PRAESTOL LT27 AG is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) designed for efficient solid–liquid separation in a wide range of industrial and environmental processes. As part of the PRAESTOL® series, it is engineered to deliver strong flocculation performance, good solubility, and stable behavior under demanding operating conditions. Owing to its anionic charge density and long polymer chains, PRAESTOL LT27 AG is particularly effective in systems containing fine, inorganic, or mineral-rich suspended solids. Its main applications span mineral processing, alumina refining, wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, paper and pulp operations, and industrial water clarification.

1. Mineral Processing and Mining Operations

One of the primary applications of PRAESTOL LT27 AG is in the mining and mineral processing industry. During ore beneficiation, grinding, and flotation, large volumes of process water become loaded with ultra-fine particles that settle very slowly without chemical assistance. PRAESTOL LT27 AG is widely applied in thickeners, clarifiers, and tailings treatment systems to promote aggregation of these fine particles.

The anionic polymer chains adsorb onto particle surfaces and form inter-particle bridges, creating large, dense flocs that settle rapidly. This improves thickener overflow clarity, increases underflow solids concentration, and allows higher plant throughput. PRAESTOL LT27 AG is commonly used for iron ore, copper, gold, coal, phosphate, and bauxite tailings, where effective water recovery and tailings management are critical for both economic and environmental reasons.

2. Alumina Refining and Red Mud Treatment

PRAESTOL LT27 AG plays a significant role in alumina production via the Bayer process. In this process, bauxite digestion produces red mud, a highly alkaline residue composed of extremely fine particles. Efficient separation of red mud from pregnant liquor is essential to minimize soda losses and maintain refinery productivity.

In settlers, washers, and security filtration units, PRAESTOL LT27 AG is used as a flocculant to accelerate red mud settling and improve washing efficiency. Its performance under high pH and elevated temperature conditions makes it suitable for harsh Bayer process environments. The use of PRAESTOL LT27 AG results in clearer overflow liquor, improved counter-current washing, reduced entrained caustic soda, and enhanced overall refinery efficiency.

3. Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Another major application area of PRAESTOL LT27 AG is industrial wastewater treatment. Many industries generate effluents containing high levels of suspended solids, inorganic fines, and colloidal matter. PRAESTOL LT27 AG is used in primary and secondary clarification systems to aggregate these particles and facilitate rapid settling or flotation.

Industries such as metallurgy, power generation, chemical manufacturing, textiles, ceramics, and construction materials benefit from its flocculation performance. When used alone or in combination with inorganic coagulants like ferric salts or aluminum salts, PRAESTOL LT27 AG enhances floc size and strength, leading to improved solids removal, lower turbidity, and more consistent effluent quality.

4. Municipal Wastewater Treatment

In municipal wastewater treatment plants, PRAESTOL LT27 AG is applied mainly for clarification and sludge treatment. In primary clarifiers, it assists in removing suspended solids and organic matter, reducing the load on downstream biological treatment units. Its anionic nature makes it particularly suitable for systems where solids have been pre-conditioned with metal coagulants.

Additionally, PRAESTOL LT27 AG is used in sludge thickening processes to increase solids concentration prior to dewatering. By improving sludge settling and compaction, it helps reduce tank volumes, energy consumption, and operating costs.

5. Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

PRAESTOL LT27 AG is widely utilized in sludge dewatering applications across both industrial and municipal sectors. It is compatible with common mechanical dewatering equipment such as belt filter presses, centrifuges, screw presses, and filter presses. The polymer conditions sludge by forming large, shear-resistant flocs that release water efficiently under mechanical stress.

As a result, higher cake solids content can be achieved, reducing sludge volume and disposal costs. The strong bridging capability of PRAESTOL LT27 AG also contributes to lower polymer consumption compared with lower molecular weight products, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term operation.

6. Paper and Pulp Industry

In the paper and pulp industry, PRAESTOL LT27 AG is applied primarily for white water clarification, fiber recovery, and sludge treatment. During papermaking, significant quantities of fine fibers, fillers, and pigments can be lost in process water. By flocculating these fines, PRAESTOL LT27 AG improves their recovery and reuse, reducing raw material losses and improving machine efficiency.

It is also used in pulp and paper mill wastewater treatment plants to clarify effluents and enhance dewatering of primary and secondary sludges. Improved clarification leads to reduced suspended solids discharge and easier compliance with environmental regulations.

7. Industrial Water Clarification and Recycling

PRAESTOL LT27 AG is effective in industrial water clarification systems where water reuse and recycling are essential. Applications include cooling water blowdown treatment, process water clarification, surface water treatment, and mine water recycling. The polymer promotes fast settling of suspended solids, producing clear water suitable for reuse within the plant.

By enabling higher water recovery rates, PRAESTOL LT27 AG supports sustainable water management practices and helps industries reduce freshwater intake and wastewater discharge.

8. Key Performance Advantages

The broad application of PRAESTOL LT27 AG is driven by its technical advantages. These include high flocculation efficiency at relatively low dosages, good solubility and handling characteristics, and stable performance across a wide pH range. Its anionic charge makes it compatible with many inorganic coagulants and particularly effective for mineral and metal-rich suspensions.

Conclusion

In summary, PRAESTOL LT27 AG anionic polyacrylamide is a versatile and high-performance flocculant used extensively for solid–liquid separation. Its main applications include mineral processing and tailings treatment, alumina refining and red mud settling, industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, sludge thickening and dewatering, pulp and paper processes, and industrial water clarification and recycling. By improving settling rates, enhancing water recovery, and reducing operating and disposal costs, PRAESTOL LT27 AG plays a vital role in modern industrial and environmental treatment systems.