PRAESTOL

Flocculants for all Applications

involving Solid / Liquid Separation

Contents

Page

1. Introduction

2. Mode of Action

3. Properties

4. Production of PRAESTOL Solutions

5. Dosage Quantities

6. Method of Dosage

7. Operating Reliability and Accident Prevention

8. Storage

9. Packing

10. Examples of Use and Applications of PRAESTOL Flocculants

11. PRAESTOL Product Range
11.1 Non-ionic and Anionic PRAESTOL Products
11.2 Cationic PRAESTOL Products
11.3 Special Products
12. PRAESTOL TR Grades for Processing Potable Water
12.1 Product Range

9
10
10
11
13
14
16

Ashland Deutschland GmbH

Environmental and Process Solutions
Ftingsweg 20, D-47805 Krefeld
P.O. Box 10 04 52, D-47704 Krefeld
Phone: +49 2151 38 3555
Fax:
+49 2151 38 1874
water@ashland.com
www.ashland-water.com

1. Introduction
PRAESTOL products are organic, synthetic, high molecular occulants based on polyacrylamide.
Non-ionic PRAESTOL occulant types (formula 1) are technically pure polyacrylamides. They
exhibit neutral (i. e. non-ionic) properties in aqueous solution.

Charge character
Non-ionic

Anionic PRAESTOL occulants (formula 2) are co-polymers of acrylamide with increasing

proportions of acrylate groups, which give the polymers negative charges, and thus anionicactive character, in aqueous solution.

Anionic

Cationic PRAESTOL products (formula 3) are co-polymers of acrylamide with increasing

proportions of a cationic co-monomer. The cationic groups, which are thus introduced into the
polymer, have positive charges in aqueous solution.

Cationic

PRAESTOL occulants are available both as granular (solid) products and in liquid form as
water-in-oil emulsions, as oil-free dispersions and as aqueous solutions.

Supply forms

The granular products are white, granular, free-owing, low-dust products with a grain size
up to 1.2 mm.

Granulates

The water-in-oil emulsions are viscous free-owing gel dispersions.

Emulsions

The oil-free dispersions are somewhat more viscous than the water-in-oil emulsions. This higher
viscosity does not imply any disadvantages for handling the products, i. e. the advantages of
the liquid products (handling, ease of dosage) are preserved. The oil-free occulants show very
good solubility properties in water. While special attention must be given in water-in-oil emulsions to the solubility properties, the so-termed reversal behavior, the oil-free dispersions
mix with water immediately, i. e. without maturing time, and produce a ready-to-use solution
for dosage. The ready-to-use solutions are gel-free.

Oil-free dispersions

2. Mode of Action
PRAESTOL occulants incorporate reactive groups in aqueous solution, which have a strong
afnity to the surfaces of suspended colloids or very ne particles in aqueous suspensions or
slurries. According to the ionicity of the PRAESTOL types, interactions between them and the
solid particles are based on the formation of hydrogen bonds, as is the case with the non-ionic
polymers, or on electrostatic interactions and charge exchange, resulting in the destabilization
of the particle surface; the anionic (= negatively charged) and cationic (= positively charged)
PRAESTOL products act in this way. Destabilization and coagulation of a large number of
single particles leads to the formation of voluminous macro-ocs, which are easy to separate
from the suspension.

Charge exchange
Destabilisation

Thus the optimum effect of a PRAESTOL polymer is mainly determined by the surface potential acting on the particle. These potentials are dependent both on the particle itself and on
the conditions in the environment, i. e. on the ionic strength of the water and the properties
resulting from this, such as pH value, electrical conductivity, hardness, surfactant content.

Surface potencial

The most suitable PRAESTOL type for a particular application can be easily determined by
carrying out relatively simple preliminary tests. It is important that these tests are carried out
on the original suspension (solids and water), under the specied operating conditions (such
as temperature, turbulence, addition of other processing aids).

Original suspension

PRAESTOL products, as polymeric occulants, are able to occulate solid particles, colloids,
hydroxides and for example, bacterial substances. In the occulated state, the solids can be
quickly and completely separated from the surrounding water. PRAESTOL occulants are not
used to separate dissolved ingredients from water.
PRAESTOL polymers are effective in the pH range 1 to 14, depending on the particular type
involved. They are also effective in systems with low electrolyte concentrations, right up to
saturated salt solutions. Furthermore they cover the complete temperature range in which the
aqueous suspension is liquid, i. e. from approx. 0 C to 100 C.

Effectiveness

3. Properties
The numerical values for the product properties, which are given in the product overview tables
are mean values, which may vary in individual cases.

Product properties =
mean values

The bulk density is measured using a running out breaker. This property must be taken into
consideration when designing storage tanks and feeding equipment for dissolving plants based
on volumetric dosage.

Bulk density

Viscosities are determined with the Brookeld viscometer at 20 C. Solutions for viscosity
measurements are prepared in distilled or de-ionized water. The viscosities quoted thus represent
the typical value, for a particular concentration of product, which has to be considered when
designing stirrers, pumps, measuring sections etc.

Viscosities

The solutions for determining the pH value were prepared with Krefeld tap water (approx.
25 dH*, pH value approx. 7, electrical conductivity approx. 600 S/cm). The pH values must be
taken into account when selecting the material for dissolving and dosing equipment.

pH values

* 1 dH = 1 (German) degree of hardness = hardness due to 10 mg of lime (CaO) in 1 l of water or 17.8 mg CaCO3 in 1 l of water.

The molecular weights of the anionic products are between 6 to 30 million, whereby as a general
rule the molecular weights of the granulates in the 23 series are in the lower range and those of
the granulates in the 26 series are in the upper range. The molecular weights of the non-ionic
and anionic emulsion grade polymers are in the same order of magnitude.

Molecular weights

The molecular weights of the cationic products are about 6 to 20 million; usually granulates of
the 6 series are in the lower range and granulates of the 8 series as well as emulsion polymers
in the upper range. Cationic solution polymers have a molecular weight of approx. 1 million.

4. Production of PRAESTOL Solutions

PRAESTOL occulants are used in highly diluted aqueous solutions (e. g. 0.1 % by weight).
To keep the dissolving time low, it is recommendable when producing the ready-to-use solution
to use a concentrated stock solution (e. g. 0.5 % by weight) rst, which can be diluted later to
the required application concentration. Alternatively, the ready-to-use solution can be prepared
immediately at the desired low concentration but a longer dissolving time must be taken into
account here. Tested and proven dissolving equipment is available for preparing solutions. Both
the stock and ready-to-use solutions require a maturing time, during which time the solution
should be kept gently agitated.
In producing aqueous solutions of PRAESTOL granulates, the following points must be
observed:
When adding the PRAESTOL granulates, it is important that each single particle is
individually wetted by the water. It is therefore recommended to add the granulates
slowly into the turbulent water.
It is particularly recommended to use an auxiliary unit, e. g. a disperser.
See our special information for details.

Ready-to-use solution /
Stock solution

Granulates

Dispersers

The subsequent dissolving procedure is aided by a turbulent agitation of the water

(stirrer, compressed-air swirling).
The dissolving time depends on the product type and on the quality and temperature
of the solution water. It usually takes about 60 minutes for the product to develop its
effectiveness completely.
This should be taken into account when designing the dissolving units.
The production of aqueous solutions from PRAESTOL emulsions can be done by carefully
pouring the product into the vigorously stirred solution water or by use of special mixing units
(in-line mixers).

Emulsions

To guarantee developing of the full effectiveness of the product, sufcient time

should be allowed for dissolving. A dissolving time of 5 to 20 minutes is sufcient,
depending on the concentration of the solution. With increasing concentration of
the solution the required dissolving time will decrease.
Automatic dissolving units are used specially for the continuous, operational use
of PRAESTOL emulsions.

PRAESTOL products in the form of aqueous solutions are diluted by stirring and mixing to
the required concentration for use. A dissolving time is not necessary.

Aqueous solutions

Excessively fast stirrers should not be used to produce PRAESTOL stock solutions and during their further dilution. The stirrers maximum circumferential speed should be 10 m/s as
otherwise the effectiveness of the highly-molecular polymer will be reduced by excessive
shearing of the chain lengths.

Stock solutions

Progressive cavity pumps and not centrifugal or gear pumps should be used to feed and dose
the PRAESTOL solutions.

Feeding and dosing

5. Dosage Quantities
Owing to the very different occulating properties of the sludges to be dewatered, the required
dosing quantities can only be determined by laboratory tests or directly by carrying out plant
trials in each individual case.
In the case of mechanical sludge dewatering of mostly inorganic solids on rotary vacuum
lters, centrifuges, belt presses, chamber lter presses, PRAESTOL occulants can increase
the output with almost completely dry cakes. The required dosing quantities lie between 80
and 300 g/t dry substance dependent on the dewatering unit.

Sludge dewatering of
inorganic solids

In mechanical dewatering of mostly organic sludge on (heavy-duty) centrifuges, belt presses,

chamber and membrane lter presses, cationic-active PRAESTOL occulants are used negating
the need for inorganic agents such as metallic salts or lime. The addition rates of polyelectrolyte
are normally between 2 and 8 kg/t dry substance.

Organic sludge

When used to accelerate the rate of sedimentation or as a clarifying agent in settling tanks, a
dose rate of 1 to 20 g/m3 of the suspension to be claried is normally sufcient.
Higher dose rates may be necessary:
Where there is a high solids content in the suspension
With increasing neness of the suspended solids
Where the suspension has a low temperature
Figure 4 shows the relative dependence of the sedimentation speed obtained with occulation
on the different solids contents of the respective suspension.

Fig. 4:
Dependence of the rate of sedimentation
on the dosage quantity for suspensions
with varying solids content
Suspension A: solids content 36 g/l
Suspension B: solids content 64 g/l

6. Method of Dosage
As the dosage quantities of synthetic occulants are low, an even distribution of the PRAESTOL
solution in the suspension to be treated is a prerequisite for its optimum effect.

Even distribution

This even distribution can be achieved by:

Diluting the occulant solution as much as possible
The corresponding duration and intensity of the mixture of the occulant solution
with the suspension or thickened sludge
Multiple dosage: The total quantity of occulant solution required is added to the
suspension to be treated at different points. In many cases, multiple dosage helps to
improve the purication of the suspension being treated.
The advantageous type and the right point for adding the PRAESTOL solution to the suspension
or sludge depends on the properties of the suspension, the type of clarication or dewatering
process and the operating result required, e. g., fast rate of sedimentation, very good clarication, high occulation stability.

Type and point of dosage

The following points apply:

A type of dosage of the occulant solution to the suspension or sludge must be
selected which will ensure that the solution is distributed evenly.
A dosage point must be selected which will ensure sufcient reaction time between
the occulant and the solid particles to be occulated.
Flocs already formed should have the opportunity of uniting to form larger entities.
On the other hand, the destruction of the ocs by means of gravitational forces,
e. g. because of unfavorable ow conditions, should be avoided.

7. Operating Reliability and Accident Prevention

Our experience has shown that PRAESTOL solutions are non-corrosive in contact with materials used for tanks and pipes, such as berglass, plastics, plastic-lined materials and stainless
steel.

Non-corrosive

Owing to the properties of organic solvent in the liquid products, plastic containers (pipes,
pump components) coming into contact with the undiluted product must be made of solventproof material.
Scattered granular product on a wet oor, liquid product or solution which has been spilt onto
the oor, will cause slipping.

Danger of slipping

In this case the solid product or solution can be soaked up with absorbent material, e. g. sawdust, sand etc. and disposed of.

8. Storage
Highly-molecular occulants like PRAESTOL are basically sensitive to moisture, such as
condensation, splashes and humidity. Contact with water (droplets) can lead to local formation
of knots and lumps. The product should therefore be stored in dry, closed containers, protected
against moisture (bags, big bags, containers).

Water sensitivity

After prolonged storage emulsion grade polymers might tend to separate into layers. After
homogenization by intensive stirring, pumping or re-circulation by gas injection (nitrogen,
air) the products may be re-used without any loss in quality.

Homogenization

The storage temperature should not exceed 40 C for long periods.

Storage temperature

The product viscosity of emulsion grade polymers increases at low temperatures. The product
can no longer be pumped below -10 C. After warming up to approx. 8 to 10 C and homogenization, however, the product can be reused without any loss in efciency.
Storage stability under correct storage conditions:

Storage stability

Granulates in original packing: at least 12 months

Emulsions in original packing: at least 6 months
Oil-free dispersions:
at least 3 months
The storability of the stock solution and ready-to-use solution depends on the individual product.
We refer you to the corresponding PRAESTOL technical leaet.

9. Packing
Granular products:

Paper valve bags shrink-wrapped on pallets

Big bag

Liquid products:

Drum
Container
Road tanker

10. Examples of Use and Applications of PRAESTOL Flocculants

Fields of Application

Non-ionic

Cationic

Anionic
slightly

medium

strongly

slightly

medium

strongly

Drinking Water
Industrial Water
Mining
(coal / ore / salts)
Wash water
Filtration of concentrates
Flotation tailings
Flotation pulps
Acidic brines
Alkaline brines
Chemical Industry
Pigments (inorganic)
Pigments (organic)
Leaching liquors
Biotechnological suspensions
Metal Producing and
Metal Processing
Industry
Paper Industry
Retention/White water and
Waste water
Waste Water
(industrial, municipal)
Waste water,
also after neutralization
Sludge Dewatering
Raw sludge
Digested sludge
Surplus sludge
(also thickening,
centrifuging or otation)

To select the optimum product for your process from our product range, please see the
supplementary information Laboratory Tests with PRAESTOL Flocculants.

10

11

12

13

12. PRAESTOL TR Grades for Processing Potable Water

The synthetic polyelectrolytes which are now increasingly used in the preparation of potable
water are mainly water-soluble polyacrylamides.

Polyacrylamides

A prerequisite for the use of polyacrylamides for this purpose is that they should have a very
low residual content of monomer acrylamide.

Very low residual

content of monomer
acrylamide

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting the amount of monomer acrylamide in drinking water to less than 0.5 g/l. Thus, in consideration of all safety measures
in a daily consumption of 2 liters of drinking water the total amount of monomer acrylamide
should not exceed 0.017 mg per kilogram of body weight per day.1
A residual monomer content of 0.05 % by weight (500 ppm) and a dosage of 1 mg/l (1 ppm), as
prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the USA (CFR 40, 141.111), are
already within this limit.
Regulations in other countries reect these requirements:
Germany
In Germany the use of PRAESTOL TR grades for the preparation of potable water is controlled
under the Foodstuffs, Consumer Goods and Animal Feed Code (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstnde- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch, LFGB). The LFGB requires that with appropriate use of
auxiliary agents in the processing of potable water these agents must, except for technically
unavoidable and technologically inactive residues, be removed from the potable water. When
properly used, the PRAESTOL TR grades meet these requirements, which are set out in the
LFGB.
In keeping with 11 of the 2001 Drinking Water Act, approved conditioning agents appear
on a list published by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Security (Bundesministerium
fr Gesundheit und Soziale Sicherung, BMGS). Only anionic and non-ionic grades with a
residual monomer content of below 0.025 % at a polymer dosage of 0.4 mg/l (DIN EN 1407)
are approved for use.
Great Britain
As of December 2003, the amount of monomer acrylamide may not exceed 0.02 %. The
quantity of the polymer dosed may not exceed 0.5 mg/l.2,3,4
European Union
The standards EN 1407 and EN 1410 were adopted by CEN (European Standards Committee)
on March 23, 1998. They prescribe polyacrylamide for conditioning potable water with a residual monomer content of less than 0.025 % acrylamide with a polymer dosage not to exceed
0.4 mg/l. Both standards are also valid for Germany.
These standards, as well as those for Germany and Great Britain, are in compliance with EU
guidelines 98/83/EG concerning the quality of water for human consumption (EU Drinking
Water Guideline, limit: 0.1g/l in the drinking water).

Letter by WHO dated January 21, 1994

DWI, London: Water Industry Act 1991: Section 69
Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989
Water Supply (Water Quality) (Amendment) Regulations 1991
3
DIN EN 1407 and EN 1410
4
DWI, London: Regulation 25 Letter 2/2002 of November 7, 2002
1
2

14

USA
Certication is awarded by the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF) and conforms to the requirements of Standard 60 Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health
Effects. A residual monomer content of < 0.05 % by weight at a dosage of not more than
1 mg/l is prescribed.

USA:
GB:

National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF),

Ann Arbor, Michigan
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)
London
Approved for use are polymers which comply with the standards
DIN EN 1407 and EN 1410. Packaging is appropriately labeled.5

International certifying
organizations

PRAESTOL TR Grades
PRAESTOL TR grades are produced using a special method and every production batch is very
carefully monitored with regard to the residual content of monomer acrylamide.
For every consignment of our PRAESTOL TR product types we guarantee a residual monomer
content of < 0.02 % (by weight) of monomer acrylamide (with reference to the polymer).
On special request we can supply the relevant certicate of analysis with every consignment
of PRAESTOL TR occulants.
The following institutes have issued certicates declaring the PRAESTOL TR grades (shown
in the table) to be safe for use in potable water preparation:
National Sanitation Foundation International, USA
ANSI/NSF Standard 60 Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health Effects
All anionic and cationic PRAESTOL TR occulant types are certied.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
Drinking Water Inspectorate, Great Britain
All anionic and cationic PRAESTOL TR occulants types have been approved
for use in conditioning drinking water.
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Security, Germany
Approval for anionic and non-ionic PRAESTOL TR occulant types.
Further elds of application for PRAESTOL TR occulants for water treatment are lime water
production, water works sludge treatment and phosphate removal.

DWI, London: Regulation 25 Letter 11/2000 of September 29, 2000

15

12.1 Product Range

PRAESTOL TR Grades for Processing Potable Water
PRAESTOL

Ionic
Charge

Bulk
Density

approx.
kg/m3

Viscosity

pH

Effective in
the pH Range

Approved in

0.5 % by wt. 0.1 % by wt. 0.1 % by wt.

DW
DW
TW
approx.
approx.
approx.
mPa.s
mPa.s

2500 TR

nonionic

650

200

50

1-7

USA
Great Britain
Germany

2515 TR

weakly
anionic

650

3000

400

7 - 10

USA
Great Britain
Germany

2530 TR
2540 TR

medium
anionic

700
700

4000
5500

500
600

7
7

6 - 10
6 - 13

USA
Great Britain
Germany

650 TR

medium
cationic

650

700

65

1 - 14

USA
Great Britain

851 TR

weakly
cationic

650

600

50

1 - 14

USA
Great Britain

Registered trademark, Ashland | 2006, Ashland | December 2006, V01

DW = De-ionized water
TW = Krefeld tap water: approx. 25 dH (German) degree of hardness, electrical conductivity approx. 600 S/cm, pH value approx. 7

All statements, information and data presented herein are believed to be accurate and reliable but are not to be
taken as a guarantee, express warranty or implied warranty of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose,
or representation, express or implied, for which seller assumes legal responsibility, and they are offered solely
for your consideration, investigation and verication. Statements or suggestions concerning possible use of this
product are made without representation or warranty that any such use is free of patent infringement and are not
recommendations to infringe on any patent.

Ashland Deutschland GmbH

Environmental and Process Solutions
Ftingsweg 20, D-47805 Krefeld
P.O. Box 10 04 52, D-47704 Krefeld
Phone: +49 2151 38 3555
Fax:
+49 2151 38 1874
water@ashland.com
www.ashland-water.com

16