A Method for Evaluation of Suspension Quality Easy Applicable To Practice: The Effect of Mixing on Floc Properties

The paper introduces the test of aggregation as a simple, inexpensive method of evaluating suspension quality during drinking water treatment, suitable for use in both laboratory and operation conditions. The procedure and derivation of the aggregation test is described. The method is used for a demonstration of the influence of mean velocity gradient and mixing time on floc properties formed during the aggregation in a Couette reactor. It was proved that with increasing velocity gradient, the size of the aggregates present in the suspension decreases, and the suspension is substantially more homogeneous than with use of lower gradients. Further, it was confirmed that the size of aggregates reaches the steady state after a specific mixing time, which becomes shorter with increasing value of velocity gradient.