Epi-DMA Polymers: Applications in Industrial Water Treatment
Introduction
Epi-DMA Polymers can be used to treat the water and wastewater. This will depend on the type of water, dose and concentration.
Understanding how they work, what they can do and what type will be best will help industries decide what product to use.
What are Epi-DMA Polymers?
Epi-DMA polymers are charged polymers that can be made from Epichlorohydrin and Dimethylamine. They can be used within water treatment to interact with charged particulate.
Fine particulate can be left in a suspended state as all particles are charged. Epi-DMA polymers can cause the suspended particulate to become unstable by removing the charge and causing them to agglomerate.
Depending on how they are made and used they can also be used as a coagulation aid.
How do they work?
Depending on the water and treatment they can act differently.
Most of the time they will help treat the water by removing charges.
1. Charge Neutralisation
Particles within wastewater are often charged and will repel each other. Epi-DMA polymers are charged and will cause interaction within the particles reducing their repulsion. This will cause the particles to agglomerate.
2. Particles Agglomerate
They help remove the charge so they will form flocs. These can be removed using flocculation.
3. Improved Solid/Liquid Separation
The particles will form flocs that can be separated using settling, clarification or depending on the wastewater and treatment.
Key Applications
Epi-DMA polymers can be used within water and wastewater. Testing can be carried out to ensure they are suitable.
1. Industrial Wastewater
Industrial wastewater can contain suspended solids, fine particulate and unwanted materials. Epi-DMA polymers can help cause the particulate to become unstable during coagulation. The type and dose will depend on the wastewater.
2. Effluent Treatment Plants
Chemical treatments are often used on wastewater within effluent treatment plants to allow reuse. Epi-DMA polymers can be added during this process to help with coagulation and separation.
3. Pulp & Paper
Pulp & Paper processes will contain fibres, small particulate and suspended matter. In some cases Epi-DMA polymers can be added during the paper process to help with drainage and clarification. This will depend on what part of the process and quality of paper required.
4. Chemical Manufacturing
Wastewater can be produced during chemical manufacturing. These will contain suspended particulate and fine particulate. A suitable Epi-DMA polymers can be added to help treat the water by causing floc formation. Testing can be carried out in the lab to ensure they will be effective.
5. Municipal & General Wastewater
Epi-DMA polymers can be used during the chemical process within wastewater treatment plants. Depending on the set up of the plant they will help cause particulate instability and treat the sludge. The type will depend on the influent water and desired results.
Benefits of using Epi-DMA Polymers
By selecting the correct Epi-DMA polymers and using them correctly you can get:
- Particulate Removal Aid – Positively charged to cause charge instability.
- Clarification – Helps form large flocs.
- Versatile – Can be tested on various types of industrial wastewater.
- Can be used during Coagulation.
- Increased Efficiency – Using the correct polymer and dose will help treat the water.
Benefits will depend on grade, type of wastewater, conditions and equipment.
Epi-DMA Polymers vs Water Treatment Polymers
There are polymers that can be used to treat water. Simply choosing the chemical type may not give the desired results.
| Polymers Type | Application |
| Epi-DMA Polymers | Coagulation, Clarification |
| Dispersant | Suspends particulate to prevent build-up. |
| Acrylic | Used in formulations, dispersions, scaling etc. |
| Flocculant | Help cause unstable particulate to form flocs. |
| Polyamines | |
| Cationic Polyamines | Coagulation, Wastewater treatment. |
The best polymer will depend on what impurities are present in the water, chemistry and desired results.
Considerations
When choosing an Epi-DMA polymer there are things to consider when treating the water.
1. Water Chemistry
It is good to know what you are treating. Epi-DMA polymers can be affected by particulate, turbidity, pH and organics.
2. Polymer Grades
There are different grades of Epi-DMA polymers available. They can have different charges, properties and suitability. Choose the correct grade.
3. Dose
The dose will affect how well the polymers work and cost. Jar testing can help to find a suitable range.
4. Chemical Compatibility
Your process may contain coagulants, flocculants, pH adjusters and other treatment chemicals. Compatibility testing can help to see how they will work with the polymers.
5. Equipment & Conditions
How much mixing, contact time and settling will affect the results. Choose polymers that suit your treatment.
6. Jar Testing
Jar testing can be carried out.
Testing can be done in the lab using samples.
This can help operators to understand how they will work.
- How the turbidity/particulate will be affected.
- How the flocs will settle.
- How the polymers will react to the dose.
- How they will work with treatment chemicals.
- How well they will clarify the water.
Epi-DMA Polymers within a Water Treatment Programme
Epi-DMA polymers shouldn’t always be thought of as the answer. Most water treatments within industry will have steps.
Typically a wastewater programme will have screening, equalisation, pH adjustment, coagulation, flocculation, clarification, filtration and others.
The type of polymer will depend on the set up of your treatment. They can be added during the process to cause particulate instability and separation.
Overall choosing the correct chemicals, dose and monitoring will help.
Safe Handling & Storage
Always follow handling instructions.
Always read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for information and recommendations from your supplier.
Consider:
- Safety
- Store as recommended.
- Avoid contact with eyes/skin.
- Store in sealed container.
- Follow dilution instructions.
- Training for staff.
Depending on the product the storage and handling may vary. Always follow the information.
Choosing a Supplier of Epi-DMA Polymers
When trying to keep your water treatment running it is important to choose a good supplier. Consider:
1. Information
Having information and guidance can help you know what product to use.
2. Quality
Having a quality product can help with treatments.
3. Technical Support
Having technical support can help find treatment options.
4. Reliable Supply
Having a reliable supply plan can ensure your treatment is running.
5. Knowledge of Applications
Understanding what your industrial water treatment requires can help you choose the correct chemicals.
Maxwell Additives specialise in the specialty chemicals and water treatment chemical market. If you require any information on our range of chemicals please see our categories. If you would like to discuss your application requirements please get in touch.
Conclusion
Epi-DMA polymers can be used within water/wastewater treatments. They are charged so can interact with charged particulate. This can help with coagulation, clarification and separation.
Choosing the correct Epi-DMA polymers can be difficult. You need to know what is in your wastewater, what you want to achieve, what dose is required, how they will interact with chemicals. Testing in the lab and monitoring can help to find if a certain grade of Epi-DMA polymer will be suitable.
Knowing what they will do will help you select the right specialty chemicals for your water treatment.
FAQs
1. What are Epi-DMA polymers used for?
They can be used within water/wastewater treatments. They can cause charged particulate to become unstable and help with clarification.
2. Can they be used within Effluent Treatment Plants?
Yes they can be used within the grades to help with coagulation and separation of particulate. This will depend on the wastewater and how it is treated.
3. How do they help with wastewater treatment?
They are charged so can interact with charged particulate causing them to break down and form flocs. This makes them easy to remove.
The cationic charge interacts with the charged particulate causing them to form flocs.
4. What is the difference between Epi-DMA polymers and flocculants?
I always think of polymers as a material that can break down particulate. Flocculants are chemicals that cause particulate to form flocs. The polymers will depend on what chemicals are being used and the process. Both will. But in different ways.
5. How can I choose an Epi-DMA polymer?
You need to know what is in your wastewater, pH, how much particulate there is, in suspension, what features you require from the polymers, how much dose is required and how they will interact with other chemicals. Jar testing can help to see if polymers will work well. The polymer must be suitable for the conditions of the wastewater.
6. Why is it important to get the dose correct?
Using the correct dose will ensure your treatment works correctly and reduce waste. We find that the best dose can be found by testing under conditions. The dose must be correct otherwise your wastewater treatment won’t be efficient.
7. Can they be used with water treatment chemicals?
Polymers can be used with water treatment chemicals if planned well. It is important to ensure they work well with water treatment chemicals and the correct order of dosing. This can be tested using lab/field testing. The water treatment chemicals and dose must be compatible to get results.