Abstract
This study quantifies the effect of polymer flocculation (at the head of the plant) upon the dewatering of sludges generated in conventional drinking water treatment. A rigorous theoretical framework was used to extract two dewatering parameters that fully characterise basic operations from clarification and thickening to centrifugation and filtration.
Coagulation and flocculation were carried out under various conditions representative of full-scale operation. Two high-molecular-mass polymers were used: one weakly cationic, the other weakly anionic.
The results indicate that flocculation has little effect on the equilibrium parameter, 'compressive yield stress', suggesting the internal aggregate structure
was unchanged. Moreover, flocculation typically led to a twofold improvement in the dynamics, represented by the 'hindered settling function'.
As industrial processes tend to be rate-limited, the latter enhancement is expected to translate directly into commensurate increases in throughput.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings from Ozwater '10, Australia's national water conference and exhibition |
Place of Publication | Artarmon, N.S.W. |
Publisher | Australian Water Association |
Pages | 1-8 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781921335099 |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Ozwater'10 : Australia's national water conference and exhibition - Brisbane, Australia Duration: 8 Mar 2010 → 10 Mar 2010 |
Conference
Conference | Ozwater'10 : Australia's national water conference and exhibition |
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City | Brisbane, Australia |
Period | 8/03/10 → 10/03/10 |