Industrial water treatment
Soil Remediation
Tunneling
Gravel and sand
Ports
Applications
Flocculation and dewatering by sector
Flocculation with polymers binds fine solids in sludge and wash water into large flocs that settle quickly and can be dewatered mechanically. FMfloc supplies the make-down and dosing units, mixers, mobile rental units and remote monitoring, while the separation or dewatering unit remains existing equipment or comes from a partner.
Applications by sector
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Gravel plant
Flocculate gravel wash water, return clear water to the wash and dewater fines instead of dredging the pond.
More on gravel plants
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Tunnelling
Flocculate surplus bentonite suspension and drilling mud, dewater it at the shaft and keep the water in the site circuit.
Tunnelling
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Ports and dredging
Flocculating harbour silt and sediment so that geotextile tubes, decanters or presses can separate the water.
Dredged material dewatering
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Soil washing
Flocculate contaminated fines from soil washing, clarify the recirculated water and prepare the sludge for the press.
Soil washing in detail
Sectors compared
Sludge type, process chain and mode of operation differ by sector. In every case, polymer dosing links the sludge to the separation unit.
| Sector | Sludge type | Typical process chain | Mode of operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel plant | Silt and clay from gravel washing | Flocculation, lamella clarifier or thickener, chamber filter press | Stationary continuous duty, rental for peaks |
| Tunnelling | Bentonite suspension, drilling mud, cement water | Separation plant, flocculation, press or decanter | Mobile, multi-shift, for the build |
| Ports and dredging | Harbour silt, clay and sand, often organic, sometimes saline | Sand separation, flocculation, geotextile tube or decanter | Campaign, usually with a rental unit |
| Soil washing | Contaminated fines, silt and clay | Soil washing, hydrocyclone, flocculation, thickener, chamber filter press | Fixed-term project or permanent centre |
Other applications
The same make-down and dosing technology is used in sewage treatment plants, drinking water treatment and industrial plants, for example for sewage sludge dewatering or process water clarification.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is a flocculant?
A flocculant is usually a synthetic polymer based on polyacrylamide that binds finely dispersed solids into larger flocs. These flocs settle faster and release water more easily. Depending on the charge of the solids, anionic, cationic or non-ionic products are used. Mineral sludges usually respond to anionic polymers, organic sludges such as sewage sludge rather to cationic ones.
Powder or liquid polymer: which is better?
Both work; the choice depends on consumption, logistics and site. Powder polymer stores well and is usually cheaper per kilogram of active substance at larger volumes, but needs a make-down unit with ageing time. Liquid polymer is prepared faster and is easier to handle. FMfloc make-down units are available for powder, for liquid polymer or for both, at a solution concentration of 0.1–1.0 %.
Should I rent or buy a unit?
Renting suits a limited duration, buying suits continuous operation. Construction sites, pond clearance and pilot phases have a foreseeable end, and container and trailer units are available for weekly rental. If the unit runs permanently, a stationary unit is sized to your sludge volume. A rental unit also works as a trial before you decide to buy.
What does remote monitoring do?
Remote monitoring sends the unit's operating data via mobile network to the SmartFloc Cloud. There you see flow, dosing rate, fill levels and alarms live and over time, with turbidity and pH available as an option. Alarms report faults immediately. The records serve as proof of operation for the authority or client and help to fine-tune the dosing.
How do I find the right polymer?
With a laboratory test on your own sludge. We test several polymers on a two-litre sample and compare floc formation, settling behaviour and clarity of the water. The report names the recommended product and the dosing range. A trial unit on site then shows whether the recommendation holds in operation. Testing the sample is free of charge.
Which solution suits your sludge?
Send us a sample or briefly describe your plant. We will come back to you with a proposal for a laboratory test, an on-site trial or a design.
Phone +49 69 5000060 or email info@fmfloc.de. We reply on working days.