ABSTRACT
III. Destabilization of Fine-Particle Suspensions............ 811 IV. Floc Formation and Growth....................................... 814
A. Collision Frequency............................................. 815 B. Collision Efficiency.............................................. 819 C. Floc Degradation ................................................. 820
V. Floc Structure ............................................................. 821 VI. Polymer-Induced Flocculation.................................... 823
A. Reagents .............................................................. 823
B. Flocculation Mechanisms .................................. 823 C. Polymer Adsorption ........................................... 824 D. Performance of Polymeric Flocculants ............. 826
1. Destabilization............................................. 826 2. Floc Growth ................................................. 829
E. Continuous Flocculation Processes ................... 834 F. Scale-Up.............................................................. 836
VII. Applications to Dewatering by Sedimentation and Filtration.................................................................... 837 A. Sedimentation .................................................... 838
1. Settling Characteristics............................... 838 2. Clarification ................................................. 840 3. Thickening ................................................... 841
B. Filtration ............................................................ 843 1. Deep-Bed Filtration..................................... 843 2. Cake Filtration ............................................ 844 3. Pressure Dewatering ................................... 846
References............................................................................ 847
I. INTRODUCTION
Flocculation is a process of aggregation of fine suspended particles that is commonly carried out in order to facilitate solid-liquid separation by sedimentation or filtration. The size of the aggregates (flocs) produced largely determines their settling behavior; floc structure, especially floc density, also affects settling characteristics and is particularly important in controlling filter cake permeability.
