Flocculating and Hydrodynamic Properties of Aqueous-Salt Solutions of Acrylamide Polymers

Abstract

Specific features of flocculation of aqueous-salt (KCl, NaCl) clay dispersions with polyacrylamide and anionic acrylamide copolymers, including the influence exerted by the procedure of polymer dissolution in water or salt solution on the sedimentation rate and density of floccules and on the hydrodynamic properties of the polymers, are described. The use of aqueous-salt solutions of flocculants enhances the flocculating effect. The most effective flocculant for aqueous-salt clay dispersions is polyacrylamide prepared in a salt solution, which is due to higher flexibility of the polymer chain. The results obtained are of practical interest in connection with the possibility of enhancing the efficiency of the flocculation of aqueous-salt clay dispersions in dressing of potassium ores.