Here is a Procedure for the Preparation of Solution Polymers:

1. Solution polymers can be made down to any convenient concentration for laboratory testing. Suggested solution concentrations should be based on the expected dosage, ie:  For raw water clarification 0.05 to 0.10% or for use in sludge dewatering at 1.0 to 5.0%.
2. Use the same water for laboratory solution preparation that will be used to prepare samples in actual plant situation.
3. Double pump syringe to remove air then fill to required level and wipe outside of syringe clean.
4. Inject into water just below surface into edge of vortex (if using mixer) or into swirling water if using bottle shake method.
5. Mix for 30 seconds.
6. Sample is ready to go. NO ageing time is required for solution polymers.
7. Samples are typically active for at least 8 hours.

These polymers, being true solutions, do not require any solution preparation prior to addition to the system to be treated.  They may be pumped directly from their storage container, via a positive displacement pump, into a water line for dilution.  The water is not required to prepare the polymer but it is required in ensure that there is adequate dispersion of the polymer into the waste stream to promote inter-particle collisions and resultant floc formation.  Solution polymers are typically added to a point that promotes good mixing with the stream to be treated such as the suction side of feed pump.

General Rules:

1. Do not store samples in extreme temperatures.
2. Adequate mixing is critical to ensure representative results, be sure sample container is well shaken and that mixing energy used to put product into solution is sufficient for the job.
3. Always use a fresh syringe for each product. Do not clean and reuse syringes.

• Do not store samples in extreme temperatures.
• Adequate mixing is critical to ensure representative results, be sure sample container is well shaken and that mixing energy used to put product into solution is sufficient for the job.
• Always use a fresh syringe for each product. Do not clean and reuse syringes.

It is important to use the best water available to make your polymer solutions.  Any solids in the make up water will react with the polymer rendering the solution less effective.  Other water characteristics to consider are:

• pH – as the pH of the water becomes more alkaline the cationic products begin to lose effectiveness due to hydrolysis.
• Temperature – the recommended water temperature should be between 40-90º F. Temperatures below this range will typically result in slow or incomplete dissolution of the polymer.  Temperatures appreciably above this range can cause hydrolysis of the polymers.  In general, warm water allows for improved speed of dissolution and uncoiling but results in slightly shorter shelf life of the solution.
• Conductivity – waters that are very high in conductivity can inhibit the development of molecular weight in the polymer solution.