PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is a high-molecular-weight anionic polyacrylamide (A-PAM) designed for demanding solid–liquid separation applications. It is widely used in mineral processing, alumina refining, tailings management, and industrial water clarification where fine particles, high solids concentrations, and alkaline conditions make separation difficult. The primary role of PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is to enhance flocculation through polymer-bridging mechanisms, enabling faster settling, improved clarification, and more efficient dewatering.
1. Chemical Nature and Flocculation Mechanism
PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is supplied as a dry granular powder that rapidly dissolves in water to form long polymer chains with anionic functional groups. These chains adsorb onto particle surfaces and create strong inter-particle bridges, transforming dispersed fine solids into large, stable flocs. Unlike inorganic coagulants that work mainly through charge neutralization, PRAESTOL® 2510 DK relies on polymer bridging, which is particularly effective in mineral-rich and alkaline environments.
2. Application in Alumina Refining – Red Mud Separation
One of the most important applications of PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is in alumina refineries operating the Bayer process. During bauxite digestion, insoluble residues form ultra-fine red mud particles that are slow to settle and difficult to separate. PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is applied in:
When dosed into the feedwell or dilution zone, the polymer rapidly aggregates fine red mud particles into large, fast-settling flocs. This results in clearer overflow liquor, increased underflow density, and improved washing efficiency. Enhanced red mud settling reduces soda losses, improves liquor recovery, and stabilizes downstream operations.
3. Application in CCD Washing Circuits
In counter-current decantation (CCD) washing circuits, PRAESTOL® 2510 DK plays a critical role in maintaining stable thickener performance. Strong floc formation prevents fine solids from being carried into the overflow, ensuring low turbidity wash liquor. This improves displacement washing efficiency and maximizes recovery of caustic soda and alumina values while minimizing wash-water consumption. Stable underflow density also simplifies process control across multiple washing stages.
4. High-Solids Thickeners and Residue Disposal Preparation
PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is widely used in high-solids red mud thickeners prior to residue disposal. At this stage, the goal is to achieve the highest possible solids concentration with minimal free water. The polymer produces compressible, shear-resistant flocs that release interstitial water effectively under compression.
Higher underflow density reduces slurry volume, pumping energy, and pipeline wear. It also improves the stability of thickened tailings or dry-stacked residue disposal systems, supporting safer and more environmentally responsible residue management.
5. Mineral Processing and Tailings Management
Beyond alumina refining, PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is extensively applied in mineral processing operations, including copper, gold, iron ore, coal, and phosphate processing. In tailings thickeners and clarifiers, the polymer enhances settling rates and water recovery from fine mineral slurries.
By forming large, fast-settling flocs, PRAESTOL® 2510 DK increases thickener throughput and produces clear overflow water suitable for recycling back into the process. Higher underflow density reduces tailings storage volume and improves the mechanical stability of disposal facilities.
6. Industrial Water and Process Water Clarification
PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is also used in industrial water treatment systems for clarification of process water, wash water, and effluents containing suspended solids. Typical applications include cooling water clarification, stormwater treatment, and polishing of clarified streams. The polymer removes fine suspended solids, reduces turbidity, and improves water quality for reuse or compliant discharge.
In many cases, PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is applied in combination with coagulants such as polyamines or inorganic salts to optimize floc formation and settling performance.
7. Operational Benefits
The use of PRAESTOL® 2510 DK provides several operational advantages:
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Faster settling and increased thickener capacity
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Improved overflow clarity and reduced solids carryover
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Higher underflow density and improved dewatering
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More stable thickener beds and reduced rake torque
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Enhanced water recovery and reduced freshwater demand
These benefits result in improved process stability, higher plant throughput, and lower operating costs.
8. Environmental and Economic Impact
From an environmental perspective, PRAESTOL® 2510 DK supports sustainable operation by maximizing water reuse and minimizing waste volume. Improved solid–liquid separation reduces the release of fine solids into effluents and lowers the environmental footprint of residue disposal. Economically, reduced energy consumption, improved chemical efficiency, and lower disposal costs provide significant cost savings.
9. Conclusion
PRAESTOL® 2510 DK is a high-performance anionic polyacrylamide flocculant engineered for challenging solid–liquid separation applications. Its effectiveness in red mud settling, CCD washing, high-solids thickening, mineral tailings management, and industrial water clarification makes it a key process chemical in alumina refineries and mineral processing plants. By improving settling efficiency, water recovery, and residue handling, PRAESTOL® 2510 DK delivers strong operational, economic, and environmental benefits.
