Unit 2 – Mixing, Coagulation, and Flocculation

Learning Objectives
List the major chemicals used in the coagulation process and explain their importance to
the process.
Explain the importance of flocculation to conventional filtration.

List two types of mechanical flocculators in common use.

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 COAGULATION

All waters, especially surface waters, contain both dissolved and suspended particles. Coagulation and
flocculation processes are used to separate the suspended solids portion from the water. After souce water
has been screened and passes through the optional steps of pre-chlorination and aeration, it is ready for
coagulation and flocculation. This two step process may appear as three separate functions:

1. Mixing

2. Coagulation

3. Flocculation

Mixing

Mixing – The introduction and uniform dispersal of chemicals into the water in as short
a time period (rapid) as possible.

 Besides distributing a coagulant evenly through the water, rapid mixing is to encourage collisions
between suspended particles.

 Figure 2.1 is a schematic of the mixing/coagulation/flocculation process. Note:

o The coagulant should be added just in front of the mixer (mechanical or static).

 Floc that is too large may be caused by chemical addition at

the wrong point.

o The flash mixer is located before the coagulation basin.

Rapid
Mixer
Coagulant
Coagulant
pH Aid Baffle Flocculator (typ) Baffle
Adjustment Wall Wall
Chemicals

Flash Mixing/ Flocculation

Coagulation

Figure 2.1 - Mixing, Coagulation & Flocculation Schematic

 This process is commonly referred to as flash mixing. Flash mixing occurs in a very short time and
the results are the formation of very small particles.

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 COAGULATION

Mixing Methods

There are two methods for mixing: Hydraulic and Mechanical.

Hydraulic Mixing: installed in-line in a process stream. The

associated pipe or conduit can be round, square or rectangular in
shape.

 Uses the hydraulic energy of the flowing water.

 Is often called Static Mixing.

Figure 2.2 - Static Mixer 1

Mechanical Mixing: widely used for rapid mixing because of their good control features. They are usually
placed in a small chamber or tank and include the propeller, impeller, or turbine types. Mechanical mixers
can also be mounted directly into a pipeline; they are then referred to as in-line-mixers.

 Mechanical equipment is used to stir the water.

 This equipment has a propeller that usually has a vertical orientation.

Figure 2.3 - Mechanical Mixer 2

Figure 2.4 - Mechanical Mixer Figure 2.5 – Static Mixer

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 COAGULATION

Coagulation

Coagulant Chemicals

Coagulation and flocculation occur in successive steps intended to overcome the forces stabilizing the
suspended particles, allowing particle collision and growth of floc. If step one is incomplete, the following
step will be unsuccessful. Therefore, a coagulant chemical is mixed into the water. All chemicals used in
the water treatment process must be approved by both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for potable water use.

Primary Coagulants: Purpose is to aid in the removal of nonsettleable solids from water. Used to cause
particles to become destabilized and begin to clump together.

Suspended particles in water normally have a negative (-) charge. Since these particles all have the same
charge, they repel each other, keeping each other from settling. Coagulation neutralizes the forces; once
the repulsive forces have been neutralized these particles can stick together (agglomerate) when they
collide. The force which holds the floc together is called the Van der Waals force.

Figure 2.6 – Charge Neutralization

There are a variety of primary coagulants which can be used in a water treatment plant.

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