1.

0 Title: Jar Test

1.1 Introduction

In this lab, students will be exposed on how to carry out a jar test in order to determine the
optimum coagulant dose in the flocculation tank.

1.2 Objectives

To determine the optimum alum dosage and pH of water using Jar Test experiment.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:

i. Carry out and determine the optimum dose of alum in flocculation process.
ii. Analyse data and present in technical format.

1.4 Theory

Jar test is a method of stimulating a full-scale water treatment process, providing system
operators a reasonable idea of the way a treatment chemical will behave and operate with a
particular type of raw water. It entails adjusting the amount of treatment chemicals and the
sequence in which they are added to samples of raw water held in jars. The sample is then stirred
so that the formation, development and settlement of floc can be watched just as it would be in
full scale treatment plant. The tests are therefore used to determine the most effective doses of
coagulant for a specific water in the control of coagulation and flocculation at a water treatment
plant, especially when water quality fluctuates rapidly.

2.0 Problem Statement

Each group is required to test and determine the correct amount of coagulant (alum) dose (mg/l)
for removing the solid contents from raw water sources; (i) river (ii) pond.
3.0 Apparatus

1. Flocculator

3.1 Procedure

i. 1 liter of raw water was added to each jar test beaker by using 1 liter graduated cylinder. The
pH and Turbidity was recorded.

ii. 10.0 grams of alum was prepared and dissolved into 1000ml distilled water. Each 1.0mL of
this stock is equivalent to 10mg/L (ppm).

iii. The amount of dose for each beaker was increased. The table below shows an example for
increment of dose:

Jar mL Alum Stock Added mg/l Alum Dosage

1 1.5 15.0
2 2.0 20.0
3 2.5 25.0
4 3.0 30.0
5 3.5 35.0
6 4.0 40.0

iv. The stirring paddles were lowered and the stirrer were started. It was operated for 1min at a
speed of 80 rpm and reduced to 30 rpm for 15 min. (Note: how long it takes before flocs begins
to form and how well it withstands stirring without breaking up).
v. The stirrer were stopped and how long it takes for the floc to settle to the bottom of the beaker
were noted.

vi. The flocs were allowed to settle for 20min. The turbidity of the supernatant was determined.

(Note: Jar tests using coagulation aids and test for optimal pH These tests can be performed
accordingly by the addition of polyelectrolytes and making pH adjustment for the determination
of optimum pH).

3.3 Data Acquisition

Date : 29 / 09 / 2017
Raw water source: River
Turbidity : 44.3 NTU
Color : Yellowish
pH : 5.22
Hardness :
Iron :

Floc SUPERNATANT
20 min
Jar Alum mg/L pH Floc Form Settling rate Settled
(min) (min) Turbidity
NTU

1 0 6.31 15 47.4
2 2 6.10 15 23.4
3 4 5.70 15 17.2
4 6 5.11 15 11.1
5 8 4.54 15 16.5
6 10 4.40 15 8.76
 Turbidity vs pH
45
40
35
Turbidity (min)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
pH

Graph 1: Turbidity (min) vs pH

Turbidity (min) vs Alum Dose (mg/L)

45
40
35
Turbidity (min)

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Alum dose mg/L

Graph 2: Turbidity (min) vs Alum Dose (mg/L)

4.0 Discussion

5.0 Conclusion
6.0 Appendices

Figure 1: Jar

Figure 2: Jar test meter