Effects of symmetrically alternative rotating flow on flocculation

Abstract

A symmetrically alternative rotating flow pattern was designed for flocculation process in order to produce large and dense flocs. The special effects of a symmetrically alternative rotating flow on the diameter and density of flocs were investigated. The results show that under the new fluid conditions, the primary particles on the outer part of the formed flocs may be cut down and the flocs contract at the end of the original rotating direction; then fluid changes its rotating direction, an opposite shearing is imposed to the flocs and makes some primary particles slide along the floc surface, leading to a denser floc; meanwhile, the broken and unflocculated particles on the trajectory may have opportunities to penetrate into or cohere to the flocs. Compared with the conventional rotating flow, the new-designed flow pattern can not only keep the floc size (even enlarge the floc diameter if a suitable flow is chosen) but also increase the floc density effectively.