Application of PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG

PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are high-performance anionic polyacrylamide flocculants developed for demanding solid–liquid separation processes. They are widely used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, tailings thickening, sludge clarification, coal preparation, construction slurry treatment, and process water recovery systems. Both PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are characterized by high molecular weight, strong polymer-bridging capability, and reliable performance under variable operating conditions.

Product Characteristics and Grade Differences

PRAESTOL LT27 DK is supplied as a dry granular powder optimized for stable flocculation performance in conventional preparation and dosing systems. It is particularly suitable for fixed installations where controlled polymer dissolution and precise dosing are required.

PRAESTOL LT27 AG is an advanced granulated grade with improved dust control, faster wetting, and enhanced dissolution behavior. PRAESTOL LT27 AG is especially suitable for automated polymer make-down units and large-scale continuous operations where rapid solution preparation and consistent polymer quality are critical. From a functional standpoint, PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG offer comparable flocculation efficiency and application scope.

Flocculation Mechanism

The primary flocculation mechanism of PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG is polymer bridging. The long anionic polymer chains adsorb onto suspended particles such as mineral fines, clays, metal hydroxides, coal particles, and inorganic solids. Once adsorbed, these chains extend into the surrounding water phase and bind multiple particles together, forming large, dense aggregates.

Because polymer bridging does not rely solely on charge neutralization, PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are highly effective in high-solids systems, alkaline environments, and suspensions that have already been pre-treated with inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride. The resulting flocs exhibit high settling velocity and good resistance to shear forces.

Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications

In municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are used for:

• Raw water clarification

• Primary sedimentation enhancement

• Sludge thickening

• Secondary and tertiary effluent clarification

The application of PRAESTOL LT27 improves floc size and settling behavior, resulting in clearer supernatant and more concentrated sludge underflow. In sludge thickening, PRAESTOL LT27 AG supports stable thickener operation and increases solids concentration, reducing the hydraulic and solids load on downstream dewatering equipment.

Industrial Wastewater Treatment Applications

PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are extensively applied in industrial wastewater treatment systems containing high levels of inorganic or mixed suspended solids. Typical industries include:

• Steel and metal processing

• Power plants and cooling water systems

• Chemical and petrochemical production

• Cement, ceramics, and construction materials manufacturing

In these applications, PRAESTOL LT27 is often used as a co-flocculant following inorganic coagulants, enhancing floc density and settling efficiency. The use of PRAESTOL LT27 DK or PRAESTOL LT27 AG results in reduced turbidity, improved water reuse, and lower sludge disposal volumes.

Mining and Mineral Processing Applications

Mining and mineral processing represent major application areas for PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG. Typical uses include:

• Tailings thickening

• Clarification of recycled process water

• Solid–liquid separation in beneficiation circuits

Fine and ultrafine mineral particles often settle slowly and create thickener bottlenecks. PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG promote rapid floc formation and increased settling rates, allowing higher thickener throughput. Dense underflow and clear overflow achieved with PRAESTOL LT27 AG support efficient water recovery and reduced tailings storage requirements, contributing to sustainable mining operations.

Coal Preparation and Fine Solids Recovery

In coal preparation plants, PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are used to clarify coal wash water and recover fine coal and mineral solids. The polymers effectively aggregate fine particles into shear-resistant flocs, reducing solids losses and improving recovery efficiency. PRAESTOL LT27 AG is particularly advantageous in high-throughput systems due to its fast dissolution and consistent performance.

Sludge Thickening and Dewatering Support

While anionic polymers are not always primary dewatering agents, PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are widely used in sludge thickening and conditioning, especially for inorganic or mineral-rich sludges. They improve sludge structure and water release in gravity thickeners and enhance the performance of downstream belt presses, centrifuges, or filter presses when applied in dual-polymer systems with cationic products.

Construction, Tunneling, and Slurry Treatment

In construction, civil engineering, and tunneling projects, PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are applied to treat bentonite, drilling, and tunneling slurries. The polymers accelerate solids separation, enabling clarified water to be reused on site and reducing environmental discharge. Strong floc formation ensures efficient slurry handling and stable site operations.

Compatibility and Process Integration

PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are compatible with a wide range of inorganic coagulants, pH control agents, and other flocculants. They can be applied as standalone flocculants or as part of dual-chemical treatment programs. Optimal performance depends on proper solution preparation, correct dosing location, suitable mixing intensity, and sufficient residence time.

Dosage and Preparation

Typical dosage levels of PRAESTOL LT27 DK and PRAESTOL LT27 AG range from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration, particle size, and system conditions. Both products are normally prepared as 0.05–0.3% aqueous solutions. Adequate hydration time and gentle mixing are essential to ensure full polymer activation and consistent flocculation performance.