Effect of dispersion degree and colloidal suspension concentration on the coagulation process – a computer simulation

• Published in: Desalination and water treatment 2020-08, Vol.196, p.123-130
• Main Authors: Wardzyńska, Regina, Załęska-Chróst, Beata
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coagulation rate; Colloidal suspension; Computer simulation
• ISSN: 1944-3986
• DOI: 10.5004/dwt.2020.26060

This paper presents the findings of a study on the impact of the sol dispersion degree and concentration on the kinetics of coagulation–flocculation of a colloidal suspension. The study was conducted with original ZB2 computer software, which simulates the processes of coagulation–flocculation of wastewater suspension. The software was created based on long-term studies of the processes of coagulation and electrocoagulation conducted with natural and model wastewater. The results of simulation studies were tested by conventional rate equations for first and second-order reactions. The simulated coagulation process rate was found to be consistent with the kinetic equations of first and second-order reactions. The sol concentration was found to have a significant effect on the colloidal system destabilization time. An increase in the sol concentration brought about an increase in the colloidal suspension coagulation–flocculation rate. The simulated coagulation rate depended on the sol dispersion degree and increased with an increasing ratio of sol particle radius to the coagulant particle radius. The impact of the sol concentration on the colloidal system destabilization time decreased with the increasing size of the sol particles.