Difference Between Flocculation and Precipitation

Flocculation is the process of formation of solid aggregates from small particles. Precipitation is the process of formation of an insoluble solid mass. The main difference between flocculation and precipitation is that flocculation forms floccules whereas precipitation forms precipitates.

1. What is difference between flocculation and coagulation?
2. Is coagulation and precipitation same?
3. What is meant by flocculation?
4. What is precipitation in water treatment?
5. Is alum a coagulant or flocculant?
6. How can flocculation be prevented?
7. Is coagulation reversible?
8. What is the function of hemostasis?
9. What is a precipitation?
10. How is flocculation done?
11. Where is flocculation used?
12. Why is flocculation important?

What is difference between flocculation and coagulation?

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.

Is coagulation and precipitation same?

Unlike coagulation and flocculation, the precipitation is carried out on a single phase system (homogenous solution), while coagulation and flocculation are employed on a two or more phase system. Coagulation and flocculation are often used together as a pair in a process to separate solids from a liquid.

What is meant by 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.

What is precipitation in water treatment?

Abstract. Chemical precipitation in water and wastewater treatment is the change in form of materials dissolved in water into solid particles. Chemical precipitation is used to remove ionic constituents from water by the addition of counter-ions to reduce the solubility.

Is alum a coagulant or flocculant?

To induce coagulation, a coagulant (typically a metallic salt) with the opposite charge is added to the water to overcome the repulsive charge and "destabilize" the suspension. For example, the colloidal particles are negatively charged and alum is added as a coagulant to create positively charged ions.

How can flocculation be prevented?

When particles of a suspension come close together they can form aggregates called flocculates which will settle more rapidly. To prevent that we often coat the particle with a charged surfactant. The charge (Zeta potential) acts to keep the particles separate and prevent flocculation.

Is coagulation reversible?

Coagulation is irreversible, the proteins cannot be turned back into their liquid form.

What is the function of hemostasis?

Definition. Hemostasis is the mechanism that leads to cessation of bleeding from a blood vessel. It is a process that involves multiple interlinked steps. This cascade culminates into the formation of a “plug” that closes up the damaged site of the blood vessel controlling the bleeding.

What is a precipitation?

Precipitation is any form of liquid or solid water particles that fall from the atmosphere and reach the surface of the Earth. ... Precipitation is caused when a mass of warm, moist air hits a mass of cold air. Condensation causes the moisture to form droplets that become rain or crystals that become snow or ice.

How is flocculation done?

How does flocculation work? Flocculation is based on a chemical process. It involves adding chemicals to the wastewater in sequence and allowing tiny solid particles to collect together in a larger mass called a floc. As a treatment of wastewater, flocculation is carried out in stages.

Where is flocculation used?

A process wherein colloids come out of suspension in the form of floc, either spontaneously or due to the addition of a clarifying agent. It is used in applications like water purification, sewage treatment, cheese production and brewing, for example.

Why is flocculation important?

Applying flocculation ensures a high flux over filtration units as well as efficient and cost effective separation of cell material from supernatant. Used water can contain significant amounts of suspended particulate matter, which often takes long to sediment.