Flocculation Model Testing: Particle Sizes in a Softening Plant

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Abstract
Designing an efficient and cost‐effective flocculation unit has always been a challenge to engineers. Measurements of its capability have necessarily been after the fact—examining turbidity or suspended solids concentration after settling. Particle‐size‐distribution analyses during flocculation more closely reflect the actual process but are difficult, time‐consuming, and prone to sampling errors. Research using Smoluchowski's equation has led to a mathematical model for the process of flocculation. This model was tested against actual treatment plant performance for particle size distribution. Using different conditions, the model successfully predicted changes in small or large particles, but not both. The model compared favorably with most experimental results but needs improvement to predict the effects of changes in fluid shear and particle concentration.

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