Application of PRAESTOL 2520

c It is typically supplied as a free-flowing powder with high molecular weight and medium anionic charge density, enabling excellent floc formation, rapid settling, and improved clarification efficiency under demanding process conditions.

One of the most important application areas of PRAESTOL 2520 is mineral processing, where efficient separation of solids from process water is essential for productivity and water recovery. In ore beneficiation circuits such as copper, gold, iron ore, and coal preparation plants, PRAESTOL 2520 is commonly dosed into thickeners, clarifiers, and settling tanks. The polymer bridges fine mineral particles into large, dense flocs, which settle rapidly, improving thickener underflow density while producing clear overflow water suitable for recycling. This contributes to reduced freshwater consumption and enhanced operational stability.

In tailings thickening and tailings water management, PRAESTOL 2520 plays a critical role. Modern mining operations increasingly rely on high-rate and high-density thickeners to reduce tailings storage volume and improve dam safety. PRAESTOL 2520 promotes strong floc structures that resist shear forces in deep cone and paste thickeners. Its performance helps achieve higher solids content in underflow, improved beach slopes in tailings disposal areas, and better water recovery, aligning with environmental compliance and sustainability objectives.

Another major application is in the alumina refining industry, particularly within the Bayer process. PRAESTOL 2520 is extensively used for red mud settling, washing, and clarification stages. Red mud particles are extremely fine and negatively charged, making separation challenging. The medium anionic charge and high molecular weight of PRAESTOL 2520 allow effective adsorption onto particle surfaces, enhancing aggregation without excessive reagent consumption. As a result, it improves mud settling rates, increases washer throughput, and enhances overflow clarity, which is critical for efficient caustic soda recovery and reduced soda losses.

PRAESTOL 2520 is also applied in red mud thickening and washing circuits, including primary settlers, secondary washers, and security filtration systems. Its use leads to lower turbidity in overflow liquor, minimizing scaling and fouling issues downstream. In large alumina refineries, consistent flocculant performance directly impacts plant availability and operating costs, making PRAESTOL 2520 a preferred choice for stable long-term operation.

In industrial wastewater treatment, PRAESTOL 2520 is employed to remove suspended solids from effluents generated by metallurgy, chemical manufacturing, power plants, and construction materials industries. It is effective in treating wastewater containing inorganic fines such as metal hydroxides, silica, clay, and ash. When used alone or in combination with inorganic coagulants such as PAC or aluminum sulfate, PRAESTOL 2520 enhances floc size and settling speed, enabling efficient clarification and compliance with discharge standards.

The polymer is also suitable for sludge thickening and dewatering applications. In gravity thickeners, dissolved air flotation units, and belt or centrifuge dewatering systems, PRAESTOL 2520 improves water release from sludge by forming strong, permeable flocs. This results in reduced sludge volume, lower polymer consumption per dry ton, and improved cake dryness. Such benefits translate into lower disposal costs and reduced energy consumption during mechanical dewatering.

In process water recovery systems, PRAESTOL 2520 contributes to closed-loop water reuse strategies. By delivering clear overflow water with low suspended solids, it protects downstream equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, and membranes from abrasion and fouling. This is particularly important in arid regions and large mining operations where water availability is limited.

Operationally, PRAESTOL 2520 is valued for its wide pH tolerance, compatibility with various water chemistries, and adaptability to different solids characteristics. It can be prepared as an aqueous solution using standard polymer make-down systems and performs effectively at low dosages when properly optimized. Correct dilution, aging time, and mixing conditions are essential to maximize its flocculation efficiency.

In summary, PRAESTOL 2520 is a versatile anionic flocculant designed for demanding solid–liquid separation applications. Its key applications include mineral processing, tailings thickening, alumina refining and red mud settling, industrial wastewater clarification, sludge thickening, and process water recovery. Through improved settling performance, higher throughput, and enhanced water reuse, PRAESTOL 2520 delivers both economic and environmental benefits across a wide range of industrial operations.