What is Flocculation ?
Definition of Flocculation in Construction
Flocculation is the separation of silt and alien material located in water and other fluids, into separate masses of material within the entire liquid mass.
Flocculation is important in sewer treatment facilities that have flocculators that are specifically designed to allow the sewage to flow into them where a flocculating agent is added to the liquid. The fluid is then stirred and mixed by large blades that rotate or move through the water. The flocculating agent, which has been added to the water or sewage, causes the solid material to mass together in chunks. Once the masses of material are large enough and heavy enough, they drop to the bottom of the flocculating tanks, and are removed by the sweep of a mechanical arm or blade. There are several different methods of flocculation and technology continues to improve the systems , creating some very sophisticated and efficient results. The use of flocculation is also prevalent in the sedimentation and erosion control aspects of a construction project. Flocculants are added to runoff material to cause the sedimentation and debris to settle out of the flowing, draining water. This procedure assists mechanical systems, such as flumes, to clear the water as it moves through the systems. Flocculation is very important to the cleansing of water, whether it be the sewage treatment facility or the effluent running off a construction site.