Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is a high-molecular-weight anionic flocculant widely used in solid–liquid separation processes across municipal water treatment, industrial wastewater treatment, mining, mineral processing, and sludge management operations. As an anionic polyacrylamide, PRAESTOL 2510 functions primarily through polymer bridging, forming large and strong flocs that enhance settling, clarification, thickening, and dewatering efficiency. PRAESTOL 2510 is typically supplied as a free-flowing powder and prepared as a dilute aqueous solution before use.
Flocculation Mechanism and General Function
In aqueous systems, suspended solids such as mineral particles, metal hydroxides, clay fines, and inorganic sludge often carry neutral or positively charged surfaces, especially after coagulation. Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 adsorbs onto these particles and extends long polymer chains into the surrounding water, creating bridges between particles. This polymer bridging mechanism produces larger, denser, and more shear-resistant flocs.
Because PRAESTOL 2510 relies mainly on bridging rather than charge neutralization, it performs particularly well in high-solids suspensions, pre-coagulated systems, and inorganic-rich slurries. It is also effective across a broad pH range, making it suitable for variable water chemistry conditions.
Application in Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment
One of the main applications of anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, especially for clarification and sludge handling. PRAESTOL 2510 is commonly used in sludge thickening, secondary and tertiary clarification, and conditioning of sludge prior to dewatering.
In gravity thickeners and clarifiers, PRAESTOL 2510 improves floc size and settling velocity, resulting in clearer overflow and higher underflow solids concentration. This improved performance reduces hydraulic loading on downstream dewatering equipment and contributes to more stable plant operation and lower operating costs.
Application in Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is extensively applied in industrial wastewater treatment, particularly in industries generating high levels of suspended inorganic solids. Typical industrial sectors include steel and metal processing, power generation, chemical manufacturing, construction materials production, and ceramics.
In these systems, PRAESTOL 2510 enhances clarification by aggregating fine particles that would otherwise remain dispersed. It is often used after inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride to strengthen floc structures and improve sedimentation efficiency in clarifiers, lamella settlers, and dissolved air flotation units.
Application in Mining and Mineral Processing
Mining and mineral processing represent one of the most important application areas for anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510. It is widely used in tailings thickening, clarification of recycled process water, and solid–liquid separation in ore beneficiation circuits.
In mineral slurries containing fine or ultrafine particles, PRAESTOL 2510 promotes rapid floc formation and increased settling rates. The resulting flocs improve thickener throughput, produce clearer overflow water, and increase underflow density. The use of PRAESTOL 2510 supports efficient water recovery, reduced tailings storage requirements, and improved environmental performance in mining operations.
Application in Coal Washing and Fine Mineral Recovery
In coal preparation plants, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is used to clarify wash water and recover fine coal particles. Coal slurries often contain a wide particle size distribution and high mineral content, making polymer bridging particularly effective.
PRAESTOL 2510 aggregates fine coal and mineral particles into strong, shear-resistant flocs, improving clarification efficiency and increasing recovery of valuable fines. This leads to reduced solids loss, cleaner overflow water, and improved overall plant efficiency.
Application in Sludge Thickening and Dewatering
Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is commonly applied in sludge thickening and dewatering equipment such as belt filter presses, centrifuges, filter presses, and screw presses. In these processes, PRAESTOL 2510 enhances water release from sludge, resulting in higher cake solids content and clearer filtrate or centrate.
Improved dewatering performance reduces sludge volume, which directly lowers transportation, handling, and disposal costs. PRAESTOL 2510 is particularly effective for inorganic and mineral-rich sludges.
Application in Construction and Tunnel Slurry Treatment
In construction, foundation works, and tunneling projects, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is used to treat bentonite and drilling slurry waste. It effectively separates suspended solids from slurry, allowing treated water to be reused on site and reducing the volume of waste requiring disposal.
Compatibility with Coagulants and Treatment Chemicals
Anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is compatible with a wide range of treatment chemicals, including inorganic coagulants, lime, pH adjustment agents, and organic coagulants. It is typically dosed after coagulation, where it acts as a high-efficiency bridging flocculant to enhance floc strength and separation efficiency.
Dosage and Preparation Guidelines
Typical dosage levels of anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 range from 0.5 to 10 g/m³, depending on solids concentration, particle size, and process conditions. The product is usually prepared as a 0.05–0.3% aqueous solution and requires sufficient hydration time to achieve full polymer activation. Proper solution preparation, gentle mixing, and controlled dosing are essential for optimal performance.
Summary
In summary, anionic polyacrylamide PRAESTOL 2510 is a versatile and efficient flocculant used in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, mining and mineral processing, coal washing, sludge thickening and dewatering, and construction slurry treatment. Through effective polymer bridging, PRAESTOL 2510 improves settling, clarification, and water recovery, reduces operating costs, and supports sustainable solid–liquid separation across a wide range of industrial applications.
