Coagulation-flocculation

THE DESIGN

(a) Chemicals
Alum = aluminum sufat (Al2 (SO4)3.14H2O)
Works well between pH 5.5-6.5.
Ferric chloride -> pH 5-9
Ferrous sulfat -> pH > 9

Coagulation = Charge reduction

Flocculation = Contact of particles

(b) Alkalinity buffer

Eq 6-2: Pg 274 (Davis)

When sufficient alkalinity is not present to neutralize the change of pH due to addition of alum
(sulfuric acid production), the pH may be greatly drop.

Solution: dose in CaCO3 (lime) or Na2CO3 (soda ash) for alkalinity buffer.

(c) Simulating the condition

Jar test
Variable: pH and dosage of coagulant (alum)
3 steps: coagulation (rapid mixing), flocculation (slow mixing), sedimentation (no mixing).
Coagulant aid: (1) pH adjuster, (2) activated silica, (3) or (4) polymer
(1) pH adjuster common acid used is sulfuric acid, whilst, lime or soda ash to increase the pH
(2) activated silica to produce a stable solution that gas a ve surface charge. Thus, positively
charged aluminum or iron flocs. Good to treat coloured and low turbidity water.
(3) Clay- similar to activated silica but rarely used.
(4) Polymer: anionic, cationic and nonionic. Usually long chained carbon compound, high molecular
weight.

(d) Velocity gradient

In water and wastewater the degree if mixing is measured by the velocity gradient, G.
When G increases, it means the mixing is more violent.

Velocity gradient

Mechanism in
coagulation
Adsorption-desorption

G, s-1

Detention time

3000-5000

0.5 s

Sweep coagulation

600-100

1-10 s

Dissolution
(softening)

of

CaO 700

5- 10 min

(e) Rapid mixing

The chemical reaction is coagulation is completed in < 0.1 s.
Thus, mixing is very important and it should be as instantaneous and complete as possible

Mixer:
(i) vertical shaft mixer
(ii) in-line blender
(iii) Static mixer

(i) Vertical shaft mixer

(ii) in-liner blender

(iii) Static mixer

Rapid mix tank

Volume seldom exceed 8 m3, @ 8000 L
Axial flow impeller or radial-floc impeller is used. The latter gives more turbulent and it is
preferred.

Rectangular tank at least 2 baffles are preferred to install.

Baffles installed may provide sufficient residence time.
Baffled vertically may minimize vortex.

Unitless geomantic ratio : tank and impeller geometries for mixing.

These values used to select proper basin depth, surface area and impeller diameter.
Assume: efficiency of transfer of motor power to water power of 0.8 for a single impeller
Geometries ratio

Allowed range

D/T (radial)

0.14-0.5

D/T (axial)

0.17-0.4

H/D (either)

2-4

H/T (axial)

0.34-1.6

H/T (radial)

0.28-2

B/D (either)

0.7-1.6

D = impeller diameter
T = equivalent tank diameter
H = water depth
B= water depth below impeller

Slow mix tank

The G must be controlled within a relatively narrow range
Flexibility should be built into the flocculator so that the plant operator can vary the G-value by
a factor of 2 or 3.
Heavier floc = higher SS concentration. Thus, more mixing is require to keep it in suspension (for
more collision)
Softening flocs are heavier than coagulation flocs and requires higher G-value.
Temperature is one of the factors. At 20 C, modern plants provide 20 min for flocculation
Temperature, C

Detention time increase by

15

7%

10

15%

25%

G value for flocculation

G, s-1
Low turbidity, colour removal
coagulation

20-70

High turbidity, solids removal

coagulation

30-80

Softening, 10% solids

130-200

Softening, 39% solids

150-300

Paddle flocculator

Baffled chamber flocculator

Upflow solids-contact
(mixing, flocculation and clarification 3 in 1)

Example See Example 6-11 page 306 Davis

Example See example 4-6 page 147 Peavy