Difference Between Coagulation and Flocculation in Water Treatment

Coagulation destabilises particles through chemical reaction between coagulant and colloids, and flocculation transports the destabilised particles that causes collisions with flocs.

1. What is the difference between coagulation and flocculation in water treatment plant?
2. What is the role of coagulation and flocculation in water treatment?
3. What does coagulation do in water treatment?
4. What is water flocculation?
5. Is alum a coagulant or flocculant?
6. What two chemicals are commonly used as water coagulants?
7. What are the 4 steps of water treatment?
8. What is the purpose of coagulation?
9. Why does pH affect coagulation?
10. How does a coagulant work?
11. What is the difference between flocculant and coagulant?
12. What does coagulant mean?

What is the difference between coagulation and flocculation in water treatment plant?

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 is the role of coagulation and flocculation in water treatment?

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 does coagulation do in water treatment?

Coagulation treatment neutralizes the negative electrical charge on particles, which destabilizes the forces keeping colloids apart. Water treatment coagulants are comprised of positively charged molecules that, when added to the water and mixed, accomplish this charge neutralization.

What is water flocculation?

Flocculation is a water treatment process where solids form larger clusters, or flocs, to be removed from water. This process can happen spontaneously, or with the help of chemical agents.

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.

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

What are the 4 steps 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. Let's examine these steps in more detail.

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.

Why does pH affect coagulation?

At varying sample pH values, the coagulation process may suffer from less than optimum ions being formed in solution. ... The size of the coagulated particles is also affected by pH, which, in turn, determines the density of the flocculated slime and its tendency and rate of settling out.

How does a coagulant work?

Coagulants work by creating a chemical reaction, eliminating negative charges that cause particles to repel each other. ... The action of these bubbles forces clots or flocs of particles to the water surface where they can be skimmed off. Dissolved air flotation is an alternative to sedimentation.

What is the difference between flocculant and coagulant?

Depending on the charge and chemical composition of your wastewater, flocculants can either be used on their own or in combination with coagulants. Flocculants differ from coagulants in that they are often polymers, whereas coagulants are typically salts.

What does coagulant mean?

Coagulants are a substance which cause particles in a liquid to curdle and clot together. ... Coagulation treatment chemicals are used in effluent water treatment processes for solids removal, water clarification, lime softening, sludge thickening, and solids dewatering.