INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DEL PUTUMAYO

INGENIERIA AMBIENTAL VIIIB

ASIGNATURA OPERACIONES UNITARIAS
FLOCULATION AND SEDIMENTATIN HOW PROCESS OPERATION UNITARY
Natalia Bermdez1, Libardo Camargo, Jonny Cruz, Maria Camila Madrid4, Yulieth Tovar5
Ing Edwin Snchez, Chemical engineer National University, Antioquia, Colombia

Students Environmental Ingeniery VIIIB from Technology Institute putumayo, San Miguel Agreda from
Mocoa, subject units operations

ABSTRACT
Flocculation is described in a water treatment system, departing from the recognition of the function that it
realizes, identification of the types, parameters and factors, concepts flocculating agents and flocculating
machine, finally to mention according to the Colombian regulation currently in force that it regulates the
application and managing of the flocculation; the investigation is achieved by the summary of secondary
present information in analogous and digital documents, that helped to know and analyze the functioning of
this process.
This paper addresses the issue of sedimentation as a process of unit operations, and aims to explain
theoretically and individually each element to a system of sedimentation. The results indicated the importance
of sedimentation as an intrinsic process, meaning is basic in water treatment and can not be replaced by
another system because there is no a process with the similar purpose.

INTRODUCTION
Inflocculation in wastewater treatment is the
agglomeration of particles into micro destabilized
and then called bulky larger flocs which tend to
settle to the bottom of the containers.(Prez de la
Cruz and Urrea, 2011) these particles are
pollutants, water load in the course of his life,
while sedimentation is a basic process in the
treatment of all types of water; either for human
consumption or sewage sedimentation system it is
practically the same The sand trap is an example
of a team of sedimentation tanks and
accompanying equipment they are also
flocculation.
This represents the order of importance that
sedimentation and flocculation in water treatment
and that distinguishes this process involving two

different treatment phases: primary and secondary.

The removal of these contaminants is loads is
80%; process can be carried out perikinetic and /
or orthokinetic according Romero (2009), and is
based on parameters and factors which make the
functioning as possible or impossible. the
orthokinetic flocculation, velocity gradient, the
number of collisions, retention time, density and
floc size. And sludge volume. The flocculants
used for this process depend on the nature can be;
minerals, natural and organic organic synthesis
(Lorenzo., 2006); for the design of flocculants
should take into account the parameter above
factors by type of flocculator design either
hydraulic, mechanical and / or paddle one stands
out more than another for its design direction
(RAS., 200) .

In the development of this article it will release

the concept, types, equipment and design of such
equipment sedimentation and flocculation.

Once captured the information in the document,

an analysis and evaluation of the process of
flocculation in water treatment system is
performed
4. Results
4.1 Role of flocculation

2. Objectives

4.1.1 Definition of flocculation

2.1 General

Cardenas (2000), relates that flocculation is the

process following the coagulation, which involves
stirring the coagulated mass which serves to allow
growth and agglomeration of the newly formed
flocs in order to increase the size and weight
required to settle easily and Prez of the cross and
Urrea in 2011, claim it is the agglomeration of
destabilized particles into micro bulky and then
larger flocks that tend to settle to the bottom of the
vessels built for this purpose, called decanters.

Explain the process of sedimentation and

flocculation in the context of unit operations.
2.2 Specific objectives
Understand the function
flocculation in water treatment.

performed

by

Identify the types, parameters and factors

flocculation.
Define the concepts commensurate with the
sedimentation process.
Identifying sedimentation rates present in water
treatment.
Determine the importance of sedimentation.
3. METHODOLOGY
The description of flocculation in water treatment
system of:
- Preliminary Collection of secondary information
in analog and digital documents on the
flocculation in water treatment system.
- Diagnostic Phase

4.1.2 Process - flocculation

Aims to allow contact between the flocs, turbidity
and color, the mixture should be enough to create
differences in speed of the water inside the unit
but not great, as the flocks at risk of breaking.
The flocculation process according to Franco., Sf
Is the water to circulate at very low speed, thereby
using the weight of the granule or "floc" formed in
the previous stage of flocculation, sedimentation
is caused producing two layers in these processing
units: a clear water layer It is purged of
contaminants (at this stage is reached about 80%
removal of biological and non-biological pollution
load) and other murky and heavy layer where
pollutants are concentrated.

The function performed by flocculation in water

treatment, identifying the types, parameters and
factors, to do the kinds of flocculants and
flocculation with this Colombian current
regulations governing the implementation and
management of flocculation is exposed is
determined clearly described . This is set
according to different actors.

In the flocculation process The mixture, agitation

or turbulence promote collisions between particles
which produce destabilized, thus enduring bonds,
moreover, coagulants own even in the absence of
turbidity, hydrolyze and precipitate to form
masses each increasing flocculant material. When
this floc has reached sufficient size, it can
physically imprison turbidity particles, behaving
like a "broom" as it settles. e

- Interpretation phase.

4.2 Types, parameters and factors flocculation.

4.2.1 Types of flocculation

- Density and floc size.

Water for flocculation treatment can be of two

types which are mentioned below.

- Volume of sludge (floc formed should not settle

in the flocculation units)

According to Restrepo in 2009, it states that the

types of flocculation are characterized by contacts
respectively

4.3 Types of flocculants and flocculation

The Flocculation perikinetic: characterized by

contacts particle bombardment produced by the
movement of the liquid molecules (Brownian
motion) that influences only particles sizes less
than one micron. Only acts at the beginning of the
process, in the first 6 to 10s and is independent of
particle size. And orthokinetic flocculation: for
Contacts for liquid turbulence, this turbulence
causes movement of particles at different speeds
and directions, which greatly increases the
probability of collision. Cash only particles larger
than one micron. It acts for the rest of the process,
20 to 30 min.

Flocculants or polyelectrolytes are polymers with

very high molecular weight water soluble organic
molecules formed by blocks called monomers,
repeated in long chains. These flocculants can be
of nature: mineral, natural organic and organic
synthesis. According Lorenzo (2006).

But for Canepa and Richter., S. F. the two types of

flocculation focus on collisions.
Flocculation perikinetic: Based on collisions due
to the fact and molecules induced by thermal
energy. This movement is called Brownian
motion. (Canepa and Richter, Sf.) And
flocculation orthokinetic: based on in collisions
due to water movement. This movement is
induced by an outside water mass energy and can
be mechanical or hydraulic origin. (Canepa and
Richter., S. F.).
4.2.2 Flocculation parameters
The parameters which characterize the
flocculation according to Cardenas (2000). They
are set out below:
- Flocculation orthokinetic (is given by the degree
of agitation provided: mechanical or hydraulic).

4.3.1 Types of flocculants

Flocculants minerals.- activated silica, which is

the first flocculant used, they must be prepared
before use is found, its preparation is delicate and
presents the risk of gelatinization; It produces the
partial neutralization of the alkalinity of sodium
silicate solution.
Naturales.- Organic flocculants are polymers
extracted from natural animal or vegetable
substances. Alginates, whose polymer structure
are:
- Manurnicos acids
- Gluconic acid.
Flocculants Organic Synthesis: They are the
most used and are macromolecules of a large
chain, obtained by association of synthetic
monomers with high molecular mass of 106-107 g
/ mol, these are classified according to the ionicity
of polymers:
Anionic (generally copolymers of acrylamide and
acrylic
acid).
Neutral
or
nonionic
(polyacrylamides). Cationic (+ acrylamide
copolymer cationic monomer)
4.3.2 Types floculator

- Shear rate (mixing required to produce energy).

4.3.2.1 Hidraublics floculator

- Number of collisions (collision between

microflocs).

Flocculator vertical flow in the flocculator vertical

water flow should flow above and below the
screens divide the tank. The unit may have a depth
of 2 m to 5 m, it must be an opening at the bottom

- Retention time (while remaining water in the

flocculation unit).

of each screen with an area equivalent to 5% of

the horizontal area of the compartment, to prevent
the accumulation of sludge.
Alabama Flocculator: In Alabama flocculators
elbow should be located in each chamber to push
the fluid up. The elbows should be placed
alternately in a chamber on the right and on the
left that follows; should be left at the bottom a
drain connected to a manifold to allow removal of
sludge. In each partition must be left a mouth
drainage.
Flocculator helical flow in the helical flow
flocculation water should enter through the back,
in the corner of the chamber and should go over to
the opposite corner; the camera should be square
or circular. They can thin horizontal screens
covering 30% of the surface area used; They must
be placed so as to prevent the formation of short
circuits. Furthermore, a drain must be designed for
camera for extracting sludge; it is recommended
to use in water with low turbidity and solids that
do not contain particularly heavy sand.
When necessary of a dry well next to place tank
engines.

and output it must be designed to prevent short

circuits and destruction of floc (for it submerged
baffles with holes and / or drowned landfills are
added) (with velocity gradients of 15-75 s-1) . The
detection time is obtained even though laboratory
tests, must be greater than 30 minutes, likewise
the stirrer speed should be adjustable so that it can
be varied to obtain the optimum speed for the
treated water. As operating conditions must be
verified:
The dosage and rapid mixing are operating
satisfactorily.
The water level always cover the agitator blades.
The rotation speed that generates the optimum
gradient as the raw water quality.
The contact time to allow the flocs reach the
proper size and weight.
The size of the floc formed, should not be
enough to change the dose of coagulant.
Yes polyelectrolytes are used, add them in the
camera which has already formed the floc.

4.3.2.2 Mechanical Flocculators

That the engines do not pour oil into the water

and these remain free of corrosion.

You must have a secure source of external energy

to ensure a slow mixture by mechanical agitators.

4.3. 3 Parameters for the design floculador

Flocculators may be rotatable (horizontal axis or

vertical axis) or reciprocating. The most used type
is the mechanical stirrer paddle. Screens must be
added in order to prevent short circuits in the tank.
The inlet and outlet of the tank must be designed
so as to prevent short circuiting and destruction of
floc. On the horizontal axis flocculators screens
should be available concrete or other suitable
material, arranged so that the water take a tour
round about them. Allow enough room for the
cleaning of the canals; if they are very narrow
screens should be removable
4.3.2.3 Flocculator paddle.
In flocculator is the most used mechanical stirrer,
its effectiveness depends on the number of
cameras, so minimum should be four; the input

Flocculation units should be located as close as

possible. If this is not feasible, the water flow
through the channel or transport pipeline between
the two units must not have a slower rate of 1.0
m / s.
Hydraulic Flocculators: should be designed taking
into account the following criteria:
a) Flocculators horizontal flow and vertical flow
Stopping Time and velocity gradient: to be
determined through laboratory tests. The average
velocity gradient (G) should be between 20 s -1
and 70 s-1 and the stop time (td) between 20 and
30 minutes should be determined based on the
pressure drop and the length of flow path .

 Water speed: The flocculator should be designed

so that the velocity of water through the tank of
0.2 m / s to 0.6 m / s.

Sizing agitator: The distance from the ends of the

blades to the walls, the floor and the water surface
should be between 0.15 m and 0.30 m.

b) Flocculator Alabama
Number of cameras: a minimum number of 8
cameras is recommended.

Interconnection cameras: To avoid shorts in

mechanical flocculation chambers to place the
wall with holes submerged and drowned
interspersed landfill.

Speed elbow: elbows speed should be between

0.4 m / s and 0.2 m / s. We recommend placing a
device on the output side, and an orifice plate to
regulate the velocity gradient. Floc rupture should
be avoided in the changes of direction

Number of units: Since efficiency is a function of

the number of cameras, for low and medium
levels of complexity should not be designed less
than two units in series and for medium high and
high levels of complexity at least four units.

Gradient speed and stopping time: The velocity

gradient should be between 20 and 70 s-1 s-1
obtained according to the jar test and the dwell
time between 20 and 40 minutes, should be
determined by with hydraulic losses.

Devices passage between the chambers

c) helical flow flocculator

Sizing: The unit must be square, with a
minimum ratio between the side and the depth of
1: 2 or at least can flow with a ratio of diameter to
depth of at least 1: 2 being careful not to break the
floc between steps between cameras .
Unit Volume: The volume of the flocculator be
obtained by dividing the total volume according to
the time of arrest by the number of cameras.
Stopping Time and gradient: should be
determined through testing jars and calculated
based on the losses at each step.
Mechanical Flocculators
Dwell time and velocity gradient: These
parameters should be obtained from previous
laboratory tests for different water qualities. The
dwell time must be between 20 and 40 minutes,
the velocity gradient for Flocculators should be 15
s-1 to 75 s-1.
Peripheral speed: The maximum peripheral speed
at the tip of the blade for high-energy flocculation
should be 3 m / s for low energy flocculators 0.3
m / s to 0.75 m / s. The stirrer speed should be
adjustable so that it can be varied to obtain the
optimum speed for flocculating water.

The velocity gradient in the canals, sluices, ports,

landfills, pipelines or other structure over
flocculated water should not have a gradient
greater than the preceding flocculation speed
camera. The velocity gradient in the passages
between chambers should not exceed de20 s-1.
Therefore the gradient must be calculated in each
case. (Ras, 2000).

4.4 SEDIEMNTATION
According (Perez 1978) It is understood removal
by sedimentation, by gravitational effect, particles
suspended in a fluid, and having specific gravity
greater than the fluid. At one time intervals not all
of the particles in suspension settle, A sedimenting
in the chosen time interval called "settleable
solids.
For (Perez Luis 2005) Sedimentation defined as
the natural process by which heavier than water
found within it suspended particles t It is a unit
operation consisting of the separation by gravity
of the solid and liquid phases of a dilute
suspension to obtain a concentrated slurry and a
clear "2 liquid.
According to the three aforementioned concepts
can be deduced from the main pillar definition in
water treatment, as summarized in the separation
of contaminants in said liquid suspension.

Sedimentation may occur in four major forms:

discrete, flocculent, zonal and compression.
TYPES OF SEDIMENTATION
1)
Sedimentation
of
discrete
particles,
characteristics of the suspended solids; discrete
and isolated particles in dilute solutions. Process
description: no interaction between the particles
and between the rest of the fluid; Examples
moving particle settling grit chambers or
precidimentadores. (Valencia Grove, 2000).hey
are removed by the action of gravity.
2) flocculent sedimentation, features suspended
solids; agglomerated particles in relatively dilute
solutions, description of the process: the particles
agglomerate grouped into larger particles;
Examples flocs sedimentation plates in horizontal
or decanters. (Bdalo, et al (2002)

Surface charge. The surface side, as was seen

above. It is the relationship between the flow
entering the settler, Q and surface area A, that is:
Vsc = Q / A
This parameter refers to the minimum critical
speed that produces a remocional expected
efficiency, between 70% and 98%. Its value
depends on the following factors: raw water
quality, weight and degree of hydration of the floc,
shape and type of adopted decanter, process
control, type of coagulant used and desired degree
of efficiency.
The determination of surface letter can be
experimentally selected parameter or general type
as was described in section 8.3.1. The surface
charge must be between 1.5m / (m.dia) and 30
m / (m.dia). (RAS 2000)

3) Delayed Sedimentation characteristics of

suspended solids; intermediate concentration
solutions; description of the process: the particles
interfere with each other in their descent stable
positions; Examples: deposition of sludge upflow
clarifiers.

Retention period. the retention period is the time it

takes to reach the critical particle from the surface
of the water to the bottom of the sedimentation
zone and therefore depends on the sedimentation
necessary to remove the particle criticism. RAS
(2000) recommends a period of 2-4 hours.

4) Sedimentation Understanding: characteristics

of the solids in suspension; Highly concentrated
solutions; process description; a structure between
the particles slowly over time modified form;
Examples: compacting sludge tank. (Orozco,
2005)

The depth varies between 4 and 5 m (RAS 2000)

TYPES OF SETTLERS
SETTLERS
The settlers are the computers where the
sedimentation process is performed. The most
representative are the rectangular and circular:

Form of the settlers. for rectangular tanks, the

ratio of length to width (L / b) between 3: 1 and 5:
1 (Lope Cualla, 1995), giving better long tanks.
The relationship between length and depth should
be between 5: 1 and 25: 1.
Horizontal speed. horizontal speed produces two
effects opposites aid in increasing flocculation
wing tanks and the step size of the particles to be
removed and drag and suspended and sedimented
floc.

HORIZONTAL

therefore the speed value must be to stimulate

flocculation without causing entrainment of
solids.

In this area you need to consider the following

factors in the design of the sedimentation zone:
surface charge detention period and depth, shape
of the settlers, speed Horizontal relationship
Largo- runoff depth and number of units

The settling horizontal flow must be designed to

allow a horizontal maximum water flow rate of 1
cm / s. It could be about 0.5 cm / s or less (RAS
2000)

DESIGN CRITERIA FOR

SETTLERS (conventional)

Longitudinal slope: the longitudinal bottom slope

must be greater than 2%.
Number of Units: in a plant must be at least two
units. for low and medium levels of complexity,
treatment plant should have at least two units, so
that when one is out of service, either by washing
or repair, you can continue working with the other.
For high and high average levels of complexity,
you must have at least three units (RAS 2000).
Sedimentation rate
Settling velocity (Vs) is one of the most important
design criteria sedimentation tanks. The following
equations are given for calculating the
sedimentation rate according to the type of
particle evaluated:
STANDARDS INVOLVED IN THE DESIGN OF
A settler
To fulfill to provide quality water population,
Colombia has certain legal instruments that ensure
the welfare of the people to buy water from water
supply systems.
Chief among these is Resolution 2115 of 2007,
with which the water treatment plants is evaluated
for human consumption.
In the case of design teams that are part of the
treatment plants, the base standard is Technical
Regulations for the Sector Drinking Water and
Basic Sanitation (Resolution 1096 of 2000).
Specifically under Part C, Chapter C.6 is focused
on the process of sedimentation.
Then the RAS is that it acts as a guide in the
design and construction.

information to be provided to the public in their

marketing. They shall, in accordance with the law,
who in the production and marketing of goods and
services may jeopardize the health, safety and
adequate supply to consumers and users.
Article 79. Everyone has the right to enjoy a
healthy environment. The law will ensure
community participation in decisions that may
affect it.
Article 80. The State shall plan the management
and use of natural resources to ensure sustainable
development, conservation, restoration or
replacement. It must also prevent and control the
factors of environmental deterioration, impose
legal sanctions and demand reparation for the
damage caused.
CONCLUTIONS
In the treatment of drinkable water it
helps to eliminate physical properties as
the color, smell and the turbidity and
also it focuses in the elimination of the
hardness.
The flocculation is a process that helps
to diminish the pollutant loads of the
water with attachs who can be
minerals, organic native and organic of
synthesis and with the multiplication of
energy of mixed.
To have clearly and not to confuse both
processes the coagulation with the
flocculation, delimits the flocculation as
the one that takes charge of the
transport of molecules coagulated to
provoke
collisions
between
them
promoting the agglomeration, whereas
the coagulation is the one that entrusts
of the destabilization of the colloidal
suspension.

4.5 Regulations

REFERENCIAS

Constitution of Colombia

[1] Prez de la cruz francisco Javier, Urrea

Mallebrera
Mario
Andrs,
2011.
Abastecimiento de aguas coagulacin y
floculacin, universidad politcnica de
Cartagena. Pg. 19.

Article 78. The law shall regulate the quality

control of goods and services offered and
provided to the community as well as the

[2] RAS 2000 (Reglamento tcnico del

sector de agua potable y saneamiento
bsico).
[3] Restrepo Osorno Hernn Alonso. 2009,
Evaluacin del proceso de coagulacin
floculacin de una planta de tratamiento de
agua potable, universidad nacional de
Colombia, Medelln.

[4] PREZ, Luis. Teora de la sedimentacin.

Argentina: Instituto de Ingeniera Sanitaria y
Ambiental, 2005. p 2. [En lnea]. Disponible en:
<http://www.fi.uba.ar/archivos/institutos_teoria_s
edimentacion.pdf> Fecha de consulta: 04/04/2015

[5] Universidad Autnoma de Madrid.

Sedimentacin. Espaa: UAM, 2007. p 1. [En
lnea].
Disponible
en:
<https://www.uam.es/personal_pdi/ciencias/mgila
rra/Fluid/Sedimentacion%202006-2007.pdf>
Fecha de consulta: 04/04/2015
[6] RAMALHO, R. Tratamiento de aguas
residuales. Londres: Academic Press, INC.,
1996.p 93.