UNSPSC 12163102: Deflocculant

An agent for thinning suspensions or slurries. Sometimes incorrectly called a dispersant, it is a low-molecular weight anionic polymer that neutralizes positive charges on suspended particles, particularly clays and aryl-alkyl derivatives of sulfonic acid.

UNSPSC 12163102 Deflocculant is a Commodity-level code encompassing chemical additives used in water and wastewater treatment systems to suspend and control solids in treatment processes. State and local governments procure deflocculants and related treatment chemicals—including aluminum sulfate, sodium bisulfite, magnesium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and other coagulants and clarifiers—for drinking water treatment plants, wastewater collection systems, and pollution control facilities. Recent solicitations show water departments and utilities sourcing these chemicals on firm-fixed-price requirements contracts, often structured as line-item competitive bids where suppliers may quote on any or all products within their capability. NSF Standard 60 approval is a standard requirement for potable water chemicals; municipal buyers emphasize rapid delivery (typically within 72 hours or less of order), bulk tank delivery capability, and compliance with American Water Works Association standards. Issuing bodies include city water and wastewater departments, independent school districts (for facility treatment needs), regional water authorities, and municipal utilities across multiple states.

Recent activity clusters in Georgia and Texas. The City of Cartersville Water Department posted an IFB due October 30, 2026 for aluminum sulfate solution, liquid lime slurry, chlorine, hydrofluosilicic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and sodium bisulfite across two treatment facilities on a line-item basis. The City of Griffin, Georgia issued Invitation to Bid #26-008 due May 28, 2026 for 16 different water treatment chemicals with up to four one-year renewal extensions, requiring delivery within 72 hours to six facilities throughout the city. The City of Temple, Texas sought bids for 875,000 wet pounds annually of liquid ammonium sulfate (ITB due June 10, 2026) under an annual supply agreement with extension options. The City of Austin, Texas and City of Tallahassee, Florida each posted rebids for sodium bisulfite and magnesium hydroxide slurry respectively—Austin's IFB 2200 BYS1051REBID (due June 9, 2026) emphasized local-business evaluation discounts and backup vendor redundancy; Tallahassee's IFB-067-26-CPW (due June 16, 2026) structured a five-year firm-fixed-price contract with optional two-year renewal periods and local vendor preference for Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, or Jefferson County businesses. Dallas Independent School District issued an RFP for district-wide water treatment services (due October 15, 2026) with 20 percentage points of evaluation weight tied to Small Business Enterprise compliance and an aspirational 30% SBE participation goal. The Macon Water Authority (Georgia) and City of Meriden (Connecticut) each posted sealed-bid solicitations for bundled water and wastewater chemical supplies in summer 2026, with award discretion extending beyond lowest price to include reputation, financial responsibility, and experience.