Dredging, which involves the removal of underwater sediments, often results in a mix of water and solid particles. Managing this mix efficiently at the end of the pipe is essential for an economical and environmentally friendly dredging operation. Water-soluble polymers are effectively used to optimize sediment deposition. They work as flocculants and coagulants to aggregate fine particles, thereby facilitating easier and faster sedimentation. This leads to an improved management of dredged material, reducing costs and mitigating environmental impacts.
Water-soluble polymers have become an indispensable tool for end-of-pipe applications in the dredging industry. These organic polymers, which include flocculants and coagulants, play pivotal roles in enhancing sediment deposition optimization. Moreover, they optimize settle rates, density, and floc strength, while also improving the quality of released water, reclaimed water, and its clarity.
Organic Polymers for Sediment Deposition Optimization
Enhancing Settle Rates, Density and Floc Strength
Water-soluble polymers are also vital for optimizing the settle rates and density of the dredged material. The polymers encourage the formation of larger, denser flocs that settle more quickly and effectively, improving the efficiency of the sedimentation process. The enhanced floc strength, conferred by these polymers, ensures that the aggregates maintain their form during settling and do not break apart, thus facilitating their subsequent handling and disposal.
Improving Quality of Released and Reclaimed Water
The quality of the water released or reclaimed after dredging operations is of significant importance, both for the environment and for potential reuse. Water-soluble polymers play a key role here by enhancing water clarity. The organic polymers serve to aggregate the solid particles, which can then be effectively separated from the water. The result is a clear filtrate that can be safely discharged back into the environment or reclaimed for further use, helping to conserve water resources and minimize the ecological footprint of the dredging operation.
End-of-pipe Polymers for Dredging
| Product Category | Description |
|---|---|
| FLOPAM™ FA, AH | Non-ionic powder form flocculants used to enhance solid-liquid separation. Enhances and maximizes clean water reclamation and solids waste stream density. Ideal for bulk transportation. |
| FLOPAM™ EM, DW, SFC | Liquid form flocculants used to enhance solid/liquid separation times and maximize clean water reclamation and solids waste stream density. |
| FLOMIN™ CA 100 | Used to destabilize solids suspended in slurries. Enhances the flocculation process, clean water reclamation, and solids waste stream density. |
| FLOQUAT™ TS, DB | Powder form organic coagulants used to destabilize solids suspended in slurries. Enhances the flocculation process, clean water reclamation, and solids waste stream density. Often added directly to process streams with minimal mixing equipment needed. |
| FLOQUAT™ FL | Liquid organic coagulant used to destabilize solids suspended in slurries. Enhances the flocculation process, clean water reclamation, and solids waste stream density. Often added directly to process streams with minimal mixing equipment needs. |
| FLOPAM™ FO, CB | Cationic powder form flocculants used to enhance solid/liquid separation, and maximize clean water reclamation and solids waste stream density. |
| FLOPAM™ AN (ATBS) | Powder form flocculants designed for wider pH range. Enhances solid/liquid separation and maximizes clean water reclamation and solids waste stream density. |
| FLOPAM™ AN (Anionic Powder) | Anionic powder form flocculants used to enhance solid/liquid separation and maximize clean water reclamation and solids waste stream density. |
| FLOBEADS™ AB | Beaded powder form settling aids used to enhance solid/liquid separation and maximize clean water reclamation and solids waste stream density. Beaded products can reduce hydration times. |
| FLOPAM™ FAM | Amphoteric powder form flocculants used to enhance solid/liquid separation and maximize clean water reclamation and solids waste stream density. Ideal for bulk transportation. |
| FLOBOND™ TB | Tablet form flocculant for passive flow situations. Addition is self-regulated by flow over tablets. Dosing is controlled by number of tablets used. Makedown equipment not required. |
| DRYFLOC™ | End-of-pipe treatment for tailings management. Used to enhance solid/liquid separation and minimizes water needs for application. |