ANÁLISE E MODELAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA DO RECRESCIMENTO DE FLOCOS EM ÁGUA COM TURBIDEZ ELEVADA

Abstract

The correct dimensioning and operation of flocculation stage affects directly the performance of a water treatment plant. This process occurs after adding iron or aluminum salts and the rapid shaking of the mixture. In this step occurs slow agitation of that mix, if take place turbulence in the water can cause the rupture of the flakes, causing the phenomenon of re-flocculation or re-growing of the flakes. The re-flocculation can cause change in water features, such as, change of turbidity and alteration in the time of sedimentation. This work investigated the phenomenon of re-growing of the flakes and proposes mathematical modelling of flocculation and re-flocculation, in order to compare if in fact there is a significant improvement between the processes. To do so was used the equipment jars type (jartest) and also water with high turbidity, around 100 uT, which was introduced in the study water using a kaolinite suspension.

Index Terms – floculation, mathematical modelling, re-flocculation, aggregation, ruptures.