Table of Contents
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. Coagulation and flocculation occurs in successive steps, allowing particle collision and growth of floc.
How does coagulation work in water treatment?
These chemicals are called coagulants, and have a positive charge. The positive charge of the coagulant neutralizes the negative charge of dissolved and suspended particles in the water. When this reaction occurs, the particles bind together, or coagulate (this process is sometimes also called flocculation).
How does flocculation purify water?
4 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.
What are the factors affecting coagulation?
Factors. Coagulation is affected by the type of coagulant used, its dose and mass; pH and initial turbidity of the water that is being treated; and properties of the pollutants present. The effectiveness of the coagulation process is also affected by pretreatments like oxidation.
What is the purpose of coagulation?
Coagulation is a process used to neutralise charges and form a gelatinous mass to trap (or bridge) particles thus forming a mass large enough to settle or be trapped in the filter.
How many steps does it take to purify water?
Seven Steps of Water Purification.
Why does pH affect coagulation?
Since pH values affect the surface charges and forms of the coagulants and impurities to be removed, controlling the level of pH would significantly improve the coagulation process. Therefore, not only coagulant dosage, but also pH value should be optimized to maximize the removal of impurities present in raw water.
What are the water treatment methods?
Coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation are processes used to remove colour, turbidity, algae and other microorganisms from surface waters. Aluminium sulphate and ferric sulphate are two of the most commonly used coagulants , although others are available.
Why is coagulant added to water?
Coagulant aid Chemicals (typically synthentic polymers) added to water to enhance the coagulation process. if an excess of alum is added so that the dosed water pH is less than 5.0, then the metal ions (Al3+) will directly ˜eutralize the negatively charged organic compounds and colloids in the raw water. 1.
What are the common coagulants?
The commonly used metal coagulants fall into two general categories: those based on aluminum and those based on iron. The aluminum coagulants include aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride and sodium aluminate. The iron coagulants include ferric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, ferric chloride and ferric chloride sulfate.
Is alum a coagulant or flocculant?
To accomplish this, the water is treated with aluminum sulfate, commonly called alum, which serves as a flocculant. Raw water often holds tiny suspended particles that are very difficult for a filter to catch. Alum causes them to clump together so that they can settle out of the water or be easily trapped by a filter.
How are coagulation and filtration used to clean water?
A coagulant (typically either iron or aluminum salts with polymeric materials) is added and mixed with the influent water. The larger particles formed by coagulation are then removed from the water by filtration (typically sand, anthracite coal, or a combination of the two).
Which gas is released when alum is added to water?
Explanation: Carbon dioxide gas is released when alum is added to water, which is corrosive to metals.
What chemicals are used to purify water?
The most common disinfection method involves some form of chlorine or its compounds such as chloramine or chlorine dioxide. Chlorine is a strong oxidant that rapidly kills many harmful micro-organisms. Because chlorine is a toxic gas, there is a danger of a release associated with its use.
Which chemicals are used for coagulation?
Traditional chemical coagulation uses aluminum and iron coagulants. The most common aluminum coagulants are aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, and sodium aluminate. Iron coagulants include ferric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, ferric chloride, and ferric chloride sulfate [4].
What is the principle of coagulation?
Coagulation and flocculation are related terms describing the process of preparing colloidal materials for removing by sedimentation. Coagulation is the process used to reduce the energy forces present around particles that tend to keep them from joining together to form a larger mass.
What does Flocculate mean?
flocculate in American English 1. to form into flocculent masses. intransitive verb. 2. to form flocculent masses, as a cloud or a chemical precipitate; form aggregated or compound masses of particles.
What is the most commonly used coagulant in water treatment?
Aluminum and iron salts are the most commonly used inorganic coagulants in the wastewater treatment settings. These include based aluminum metals (aluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, sodium aluminate) and iron based metals (ferrous sulfate, ferric sulfate, ferric chloride) [13, 17, 18].
Is FeCl3 a coagulant?
Ferric chloride (FeCl3) is the most common iron salt used to achieve coagulation. Its reactions in the coagulation process are similar to those of alum, but its relative solubility and pH range differ significantly from those of alum. Both alum and ferric chloride can be used to generate inorganic polymeric coagulants.
What are stages of water treatment?
There are three main stages of the wastewater treatment process, aptly known as primary, secondary and tertiary water treatment. In some applications, more advanced treatment is required, known as quaternary water treatment.
What is the most common used coagulant?
1. Alum (aluminum sulfate), Al2(SO4)3. Still, the most common coagulant in the United States, it is often used in conjunction with cationic polymers.
What two chemicals are commonly used as water coagulants?
Aluminum sulfate (alum) is the most common coagulant used for water purification. Other chemicals, such as ferric sulfate or sodium aluminate, may also be used.
What is the difference between coagulant and flocculant?
Flocculation is synonymous with agglomeration and coagulation / coalescence. Basically, coagulation is a process of addition of coagulant to destabilize a stabilized charged particle. Meanwhile, flocculation is a mixing technique that promotes agglomeration and assists in the settling of particles.
What are the 5 stages of water treatment?
These include: (1) Collection ; (2) Screening and Straining ; (3) Chemical Addition ; (4) Coagulation and Flocculation ; (5) Sedimentation and Clarification ; (6) Filtration ; (7) Disinfection ; (8) Storage ; (9) and finally Distribution.
Which coagulant is used for sewage treatment?
Alum is used in water treatment whereas Ferric Chloride is used in sewage treatment.
