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Flocculation

Flocculation is a physical process used to promote the growth of the floc under
slow mixing conditions. This process is a mixing stage to allow particles and small
agglomerates (microfloc) formed during destabilization to collide and bond. The
purpose of this process is to provide the number of chance of contacts between
coagulated particles in water by gentle and prolonged agitation.
The efficiency of the flocculation process is largely determined by the number of
collisions between the minute coagulated particles per unit of time. The electrostatic
repulsion between colloidal particles effectively cancels out the electronic attraction
forces (Van der Waals forces) that would attach the particles together. Certain
chemicals (called coagulating agents, coagulants) have the capacity to compress the
double layer of ions around the colloidal particles. They reduce the range of the
electrostatic repulsion, and thus enable the particles to flocculate, i.e. to form flocs.
These flocs can grow to a sufficient size and specific weight to allow their removal by
settling, flotation or filtration.
Flocculation requires slow and gentle agitation which will not create turbulence
to split up the floc particles that already formed from coagulation process. The
substances that frequently are to be removed by coagulation and flocculation are those
that cause turbidity and color. Turbidity may result from soil erosion, algal growth or
animal/vegetable debris carried by surface run-off. Substances leached from
decomposed organic matter, leaves, or soil such as peat may impart color. Both
turbidity and color are mostly present as colloidal particles.
There are two types of flocculator that can be used in water treatment plant which
is hydraulic method and mechanical method. In our designing we prefer to use
hydraulic method. The reason of choosing this method is it simple to construct and
operate, less charge of short circuiting, no motor power, electric cables switchgear,
etc. to maintain and general maintenance is easier. The flocculation system is effective
and capable of producing good floc if the flow rate is constant. However, by using this
method, there have also involve the problem for the treatment where it cannot be
easily adjusted and will increases head loss.
Baffled type mixing basins
Baffle type mixing basins is the example of Hydraulic Flocculator that we
designed. Baffles are provide in the basins, the required velocity gradient is induced
through the baffle for achieving floc formation. In baffle type mixing basins, the flow
of the water is so influenced by small hydraulic structures that a stirring action results.
The main factors in determining the applicability of the baffled channel flocculation
process are local conditions and the presence of a moderate amount of allowable head
loss across the tank. Since the baffled type flocculation process does not have any
mechanical parts, it is considered seriously in this type of situation. The main
shortcomings of this hydraulic flocculator are no adjustment is possible to changes of
raw water composition, no adjustment is possible to the water production rate of the
treatment plant, the head loss is often appreciable and it is difficult to be clean.
For horizontal-flow baffled flocculation channels (Figure 6.0), the design water
velocity usually is in the 0.10-0.30 m/s range. Width of the channel should be

minimum of 45 cm. Depth of flow should not be less than 1.0 m. Detention time
normally is 20-50 minutes. Loss of head is range in 15-60 cm. This flocculator can be
used for our large treatment plants (Q=16298m3/day > 10000 m3/day) where the flow
rates can maintain sufficient head losses in the channels for slow mixing without
requiring that baffles be spaced too close together.

Fig. 6.0. Horizontal-flow baffled channel flocculator (plan)


Sufficient time and proper mixing intensity shall be provided in flocculation basins to
produce settle able floc under varying raw water characteristics and flow rates. For
our plant where the capacity is greater than 3.0 mgd, so we designed two flocculation
tank to operate in parallel.
Design Parameters
Design flow, Qpeak = 16298 m3/day
Convert day to minutes: 16298 m3 /day 1 d / 24 hr 1 hr / 60 min = 11.32 m3 / min
Detention time, t = 20 min
Geometry information:
Assume the basins with a ratio of Length : Width: Depth = 1 : 1: 1
Number of proposed unit: 2 units basin are used, each basin is evenly divided into
three stages.
Design Calculation
Flow for each basin, Q

= (11.32 m3 / min ) / 2
= 5.66 m3 / min
Volume required for each basin,
V req = Q x t req
= 5.66 m3 / min x 20 min
= 113.2 m3
Volume required for each stage,
113.2 m 3
V stage ,req =
3 stage
= 37.73 m3 / stage
Based on the assumed basin geometry information :
A ratio of Length : Width : Depth = 1 : 1: 1
( L : W : D = 1: 1: 1 )
Volume , V stage ,req = L W D
=WWW
=W3
Solve the basin width, W
W = 3 37.73 m3
= 3.35 m
= 3.4 m
So the dimension of the basin is:
D = 3.4 m
W = 3.4 m
L = 3.4 m
Actual volume provided, Vact (for each basin)
Volume , V stage ,act = 3.4 m x 3.4 m x 3,4 m = 39.3 m3
m3
Volume , V basin ,act = 3 stage x 39.3
= 117.9 m3
stage
Actual detention time provided, tact (for each basin)
117.9 m3
V basin ,act
Detention time, t basin ,act =
= 5.66 m3
Q'
min

= 20.8 min

Equipment Design
Water temperature, T = 5C
Agitation requirements:
1st tank, G = 90 s-1, 2nd tank, G = 60 s-1
= 1.518 x 10-3 N.s/m2 at 5C
Power required for slow mixing in the first stage from desired G;
= (90 s-1 )2 x (1.518 x 10-3 N.s/m2 ) x 117.9 m3

= 1450 N.m / s(W)


= 1.5 kN.m / s (kW)
Assume the efficiency is 90% and 70% for gearbox and motor, respectively.
Use the following equation to calculate wire power:
Wire power required for the first stage,

Pe =

1.5 kW
2
x (100 ) = 2.38kW
90 x 70

Power required for slow mixing in the second stage from desired G;
= (60 s-1 )2 x (1.518 x 10-3 N.s/m2 ) x 117.9 m3
= 644 N.m / s(W)
= 0.6 kN.m / s (kW)
Assume the efficiency is 90% and 70% for gearbox and motor, respectively.
Use the following equation to calculate wire power:
Wire power required for the first stage,
0.6 kW
x (100 )2
90 x 70
Design of Baffle
Pe =

= 0.95kW

Flow rate for each basin, Q'


Average Velocity Gradient, G
Total Flocculation Time, t
Depth of the each basin, D
Length of the each basin, L
Width of the each basin, W
Dynamic Viscosity of Water at 5 C,

Density of water,
Coefficient of friction timber baffle, f

=
=
=
=
=
=
=

0.094 m3/s
90 s-1
1248 seconds
3.4 m
3.4 m
3.4 m
1.518 x 10-3 N.s/m2

= 1000 kg/m3
= 0.3

The number of baffles required for horizontal flow baffled flocculator :Number of baffles in each basin, n
=
2 t
DLG 13
[
]
( 1.44 +f )
Q'

)( )

3.4 x 3.4 x 90

( 0.094 )

2 x 1.518 x 103 x 1248

(1000) ( 1.44+ 0.3 )

= 2.89
3
=

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