Application of PRAESTOL 2515 Anionic Polyacrylamide

PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is a high-molecular-weight anionic flocculant widely used in solid–liquid separation processes across municipal water and wastewater treatment, industrial effluent clarification, mining, mineral processing, sludge handling, and construction-related slurry management. It is designed for high-efficiency flocculation, promoting the rapid formation of large, dense, and shear-resistant flocs. These properties enhance settling, thickening, clarification, and dewatering performance. PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is typically supplied as a free-flowing powder and is prepared as a dilute aqueous solution prior to use.

Flocculation Mechanism

The main mechanism of PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is polymer bridging, in which long polymer chains adsorb onto suspended particles and link multiple solids together. Suspended solids, including clay, mineral fines, coal, or metal hydroxides, often carry low or positive surface charges. PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide binds these particles to form large, dense, cohesive flocs, improving solid–liquid separation efficiency.

Because PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide relies primarily on bridging rather than charge neutralization, it is effective in high-solids slurries, pre-coagulated suspensions, and inorganic-rich systems. Its performance remains stable across wide pH ranges, varying salinity, and differing water chemistries, making it suitable for diverse industrial environments.

Municipal Water Treatment Applications

In municipal water treatment, PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is applied for:

• Clarification of raw water

• Sedimentation in primary and secondary clarifiers

• Conditioning of sludge prior to dewatering

The product promotes the formation of strong and cohesive flocs, improving settling efficiency and producing clearer overflow and higher sludge solids concentration. Improved thickening reduces hydraulic load on downstream filters and increases overall operational stability of the water treatment process.

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Applications

For municipal wastewater treatment, PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is widely used for:

• Sludge thickening in gravity thickeners

• Dewatering using belt presses, centrifuges, or filter presses

• Tertiary clarification of treated effluent

By increasing floc size and strength, PRAESTOL 2515 enhances the efficiency of clarifiers and thickeners. Improved sludge thickening produces higher cake solids, lower water content, and reduces disposal costs. Additionally, clarified effluent meets stricter discharge standards, contributing to environmental compliance and operational efficiency.

Industrial Wastewater Treatment Applications

PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is extensively applied in industrial wastewater treatment systems that contain high levels of suspended solids. Typical industries include:

• Steel and metal processing

• Power generation and cooling water systems

• Chemical, petrochemical, and fertilizer manufacturing

• Construction materials and ceramics

In these applications, PRAESTOL 2515 aggregates fine particles that are otherwise difficult to settle. It is commonly used after inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride to enhance floc density and sedimentation. This leads to clearer effluent, reduced turbidity, and minimal solids carryover.

Mining and Mineral Processing Applications

Mining and mineral processing represent significant application areas for PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide. Key uses include:

• Tailings thickening

• Clarification of recycled process water

• Solid–liquid separation in ore beneficiation

In slurries containing fine and ultrafine particles, PRAESTOL 2515 promotes rapid floc formation and high settling velocity. Dense flocs reduce overflow solids, produce high-quality underflow, and increase thickener throughput. Efficient use of PRAESTOL 2515 reduces tailings storage volume, enhances water recovery, and supports sustainable mining operations.

Coal Preparation and Fine Particle Recovery

In coal preparation plants, PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is used for wash water clarification and fine particle recovery. Coal slurries typically contain a wide particle size distribution and high mineral content. PRAESTOL 2515 aggregates ultrafine coal and mineral particles into strong, shear-resistant flocs, improving recovery, reducing solids loss, and enhancing overall plant efficiency.

Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is widely used in sludge thickening and dewatering applications, including belt filter presses, centrifuges, screw presses, and filter presses. By enhancing water release from sludge, it increases cake solids content and produces clearer filtrate or centrate. Improved dewatering reduces sludge volume, lowering transportation and disposal costs. PRAESTOL 2515 is particularly effective for inorganic and mineral-rich sludges generated in municipal, industrial, and mining operations.

Construction and Drilling Slurry Treatment

In civil engineering, tunneling, and drilling operations, PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is applied to treat bentonite and drilling slurries. It effectively separates suspended solids from slurry, enabling water reuse on-site and reducing environmental impact. The strong and stable flocs produced by PRAESTOL 2515 ensure smooth slurry handling, efficient water management, and reduced operational downtime.

Compatibility and Chemical Integration

PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is compatible with a wide range of coagulants, pH adjustment chemicals, and other flocculants. It can be used alone or in combination with anionic or cationic products to optimize flocculation performance. Proper dosing, sequence of addition, and controlled mixing are critical to achieving maximum separation efficiency.

Dosage and Preparation

Typical dosage levels of PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide range from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration, particle size, and system conditions. The product is usually prepared as a 0.05–0.3% aqueous solution, with adequate hydration time to achieve full polymer activation. Correct solution preparation, gentle mixing, and controlled dosing are essential for optimal flocculation performance.

Summary

In summary, PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide is a versatile, high-performance flocculant used across municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, coal preparation, sludge thickening and dewatering, and construction slurry treatment. By forming large, dense, and shear-resistant flocs through polymer bridging, PRAESTOL 2515 improves settling, clarification, and water recovery while reducing operational costs. Its consistent performance under variable conditions, compatibility with coagulants, and effectiveness in high-solids systems make PRAESTOL 2515 anionic polyacrylamide a reliable solution for a wide range of water and slurry treatment processes.