Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for hydrating particulate polymer. In the presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a storage assembly, a hydration assembly and a delivery assembly that connects the storage assembly to the hydration assembly. The hydration assembly preferably includes a pre-wetter, a high-energy mixer and a blender. The preferred method for hydrating the particulate polymer includes transferring the polymer from the storage assembly to the hydration assembly. The method further includes pre-wetting the particulate polymer with a hydration fluid to form a gel, mixing the gel with additional hydration fluid in a high-energy mixer and blending the gel in a blender. The method may also include removing any air entrained in the gel in a weir tank.