DYNAMICS OF COAGULATION OF CLAY PARTICLES WITH ALUMINUM SULFATE

A novel optical technique is used to investigate the dynamics of coagu lation of particle suspensions with aluminum salt. The relative size o f aggregates formed during coagulation, expressed as a ''coagulation i ndex,'' can be continuously measured by this technique. Coagulation of clay particles with aluminum sulfate is examined at various aluminum concentrations, solution pH, and mixing intensities. Results indicate that the coagulation index provides valuable information about aggrega te dynamics and coagulation mechanisms with aluminum salts.