Product Introduction
Retention chemistry is a system, not a single additive. Anionic PAM may work in selected dual-polymer or cationic-demand-controlled programs, but it is not a universal substitute for cationic retention aid.
The product must improve first-pass retention and drainage without harming formation, strength, sizing, deposits, or machine cleanliness.
Blufloc APAM emulsion can be evaluated as an anionic bridging component in selected papermaking retention and drainage programs. It is typically coordinated with cationic starch, coagulant, microparticle, furnish charge, and shear conditions.
Application Challenges
- High filler and fines load
- Strong shear at fan pump, screens, and headbox
- Charge interactions with cationic starch and coagulants
- Trade-off between retention, drainage, and sheet formation
How the PAM Emulsion Works
Anionic high-molecular-weight chains can bridge furnish components that have been pre-conditioned with cationic starch or coagulant. Addition point and shear history control whether useful microfloc reaches the wire or breaks before drainage.
Important: The suggested grades below are starting candidates, not a fixed prescription. Final selection and dosage require representative laboratory and plant trials.
Recommended Blufloc Grades
|
Grade |
Base |
Molecular Weight |
Charge |
Suggested Screening Role |
|
EWA 7520 |
Water-based |
Very High |
Medium anionic |
Primary water-based candidate for selected wet-end trials |
|
EA 6520 |
Oil-based |
Very High |
High anionic |
Comparator when higher anionic character is required |
The product pages classify the cationic EC and EWC series as high molecular weight and the anionic EA and EWA grades as very high molecular weight. Exact commercial specification limits, active content, viscosity, shelf life, and preparation instructions should be confirmed on the current grade-specific TDS and order specification.
Product Advantages
- Very-high molecular weight for wet-end bridging
- Fast liquid preparation for continuous machines
- Potential to improve fines and filler retention
- Water-based option for compatible mill systems
- Trial support focused on whole-sheet performance
Application Process
- Complete a wet-end charge and furnish review before selecting APAM.
- Run dynamic drainage or retention tests using real furnish and chemical sequence.
- Place the polymer after the relevant cationic component while considering screen shear.
- Evaluate first-pass retention, drainage, formation, strength, sizing, and deposits together.
- Conduct a controlled machine trial with quality and runnability teams present.
Product Selection Guidance
EWA 7520 is the preferred first candidate for a water-based automatic wet-end system. EA 6520 is a higher-anionic comparator. Application is recommended only where furnish and charge studies support an anionic retention component.
Compare candidates on active polymer mass and total operating cost. Neat-emulsion price per kilogram can be misleading if products differ in activity, preparation efficiency, dose, equipment throughput, cake or underflow quality, and downstream disposal cost.
Operating Indicators to Record
- First-pass retention
- Drainage
- Formation
- Sheet strength
- Machine deposits and breaks
Troubleshooting Note
If retention rises but formation worsens, reduce dose or move the addition point to increase controlled shear. If deposits increase, review charge balance and compatibility with starch, sizing, pitch-control, and microparticle programs.
Packaging, Storage, and Safe Handling
Standard supply options shown on the Blufloc PAM emulsion product pages are 25 kg containers, 200 kg plastic drums, and 1000 kg IBCs. Keep the package sealed in a cool, dry, ventilated area and protect it from direct sunlight, freezing, and excessive heat. Follow the grade-specific TDS and SDS for shelf life, handling limits, and transport classification. Polymer spills can make floors extremely slippery and should be contained and cleaned promptly.
Why Choose Bluwat Chemicals
- More than 25 years of water-treatment chemical manufacturing experience, supported by three modern production plants.
- The company website reports more than 800,000 tons delivered and exports to over 100 countries and regions.
- Factory-direct coordination for grade selection, batch documentation, packaging, and export logistics.
- Laboratory screening support using customer water or sludge samples, with recommendations based on the actual treatment objective.
- TDS, SDS, COA, and applicable certification documents can be supplied for the selected grade and destination market.
For selected dual-polymer papermaking retention systems, Bluwat can screen adjacent PAM emulsion grades, review preparation and dosing conditions, and help define a plant-trial plan using agreed performance indicators.
Quality Control and Technical Support
- Confirm the required grade specification and order documentation before production and shipment.
- Use representative customer samples to shortlist products under realistic pH, temperature, solids, water chemistry, and shear.
- Supply a clear make-down, dilution, dosing, and scale-up recommendation for the selected grade.
- Review plant-trial data and adjust charge level, dose, addition point, or mixing conditions when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anionic PAM a universal paper retention aid?
No. It is suitable for selected systems, often as part of a dual-polymer program. Furnish-specific testing is essential.
What should be tested besides retention?
Drainage, formation, strength, sizing, deposits, sheet defects, and machine runnability should all be checked.
Why does addition point matter?
Shear determines microfloc size and survival before the headbox and forming section.
Can wastewater-grade test results predict wet-end performance?
No. Paper-machine furnish and product-quality requirements require a dedicated wet-end evaluation.