Application of PRAESTOL LT27

PRAESTOL LT27 is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) widely used as a flocculant in mineral processing, tailings treatment, industrial wastewater clarification, sludge thickening, and water recovery systems. It is designed to provide excellent particle bridging, fast settling, and low turbidity overflow, especially in systems containing fine mineral particles and negatively charged solids. Due to its strong flocculation performance and adaptability, PRAESTOL LT27 is commonly applied in both heavy industrial and environmental treatment processes.

1. Mineral Processing and Mining Applications

The primary application of PRAESTOL LT27 is in mineral processing and mining operations, where efficient solid–liquid separation is critical for productivity, water recovery, and environmental compliance.

Key mining applications include:

• Tailings thickening: PRAESTOL LT27 promotes rapid aggregation of fine tailings particles, resulting in faster settling rates and higher underflow solids concentration.

• Clarification of process water: Improves clarity of thickener overflow and tailings pond water, allowing reuse in grinding, flotation, or washing circuits.

• Fine particle flocculation: Particularly effective for finely ground ores such as iron ore, copper, gold, coal, phosphate, and bauxite residues.

Its high molecular weight enables strong polymer bridging between particles, producing large, well-structured flocs that settle quickly even at low dosages.

2. Alumina and Red Mud Treatment

PRAESTOL LT27 is widely used in alumina refineries, particularly in the Bayer process for red mud settling and washing.

Typical applications include:

• Red mud thickening: Enhances sedimentation of fine red mud particles, increasing mud density in the underflow.

• Counter-current decantation (CCD): Improves separation efficiency during washing stages, aiding caustic soda recovery.

• Overflow clarification: Produces low-turbidity overflow, improving liquor quality and reducing scaling risks.

Due to its stability under high alkalinity and temperature, PRAESTOL LT27 performs reliably in harsh Bayer process conditions.

3. Industrial Wastewater Treatment

PRAESTOL LT27 is also applied in industrial wastewater treatment, particularly where inorganic solids or mineral suspensions dominate.

Industries benefiting from PRAESTOL LT27 include:

• Steel and metallurgy: Clarification of wastewater containing iron oxides, scale particles, and fine solids.

• Power plants: Treatment of ash pond water, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater, and cooling water blowdown.

• Chemical manufacturing: Separation of suspended inorganic solids from process effluents.

• Stone, sand, and aggregate washing: Improves settling and water recycling efficiency.

In these applications, PRAESTOL LT27 acts mainly through polymer bridging, forming dense flocs that settle rapidly and release clear water.

4. Sludge Thickening Applications

Another important application of PRAESTOL LT27 is in sludge thickening systems, where the goal is to increase solids concentration before dewatering or disposal.

Performance benefits include:

• Faster settling rates in gravity thickeners

• Higher underflow solids concentration

• Reduced hydraulic load on dewatering equipment

• Improved stability of thickener operation

PRAESTOL LT27 is particularly effective for inorganic or mineral-rich sludges, such as those generated from mining, metal processing, and industrial clarification systems.

5. Water Recovery and Recycling Systems

Water scarcity and sustainability requirements have increased the importance of water recovery, making PRAESTOL LT27 an essential component in recycling systems.

Applications include:

• Clarification of recycled process water: Produces low-turbidity water suitable for reuse.

• Tailings pond water treatment: Improves settling of fine solids, reducing environmental impact.

• Closed-loop water systems: Enhances efficiency and reduces freshwater intake.

By improving water clarity and recovery rates, PRAESTOL LT27 supports sustainable and cost-effective plant operation.

6. Environmental and Operational Advantages

The application of PRAESTOL LT27 provides several key environmental and economic benefits:

• Low dosage requirement: High efficiency reduces overall polymer consumption.

• Fast settling and clear overflow: Improves throughput and water quality.

• Improved water reuse: Reduces dependence on freshwater resources.

• Reduced sludge volume: Higher solids concentration lowers handling and disposal costs.

• Operational reliability: Stable performance across a wide range of water chemistries and solids concentrations.

These advantages make PRAESTOL LT27 especially suitable for large-scale industrial and mining operations.

7. Dosage and Handling Guidelines

• Typical dosage:

  • Mining and mineral processing: 5–50 g per ton of dry solids

  • Industrial wastewater treatment: 0.1–5 mg/L
    Actual dosage depends on particle size distribution, solids concentration, and water chemistry.

• Preparation: Supplied as a dry powder, PRAESTOL LT27 must be properly dissolved and aged to achieve full polymer activation.

• Application: Best added at points of good mixing followed by gentle agitation to allow floc growth.

• Safety: Non-hazardous under normal industrial use; standard personal protective equipment is recommended.

Jar testing and on-site trials are essential to determine optimal dosage and ensure maximum performance.

Conclusion

PRAESTOL LT27 is a high-efficiency anionic polyacrylamide flocculant widely applied in mineral processing, alumina production, industrial wastewater treatment, sludge thickening, and water recovery systems. Its high molecular weight and strong bridging capability enable rapid settling, high solids concentration, and excellent overflow clarity. By improving solid–liquid separation, enhancing water reuse, and reducing operating costs, PRAESTOL LT27 plays a vital role in modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible industrial operations.