Flocculants and coagulants are integral steps in water and wastewater treatment processes. Together, they help clarify water by causing small suspended particles in the water to clump together and settle to the bottom. This clarified water can then be easily filtered.
Mechanism of Coagulation
Flocculant and Coagulants is the first step, where coagulants are added to the water. Common coagulants used are aluminum sulfate, ferric chloride, and polyaluminum chloride. When added, these coagulants neutralize the negative charges of particles in suspension. This causes the particles to come closer together and collide due to random water movement. The collisions allow the particles to stick together, forming larger clumps or 'flocs'.
Factors Affecting Flocculants and Coagulants Effectiveness
Several factors influence how well coagulation works to clump particles together. Water chemistry properties like pH levels, alkalinity and hardness all impact coagulant effectiveness. pH especially - coagulants only work within a certain optimal pH range. Temperature, mixing energies and coagulant dosing are also carefully controlled. Proper coagulant dosage is critical - too little won't effectively coagulate particles, while too much forms mud that is difficult to settle out.
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