1. ALCOGUM® Rheology Modifiers are medium to relatively high viscosity sodium polyacrylate products supplied at alkaline pH. All components of the product handling, storage, and delivery system should be capable of accommodating such properties. Preferred pumping systems should be low-shear type, such as diaphragm. Positive displacement pumps may also be employed. Wetted materials in the pump should be 316 stainless steel, plastic or Teflon^®. Avoid contact with soft metals, i.e., black iron, copper, bronze, tin and aluminum.

2. If using a progressive cavity type pump, keep the velocity of the ALCOGUM product in the pump to 1.0 foot/sec; with a maximum motor speed of 150 rpm. Avoid aluminum or iron wetted parts. Elastomers of the stator housing should be EDPM, BUNA-N, or Teflon materials.

3. All valves should be "donut" or ball type. Avoid using needle valves.

4. Do not filter the ALCOGUM® product in a circulation loop as this creates unnecessary shear conditions. One way, one-pass systems work the best.

5. Storage tanks used to hold ALCOGUM® products should preferably be plastic or fiberglass. Storage and pumping system should be cleaned every 6 months.

6. Piping material (lines) used to transfer ALCOGUM® products may be plastic or stainless steel. Avoid contact with soft metals, i.e., black iron, copper, bronze, tin and aluminum. Minimize 90^o turns in the lines; smooth transitions are better. Avoid use of common lines for delivery and transfer, as contamination could be a problem. The storage tank should fill subsurface to minimize air entrapment. Air-pad off-loading should shut off prior to bubbling through the storage tank to minimize air entrapment.

7. Magnetic flow meters are recommended. Mass flow meters can work but are prone to plugging of small orifices.

8. Protect ALCOGUM® products from freezing. Store ALCOGUM® products at temperatures above 40°F.

Teflon^® is a registered trademark of Dupont