The excavation of underwater sediments during dredging results in a mix of water and solids. To effectively filter this, water-soluble polymers are employed. As flocculants, they prompt the formation of flocs by aggregating fine particles, which can then be readily separated. As coagulants, they neutralize charges that cause particles to repel each other, enabling easier aggregation. These polymers are integral to a wide array of filtration processes:
- Plate and frame presses use polymers to bind particles together before pressure is applied to extract water.
- Belt presses rely on polymers to floc the particles, facilitating their separation as the sludge moves on the conveyor belt.
- In vacuum filtration, polymers help form a dense filter cake that can be effectively drawn out by suction.
- During centrifugation, polymers enhance the consolidation of particles for easier removal under high-speed rotations.
- In the case of geotextile tubes, polymers improve the containment and dewatering of the dredged material.
- For beach dewatering and other processes, polymers ensure efficient separation of water from the sediments.
