Size and density of flocculated sludge flocs

Abstract

The size and density of cationic polymer flocculated clay sludge and the so‐called “synthetic sludge”; are measured experimentally. Floc size and floc density are both a strong function of the polymer dose and the solution pH, however, the floc size/density relationship (and the fractal dimension as well) is little influenced. Furthermore, the floc size has no correlation with the optimal polymer dose determined on the basis of sludge dewaterability. The synthetic sludge can be employed in flocculation studies if the polymer dose has exceeded a critical value.

Key words:

• floc size
• density
• synthetic sludge
• flocculation
• free settling