What is a flocculant in water treatment?

Flocculants are substances that promote the agglomeration of fine particles present in a solution, creating a floc, which then floats to the surface (flotation) or settles to the bottom (sedimentation). This can then be more easily removed from the liquid.

What are some common examples of flocculants?

The aluminum-based flocculants include aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, sodium aluminate, aluminum chlorohydrate, and polyaluminum chloride. The iron-based flocculants include ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, ferrous sulfate, and ferric chloride sulfate [15, 69].

What do flocculants do?

Flocculants improve filtration, leading to an improved cleaning and disinfection of the water. This treatment method is recommended when the filtration system struggles to remove all the floating particles (murky/troubled water).

What is flocculation and how does it work?

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 is the difference between coagulant and flocculant?

Coagulation is a chemical process. Flocculation is a physical process. Coagulants such as inorganic salts of aluminum or iron that neutralize the suspended particles are added during coagulation. Flocculant such as an organic polymer that involves in bridging and strengthening the flocs is added.

Is gypsum a flocculant?

Gypsum can coagulate or bridge clay particles, which accelerates settling. Flocculants should be used to prevent damage to sensitive water resources such as ponds, lakes and trout streams or whenever turbidity control is required. The best thing to do is a jar or bucket test using slightly varying rates of gypsum.

How fast does flocculant work?

Flocculant, although fast-acting, will still need around 8-16 hours to work its magic. It’s easiest to do this overnight. The pump definitely needs to be off as you want the water to be still. The floc will have settled at the bottom of the pool and will require manual vacuuming to remove the debris.

How long does it take flocculant to work?

It seems like a magical pool chemical, but just like anything, it does have its downside. It works slowly. It may be two or three days before your pool is completely clear, depending on the severity of the cloudiness. You’ll need to clean the filter.

Is alum a coagulant or flocculant?

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. Coagulation is usually accomplished in two stages: rapid mixing and slow mixing.