Coagulation of bentonite suspension by polyelectrolytes or ferric chloride: floc breakage and reformation

Coagulation process usually involves different hydrodynamic conditions, in particular when it is followed by a filtration step. In this study, coagulation performance was investigated under a wide range of shear stress. Floc behaviour was followed in-line by laser granulometry to determine size distribution and structure. Synthetic suspension of bentonite in tap water was used as a reference for mineral solids in surface water. Three cationic polymers (polyamine based and polyDADMAC) and ferric chloride were tested using different coagulation reactor geometries. Jar-test indicated coagulation performance under mild hydrodynamic conditions and Taylor-Couette reactors were used to create shear stresses up to 8 Pa. Flocs formed with ferric chloride are not able to grow under middle shear stress like 1.5 Pa. On the contrary, polyelectrolytes lead to large flocs, dense (Df = 2.6) and resistant to shear stress. A qualitative comparison of floc resistance to shear depending on hydrodynamic conditions and coagulant type is given through the calculation of the strength factor. Fractal dimension measurements indicate a mechanism of particle erosion when flocs are subjected to a higher shear stress in Taylor-Couette reactor. Floc re-growth is also investigated, and breakage appears to be non-reversible regardless of coagulant and conditions experimented.

Elise Barbot, Philippe Dussouillez, J.Y. Bottero, Philippe Moulin. Coagulation of bentonite suspension by polyelectrolytes or ferric chloride: floc breakage and reformation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2010, 156 (1), pp.83-91. ⟨10.1016/j.cej.2009.10.001⟩. ⟨hal-01024705⟩

Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

Date de publication: 01-01-2010

Auteurs:
  • Elise Barbot
  • Philippe Dussouillez
  • J.Y. Bottero
  • Philippe Moulin

Digital object identifier (doi): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2009.10.001

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