What is the difference between coagulation and flocculation

Our portfolio also includes high-performance emulsion flocculants. Our proprietary emulsion breaker and carrier systems result in reduced polymer emulsion settling rates and low formation of insoluble material. For any wastewater pretreatment program that deals with suspended solids, coagulants can consolidate suspended contaminants for easy removal.

Chemical coagulants used in industrial wastewater pretreatment fall into one of two categories: organic and inorganic coagulants. Inorganic coagulants are cost-effective and can be used in a wider variety of applications. They are especially effective on any raw water with low turbidity, an application not fit for organic coagulants.

While effective, this process adds to the overall sludge volume that needs to be removed from the water. Frequently used inorganic coagulants include aluminum sulfate, aluminum chloride, and ferric sulfate. Organic coagulants offer the advantages of lower dosages, lower volumes of produced sludge, and no effect on the pH of the treated water.

Examples of common organic coagulants include polyamines and polyDADMACs, as well as melamine formaldehydes and tannins. It requires the presence of both physical and chemical processes. Coagulation and flocculation steps are important aspects in the context of drinking and wastewater treatment since it allows the separation of suspended particles present in water effectively.

Coagulation is a chemical process and flocculation is a physical process, In coagulation, the process involves the utilization of a coagulant that has the ability to destabilize the charged particles which are not settleable whilst flocculation involves a similar destabilization process that is achieved through physical mixing and by adding organic polymers.

This is the difference between coagulation and flocculation. You can download PDF version of this article and use it for offline purposes as per citation note.

Available here 2. Available here. Public Domain via Commons Wikimedia 2. Samanthi Udayangani holds a B. Degree in Plant Science, M. Your email address will not be published. Figure Coagulation in Water Treatment. Figure Drinking Water Purification Process. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Coagulation vs Flocculation in Water Treatment.

Coagulation is an important step in water treatment and it involves in the addition of a coagulant to enhance the clotting of suspended particles in water. Flocculation is another important step in water treatment and it involves in the formation of visible flocs by mechanical or physical mixing. Process Type. Added Compounds.

Coagulants such as inorganic salts of aluminum or iron that neutralize the suspended particles are added during coagulation. Flocculant such as an organic polymer that involves in bridging and strengthening the flocs is added. It also increase the weight of the flocs and increases the rate of settling. Search for:. Experts in treating problematic wastewater.

Prize-winning SCWO-technology. Leading Provider of wastewater solutions. Press room Videos. Coagulation and flocculation usage in wastewater treatment. About coagulation and flocculation. The definition of coagulation and flocculation is not uniform throughout the industry and to prevent any misunderstandings we define the terms as: Coagulation: Particles that aggregate with themselves e.

Flocculation: Particles that aggregate by the use of polymers that binds them together. Treatment of industrial wastewater A common use of coagulation and flocculation for wastewater treatment is in the galvanic industry. Tech talk. Coagulation: These two layers around the particle cause it to be stable in the water. End treatment: When particles or ions are precipitated from the solution further treatment with e.