Flocculants are a cornerstone of large-scale water treatment, helping settle suspended solids and reduce contaminant levels quickly. In industries such as mining, oil sands, construction, and agriculture, choosing the right flocculant can have a direct impact on compliance, costs, and environmental outcomes.

While there are many products available, not all perform equally in large-scale, high-demand conditions. This article compares common flocculant types with TigerFloc, focusing on performance, safety, and operational efficiency.

Common Flocculant Types

1. Polyacrylamide-Based Flocculants (PAM and APAM)
PAM and its anionic form, APAM, are widely used for turbidity reduction in construction and industrial applications. They are effective in many settings but often come with environmental considerations. Residual monomers can be a concern, and certain jurisdictions limit their use in eco-sensitive areas.

2. Aluminum and Iron Salts
Aluminum sulfate (alum) and ferric chloride are common inorganic coagulants. They can work well on certain types of turbidity but often require pH adjustments, generate large volumes of sludge, and may introduce metals into the water — a drawback in sensitive ecosystems.

3. Plant-Based Flocculants
Some natural flocculants are derived from starches, chitosan, or other organic materials. While generally safe, their performance can be inconsistent in high-volume or highly contaminated water.

4. TigerFloc
TigerFloc is a blend of natural clay minerals and silica-based coagulants. It is designed to rapidly bind a wide range of contaminants — including fine sediment, hydrocarbons, metals, algae, and cement washout — and settle them quickly with minimal product use.

Key Comparison Factors

Performance

• TigerFloc: Reduces turbidity from 500 NTU to 8 NTU in 30 seconds in field testing; also lowers PPM levels for various pollutants.
• PAM/APAM: Effective turbidity reduction but may require longer settling times.
• Aluminum/Iron Salts: Effective on some solids but less versatile for mixed contaminants.

Environmental Safety

• TigerFloc: Non-toxic, eco-friendly, safe for aquatic life.
• PAM/APAM: Potential residual monomer concerns in sensitive areas.
• Aluminum/Iron Salts: Can alter pH and add residual metals.

Operational Efficiency

• TigerFloc: Low dosage requirements, easy to deploy in belts, socks, or bulk systems.
• PAM/APAM: Moderate dosage, often requires mechanical mixing.
• Aluminum/Iron Salts: Higher chemical handling needs, more sludge disposal.

Versatility

• TigerFloc: Works in tailings ponds, stormwater, dugouts, construction sites, and agriculture runoff.
• PAM/APAM: Primarily used for sediment-heavy water.
• Aluminum/Iron Salts: Limited contaminant range.

Why This Matters for Large-Scale Projects

Large projects demand a flocculant that performs consistently across different water sources, contaminant profiles, and environmental conditions. A solution that requires fewer steps, less handling, and lower quantities translates directly into lower operational costs and faster compliance.

Conclusion

When comparing flocculants for large-scale projects, the decision should be based on measurable performance, safety, and total operational efficiency — not just initial cost per kilogram. TigerFloc’s proven turbidity and PPM reductions, eco-safe formulation, and low-dosage scalability make it a strong choice for industries looking to meet strict standards while controlling costs. Contact Floc Systems to discuss your project’s water treatment requirements and how TigerFloc compares to your current solution.