Flocculation

Abstract

The process of flocculation is the gathering together or aggregation of small masses, usually in a liquid media, into larger masses called flocs. Although this definition is generally applicable, various other definitions or refinements, especially when used in conjunction with the term coagulation, may be found in the literature. Small suspended particles or colloids impede the separation of solids and liquids, resulting, for example, in excessively long sedimentation or filtration times. Increasing the particle size by flocculation alleviates these difficulties. The objectives of flocculation are to allow rapid separation or drainage of the liquid phase from a suspended solid phase, minimize the solids remaining in the liquid phase, and maximize the solids content in the solid phase (dewatering). In order for flocculation to occur, chemicals called flocculants or coagulants are introduced to the solid suspension. Most of these chemicals are water‐soluble polymers The principal practical applications of flocculation are in raw and waste‐water clarification, sludge dewatering, mineral processing, and paper making.

Grafted polysaccharides based on acrylamide and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide: Preparation and investigation of their flocculation performances

“…The process of the flocculation1, 2 is the aggregation of small particles in a liquid suspension into larger masses called flocs. Inorganic flocculants commonly referred to as coagulants, were used before but they are less effective 3.…”

Optimum Dosage and Product Selection Guidance for Flocculant Usage in Construction Stormwater Treatment

“…Flocculants provide a cost-effective and convenient solution for solid-liquid separation by facilitating the rapid settling of suspended solid particles (23). These chemical agents increase the effective particle size in solid suspension by attracting and bonding fine-sized suspended particles to form flocs (24). An assortment of flocculants are commercially available and marketed for construction stormwater management applications (23).…”

“…Flocculants have been used for several decades across many water treatment applications including wastewater, mineral processing, and municipal sewage sludge purification (31). The effectiveness of flocculants in removing suspended sediment is well documented (24)(25)(26). Dosage in these applications is primarily applied using active treatment methods.…”

Stationary Distribution and Extinction of a Stochastic Microbial Flocculation Model with Regime Switching

“…e flocculation process is a phenomenon in which small clumps usually aggregate into large clumps in a liquid medium [1]. Usually, a certain substance is added to the solid suspension, which can promote the occurrence of flocculation, and is generally called a flocculant.…”