The petroleum industry plays a crucial role in modern energy supply, yet its production processes often involve complex wastewater and oil–water mixtures that require precise and efficient treatment. During crude oil extraction, transportation, and refining, large volumes of oily wastewater are produced, typically containing emulsified oil, suspended solids, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. The stability of these emulsions and the fine size of dispersed oil droplets make oil–water separation a technical challenge. Efficient separation is essential not only for resource recovery and cost reduction but also for environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

In recent years, polyacrylamide (PAM) has become one of the most effective and widely used flocculants and demulsifiers in the petroleum separation industry. Owing to its unique high-molecular-weight polymer structure, PAM can effectively destabilize emulsions, aggregate oil droplets, and accelerate the separation of oil and water. Compared with traditional inorganic coagulants, PAM requires a lower dosage, acts faster, and provides superior clarification performance, making it a preferred solution in oilfield wastewater treatment and crude oil dehydration systems.

When applied to oil–water separation, PAM primarily works through adsorption and bridging mechanisms. Its polymer chains carry active functional groups that can neutralize the surface charges of oil droplets and suspended solids, promoting the formation of larger flocs that quickly settle or float. This process significantly improves separation efficiency, enhances the clarity of treated water, and enables partial recovery of valuable hydrocarbons. Moreover, in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications, specially modified PAM—often known as polyacrylamide polymer flooding agent—is used to increase the viscosity of injection water, improving sweep efficiency in the reservoir and boosting overall crude oil output.

Different ionic types of PAM serve distinct roles in petroleum separation. Anionic PAM is commonly used in secondary treatment systems to remove suspended solids and residual oil from produced water. Cationic PAM is highly effective in breaking stable oil–water emulsions, promoting coalescence, and improving sludge dewatering in refinery effluent systems. Nonionic PAM provides better tolerance to salinity, temperature, and pH variations, making it suitable for complex water conditions found in offshore oilfields and refining facilities.

In the refining and petrochemical sector, PAM-based formulations are also widely applied in dissolved air flotation (DAF) systems, settling tanks, and oil–water separation units. By improving the aggregation of fine oil droplets and particles, PAM not only enhances water quality but also reduces the operational load of downstream treatment units. Furthermore, PAM can be used as a filter aid, improving filtration rates and extending equipment lifespan by minimizing clogging and fouling.

With growing global attention to environmental sustainability, the petroleum industry faces increasing pressure to adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies. The integration of PAM-based water treatment solutions represents a cost-effective way to achieve both environmental compliance and operational optimization. By improving separation efficiency, reducing sludge volume, and lowering chemical consumption, PAM helps oil and gas enterprises meet emission standards while maintaining profitability.

As a professional polyacrylamide manufacturer and supplier, Jiangsu Hengfeng Fine Chemical has been dedicated to providing high-performance PAM products for the petroleum and petrochemical industries. Our cationic, anionic, and nonionic PAMs are designed to perform reliably under harsh conditions such as high salinity, temperature, and pressure. They have been successfully applied in oilfield produced water treatment, crude oil dehydration, and refinery wastewater management. With excellent solubility, strong flocculation performance, and consistent quality, Hengfeng’s PAM solutions help enterprises improve oil–water separation efficiency, extend equipment service life, and achieve sustainable production goals.

In conclusion, polyacrylamide plays a vital role in the petroleum separation industry by bridging technology and sustainability. As environmental regulations become more stringent and resource recovery gains importance, Jiangsu Hengfeng Fine Chemical will continue to support global oilfield and refinery clients with advanced PAM flocculants and customized treatment solutions, contributing to cleaner production and efficient energy use across the petroleum value chain.