10

FLOCCULATION - SETTLING
FLOTATION
1.ADDITION OF REAGENTS
The effectiveness of the flocculation process
is directly affected by the efficiency of prior
coagulation. To ensure the latter the reagent
must be dispersed virtually instantaneously
in a coagulation chamber, a flash-mix
reactor characterized by high power input
and a high velocity gradient (see page 135).
Depending on the technology, the liquid's
retention time varies from a few seconds to
a few minutes.

1.1.
IMPELLER TYPE FLASH
MIXERS
These cylindrical (steel) or rectangular
(concrete) tanks are fitted with a high speed
impeller type mixer (Figure 295).
Depending on their design, retention time
varies from 1 up to 3 minutes, for the
largest. The velocity gradient is between 250
and 1,000 s -1 depending upon the
application.
The reagent is fed into the zone of highest
turbulence, i.e., above or below the impeller,
depending on the flow direction (upward or
downward).
For some applications in which the velocity
gradient must be adjustable according to the
temperature or a varying pollution load, the
impeller mixer is fitted with a variable speed
drive.
 Chap. 10: Flocculation - Settling - Flotation

1.2.
STATIC MIXERS

Static mixers are placed directly in the

treatment line upstream from the
flocculation phase.
These units feature high velocity
gradients (2,000 to 30,000 s -1 ), and brief
retention times (generally less than one
second). The power dissipated is directly
linked to their head loss, and the quality of
the mixing is a function of their design. Unit
efficiency decreases with the flow rate to be
treated.

1.2.1. The Radialmix

This static mixer features hydraulic radial diffusion. It
comprises a nozzle
located on the pipe's centre line and a
diaphragm with a peripheral opening.
Standard models are available for pipe
diameters from 100 to 400 mm. The head
loss ranges from 0.2 to 5 m of WC
depending on the model and the application. • Radialmix 2 M
• Radialmix type 1 Primarily intended for feeding reagents into
(Figure 296 a) liquids with a high solids content. The unit is
This mixer is best suited for inorganic housed in a sleeve and has a nozzle without an
reagents and polymers injected at a flow rate impeller.
qi that is lower than the flow rate Q of the
liquid to be treated.
It is designed to allow injection of
concentrated solutions.
0.0005% < qi < 1% of Q
The reagent is pre-diluted in the short
dosing line.
• Radialmix type 2
The flow rate qi of liquid to be injected is
higher than for the previous unit (qi > 0.5%
of Q). The head loss exceeds 0.2 m of WC,
and is adjusted according to the application.
There are three models of type 2 Radialmix.
 1. Addition of reagents
• Radialmix 2 MH
Similar to the Radialmix 2 M, but with a
nozzle and impeller. This mixer is not
.suitable for fluids containing coarse or
fibrous particles.
1.2.2. The MSC
This cyclone-type mixer is suited for sludge
conditioning applications (Figure 297). It
consists of a cylindrical section equipped
• Radialmix 2 C
This compact model is housed in an orifice
plate and is fitted with a nozzle and impeller.
It is especially suited for addition of clear
reagents or liquids.
with sludge and reagent inlets, contiguous
with a conical section in which the spiral
motion ensures complete mixing. The
cylindrical section also has two adjustable
deflectors.
 Chap. 10; Flocculation - Settling - Flotation
1.3.
TURBACTOR
The Turbactor (Figure 298) is a closed
flash-mix reactor having no moving
parts. It is designed to operate under
pressure and consists o f two sections:
- a vigorous hydraulic mixing zone,
- a contact zone which eliminates short
circuits.
The unit, of plastic or protected steel
construction, may be fitted with a pH and
rH control system, making it suitable for
neutralization or detoxication applications
as well as coagulation. For these
applications, the minimum retention time is
two minutes, and the velocity gradient is
about 600 s-1 for a liquid viscosity of 1
centipoise.