General

The RITHCO^®ret-PL Products are synthetic polyelectrolytes based on polyacrylamide specifically for retention application in paper and board making.

RITHCO^®ret PL powder and liquid products are available in three different charge natures: anionic, non-ionic and cationic.

Working mechanism

RITHCO^®ret-PL products are activated by dissolving in water. Due to the high polymeric chain length of the products the solution needs to be at a very low concentration.

The potentials acting on the particle surface will often determine the optimum RITHCO^®ret-PL product but pH , hardness of the water, electrical conductivity, surfactant content, etc. can influence the mechanisms.

The RITHCO^®ret-PL products are able to flocculate solid particles, colloids, hydroxides, and bacterial masses. The polymers are effective in a wide pH range and in systems with high variations in temperature.

In some cases a two or even a three component system gives the best results. Adding an anionic followed by a cationic charged polymer can drastically improve the dewatering results.

By applying a low molecular weight cationic product (see RITHCO^®fix products) one can first achieve a small, stable floc. By later adding of a high molecular weight anionic polymer bigger agglomerates are created which dewater quickly and which hold fibers and the finest particles. By test and trial work dual or three component systems should be checked thoroughly under all existing conditions in the paper mill.