A MODEL FOR FLOCCULATION IN A GRAVEL REACTOR - DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT

A simplified kinetic model of particle aggregation was developed and a ssessed to serve as a basis for the process design of a flocculation g ravel-packed, baffled-channel reactor system. The applied model parame ters were determined from a pilot study, Data expressing the variation of the residual turbidity with Gr values was used in analysing the co rrelation with the model-related curves. By introducing an experimenta lly determined flocculation rate coefficient (K-A), the model yielded curves that closely fit the experimental data. The flocculation rate c oefficient was found to vary linearly with initial turbidity concentra tion and the size of the gravel used as the packing medium. Equations relating these variations were then computed. The effect of the coagul ant dose on K-A was also expressed mathematically.