What happens to flocs during flocculation?

During flocculation, flocs collide and stick together, which is a crucial part of the water treatment process. Flocculation is a gentle mixing process where small particles, or flocs, come together to form larger aggregates. This process typically follows coagulation, where a coagulant is added to destabilize the particles in water, allowing them to coalesce during flocculation.

The gentle agitation provided during this stage encourages the small, initially formed flocs to bump into each other and adhere, increasing their size. This size increase is significant because larger flocs can be more effectively removed from the water in subsequent stages, such as sedimentation or filtration, improving overall water quality. Understanding this process is essential for operators to ensure efficient water treatment and compliance with safety and health regulations.