Coagulation and Flocculation for Raw Water

Coagulation and flocculation involve the removal of suspended solids and turbidity from water to prepare it for use or for further treatment. This step typically uses the difference in density between the water and the suspended material for separation. The process of coagulation, along with flocculation, is used whenever the natural settling rate of suspended material is too slow to provide effective clarification. Coagulants are used to neutralize the charge of the suspended solids, bringing the particles together to create a small “pin floc”. To generate larger particles or flocs for faster settling, a high molecular weight, organic flocculant is generally used in combination with a coagulant.