Polyelectrolyte for pharmaceutical effluent
Pharmaceutical and bulk drug plants run complex effluent through physico-chemical and biological stages, often toward zero liquid discharge. Polymer keeps solids out of the downstream stages.
Sunfloc Cationic HQ for regular plant use, or Cationic MQ for smaller plants and trials. After Fenton treatment, use an anionic grade for the iron sludge. Confirm on your own sample with a free jar test.
Which charge
Cationic polyacrylamide is the usual choice for pharmaceutical wastewater. Start with Cationic HQ or Cationic MQ.
Physico-chemical stage
Dose after coagulation, ahead of the primary clarifier, to protect the biological stage from solids.
Biological sludge
Excess biological sludge is dewatered with a cationic grade. Higher molecular weight builds stronger flocs for presses and centrifuges.
Audit files
Each grade has a specification sheet and an SDS ready for your EHS and audit records.
Related
Polyelectrolyte dosing guide
Starting doses, solution strength and how to work out kilograms per day.
Read →Where this work clusters
Where the polymer earns its place
Pharma effluent is usually strong, variable and hard on biological stages, so the aim of the physical treatment is to protect what follows. After a chemical step such as Fenton oxidation, an anionic polymer helps settle the iron hydroxide sludge. Ahead of the aeration tank, a cationic polymer in the primary clarifier keeps fine organic solids out.
Many units also run zero liquid discharge, and any carry-over of solids hurts the RO and evaporator stages. Check clarifier overflow at every shift and keep a signed jar-test record, which doubles as audit evidence.
Neutralise before you dose: the iron floc forms only after the pH is raised, and that floc is what the polymer bridges.
Sources: ASTM D2035-19, Coagulation-Flocculation Jar Test of Water.
Not sure which grade suits your water?
Send us a one-litre sample or describe your process. We test it in our lab free of charge and recommend a grade and starting dose, and quote within 1 business hour.