MWH’S WATER TREATMENT

PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN

3rd Edition

by Crittenden, Trussell, Hand, Howe, and Tchobanoglous

HOMEWORK SOLUTION MANUAL

FOR

Chapter 9
Coagulation and Flocculation

Note: If any errors are noted in this solution manual or in the textbook, please notify
Kerry Howe at howe@unm.edu
PROBLEM 9-1

Problem Statement - If the electrophoretic velocity of a migrating particle is 12.5 µm/s

and the electrical field is 100 V/cm, estimate the zeta potential at 25º C if the value
of the constant K2 is 4π. The viscosity of water at 25º C is 0.89 × 10–3 N·s/m2, and
the relative permitivity for water is 78.54.

Solution
1. Calculate electrophoretic mobility (see Eq. 9-3).
v E 12.5 µm / s
v=
o
= = 0.125 ( µm / s ) / ( V / cm )
E 100 V / cm
2. Calculate zeta potential using Eq. 9-3.
(0.125 µmcm / s V)(4 π)(0.890 x 10 −3 Ns / m2 )(1 m /106 µm)(1 m /102 cm)
Z=
(78.54)(8.854188 x 10-12 C2 /Jm)
= 0.0201
= V 20.1 mV

PROBLEM 9-2

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-1.

Problem Statement - Particles are present in a water with the following chemical
characteristics. Estimate the thickness of the particle electrical double layer.

Concentration, Concentration,
Cation Anion
mg/L mg/L
Ca2 + 40.0 HCO3– 91.5
Mg2 + 12.2 SO42– 72
+ –
Na 15.1 Cl 22.9
+
K 5.1 NO3– 5.0

Solution
1. Determine the ionic strength of the sample water.
a. Convert the concentration of each ion to molar concentration.
For example:

Homework Solution Manual Page 2 of 20

MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
 mg 1g 1 mole
Ca2+  =
40 × × 1.0 10 −3 mole / L
=×
L 1000 mg 40 g
b. Compute the ionic strength I (see Eq. 9-4).
1
I= ∑
2 i
Ci Zi2

c. Tabulate the results from steps 1a and 1b.

Ions Ci (mole/L) Zi CiZi2
Ca2+ 1.00×10-3 2 4.00×10-3
Mg2+ 5.08×10-4 2 2.03×10-3
Na+ 6.57×10-4 1 6.57×10-4
K+ 1.31×10-4 1 1.31×10-4
HCO3- 1.50×10-3 -1 1.50×10-3
SO42- 7.50×10-4 -2 3.00×10-3
Cl- 6.45×10-4 -1 6.45×10-4
NO3- 8.06×10-5 -1 8.06×10-5
I 0.012

1. Estimate the thickness of the particle electrical double layer using Eq. 9-4.
1
−
 (2)(1000)e NA I  2 2
κ −1 =
1010  
 εεo k T 
1
−
 10 A (2)(1000L/m3 )(1.60219×10 −19 C) 2 (6.02205×10 23 /mole)(0.012mole/L)  2
κ −1
10=  −12 −23  27.7 A
 m  (78.54)(8.854188 ×10 C 2
/Jm)(1.38066 ×10 J/K)(273 + 25K) 

PROBLEM 9-3

Problem Statement - Determine the thickness of the particle electrical double layer if
the ionic strength is 0.0025 mole/L.

Solution

Calculate the particle electrical double layer using Eq. 9-4.

1
−
A (2)(1000L/m3 )(1.60219×10 −19 C) 2 (6.02205×10 23 /mole)(0.0025mole/L)  2
κ −1
(10= 10
)  60.8 A
m  (78.54)(8.854188×10 −12 C 2 /Jm)(1.38066×10 −23 J/K)(273 + 25K) 

Homework Solution Manual Page 3 of 20

MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
PROBLEM 9-4

Problem Statement - Prepare a plot of the thickness of the electrical double layer
versus the ionic strength.

Solution
1. Calculate the thickness of the electrical double layer at a given I using Eq. 9-4.
For example, when I = 0.001 mole/L, the thickness of the electrical double layer is
calculated as follows:
1
−
A (2)(1000L/m3 )(1.60219×10 −19 C) 2 (6.02205×10 23 /mole)(0.001mole/L)  2
κ −1 (10=
10
)  96.2 A
m  (78.54)(8.854188×10 −12 C 2 /Jm)(1.38066×10 −23 J/K)(273 + 25K) 

Calculate the thickness at other ionic strengths following the same procedure.
2. Plot the thickness of the electrical double layer versus the ionic strength.

The thickness of the electrical double layer shrinks dramatically with increasing
ionic strength when ionic strength is less than 0.03 mole/L.

PROBLEM 9-5

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-2.

Problem Statement - Calculate the amount of Fe(OH)3 precipitate formed and amount
of alkalinity consumed (expressed as CaCO3) by 25 mg/L dose of ferric sulfate
Fe2(SO4)3.

Homework Solution Manual Page 4 of 20

MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
Solution
1. Write the applicable stoichiometric equation (see Eq. 9-13).

Fe2(SO4)3·9H2O → 2Fe(OH)3 ↓ +6H+ + 3SO42- + 3H2O

2. Calculate the Fe(OH)3 produced during the reaction.

1 mole Fe2 (SO4 )3 2 mole Fe2 (OH)3 107g Fe2 (SO4 )3
Fe(OH)3 =(25g Fe2 (SO4 )3 ) � �� �� �
400g Fe2 (SO4 )3 1 mole Fe2 (SO4 )3 1 mole Fe2 (OH)3
mg
Fe(OH)3 =13.5 L

3. Calculate the alkalinity consumed during the reaction.

2-
mg 1 mole Fe2 (SO4 )3 3 mole SO 2 eq of alk 50g CaCO
Alk= �25 Fe2 (SO4 )3 � � 400g � �1 mole Fe (SO4 ) � � � � 1 eq of alk3�
L Fe2 (SO4 )3 2 4 3 1 mole SO
2-
4
mg
Alk=18.75 CaCO3
L

PROBLEM 9-6

Problem Statement - A natural water with a flow of 3800 L/d is to be treated with an
alum dosage of 60 mg/L. Determine the chemical feed rate for the alum, the
amount of alkalinity consumed by the reaction, and the precipitate produced in
mg/L and kg/day.

Solution
1. Determine the chemical feed rate for the alum.
L mg 1g
Amount of alum=3800 ×60 × 3 =228 g/d
d L 10 mg
2. Calculate the amount of alkalinity consumed by the reaction. Write the applicable
stoichiometric equation (see Eq. 9-11).

Al(SO4 )3 ∙14H2 O→2Al(OH)3 ↓+6H + +3SO2-

4 +8H2 O

Calculate the concentration of natural alkalinity required.

mg 1 mole Alum 3 mole SO2-4 2 eq of alk 50g CaCO3
Alk= �60 Alum� � �� �� 2-
�� �
L 594g Alum 1 mole Alum 1 mole SO4 1 eq of alk
mg
Alk=30.3 CaCO3
L

Homework Solution Manual Page 5 of 20

MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
3. Calculate the precipitate produced in mg/L and kg/day.
a. The precipitate produced in mg/L:
1 mole Al2 (SO4 )3 ∙14H2 O
Al(OH)3 = (60 mg⁄L Al2 (SO4 )3 ∙14H2 O) × � �
594g Al2 (SO4 )3 ∙14H2 O
2 mole Al(OH)3 78g Al(OH)3
� �� �
1 mole Al2 (SO4 )3 ∙14H2 O 1 mole Al(OH)3

Al(OH)3 =15.8 mg⁄L

b. The precipitate produced in kg/day.

(15.8 mg⁄L)(3800 m3 ⁄d)(103 L⁄m3 )

Al(OH)3 = =60 kg⁄day
106 mg⁄kg

PROBLEM 9-7

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-2.

Problem Statement - Determine the amount of Fe(OH)3 produced and the amount of
alkalinity consumed when 60 mg/L of ferric chloride [FeCl3 · 6H2O] is reacted with
a natural water. Assume enough alkalinity is present.

Solution
1. Write the applicable stoichiometric equation (see Eq. 9-12).
FeCl3 6H2O → Fe ( OH)3↓ + 3H+ + 3Cl− + 3H2O

2. Calculate Fe(OH)3 produced during reaction.

 1mole FeCl3 6H2O  1mole Fe(OH)3  107 gFe(OH)3 
Fe(OH)3 = ( 60 mg / L FeCl3 6H2 O )    
 270.5 gFeCl3 6H2O  1mole FeCl3 6H2O  1mole Fe(OH)3 
Fe(OH)3 = 23.7 mg/L

3. Calculate alkalinity consumed during the reaction.

 1mole FeCl3 6H2O   3 mole H
+
  1 eq of alk   50 g CaCO3 
Alk = ( 60 mg / LFeCl3 6H2 O )     +  
 270.5 gFeCl3 6H2O   1mole FeCl3 6H2O   1mole H   1 eq of alk 
Alk = 33.3 g / L as CaCO 3

Homework Solution Manual Page 6 of 20

MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
PROBLEM 9-8

Problem Statement - Determine the basicity of the following PACl compounds:

( a) Al4(OH)6 (Cl2)2, (b) Al2(OH)2Cl2SO4, and (c) Al15O6(OH)24SO4.

Solution
a. Determine the basicity of Al4(OH)6(Cl2)2.
1. Determine the molar ratio of the hydroxide bound to the metal ion.
[OH]/[M] = 6/4 = 3/2
2. Calculate the basicity using Eq. 9-16.
[OH] 3 1
Basicity =(100% ) =× (100% ) =
50%
[M] ZM 2 3

b. Determine the basicity of Al2(OH)2Cl2SO4.

1. Determine the molar ratio of the hydroxide bound to the metal ion.
[OH]/[M] = 2/2 = 1
2. Calculate the basicity using Eq. 9-16.
1
1× (100% ) =
Basicity = 33.3%
3
c. Determine the basicity of Al15O6(OH)24SO4.
1. Determine the molar ratio of the hydroxide bound to the metal ion.
Each mole of oxygen will neutralize two moles of hydrogen.
([OH]+2[O2])/[M] = (24+2 x 6)/15 = 2.4
2. Calculate the basicity using Eq. 9-16.
1
2.4 × (100% ) =
Basicity = 80%
3

PROBLEM 9-9

Problem Statement - The following data were obtained from a bench-scale coagulation
flocculation test. Using these data, estimate the alum dosage for turbidity removal
and for NOM removal.

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
 Alum Dose, mg/L DOC, mg/L Turbidity, NTU
0.00 5.00 2.50
10.0 5.10 2.05
20.0 5.25 1.65
30.0 5.00 1.25
40.0 4.50 0.800
50.0 4.00 0.500
60.0 3.40 0.480
70.0 2.80 0.470
80.0 2.45 0.450
100 2.00 0.440
120 1.95
140 1.90

Solution
1. Plot turbidity and DOC concentration versus alum dose.

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
2. Estimate the alum dosage for turbidity removal and for NOM removal.
a. For turbidity removal:
Turbidity removal plateaus at an alum dose of approximately 50 mg/L, as
shown on the figure in step 1. Therefore, the optimum alum dosage for
turbidity removal is 50 mg/L.
b. For NOM removal:
Dissolved organic carbon removal plateaus at an alum dose of approximately
100 mg/L, as shown on the figure in step 1. Therefore, the optimum alum
dosage for NOM removal is 100 mg/L.

PROBLEM 9-10

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-3.

Problem Statement - Estimate the DOC removal using alum as a function of dose for a
concentration range varying from 10 to 90 mg/L for the following conditions: initial
DOC = 5 mg/L, initial UV254 absorbance = 0.138 cm-1, and pH = 7.

Solution

1. Calculate the molar concentration of alum at 10 mg/L.

mg  2mmolAl3+ 
 Al  =
3+
10 alum ×  =0.0337mmol / L Al3+
L  594mgalum 

2. Calculate the specific UV absorbance using Eq.9-18.

 cm   0.138 cm−1 
(SUVA)i =
 100 × =2.76 L / mg.m
 m   5 mg / L 

3. Calculate the non-adsorbable DOC using Eq.9-19 and model parameter from
Table 9-8.

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
4. Calculate the total adsorbent capacity using Eq.9-21 and model parameter from
Table 9-8.

mg DOC
Q m= 4.91 × 73 − 74.2 × 72 + 284 × 7= 36.33
mmol Al3+

5. Calculate the quadratic coefficients B and C using Eqs.9-24 and 9-25.

mg mmol 1 mg mg mg
=B 36.33 × 0.0337 + −5 + 1.765= 4.79
mmol L 0.147 L / mg L L L

1.765mg / L − 5mg / L mg2

C= = −22 2
0.147L / mg L

6. Calculate the adsorbable DOC remaining in solution using Eq.9-25.

−4.79mg / L + (4.79mg / L)2 − 4(−22mg2 / L2 )

DOCa,f =
2
= 2.87mg / L

7. Calculate the total DOC remaining in solution using Eq.9-17.

DOC f = 1.765 + 2.87 = 4.637mg / L

8. Calculate the DOC removal and percent removal.

DOC removal =5 − 4.637 = 0.363mg / L

0.363
% DOC removal= × 100= 7.2%
5
9. Repeat for concentrations up to 90 mg/L and tabulate the results.

Alum concentration DOC removal DOC removal

(mg/L) (mg/L) (%)
10 0.363 7.3%
20 0.670 13.4%
30 0.929 18.6%
40 1.148 23.0%

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
 50 1.335 26.7%
60 1.495 29.9%
70 1.633 32.7%
80 1.752 35.0%
90 1.856 37.1%

Comment
When the alum dose increases from 10 mg/L to 90 mg/L, DOC removal efficiency
increases from 7.3 percent to 37.1 percent.

PROBLEM 9-11

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-3.

Problem Statement - Estimate the DOC removal using ferric chloride as a function of
dose varying from 5 to 50 mg/L for the following conditions: initial DOC = 5 mg/L,
initial UV254 absorbance = 0.138 cm-1, and pH = 7.

Solution

1. Calculate the molar concentration of iron at 5 mg/L.

mg  1mmolFe3+ 
 Al  =
3+
5 alum ×  =0.031mmol / LFe3+
L  162.2mgalum 
2. Calculate the specific UV absorbance using Eq.9-18.

cm  0.138 cm−1 
(SUVA)i =
(100 ) ×  =2.76 L / mg.m
m  5 mg / L 

3. Calculate the nonadsorbable DOC using Eq.9-19 and model parameter from
Table 9-8.

mg  L 
DOCna = 5  −0.028 × 2.76 + 0.23 = 0.764 mg / L
L  mg.m 

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
4. Calculate the total adsorbent capacity using Eq.9-21 and model parameter from
Table 9-8.

mg DOC
Q m= 4.96 × 73 − 73.9 × 72 + 280 × 7= 40.18
mmol Fe3+

5. Calculate the quadratic coefficients B and C using Eqs.9-24 and 9-25.

mg mmol 1 mg mg mg
=B 40.18 × 0.0308 + −5 + 0.764
= 11.7
mmol L 0.068 L / mg L L L

0.764mg / L − 5mg / L mg2

C= = −62.3 2
0.068L / mg L

6. Calculate the adsorbable DOC remaining in solution using Eq.9-25

−11.7mg / L + (11.7mg / L)2 − 4(−62.3mg2 / L2 )

DOCa,f =
2
= 3.97mg / L

7. Calculate the total DOC remaining in solution using Eq.9-17

DOC f = 0.764 + 3.97 = 4.73mg / L

8. Calculate the DOC removal and percent removal

DOC removal =5 − 4.736 = 0.263mg / L

0.263
% DOC removal= × 100= 5.3%
5
9. Repeat for concentrations up to 50 mg/L and tabulate the results.

Ferric Chloride concentration DOC removal DOC removal

(mg/L) (mg/L) (%)
5 0.26 5.3%
10 0.50 10.0%
15 0.72 14.3%
20 0.91 18.3%
25 1.09 21.8%

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
 30 1.25 25.1%
35 1.40 28.0%
40 1.54 30.7%
45 1.66 33.2%
50 1.78 35.5%

Comment
When the iron dose increases from 5 mg/L to 50 mg/L, DOC removal efficiency
increases from 5.3 percent to 35.5 percent.

PROBLEM 9-12

Problem Statement - Using the collision frequency functions for macroscale

flocculation, microscale flocculation, and flocculation due to differential settling
given by Eqs. 9-30, 9-42, and 9-50, respectively, demonstrate the correctness of
Fig. 9-19. Use a particle size di of 2.0 µm and particles dj ranging in size from 100
Å to 50 µm, a G value of 100 s–1, and a water temperature of 15º C.

Solution
1. Collision frequency function for dj = 100 A.
a. Calculate the collision frequency function for macroscale flocculation using
Eq. 9-30.

G ( di + d j )
1 3
=
βM
6
3
1 1 1m 1m  −16
βM = × 100  2µm × 6 + 100A × 10  = 1.35 × 10
6 s 10 µm 10 µm 

Log(βM ) =−15.87

b. Calculate the collision frequency function for microscale flocculation using Eq.
9-42.

 2kT   1 1
=βµ    +  ( di + d j )
 3µ   di d j 

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
  2 × 1.3805 × 10 −23 K particle
J
 1 1 
βµ    + 
 3 × 1.139 × 10 −3 N2s   2µm × 1m 100A ×
1m

 m  106 µm 1010 µm 

 1m 1m  −16
 2µm × 6 + 100A × 10 =  4.70 × 10
 10 µ m 10 µm 
Log(βµ ) =−15.33

c. Calculate the collision frequency function for differential settling using Eq. 9-
50.
π(ρp − ρl )g 
( di + d j ) ( di − d j ) 
3
=βDS
72µ 
 

βDS
( )
π 1100 mkg3 − 999.1 mkg3 × 9.81 sm2  1m 1m 
3

 2µm × 6 + 100A × 10 
72 × 1.139 × 10 −3 Nm2s  10 µm 10 µm 
 1m 1m  −19
 2µm × 6 − 100A × 10 =  6.13 × 10
 10 µm 10 µm 

Log(βDS ) =
−18.21
2. Calculate collision frequency function for other dj and plot the Log collision
frequency function versus dj.

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
PROBLEM 9-13

Problem Statement - Based on your reading of this chapter, provide a brief answer to
the following questions: (a) Who first came up with the principal idea behind
flocculation theory? When? (b) Who were the first people to put flocculation into
practice? When? (c) Who proposed the concept of RMS velocity gradient? When?

Solution
a. Smolochoski first came up with the microscale flocculation mechanism in 1917.
Langlier came up with the macroscale flocculation mechanism in 1921 and
O’Melia came up with the differential settling mechanism in 1978.
b. Langlier was the first person to put flocculation into practice in 1921.
c. Camp and Stein proposed the concept of RMS velocity gradient in 1943.

PROBLEM 9-14

Problem Statement - Based on your reading of this chapter, provide a brief answer to
the following questions: (a) Flocculation installations can be divided into what two
groups? (b) Which type of flocculator produces very large and fluffy floc? (c) What
are two advantages of vertical turbines versus horizontal-shaft paddles for
flocculation? (d) What are the two principal impeller types used for flocculation? (e)
What is the principal disadvantage of hydraulic flocculators?

Solution
a. Flocculation installations can be divided into mechanical flocculation and hydraulic
flocculation.
b. Hydraulic flocculation produces very large and fluffy floc.
c. Advantages of vertical turbines versus horizontal shaft paddles:
1. Flocculators can be maintained or replaced without basin shutdown.
2. Highest energy input potential.
d. The impellers used for mixing can be placed in two broad classifications:
1. radial flow impellers
2. axial flow impeller
e. The principal disadvantage of hydraulic flocculators is little flexibility.
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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
PROBLEM 9-15

Problem Statement - Which impeller is better at keeping solids suspended in a tank?

Solution
Down-pumping axial flow impellers help keep the particles in the tank in suspension.

PROBLEM 9-16

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-7.

Problem Statement - A first-stage flocculator uses a six-bladed Rusthon turbine 2 m in

diameter rotating at 25 rev/min. What is the Reynolds number? How much power
must be applied to the shaft to rotate it? What flow does the impeller pump?

Solution
1. Determine the Reynolds number using Eq. 9-57.

=
Re
D2Nρ
=
( 22 m2 )( 25min−1 )( 999.7Kg / m=
3
) 1.27 × 106
µ  s 
 (1.31× 10 kg /(ms) )
−3
 60
 min 
2. Determine the power applied to the shaft to rotate it.
a. Obtain the power number, NP from Table 9-12.
The power number for a Rushton turbine ranges from 4.5 – 5.5. Use NP = 5
b. Calculate the power required using Eq. 9-58.
3
 min 
5 ( 998kg / m )  25min−1× ( 2m )
5
P =ρ
NP N D = 3 5 3

 60 s 
=
1.16 × 10 4 W = 11.6kW
3. The impeller pumps radial flow and creates substantial trailing vortices.

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
PROBLEM 9-17

Problem Statement - The impeller in Problem 9-16 is in a tank 4 m square and 4 m

deep. What are the tank turnover time and G values.

Solution
1. Determine the tank turnover time.
a. Calculate the volume of tank.
V = (4m)2 x 4m = 64 m3
b. Obtain the pumping number, NQ from Table 9-12.
The pumping number for a Rushton turbine is 0.72.
c. Calculate the flow rate be rearranging Eq. 9-46.
 min 
( 2m ) =
3
Q= 0.72  25min−1×
NQND3 =  2.4m3 / s
 60 s 
d. Calculate the tank turnover time.
t = V/Q = 64 m3/(2.4 m3/s) = 26.7 s

2. Determine the G value.

a. Calculate the power required using Eq. 9-58.
1. Obtain the power number, NP from Table 9-12. The power number for a
Rushton turbine ranges from 4.5 – 5.5. Use NP = 5
2. Calculate the power required using Eq. 9-58. (See Appendix C for fluid
density values.)
3
 min 
5 ( 998kg / m )  25min−1× ( 2m )
5
P =ρ
NP N D = 3 5 3

 60 s 
=
1.16 × 10 4 W = 11.6kW

b. Calculate the G value using Eq. 9-35. (See Appendix C for values of the
absolute viscosity of water.)

P 1.16 × 10 4 W
=G = = 371 s −1
µV 1.31 × 10 −3 kg / (m ⋅ s) × 64m3

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MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
PROBLEM 9-18

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-9.

Problem Statement - What is the largest paddle wheel that meets the design criteria in
Table 9-14? How many paddle boards may be used on such a wheel?

Solution
1. The largest paddle wheel that meets the design criteria in Table 9-14 is the 4 m
diameter wheel.
2. Determine the number of boards that may be used.
a. Estimate the basin area.
1. Calculate the basin length.
length of the basin = dia of the paddle wheel + 2 x wall clearance
length of the basin = (4 m) + 2(0.7 m) = 5.4 m
2. Calculate the basin width.
The paddle board length is selected from Table 9-14. Use the longest
available board (3.5 m) to maximize construction efficiency.
width of the basin = (3.5 m) + 2(0.7 m) = 4.9 m
3. Calculate the basin area from the length and width determined in steps
2aii and 2aiii.
area of the basin = 5.4 m x 4.9 m = 26.5 m2
a. Estimate the total area of boards.
According to Table 9-14, the area of the boards should be smaller than 20
percent of tank section area.
Apaddle boards = 0.2 x 26.5 = 5.3 m2
c. Estimate the number of boards.
area of one board = 3.5 m x 0.15 m = 0.525 m2
n = 5.3 m2 / 0.525 m2 = 10

Conclusion
Ten boards may be used on a 4 m diameter wheel. If the paddle wheel flocculators
have the same design as Example 9-9, 12 boards may be used on a wheel.
Homework Solution Manual Page 18 of 20
MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
PROBLEM 9-19

Instructors Note: This problem is similar to Example 9-9.

Problem Statement - Design a flocculation compartment for a horizontal-shaft

flocculator with two paddles like that in Example 9-9. How fast must the paddle
wheel rotate in that compartment to generate a G value 30 s–1?

Solution
G
1. Determine the water power input required to achieve a value of 30 s-1 using Eq
9-35.
= G2µV
P
( 30 s−1 ) 1.31× 10 −3 kg /(ms) ( 208.3 m3=
) 245.6 kg ⋅ m2 / s=3 245.6 J / s
2
=
P

2. Determine the power required by the paddles by rearranging Eq. 9-61, and noting
that the area and shape of first, second, and third boards is the same, therefore:
ρ CD A p
=P ( Vinside
3
paddles ) + ( Vmiddle paddles ) + ( Voutside paddles )
3 3

2  
a. Determine area of boards at each position (inside, middle, and outside):
Ap = (2 wheel)(4 boards/wheel)(0.15 m)(2.97 m) = 3.56 m2
b. Check length to width ratio and select drag coefficient, CD.
Paddle L/W = 2.97/0.15 = 19.8
From Table 9-14, CD ~ 1.5
b. Develop parameters needed to determine paddle power requirements.
The velocity of the paddles = r 2π N/(60 s/min)(0.75)
Where r = distance to centerline of paddle from center of rotation
N = shaft rotational speed, rev/min
0.75 = relative velocity of paddle with respect to fluid
The diameter of the paddle wheel is 4 m, rwheel = 2 m
rinside = r1 = 0.67 – 0.15/2 = 0.595 m
rmiddle = r2 = 1.33 – 0.15/2 = 1.255 m
routside = r3 = 2.0 – 0.15/2 = 1.925 m

Homework Solution Manual Page 19 of 20

MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation
 d. Substitute the known values into the paddle power equation, Eq. 9-61.
ρ CD A p
=P ( V 3 ) + ( Vmiddle
3
paddles ) + ( Voutside paddles )
3

2  inside paddles 
ρ CD A p  2 π N(0.75)  3
3

=P r1 + r23 + r33 

2  (60 s / min)  
3
 (998 kg / m3 )(1.5)(3.56m3 )   2 π N(0.75) 
P =  
 2   (60 s / min) 

x ( 0.595 ) + (1.255 ) + (1.925 ) 

3 3 3

P = (2,664.7)(4.85 x10 −4 N3 )(9.321)

3. Equate the required power determined in Step 1 to meet the G value to the power
required by the paddles as determined in Step 2 above, and solve for N to
determine the shaft rotational speed.
245.6 = (2,664.7)(4.85 x10 −4 N3 )(9.321)

436.7
3=
N 2.73 rev / min
(2,664.7)(4.85 x10 −4 )(9.321)

PROBLEM 9-20

Problem Statement - What is the minimum water depth for a hydraulic flocculator?

Solution
The minimum water depth for a hydraulic flocculator is 1 m.

PROBLEM 9-21

Problem Statement - Describe, in your own words, the principal advantages of an

Alabama flocculator versus a variable gate flocculator.

Solution
1. The principal advantages of an Alabama flocculator are that the flow arrangement
is simple and the entrance pipe can create the jet.
2. The principal advantage of a variable-gate flocculator is that the flexible design
enables hydraulic flocculation to achieve constant mixing at variable flow.
Homework Solution Manual Page 20 of 20
MWH’s Water Treatment: Principles and Design, 3rd ed. Version 1
Chapter 9 - Coagulation and Flocculation