11.

11

Colloids
very small particles that remain stable in water (no tendency to aggregate) size: 1 - 200 x 10-9 m high surface area:mass ratio

Water Treatment Systems

Coagulation

Colloids

Types of colloids
hydrophilic (readily dispersed in water: e.g., soap, starch) hydrophobic (no affinity for water; stable in water because of electric charge)
Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation

11.11

Double-layer Theory

11.11

Destabilization
suppression of double layer by counterions of coagulant (allows particles to come in contact) (Fig 11.10 (b) ) charge neutralization: surface charges are decreased when charged species (particularly trivalent) attach to the surface of the colloid (Fig 11.11 (a) )
Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation

Fig. 11.9, text Two layers

Stern layer - fixed layer of counterions Diffuse layer - movable layer of counterions (Concentration of counterions decrease with distance from particle)

Mechanisms of destabilization (Fig. 11.10)

Zeta Potential
magnitude of charge at shear surface high zeta potential => stable suspension

Forces
Attractive: Van der Waals Repulsive: electric charge
Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation

11.13 11.11

Destabilization
sweep floc: precipitation of Al(OH)3 or Fe(OH)3 at certain pH conditions and sufficient aluminum or iron concentrations can produce a sweep floc (Fig. 11.11 (b) ) bridging of polymers (Fig. 11.11 (c) )

Coagulation and Flocculation

Coagulation
reduction of repulsive forces through addition of a coagulant

Mechanisms of destabilization (continued)

Flocculation
physical processes by which particle contact and agglomeration occurs

Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation

Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation

11.13

Jar Tests
tests performed in the laboratory to simulate coagulation/flocculation in a full-scale process purpose: determine optimum dosage of chemicals

11.14

Chemicals
coagulants - primary chemical added coagulant aids

Jar tests

Types of chemicals

Coagulants
aluminum sulfate (alum) iron salts

See p. 403, text

Coagulant aids
polymers

Selection of Chemicals
based on attaining low turbidity at lowest cost
Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation

11.14

pH Considerations
HCO3- in Ca(HCO3)2 represents natural alkalinity in water OH- in Al(OH)3 in EQ. 11.52 represents alkalinity that is removed by precipitation as a result of coagulation addition of alum decreases alkalinity optimum pH range: 5.5 - 8.0 if alkalinity of source water is not high enough to prevent the pH from decreasing out of optimum range, add alkalinity (lime or soda ash)
Water Treatment Systems - Coagulation

EQ 11.51 and 11.52