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Wastewater
Wastewater
typically contains pollutants that can be divided into three categories:
suspended solids, dissolved solids and floating solids. Suspended solids are
insoluble materials that settle with time, forming sludge deposits and
ultimately promoting anaerobic microbiological growth. Dissolved solids are
soluble impurities that affect water quality and usually must be chemically
altered for removal. Floating solids include oils, grease, foam and solids that
are less dense than water.
Two unit
operations to separate unwanted solids from water before it is discharged are
clarification and flotation.
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Clarification is a liquid-solids separation process utilizing coagulation,
flocculation and sedimentation.
Coagulation is the process of destabilizing colloidal particles by neutralizing
their electric charge, allowing Van der Waals forces to bring the particles
together.
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Flocculation brings together the destabilized particles, “bridging” them
together to form a
larger, heavier solid that settles quicker. Sedimentation is the step where the
agglomerated solids are allowed to settle and get removed from the system.
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Flotation
is the process of separating suspended solids, oils and greases as well as other
immiscible contaminants by utilizing density differences between the
contaminants and water. The process increases the density differential by
attaching a buoyant, low density gas bubble to the impurity. The resultant
lighter air/contaminant substrate is then allowed to float to the surface and be
removed by mechanical skimming.
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Polymers
are used in both clarification and flotation operations. Polymers are synthetic
polyelectrolytes that function as coagulants and/or flocculants. Polymers are
characterized by a net positive or negative charge as well as molecular weight.
Low molecular weight, cationic polymers are typically used as coagulants to
neutralize the predominantly negatively charged contaminants found in
wastewaters. High molecular weight polymers are used as flocculants. These can
be either positive or negative in charge.
PREMIER
WATER & ENERGY TECHNOLOGY, INC's product line includes polymers to meet your wastewater
needs. Premier has recognized that through close monitoring and utilization of
the right products for your specific application, we can produce the results you
expect. Please contact
us to set a time when we can review your system to see if you are
getting the most out of your water treatment dollar.
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