BASF Zetag & Magnafloc Alternative: CNfloc Cross-Reference (2026)

ChinaPAM's CNfloc series provides direct equivalents for BASF Zetag (cationic) and Magnafloc (anionic/nonionic) polyacrylamides — matched by charge density and molecular weight at 30–50% lower FOB cost. This cross-reference guide maps CNfloc grades to each Zetag and Magnafloc model for procurement teams evaluating alternatives.

BASF acquired Ciba Specialty Chemicals in 2009, inheriting the Zetag and Magnafloc polymer brands that Ciba had developed over decades. These brands remain widely specified in water utility contracts across Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. In 2019, BASF divested a portion of its water treatment chemicals portfolio, and some regional distribution shifted. Despite brand ownership changes, the model numbers persist in operating manuals and tender specifications globally.

The technical reality: Zetag and Magnafloc performance depends entirely on ionic type, charge density (mol%), and molecular weight (Daltons). According to WEF MOP 8, polymer selection for dewatering relies on these three parameters — not brand origin. According to ICMM (International Council on Mining and Metals) best practice guidelines, flocculant selection for tailings management depends on charge-MW matching with site-specific jar testing, not brand specification. The IWA Specialist Group on Sludge Management further confirms that polymer substitution between manufacturers is routine when parameters are matched and performance validated on-site. ChinaPAM supplies cationic polyacrylamide and anionic polyacrylamide grades covering the full Zetag and Magnafloc specification range — available for trial from 500 kg with free lab samples for initial screening.

Decoding BASF Zetag Model Numbers

Zetag is BASF's cationic polyacrylamide line, used primarily for sludge dewatering in municipal and industrial WWTPs. The naming convention:

• Zetag 8100 series = Powder cationic PAM. The last two digits encode charge level — Zetag 8110 ≈ 10% charge, Zetag 8180 ≈ 80% charge.
• Zetag 9100 series = Emulsion cationic PAM. Same charge encoding but delivered as liquid inverse emulsion for faster dissolution.
• Zetag 7100 series = Older nomenclature (pre-BASF acquisition). Zetag 7563 ≈ Zetag 8160 equivalent.

For charge density selection principles, see our charge density guide. For molecular weight impact on floc strength, see our MW selection guide.

Cationic: CNfloc C-Series vs Zetag 8100

BASF Zetag 8100 series covers 10–80% charge density for belt press, centrifuge, and screw press dewatering. CNfloc C-series provides matched equivalents:

Most common replacement: Zetag 8160 is BASF's global best-seller for municipal dewatering — 35–45% charge density at high molecular weight. CNfloc C8033 provides the same flocculation performance at 30–40% lower cost. For detailed sludge dewatering guidance, see our CPAM dewatering guide.

Decoding Magnafloc Model Numbers

Magnafloc is BASF's anionic and nonionic PAM line, used primarily in mining, mineral processing, and industrial clarification. The naming convention:

• Magnafloc 10 series = Anionic PAM powder. Magnafloc 10 ≈ low anionicity, Magnafloc 1011 ≈ very high anionicity.
• Magnafloc 300 series = Nonionic PAM powder. For acidic circuits.
• Magnafloc 5000 series = Liquid (emulsion) versions of the same chemistries.
• Magnafloc 155 / 156 = Legacy high-MW anionic grades still specified in Australian and South African mining.

Anionic: CNfloc A-Series vs Magnafloc

Magnafloc anionic grades are the standard specification in Australian iron ore, South African gold mining, and Chilean copper tailings management.

Most common replacement: Magnafloc 1011 and Magnafloc 156 are the two most-specified grades in global mining. CNfloc 1030/1032 and 1022 respectively provide direct equivalents. For mining-specific applications, see our tailings treatment guide and gold mining PAM guide.

Mining tailings thickening — CNfloc 1030 replaces Magnafloc 1011 for high-rate thickener applications

Cost Comparison: Zetag / Magnafloc vs CNfloc

For current pricing by grade and volume, see our 2026 PAM price guide.

Quick Cross-Reference (All Grades)

Switching Protocol: Zetag / Magnafloc → CNfloc

1. Grade identification — Confirm your current grade from purchase records or plant documentation. Use the cross-reference tables above.
2. Sample request — Request 1–2 CNfloc candidates via WhatsApp or email. We ship 1 kg DHL samples free within 5 business days.
3. Lab screening — Run a jar test or settling cylinder test on your actual sludge/slurry at operating pH and temperature. Compare settling rate, clarity, and optimal dose to current Zetag/Magnafloc performance. See our jar test guide for methodology.
4. Field trial — Run the best-performing CNfloc grade for 2–4 weeks at full scale. Track polymer dose (kg/dry ton or g/m³), cake solids (%), filtrate TSS (mg/L), and equipment amperage.
5. Conversion decision — If performance matches or exceeds baseline, proceed with commercial contract. No equipment modification required — CNfloc powder uses identical dissolution parameters to Zetag powder.

Key Application Areas

Zetag and Magnafloc together cover virtually every water treatment application. Here is how CNfloc maps to the most common use cases:

• Municipal sludge dewatering (belt press / centrifuge) — Zetag 8150/8160 → CNfloc C8033. Most-specified application globally. See our municipal WWTP dewatering guide.
• Gold and copper tailings thickening — Magnafloc 156 / 1011 → CNfloc 1022 / 1030. Dominant flocculant type in Australasia, Chile, and West Africa. See our gold mining PAM guide.
• Iron ore tailings — Magnafloc 155 / 1011 → CNfloc 1015 / 1030. Brazilian and Australian iron ore circuits. See our iron ore PAM guide.
• Alumina refining (Bayer process) — Magnafloc 336 → CNfloc 1037. High-pH, high-temperature stability required. Contact us for Bayer-specific grade recommendations.
• Coal wash clarification — Magnafloc 10 → CNfloc 1008. Low-anionicity anionic PAM for coal circuit water recovery. See our coal washing PAM guide.
• Acidic circuits (coal prep, phosphate) — Magnafloc 300 → CNfloc 1003. Nonionic PAM maintains performance at pH <4. See our nonionic PAM guide.

Is BASF still the owner of Zetag and Magnafloc?

BASF acquired the Zetag and Magnafloc brands from Ciba Specialty Chemicals in 2009. In 2019, BASF agreed to divest parts of its water treatment polymer business as a condition of regulatory approvals for other acquisitions. Regional distribution rights shifted to Solenis and other parties in some markets. The model numbers remain in use regardless of who distributes them locally. According to AWWA (American Water Works Association) guidance on polymer evaluation, product performance should be assessed by physical-chemical parameters — not brand name or corporate ownership.

Can the same dissolution tanks be used for CNfloc powder as Zetag powder?

Yes. Both are dry powder PAM requiring the same dissolution procedure: 0.1–0.5% solution, 30–60 minute aging time, low-shear mixing at 200–400 RPM. Flush the system with 2–3 tank volumes of clean water before switching grades. No equipment changes required. For step-by-step dissolution guidance, see our PAM dissolving guide.

Does CNfloc have equivalent quality documentation to Zetag/Magnafloc?

Yes. Every CNfloc batch ships with TDS, batch COA (charge density, MW class, solid content ≥90%, residual monomer), and SDS. For drinking water or food-contact applications requiring NSF/ANSI 60 or EU Regulation 2024/1628 compliance, we provide conformity documentation on request. REACH registration and customs documentation (HS code 3906.90) included with every export shipment.

What if my plant specifies Zetag 8160 by brand name in the tender?

Most public tenders specify "or equivalent" — submit CNfloc C8033 as the approved equivalent with supporting TDS, COA, and jar test data demonstrating equal or better cake solids and polymer dose. For private operators, provide a written technical equivalency statement. We prepare this documentation at no charge for serious inquiries. Procurement teams in the EU, Australia, and Middle East routinely accept Chinese-equivalent PAM when supported by technical documentation.

For SNF FLOPAM equivalents (the other most-specified brand), see our FLOPAM cross-reference guide. For Kemira Superfloc equivalents, see our Superfloc alternative guide. For general sourcing, pricing, and logistics from China, see our China PAM supplier guide. Visit our homepage for full product catalog and technical support.