Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is a high-performance flocculant widely used in solid–liquid separation processes across water treatment, mining, mineral processing, and various heavy industries. As a medium-to-high molecular weight anionic polymer with controlled charge density, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 provides excellent bridging, fast settling, and improved clarity in treated water streams. Its versatility makes it suitable for both municipal and industrial applications where efficient clarification and sludge handling are required.

1. Municipal and Industrial Water Treatment

One of the most important applications of anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. In primary and secondary clarification systems, PRAESTOL 2640 is used as a flocculant to enhance the aggregation of suspended solids after coagulation. When applied downstream of inorganic coagulants such as aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, or polyaluminum chloride, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 significantly increases floc size and density.

This results in faster sedimentation rates, reduced turbidity, and improved effluent quality. In industrial wastewater systems—such as food processing, pulp and paper, steel, and chemical manufacturing—anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 helps remove fine colloidal particles that are difficult to settle by gravity alone. Its strong adsorption capacity and polymer chain length allow effective particle bridging even at low dosage levels.

2. Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is extensively applied in sludge thickening and mechanical dewatering processes, including belt filter presses, centrifuges, screw presses, and filter presses. In these applications, PRAESTOL 2640 conditions sludge by forming robust flocs that release water more easily during compression or centrifugal force.

For biological sludge, primary sludge, and mixed sludge, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 improves cake solids content, reduces filtrate turbidity, and lowers overall disposal costs. The improved floc strength minimizes shear degradation during high-speed centrifugation, ensuring stable and consistent dewatering performance. As a result, treatment plants can achieve lower polymer consumption while maintaining high throughput.

3. Mining and Mineral Processing

In mining and mineral processing operations, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is commonly used for tailings thickening, clarification of process water, and slurry dewatering. The polymer is highly effective in systems containing negatively charged mineral particles such as silica, clay, and fine ores.

In tailings thickeners, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 accelerates settling, increases underflow solids concentration, and improves overflow clarity. This allows mining operations to recover and reuse process water, reducing fresh water consumption and improving sustainability. PRAESTOL 2640 is also applied in paste thickening and high-density tailings disposal, where strong floc formation is essential for stable deposition.

4. Alumina and Red Mud Treatment

Another key application area of anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is in the alumina industry, particularly in red mud settling and washing circuits. During the Bayer process, fine red mud particles must be rapidly settled to separate caustic liquor from solid residue.

Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 enhances red mud flocculation, leading to faster settling rates, higher mud density, and clearer overflow liquor. This improves washing efficiency, reduces soda losses, and supports stable thickener operation. In high-solids red mud thickeners, PRAESTOL 2640 contributes to improved underflow rheology and better residue disposal performance.

5. Paper and Pulp Industry

In the paper and pulp industry, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is used mainly for white water clarification and fiber recovery. Fine fibers, fillers, and pigments suspended in white water can be effectively flocculated using PRAESTOL 2640, allowing mills to recover valuable raw materials and reduce wastewater load.

When used in conjunction with cationic coagulants or retention aids, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 improves drainage, reduces suspended solids in effluent, and enhances overall process efficiency. Its application supports closed-loop water systems and helps paper mills comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations.

6. Sand Washing and Aggregate Processing

Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is also widely applied in sand washing plants and aggregate processing facilities. In these systems, fine silt and clay particles are separated from sand through hydrocyclones and clarifiers. PRAESTOL 2640 promotes rapid flocculation of fines, improving settling in clarifiers and allowing clean process water to be recycled.

This application not only enhances product quality but also reduces the footprint of settling ponds and minimizes environmental discharge. The strong flocs formed by anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 remain stable under variable flow conditions common in aggregate operations.

7. Operational Advantages

The key advantages of anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 include high flocculation efficiency, low dosage requirement, and excellent adaptability to different water chemistries. The product performs well across a wide pH range and maintains consistent performance in both low- and high-solids systems. Proper dissolution and aging of the polymer solution ensure optimal chain extension and maximum flocculation efficiency.

Conclusion

In summary, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 is a versatile and highly effective flocculant used in water treatment, sludge dewatering, mining, alumina processing, paper manufacturing, and aggregate washing. Its strong particle-bridging capability, reliable performance, and cost efficiency make anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2640 a preferred solution for industrial solid–liquid separation challenges.