Application of PRAESTOL 2640

PRAESTOL 2640 is a high-performance anionic polyacrylamide flocculant developed for efficient solid–liquid separation in a wide range of industrial and municipal processes. Due to its optimized molecular weight and anionic charge density, PRAESTOL 2640 is particularly effective in systems containing fine, negatively charged particles. It is widely applied in water treatment, mining, alumina refining, sludge dewatering, and various clarification processes where fast settling, clear supernatant, and stable floc formation are required.

1. Municipal and Industrial Wastewater Treatment

One of the most common applications of PRAESTOL 2640 is in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. In these systems, PRAESTOL 2640 is typically used as a flocculant following the addition of inorganic coagulants such as ferric chloride, aluminum sulfate, or polyaluminum chloride. The polymer enhances particle aggregation through a strong bridging mechanism, forming large, dense flocs that settle rapidly.

In municipal wastewater clarification, PRAESTOL 2640 improves suspended solids removal, reduces turbidity, and enhances effluent quality. In industrial wastewater—such as wastewater from chemical plants, refineries, steel mills, and food processing facilities—PRAESTOL 2640 effectively captures fine colloids and organic solids that are difficult to remove by gravity sedimentation alone. Its consistent performance helps operators maintain stable treatment efficiency under varying flow and load conditions.

2. Sludge Thickening and Dewatering

PRAESTOL 2640 is extensively used in sludge thickening and mechanical dewatering operations. It is suitable for application in gravity thickeners, belt filter presses, centrifuges, screw presses, and chamber filter presses. When added to sludge, PRAESTOL 2640 promotes the formation of strong, shear-resistant flocs that release water efficiently during mechanical separation.

In activated sludge, primary sludge, and mixed sludge systems, PRAESTOL 2640 increases solids concentration in the sludge cake while reducing filtrate turbidity. This leads to lower sludge volume, reduced transportation costs, and improved disposal or further treatment efficiency. The robust floc structure generated by PRAESTOL 2640 also minimizes polymer overdosing and improves operational stability.

3. Mining and Mineral Processing

In mining and mineral processing operations, PRAESTOL 2640 plays a critical role in tailings thickening, slurry clarification, and water recovery. Fine mineral particles such as silica, clay, and metal oxides often remain suspended for long periods without chemical assistance. PRAESTOL 2640 accelerates the settling of these particles by forming large aggregates that settle quickly and compact efficiently.

In tailings thickeners, PRAESTOL 2640 improves underflow density and enhances overflow clarity, allowing valuable process water to be recycled back into the plant. This reduces freshwater consumption and supports sustainable mining practices. PRAESTOL 2640 is also used in high-density and paste thickening applications, where strong and stable flocs are essential for consistent underflow discharge and safe tailings storage.

4. Alumina Refining and Red Mud Treatment

A key industrial application of PRAESTOL 2640 is in the alumina industry, especially within the Bayer process. During bauxite digestion, fine red mud particles must be efficiently separated from sodium aluminate liquor. PRAESTOL 2640 enhances red mud settling by promoting rapid flocculation and improved compaction.

The use of PRAESTOL 2640 in red mud thickeners results in faster settling rates, higher underflow solids, and clearer overflow liquor. This improves washing efficiency, reduces caustic soda losses, and enhances overall process economics. In residue disposal systems, PRAESTOL 2640 contributes to improved rheology and more stable stacking or pumping of red mud.

5. Paper and Pulp Industry Applications

In the paper and pulp industry, PRAESTOL 2640 is applied for white water clarification and fiber recovery. Fine fibers, fillers, and pigments suspended in white water can be efficiently flocculated using PRAESTOL 2640, allowing mills to recover valuable materials and reduce wastewater discharge.

When used alongside cationic coagulants or retention aids, PRAESTOL 2640 improves drainage, reduces suspended solids in effluent, and supports closed-loop water reuse systems. Its application helps paper mills lower operating costs and meet environmental compliance requirements.

6. Sand Washing and Aggregate Processing

PRAESTOL 2640 is widely used in sand washing plants and aggregate processing facilities to separate fine silt and clay from process water. The polymer promotes rapid settling of fines in clarifiers and settling tanks, producing clean recycled water for reuse in washing circuits.

This application of PRAESTOL 2640 improves sand quality, reduces the need for large settling ponds, and minimizes environmental discharge. The flocs formed remain stable under variable hydraulic conditions, making the product suitable for continuous operation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PRAESTOL 2640 is a versatile and highly efficient anionic flocculant used across wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering, mining, alumina refining, paper production, and aggregate processing. Its strong flocculation performance, low dosage requirement, and adaptability to different process conditions make PRAESTOL 2640 a reliable solution for demanding solid–liquid separation applications.