Principles of Coagulation and Flocculation

This paper discusses the functions and properties of coagulation and flocculation. Coagulation and flocculation are related terms describing the process of preparing colloidal materials for removing by sedimentation. Coagulation is the process used to reduce the energy forces present around particles that tend to keep them from joining together to form a larger mass. Flocculation refers to the process used to bring the coagulated particles together so that they can combine to form larger, settleable, and filterable masses of particles called floc. Zeta potential is defined and its role in coagulation described. The importance of flash mixing and slower agitating processes in flocculation are also emphasized.