs and settle fast
  • Centrifuge-feed friendly: the supernatant is clear and low in solids, keeping the centrifugation stage more stable
  • Fits into the process chain: dosed after C50N3 hot-wash separation and before PAC coagulation, in a graduated hand-off
  • Selection based on evidence: ionic degree and molecular weight are set by bench tests on your water sample, not guesswork
Note: PAM's appearance/physical form, storage life and solution-preparation parameters follow the product data sheet delivered with the order; the values on this page are reference values.
Note: Packaging, concentration and storage life are standard reference values; the selection plan for each batch is subject to the bench-test report and the contract.
Selection

Three parameters decide performance

Send a water sample; the bench test will pin down these three parameters.

01

Ionic type

Fine solids in sludge systems are mostly negatively charged clay and sand fines, so the cationic type is normally chosen; the jar-test comparison in the bench test is definitive.

02

Molecular weight

Molecular weight determines floc size and settling speed. Too high — flocs become large, float and are not dense; too low — settling is slow. Balance it against the water source and the solids load.

03

Ionic degree

Ionic degree affects charge neutralization and chemical cost. Oily wastewater systems are sensitive to it; the economical range is set after a graduated bench-scale comparison.

Solution Preparation

Four steps to a properly prepared solution

PAM flocculant is supplied as a solid powder/granule; on site it is dissolved into an aqueous solution following the procedure below.

  1. Dissolve in water at ambient temperatureUse clean water at ambient temperature (hot water accelerates degradation). Sprinkle the powder in slowly and evenly while the water is agitating; never dump it in all at once, which forms clumps.
  2. Stir slowly to matureDo not stir too hard or too long (on the order of 40 minutes); excessive mechanical shear breaks the long polymer chains and reduces effectiveness.
  3. Dose after maturingDose once the solution is uniform, transparent and free of "fisheyes". Choose a turbulent dosing point and feed it in drip by drip for good dispersion.
  4. Control the dosageDetermine the dosage with jar tests. Overdosing re-stabilizes the suspension and makes it sticky — counterproductive for settling and centrifugation.
Get Selection & Compatibility Plan Request datasheet
Chain Position

How it fits into the full process chain

Process stageChemicalFunctionNotes
1 · PretreatmentPL15Viscosity reduction of high-viscosity sludgeChosen based on material viscosity
2 · Hot-wash separationC50N3Demulsification and wetting; oil content of the solids <2%With hot water and mechanical agitation
3 · Aqueous-phase flocculationPAMFlocculates the fines for settling; speeds up solids–liquid separationThis product
4 · Final clarificationPACCoagulation removes oil and turbidity at the final clarification stagePAC before PAM, or adjust the order per bench test
Process-Chain Companions

Chemicals for the other process stages

C50N3

Sludge Separation Agent

Demulsification and separation of spilled sludge and tank-bottom sludge; oil content of the solids <2%; applied at bases of a major Chinese oil & gas group.

 PL15

Viscosity Reducer

Reduces and dilutes high-viscosity sludge for winter, low-temperature and high-wax conditions.

 PAC

Polyaluminium Chloride

Coagulation of oily wastewater to remove oil and turbidity; final-stage clarification in the process chain.
FAQ

About PAM

What is the difference between anionic, cationic and non-ionic types? Why is cationic recommended?
The three ionic types suit different charge systems. Fine solids in oilfield sludge are mostly negatively charged clay particles, which matches the charge-neutralization capability of the cationic type. But jar-test comparisons are mandatory for the actual material, and some working conditions need a separate choice — the bench test is decisive.
How long can a prepared solution be stored?
Prepare and use the same day. Flocculation performance declines after more than 24 hours of storage. Size the mixing tank to the daily treatment volume so no solution is left overnight.
Which is dosed first, PAM or PAC?
The conventional order is PAC first, then PAM (charge neutralization and destabilization first, bridging flocs after). But for oily wastewater the optimal order and interval must be set by bench testing — we verify first, then fix the parameters.
Do we have to purchase the full process-chain chemical set?
No. Selling chemicals individually is the minimum we support, but if your target is a clear indicator such as oil content of the solids <2%, we recommend dosing the whole chain as a matched set — the outcome is more predictable.

Need an aqueous-phase selection plan?

Provide a wastewater sample and the treatment volume; we settle ionic degree, molecular weight and dosage by bench test.

Get a Quote View C50N3