Application of PRAESTOL 2640 Anionic Polyacrylamide
PRAESTOL 2640 is a high–molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide flocculant designed to provide efficient solid–liquid separation across a wide range of industrial and municipal applications. With its high anionic charge density and long polymer chains, PRAESTOL 2640 effectively adsorbs onto fine suspended particles and forms polymer bridges between them, creating large, dense flocs. Its chemical stability and adaptability to harsh operating conditions make it a preferred choice in mining, mineral processing, alumina refining, industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, and energy-related processes.
1. Application in Mining and Mineral Processing
One of the primary applications of PRAESTOL 2640 is in mining and mineral processing operations, particularly in tailings thickening and clarification systems. During grinding, flotation, and classification, significant quantities of fine mineral particles are generated. These particles remain suspended due to their small size and surface charge, which can impede natural settling.
PRAESTOL 2640 adsorbs onto the surface of these mineral particles and forms polymer bridges, resulting in large and compact flocs that settle rapidly in thickeners and clarifiers. In copper, gold, iron ore, coal, phosphate, and bauxite operations, PRAESTOL 2640 improves thickener throughput, increases underflow solids concentration, and produces clearer overflow water. Efficient water recovery through recycling reduces freshwater consumption and minimizes tailings storage, supporting sustainable and cost-effective mining operations.
2. Application in Alumina Refining and Red Mud Treatment
In alumina refineries operating under the Bayer process, PRAESTOL 2640 is widely used for red mud thickening, settling, and washing circuits. Red mud is composed of extremely fine and highly alkaline particles that are difficult to separate due to strong electrostatic repulsion and high slurry viscosity.
The chemical stability and high-performance characteristics of PRAESTOL 2640 allow it to operate effectively under the high pH and elevated temperature conditions typical of alumina refining. When applied to settlers and washers, it accelerates red mud settling, improves mud compaction, and enhances washing efficiency. The resulting clearer overflow liquor improves the recovery of sodium aluminate and reduces losses of caustic soda. Additionally, effective washing lowers residual alkalinity in disposed mud, ensuring safer residue management and compliance with environmental regulations.
3. Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment
PRAESTOL 2640 is widely employed in industrial wastewater treatment for the removal of suspended solids, colloidal particles, and fine inorganic matter from effluents. Industries such as metallurgy, cement, chemical manufacturing, textiles, power generation, and building materials rely on effective flocculation to meet discharge standards or enable water reuse.
PRAESTOL 2640 is often used alongside inorganic coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, or polyaluminum chloride. The coagulant destabilizes particle surface charges, while PRAESTOL 2640 promotes floc growth and strengthens floc structure through polymer bridging. This synergistic action improves sedimentation, dissolved air flotation (DAF), and filtration performance. As a result, treated water achieves lower turbidity, reduced sludge volume, and greater operational stability.
4. Application in Municipal Water Treatment
In municipal water treatment plants, PRAESTOL 2640 serves as a flocculation aid for raw water clarification. It is particularly effective in treating surface water with high turbidity caused by silt, clay, and fine suspended solids.
By forming large, shear-resistant flocs, PRAESTOL 2640 enhances sedimentation efficiency, reducing the load on downstream filtration systems such as rapid sand filters or membrane units. This results in longer filter run times, reduced backwash frequency, and improved overall efficiency while producing high-quality clarified water.
5. Application in Sludge Thickening and Dewatering
PRAESTOL 2640 is also used as a sludge conditioning agent in both industrial and municipal sludge treatment. Sludges often contain fine particles and colloids that retain water, making mechanical dewatering challenging.
When applied prior to gravity thickening or mechanical dewatering, PRAESTOL 2640 improves floc structure and promotes rapid release of free water. In belt filter presses, centrifuges, and filter presses, it increases cake solids content and improves filtrate clarity. The enhanced cake dryness reduces sludge volume, transportation requirements, and disposal costs, contributing to more economical and sustainable sludge management.
6. Application in Energy and Power Generation
In coal-fired power plants and other energy-producing facilities, PRAESTOL 2640 is used for fly ash and bottom ash pond clarification. Ash particles are typically fine and slow to settle, leading to large settling ponds and significant water loss.
PRAESTOL 2640 accelerates floc formation and settling of ash particles, producing clearer supernatant water that can be recycled for process or cooling purposes. This promotes water conservation and helps facilities comply with strict environmental discharge regulations.
7. Performance Advantages
PRAESTOL 2640 offers high flocculation efficiency at low dosage, rapid floc formation, and strong floc strength with excellent shear resistance. It is effective across a broad pH range and is compatible with most commonly used coagulants. Its stable and consistent performance, ease of preparation, and reliability make it suitable for continuous, large-scale industrial and municipal operations.
8. Conclusion
Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL® 2640 is a versatile and high-performance flocculant with proven applications in mining, alumina refining, industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, and energy-related processes. By enhancing settling, thickening, and clarification, it supports efficient water recovery, reduces operational costs, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations. Its robustness, adaptability, and reliable performance make PRAESTOL 2640 an essential component in modern solid–liquid separation and water management systems.
