Polymer Resource Information

Preparing Emulsion Polymers: What You Need to Know!

Emulsion polymers are comprised of a hydrogel suspension and are dispersed in a hydrocarbon (oil) and stabilized with surfactants to prevent agglomeration.

There are two phases in preparing emulsion polymers:
Inversion - Surfactants used to emulsify the oil barrier
Dissolution - Water contact with the gel capsules/beads

The process used to achieve these steps is quite simple; you must incorporate a high amount of shear where the polymer and water interface.

Do not be fooled by gimmicks or outlandish claims by equipment suppliers - simple easy to clean high shear devices are all you require to produce a high yield polymer solution suitable for Water & Waste Water, Mining, P&P and many other industrial applications.

Basic considerations used in polymer preparation:

• Very High Shear at contact point of polymer and water
• High initial concentration of polymer (increase surfactant @ point of contact)
• Soft water reduces the amount of aging time
• Water temperature below 30° C recommended
• Provide Flooded Suction
  

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