In wastewater treatment flocculants are often added to the water before removing

Question

In wastewater treatment flocculants are often added to the water before removing suspended solids by sedimentation. Briefly describe the function of the flocculant in promoting particle settling in terms of interaction forces between the particles Further discuss any effect the flocculant might have on the density of the settled particle sludge. It has been reported* that temperature-responsive polymers can act as both flocculants and dispersants, depending upon the ambient temperature Explain how this might be useful in sedimentation separations where a high concentration particle slurry is desired

Explanation / Answer

Flocculants help small particles(flocs) to come together and and stick to their surface through cohesive force. These small flocs form microflocs. Microflocs come together to form visible suspended macroflocs called pinflocs which increase the mass of flocs. These increase in mass helping in settling down of flocs with the help of gravitational pull. As the binding force between particles increase, it will increase the density of pinflocs and get settled faster.

In case of temperature- responsive polymers, as the temperature increases, polymer size or surface area increases and help flocs to stick to its surface faster. As much as flocs interact to polymer, its weight increases and because of gravitational pull it get settled down.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse I
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.