Application of PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG
PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are high-performance anionic polyacrylamide flocculants specifically developed for demanding solid–liquid separation applications. They are widely used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, tailings thickening, sludge clarification, construction slurry treatment, and process water recovery systems. Both PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are characterized by high molecular weight, excellent solubility, and strong polymer-bridging capability, enabling efficient aggregation of fine suspended solids under a wide range of operating conditions.
Product Characteristics and Differences
PRAESTOL LT27 is supplied as a free-flowing powder designed for reliable flocculation performance in standard industrial systems. PRAESTOL LT27 AG is a modified grade optimized for improved granulation, faster dissolution, and enhanced handling properties, particularly suitable for automated dosing systems and large-scale continuous operations. From a performance perspective, PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG exhibit similar flocculation behavior and application scope.
Flocculation Mechanism
The primary flocculation mechanism of PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG is polymer bridging. The long anionic polymer chains adsorb onto particle surfaces such as mineral fines, clays, metal hydroxides, and inorganic solids. Once adsorbed, these chains connect multiple particles into large, dense aggregates.
Because polymer bridging does not rely solely on charge neutralization, PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are highly effective in high-solids systems, alkaline environments, and suspensions that have already been conditioned with inorganic coagulants such as ferric salts or aluminum-based coagulants. The resulting flocs are strong, shear-resistant, and capable of rapid settling.
Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Applications
In municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are used for:
-
Clarification of raw and process water
-
Primary sedimentation enhancement
-
Sludge thickening
-
Secondary and tertiary effluent clarification
The use of PRAESTOL LT27 improves floc size and settling velocity, resulting in clearer overflow and more concentrated sludge underflow. In sludge thickening applications, PRAESTOL LT27 AG supports stable thickener operation and increases solids concentration, reducing hydraulic load on downstream dewatering equipment.
Industrial Wastewater Treatment Applications
PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are extensively applied in industrial wastewater treatment systems where high concentrations of inorganic or mixed suspended solids are present. Typical industries include:
-
Steel and metal processing
-
Power generation and cooling water treatment
-
Chemical and petrochemical plants
-
Cement, ceramics, and building materials production
In these systems, PRAESTOL LT27 is commonly used as a co-flocculant following inorganic coagulants, improving floc density and settling efficiency. This 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 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG. Key uses include:
Fine and ultrafine mineral particles often exhibit slow settling behavior. PRAESTOL LT27 enhances floc formation, increases settling rates, and improves thickener throughput. Dense underflow and clear overflow achieved with PRAESTOL LT27 AG support efficient water recovery and reduced tailings storage requirements, contributing to more sustainable mining operations.
Coal Preparation and Fine Solids Recovery
In coal preparation plants, PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are applied to clarify coal wash water and recover fine coal particles. The polymer effectively aggregates fine coal and mineral matter, reducing solids loss and improving recovery efficiency. The shear-resistant flocs formed by PRAESTOL LT27 maintain stability in high-throughput thickener and clarifier systems.
Sludge Thickening and Dewatering Support
Although anionic polymers are not always primary dewatering agents, PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are widely used in sludge thickening and conditioning, particularly for inorganic or mineral-rich sludges. They improve water release and sludge structure, supporting gravity thickeners and enhancing the performance of downstream belt presses, centrifuges, or filter presses when used in dual-polymer systems.
Construction, Tunneling, and Slurry Treatment
In construction and civil engineering projects, PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are used to treat bentonite, drilling, and tunneling slurries. The polymer accelerates solids separation, allowing clarified water to be reused on site and minimizing environmental discharge. Strong floc formation ensures efficient slurry handling and stable site operations.
Compatibility and Process Integration
PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG are compatible with a wide range of inorganic coagulants, pH adjustment chemicals, and other flocculants. They can be used as standalone products or as part of dual-chemical treatment programs. Optimal performance depends on correct solution preparation, dosing location, mixing intensity, and residence time.
Dosage and Preparation
Typical dosage levels of PRAESTOL LT27 and PRAESTOL LT27 AG range from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration, particle size, and system conditions. The 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.
