1. Atomize Polymer To Achieve Effective Polymer - Particle Wetting
Optimizing dry polymer performance starts with effectively wetting each individual polymer particle. Metering
moderate to high rates of dry polymer directly in to a wetting bowl fails to effectively disperse and therefore wet the
polymer. The Hydramax pneumatic conveyance system is designed to thoroughly disperse the polymer prior to wetting
in order to minimize polymer hydration time.
2. Prepare Proper Solution Concentrations
Cationic polymers are typically prepared at solution concentrations between 0.25% to 0.5%. Anionic polymers are
typically prepared between 0.1% and 0.25% solution. The solution can then be further diluted after the solution
metering pumps through a secondary dilution system.
3. Properly Mix Polymer Solution
When polymer is first wetted, the molecule is not susceptible to damaging shear induced by a tank mixing impeller due
to its coiled shape. However, during the hydration process the polymer elongates and becomes susceptible to shear, and possible degradation of the polymer’s effectiveness. Too low of mixing energy or insufficient mix times will prevent the polymer from fully uncoiling. Too much mixing energy or mixing for too long will damage the polymer molecule. Inducing higher impeller speeds initially which then decrease as the polymer becomes more activated can result in higher polymer performance.
4. Provide Sufficient Polymer Aging
The amount of aging time required to reach optimal performance depends on the type of polymer and other process variables, such as water temperature. It is not uncommon for systems to be designed with insufficient aging time. With proper preparation as described above, it is recommended that cationic polymer systems are designed to allow 45 to 60 minutes of aging to ensure optimum system performance and flexibility. Anionic polymer systems should be designed for 120 minutes of aging.