This paper is application focused with the objective of providing water treaters with an understanding of challenge related to material viscosity when applying neat liquid emulsion polymers along with tips for their successful application.

1. Nature of viscosity in an emulsion polymer
2. Understanding the variability of Viscosity
3. Injection System Considerations
   1. Pumps
   2. Day Tanks
   3. Storage
   4. Commissioning

Shaun Primeaux

Global Industry Technical Consultant, ChampionX

26 Years of Water Treating Experience in Cooling, Power Generation and Pre. & Wastewater Treating

Worked in several roles including:

              Filed Technician

              Biocide Product Line Marketing

              Technical Trainer

Training Manager

              Sales Management

              Technical Support

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology

Flocculants used in treating wastewater are often medium to high molecular wight emulsion polymers. Extremely high molecular weight polymeric flocculants may be on the order of ten million amu. Generally, the flocculating efficacy increases as molecular weight increases. Understanding the challenges due to viscosity and the immiscible nature of emulsions can help key stakeholders design better wastewater injection systems. The topics discussed here are meant for the user and field technician responsible for quality results. The topics are not novel. However, the author’s twenty-six years of experience provides a simple explanation and applicable response to everyday challenges associated with polymer injection.

Standard emulsions contain between 25 and 50 percent active content. Ideally, the thick emulsion of neat flocculant is diluted shortly before use. This very thin, solution is then injected for system treatment. Otherwise, the inability to make down material, and subsequent high viscosity of neat polymer, is problematic when injecting through traditional pump, tubing, and quill setups.

We think of viscosity as the thickness of a fluid. We define viscosity as a measure for the resistance of a material against flow. Primarily, Temperature, sheer rate, and pressure affect viscosity. But composition, time, and field intensity are impactful. Therefore, any discussion of the viscosity of a flocculant should be understood in context and any value assigned to its viscosity should be thought of as variable.

Sheer rate is important in a discussion of flocculants and viscosity because flocculants are non-Newtonian. When injecting these non-Newtonian high viscosity materials, the key is to reduce intrinsic resistance. Four key considerations discussed in this article are:

• The measured viscosity of the material being pumped, and the rated capabilities of the pump being used.
• Application specific variables like length of injection tubing, weather, transport time and shelf life can impact the success of an application.
• The Weissenberg Effect, for applications in which the client wants to use a day-tank for dilution.
• Final commissioning or “pressure testing” of the injection system.

Once the challenges intrinsic to neat liquid emulsion polymers are understood users can make informed decision for managing polymer viscosity in an injection system. Therefore, the conclusion of this is sixteen practical points to consider when implementing or troubleshooting a polymer injection.

Shaun Primeaux began his career as a water treater in college as an intern in the water laboratory of an ammonia plant in 1995. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology Shaun went on to work for Nalco Water then GE Water. Currently, Shaun works for ChampionX, as an Industry Technical Consultant providing technical support globally for utility water systems. Over his 26 year, career Shaun has worked as a Field Technician, Area Manager, Sales Manager, Biocide Product Marketing, Training, and supported projects all over the world.