Flocculation Options In Daf For Water Quality

The focus of this study was on exploring flocculation and the removal efficiency of particles in the DAF process using high hydraulic energy in the contact zone. First, a batch test was performed to compare the turbidity removal efficiency with and without flocculation. Results showed that flocculation could be omitted under specific conditions using hydraulic energy in the DAF process. Next, the turbidity removal efficiency, according to the hydraulic loading rate, was compared for the following cases: without flocculation, installation of baffles in the contact zone without flocculation, inclusion of a flocculator in the contact zone without flocculation, and inclusion of a flocculator with flocculation. The results showed that application of conventional flocculation, operation of a flocculator in the contact zone, installation of baffles in the contact zone, and elimination of flocculation are highly efficient. In particular, when the hydraulic loading rate was as low as 6, the efficiency of the process was >90%. When the hydraulic loading rate was 10, as in current water treatment plants, installation of either a flocculator or baffles in the contact zone resulted in over 90% efficiency. The hydraulic energy is high due to the injection of pressurized water into the contact zone, and appropriate installations in the contact zone lead to a decrease in the load of flocculation in DAF.