What happens in the process of flocculation?
Flocculation is a process by which a chemical coagulant added to the water acts to facilitate bonding between particles, creating larger aggregates which are easier to separate. The method is widely used in water treatment plants and can also be applied to sample processing for monitoring applications.
Which mechanisms are involved in coagulation and flocculation?
The general mechanisms of coagulation-flocculation include (i) charge neutralization (nullification of particle surface charges to avoid electrostatic repulsion), (ii) sweep coagulation (entrapment of particles in metal precipitate), (iii) interparticle bridging (adsorption of multiple particles at different segments).
What do flocculants do?
Used in a wide range of industries and applications, flocculants help to remove suspended solids from wastewater by aggregating contaminants into flakes or “flocs” that float to the surface of the water or settle at the bottom. They can also be used for lime softening, sludge thickening, and solids dehydration.
What is difference between flocculation and coagulation?
Coagulation and flocculation are two separate processes, used in succession, to overcome the forces stabilising the suspended particles. While coagulation neutralises the charges on the particles, flocculation enables them to bind together, making them bigger, so that they can be more easily separated from the liquid.
Why is flocculation important?
Flocculation expedites sedimentation and ensures efficient solid/liquid separation. Large volumes of used water can be processed quickly, which minimizes the environmental impact in the sense of land needed for used water storage facilities.
What is protein flocculation?
Flocculation is a physical process of contact and adhesions wherein the aggregates form larger-size clusters called flocs being excluded from suspension.
How do flocculating agents work?
Flocculating agents are either inorganic salts or water-soluble organic polymers. They act by shrinking the ionic double layer, or neutralizing the surface charge of suspended particles, or bridging between particles. The type of flocculant used depends on the type of solid–liquid separation being performed.
Why is coagulation flocculation necessary?
Coagulation and flocculation are used to separate the suspended solids portion from the water. Suspended particles vary in source, charge, particle size, shape, and density. Correct application of coagulation and flocculation depends upon these factors.
What is a flocculating agent?
Flocculating agents are chemical additives that cause suspended solids to form aggregates called flocs. These agents are used in water treatment, municipal and industrial waste treatment, mineral processing, and papermaking.
Is flocculation same as coagulation?
What is flocculation and how does it work?
According to IUPAC, the flocculation definition states that it is a process of contact and adhesion through which the dispersed particles form large clusters. The particles that are together can easily loosen up due to the surface tension of the liquid.
What is coagulant in flocculation?
For this to occur, a chemical coagulant gets added to the liquid. This coagulant facilitates the bonding of the particles in the liquid. According to IUPAC, the flocculation definition states that it is a process of contact and adhesion through which the dispersed particles form large clusters.
What is the effect of stirring in flocculation?
Answer: Stirring is an essential process in flocculation. Fast stirring can break the floc. It causes the number of particles to become of the same density and size as before flocculation. Therefore, a very gentle stirring is required. The different particles have varied flocculation strength.
What is the purpose of flocculation and sedimentation?
Flocculation and sedimentation are widely employed in the purification of drinking water as well as in sewage treatment, storm-water treatment and treatment of industrial wastewater streams. Typical treatment processes consist of grates, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, granular filtration and disinfection.