Assessing PAM sludge dewatering with both cake and filtrate results

Trial design and interpretation

Compare candidates on the same sludge lot with the same conditioning equipment and feed conditions. Record cake moisture, filtrate turbidity and chemical consumption per unit of dry sludge. A clear filtrate alone does not tell the operator whether the cake is easier to transport.

Recording Solids content

Solids content (Mass fraction): ENVO published cationic granule specification ≥88.5%. Use the specified cationic grade. Do not apply its figures to emulsions or other ionic types. Ionic character and charge density (Type and agreed units): Report separately for cationic, anionic and nonionic grades. Ask for the test basis and the units used to express charge density.

Why can PAM grades of similar molecular weight dewater differently?

Compare ionic type, charge density and sludge characteristics after the same maturation and shear history. Sludge dewatering: Use the same sludge batch to compare filtrate clarity, cake moisture and release from the filter cloth. Record ionic character and charge density.

What to record

• Sludge dry solids
• Ionic type and dose
• Filtrate turbidity
• Cake moisture

Technical references

• ENVO public product information · Verify against the ordered grade and lot ↗

Products and processes