Effects of hydrodynamics and coagulant doses on particle aggregation during a rapid mixing

Abstract

The effects of hydrodynamics and alum dose on particle growth were investigated by monitoring particle counts in a rapid mixing process. Experiments were performed to measure the particle growth and breakup under various conditions. The rapid mixing scheme consisted of the following operating parameters: Velocity gradient (G) (200-300 s-1), alum dose (10-50 mg/L) and mixing time (30-180 s). The Poisson regression model was applied to assess the effects of the doses and velocity gradient with mixing time. The mechanism for the growth and breakup of particles was elucidated. An increase in alum dose was found to accelerate the particle count reduction. The particle count at a G value of 200 s-1 decreased more rapidly than those at 300 s-1. The growth and breakup of larger particles were more clearly observed at higher alum doses. Variations of particles due to aggregation and breakup of micro-flocs in rapid mixing step were interactively affected by G, mixing time and alum dose. Micro-flocculation played an important role in a rapid mixing process.