Rozprawy doktorskie na temat „Flocculation and Flotation”

Although the technical literature contains abundant references on applications of starch in mineral processing, the majority is not concerned with phosphate mineral systems. Nevertheless, the interaction between starch and apatite surfaces is relevant to both selective flocculation and flotation of phosphate ores. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate in detail such interaction in order to provide a more clear understanding on the behaviour of apatite/starch systems. Considerable research effort was dedicated to a thorough characterization of the starch samples used, especially in those aspects most pertinent to the application of starches as flocculants and depressants. Presence of ionic impurities in the starch samples tested was identified by infrared spectroscopy and microelectrophoresis. These impurities (proteins, carboxylic groups and, possibly, phosphate esters)were found to play an important role in the mechanisms governing the interaction of starch macromolecules and mineral surfaces. In a first stage of this research, the interaction between aqueous solutions of starches (and starch fractions - amylose and amylopectin) with calcium ionic species and surfactants (flotation collectors) was investigated. Depression of solution electrical conductivity, experienced in Ca-starch systems, was indicative of chemical reactions taking place (complexation). For surfactants, evidence for their interaction with starch fractions was obtained by UV-Vis. spectroscopy. The spectra of starch/surfactant solutions in the presence of iodine were altered indicating the substitution of iodine species by surfactant molecules at the helical sites of starch macromolecules. The next step involved the study of the adsorption of starch onto both apatite and silica mineral surfaces. Preliminary tests pointed out that a much stronger interaction took place in the case of apatite. Starch adsorption isotherms obtained for fluorapatite and quartz confirmed the preferential adsorption of starch onto the phosphate mineral surface. Both amylose and amylopectin were strongly adsorbed on fluorapatite but the latter polymer displayed the largest extent of interaction on a weight per area basis. The shape of the adsorption isotherms for the two starch fractions on fluorapatite also corroborates the idea of a stronger interaction by amylopectin. In turn, whole starches displayed adsorption isotherms resembling more closely that obtained for amylopectin. Adsorption of starches on fluorapatite was increased considerably in the presence of Ca ionic species. In the absence of externally added Ca ionic species, the amount of Ca released by the mineral surface was dependent upon the amount of starch adsorbed. These two phenomena can be interpreted as indicating the importance of Ca sites and presence of Ca species for the adsorption of starches, hence justifying the preferential adsorption displayed for apatite. Adsorption of starch on quartz surfaces was also enhanced in the presence of Ca ionic species, once more confirming the important role played by calcium on the adsorption of starches. Flocculation studies were also conducted with fluorapatite, kaolinite and quartz suspensions in the presence of different starches. Under the conditions tested, all starches samples failed to promote aggregation of the two non Ca-bearing minerals. In turn, fluorapatite suspensions were flocculated rather strongly by all starches. Maximum flocculation of fluorapatite was achieved at partial polymer coverage conditions. With one exception (amylose), increasing the concentration of the polymers above an optimum level, generated partial re-stabilization of the suspensions, probably via a steric effect. All starches depressed both anionic and cationic flotation of fluorapatite. Amylose was the least effective depressant among all starches, especially for the cationic flotation system. The depressant action was a function of pH and of the relative amounts of polymer and surfactant. Alkaline pH favoured depression, whereas as the collector level was increased, the depressant action was diminished and eventually eliminated. The experimental evidence gathered in the present research supports a chemical mechanism for the interaction between starch and apatite surfaces. Calcium plays a dominant role, and its importance for the adsorption of starches onto mineral surfaces is most probably related to the formation of complexes between starch impurity-related ionic groups and Ca ionic species. Hydrogen bonding and to lesser extent electrostatic forces are also important for the overall interaction between starch and apatite surfaces. The larger extent of interaction for the amylopectin fraction(highest molecular wt.) as compared to that of amylase (lowest molecular wt. fraction) gives support for the accessory role of hydrogen bonding.
Applied Science, Faculty of
Mining Engineering, Keevil Institute of
Graduate

Mestrado em Engenharia do Ambiente - Instituto Superior de Agronomia
The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of the treatment of waste water from purification of biodiesel following a combined method of coagulation, flocculation and air flotation. The effect was evaluated through the analysis of the following parameters: dose of coagulant, pH, dose and type of polymer and saturated water used. This experiment had three phases, the first consisted of the assessment of the quality of wastewater from a biodiesel plant, the second was the choice of a more efficient polymer for the removal of turbidity, and the third a verification of the efficiency of the treatment through the analysis of color removal. In the first model all the factors influenced the effectiveness of the treatment and it was observed that by fixing two factors, pH and saturated water, and varying the dose of coagulant and polymer, we would get a more efficient treatment. The removal of the turbidity reached 99.99%, the values of 21NTU, and in the color an average removal of 99,9% up to 141 NC. Thus, this treatment could be used for clarification of waste water, when followed by another treatment in order to allow further use, or discharge in natural streams.

This paper is about the studies carried out to analyze the feasibility of using an innovative treatment system in the primary treatment process for municipal waste water. Furthermore, experiments are conducted to analyze the optimal parameters for utilizing the treated waters for irrigation purposes and for biogas production from the recovered sludge. The work is carried on the incoming municipal wastewater from Hammarby locality with around 30,000 inhabitants. Chemicals used in this process are, a metal salt namely polymerized aluminum chloride (PAX XL36) and two flocculation chemicals namely, a high molecular weight polymer (HM) (SNF Nordfloc C-192) and a low molecular weight polymer (LM) (Purfix 120). The choice of these chemicals was based on the recommendations made by previous studies on flocculation chemicals. These chemicals aid in flock formation and the DAF unit which provides compressed air, aids in flock flotation. The study is focused on optimizing parameters which implies minimal usage of chemicals and aimed to attain maximum sludge production with best possible treated water quality. All the experiments have been carried out on a pilot scale unit, designed with required specifications and with the foresight to scale up into a large scale unit based on the results. These are obtained by performing a series of analysis specifically formulated for this study. In laboratory experiments were carried out to analyze COD (chemical oxygen demand), Ammonium, Nitrate, Total nitrogen and phosphorus using Dr. Lange cuvettes. As the prime focus is on reuse of the treated water for irrigation purpose and biogas production, all the parameters are modulated in accordance with the standard water quality prescriptions for the water to be used for irrigation. In accordance with the climatic conditions of the region, various parameters are modulated in such a way that in summers the outcome water quality is emphasized and maximization of sludge/organic matter is emphasized during winter season.

Il n’est pas constaté d’autofloculation naturelle dans les cultures hypersalines de D. salina. De plus, cette dernière ne flotte pas sans déstabilisation de la suspension. La floculation induite par augmentation du pH lors de l’ajout de soude a été choisie dans cette étude pour permettre la flottation. Des efficacités de récupération supérieures à 90% et des facteurs de concentration autour de 20 sont atteints. Un mécanisme d’autofloculation, avec précipitation de Mg(OH)2 est proposé pour expliquer la floculation par balayage de D. salina. L’influence du débit d’injection de soude ajoutée est aussi étudié pour anticiper les contraintes relatives à l’industrialisation du procédé. Ce débit n’a pas d’effet sur l’efficacité de récupération des algues et réduit le facteur de concentration seulement pour les injections abruptes.L’augmentation naturelle du pH de culture par l’intermédiaire de l’activité photosynthétique pourrait permettre de réduire le taux de base consommé. Les cellules non-récoltées restent en vie durant l’augmentation du pH et pourraient être utilisées comme inoculum d’une nouvelle culture
Natural autoflocculation was not observed in a Dunaliella salina hypersaline culture and the microalgae did not float without destabilization of the algal suspension. High-pH-induced flocculation by sodium hydroxide addition was chosen to induce flotation. Recovery efficiencies greater than 90% and concentration factors of around 20 were reached. An autoflocculation mechanism, with precipitation of magnesium hydroxide, is proposed to explain a sweeping flotation of D. salina cells. The influence of the flow rate of sodium hydroxide addition was also studied to anticipate the constraints related to the industrialization of this process. The flow rate of sodium hydroxide addition had no effect on the recovery efficiency and reduced the concentration factor only for abrupt injections. Natural increase of culture pH by photosynthetic activity could reduce the amount of base consumed. Non-harvested cells remained viable during pH increase and could be used as inoculum for a new culture

Coal preparation plants use large quantities of water for cleaning processes. Upon cleaning, the spent water must be removed such that the final product moisture level meets market constraints. However, removal of free water from the surface of fine particles is difficult and costly, and often the results are less than desirable. Fine particles inherently have very large surface areas, and hence retain large amounts of water. Increased amounts of fines also cause denser particle packing, which creates relatively small capillaries in filter cakes and, thus, cause slower dewatering kinetics. As a result, dewatering costs for fine particles are much higher than for dewatering coarse particles. Considering the technical and economic issues associated with dewatering coal and mineral fines, an extensive matrix of laboratory- and pilot-scale dewatering tests have been conducted to evaluate the use of novel dewatering aids. The reagents are designed to lower the surface tension of water, increase the hydrophobicity of the particles to be dewatered, and increase the capillary radius by hydrophobic coagulation. All of these are designed to lower the moisture of the filter cakes produced in mechanical dewatering processes. Laboratory-scale dewatering tests confirmed that using the novel dewatering aids can lower the final cake moisture of coal by 20-50%, while increasing the dewatering kinetics. Several on-site, pilot-scale tests were conducted to demonstrate that the process of using the novel dewatering aids can be scaled. Based on the laboratory- and pilot-scale tests conducted, a scale-up model for the process of using the novel dewatering aids has been developed. It can predict the final cake moistures as a function of vacuum pressure, filtration time and specific cake weight. The model can be useful for the scale-up of vacuum disc filters (VDF) and horizontal belt filters (HBF). Simulation results indicate that dewatering aids can be very effective, especially when used in conjunction with HBF due to its ability to control cake thickness and drying cycle time independently. In light of the promising laboratory- and pilot-scale test results, an industrial demonstration of the novel dewatering aids has been conducted at the Smith Branch impoundment site, which contains 2.9 million tons of recoverable coal. When the reagent was used for dewatering flotation products using a VDF, the moisture content was reduced from 26 to 20% at 0.5 lb/ton of reagent addition and to 17.5% at 1 lb/ton. The use of the dewatering aid also improved the kinetics of dewatering, increased the throughput, and reduced the power consumption of vacuum pumps by 30%. The novel dewatering aids were also tested successfully for dewatering of kaolin clays. In this case, the mineral was treated with a cationic surfactant before adding the dewatering aids. This two-step hydrophobization process was able to reduce the cake moisture and also increase the throughput.
Ph. D.

O uso de polímeros sintéticos como auxiliares de floculação no tratamento de águas para abastecimento é uma prática que vem sendo bastante estimulada. Contudo o uso na floculação visando a flotação de águas para abastecimento tem sido pouco estudado. Neste trabalho, são apresentados os resultados de estudo da influência da aplicação de polímeros sintéticos como auxiliares de floculação na clarificação, por flotação, de água preparada com cor elevada (100 ± 9,0 uC) e baixa turbidez (6,80 ± 1,0 uT). Foram investigados três diferentes tipos de polímeros (catiônico, aniônico e não iônico), aplicados conjuntamente ao coagulante primário (sulfato de alumínio). Após a otimização da dosagem deste coagulante (40 mg/L), sem emprego de polímeros, foi estudado o desempenho da flotação diante a redução da dosagem de coagulante conjugado à aplicação de diferentes dosagens de polímeros. Também foram investigadas a influência do tempo decorrido após a mistura rápida para a adição do polímero, e do tempo e gradiente médio de velocidade na floculação para a flotação. Foram utilizadas duas unidades de flotação por ar dissolvido, uma em escala de laboratório (Flotateste) e outra em escala piloto (com escoamento contínuo). Após a adequação dos parâmetros de floculação, os ensaios obtidos com o flotateste mostraram que a aplicação de 0,25 mg/L de polímero não iônico permitiu a redução de 50% na dosagem de coagulante, sem queda significativa na eficiência de remoção de cor e turbidez (96% e 93% respectivamente). Por sua vez, o polímero catiônico, na dosagem de 0,25 mg/L, possibilitou redução de 70% na dosagem de sulfato de alumínio, com eficiência de remoção de cor e turbidez de 90%. A instalação piloto de flotação operando com TASap de 262 m3/m2d, e aplicação de polímeros, nas condições otimizadas com o flotateste, foi capaz de fornecer bons resultados de remoção de cor aparente (82% e cor no efluente de 18,6 uC) e de turbidez (80% com turbidez de 1,40 uT no efluente). Nos ensaios com a unidade piloto de flotação operando com TASap de 525 m3/m2d, com redução de 70% na dosagem de coagulante (aplicação de 0,25 mg/L de polímero catiônico), observou-se redução de até 79% na massa de Iodo gerada.
The usage of synthetic polymers as flocculation aids for the treatment of supply water is a practice which have been widely stimulated, however its usage in flocculation aiming supply water flocculation has been scarcely studied. This work presents the results of the study of the influence of synthetic polymer application as a flocculation aids for clarifying prepared water containing high levei of color (100 ± 9.0 CU) and low turbidity (6.80 ± 1.0 NTU) through flotation. Three different kinds of polymers were investigated - cationic, anionic and non-ionic - which were applied together with the primary cogulant (aluminium sulphate). After the optimization of this coagulant dosage (40 mg/L), without the utilization of polymers, it was studied the flotation performance by the reduction of the coagulant dosage together with the application of different polymer dosages. It was also studied the influence of the time after rapid mixing for the polymer addition, and of time and average velocity gradient and flotation. Two units of dissolved air flotation were used, a bench unit and a pilot plant unit (with continuous flow). After the flocculation parameters adequacy, the essays obtained with FLOTATESTE showed that the application of 0.5 mg/L of non-ionic polymer allowed a reduction of 50% on coagulant dosage, without meningful drops of the color and turbidity removal efficient (96% and 93% respectively). On the other hand, the cationic polymer, at 0.25 mg/L, enabled a 70% reduction on the aluminium sulphate dosage with color and turbidity removal efficiency of 90%. The plant flotation unit, operating under a flow rate of 262 m3/m2d and with polymer application, under conditions optimized by FLOTATESTE, was able to provide good results of colour removal (82% and effluent color of 18.6 CU) and turbicity removal (83% with turbicity of 1.23 NTU in the effluent). In the essays with the pilot plant flotation unit, operating under a flow rate of 525 m3/m2d after reduction of 70% on the coagulant dosage (application of 0,25 mg/L of cationic polymer) , an up to 79% reduction in mass of sludge generated was observed.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Novas tecnologias para o tratamento de água vêem sendo desenvolvidas e suas combinações podem apresentar bons resultados principalmente quando submetidas a variações sazonais de origem natural e antropicas. A crescente poluição dos corpos d’água causa florescimentos de algas e cianobactérias nos mananciais, com aparecimento de sabor e odor na água bruta, podendo ocorrer também a liberação de toxinas pelas cianobactérias. Os processos de tratamento de água convencionais têm apresentado deficiências quanto à remoção de cianobactérias e cianotoxinas, principalmente quanto ao aspecto de remoção das células viáveis e na capacidade de remover as toxinas extracelulares. As cianobactérias retidas no lodo dos decantadores representam riscos à qualidade final da água tratada. O presente projeto de pesquisa consistiu em experiência com floco-decantador de manta de lodo acoplado a flotador por ar dissolvido, formando um conjunto composto pelos dois tipos de equipamentos ou tecnologias e ainda com dispositivo limitador de manta. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o desempenho da instalação proposta quando submetida a variações da qualidade da água bruta, principalmente quando submetido à sobrecarga de algas e cianobactérias, simulando possíveis florações nos mananciais. Os resultados dos ensaios no modulo experimental com água natural apresentaram remoção satisfatória de turbidez , com valores abaixo de 3,0 uT da água floco-floto-decantada e em torno de 0,1 uT da água filtrada. Os ensaios realizados com água natural com presença elevada de algas e cianobactérias, evidenciaram a importância da unidade de flotação, com remoção de clorofila_a de 82% na água decantada/flotada e próximo de 99% na água filtrada, em relação à água bruta, sendo que a turbidez manteve-se abaixo de 3 uT na saída do modulo floco-floto-decantador e a turbidez...
New technologies for water treatment have been developed and their combinations can produce good results especially when subjected to seasonal variations of natural and anthropogenic. The increasing pollution of water bodies causes blooms of algae and cyanobacteria in water sources, with the appearance of taste and odor in raw water, but may also occur the release of toxins by cyanobacteria. The processes of conventional water treatment have shown deficiencies in the removal of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, especially on the aspect of removal of viable cells and the ability to remove extracellular toxins. Cyanobacteria retained in the sludge of the sedimentation tanks pose to the final quality of treated water. This research project was to experiment with floc-settling sludge blanket coupled to dissolved air flotation, forming a group composed of two types of equipment or technology, and with relief device blanket. The research aimed to evaluate the performance of the proposed development when subjected to variations in raw water quality, especially when subjected to the overload of algae and cyanobacteria to simulate possible blooms in the springs. The results of tests on an experimental module with natural water showed satisfactory removal of turbidity, with values below 3 uT decanted and around 0,1 uT filtered water. Tests conducted with water with high presence of algae and cyanobacteria, have highlighted the importance of unity flotation Chlorophyll “a” with removal of 82% in the decanted water / rappel and around 99% in filtered water compared to raw water, and the turbidity remained below 3 uT the output of modulo-flake-floto sedimentation and turbidity of filtered water was below 0,6 uT. The limiting device of the ground and periodic removal of sludge, decreased the retention time of the cells retained in the sludge which may have prevented the release of toxins into the water... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Tendo em vista a potencialidade da remoção de algas utilizando a flotação por ar dissolvido, foi proposto o desenvolvimento de um equipamento de laboratório de fácil operação e manutenção, denominado Floteste, integrando as características geométricas do equipamento Jarteste neste trabalho. Foram realizados ensaios, utilizando água sintética contendo algas da ordem de 108 ind/L e natural proveniente de curso d\'água eutrofizado, possibilitando o aprimoramento do estudo das condições de coagulação, mistura rápida, floculação e flotação. Também, ensaios de flotação seguida de filtração em areia foram feitos visando melhorar a qualidade da água flotada. O jarro do Floteste possui placa de orifícios que proporciona perda de carga suficiente para a distribuição uniforme de água saturada pela seção quadrada do mesmo. Concluiu-se que, principalmente, que a dosagem de coagulante e o respectivo pH de coagulação, tempo e gradiente de velocidade médio de mistura rápida, tempo e gradiente de velocidade médio de floculação, tempo e pressão de saturação e a quantidade de ar fornecido exercem influência significativa na remoção de algas, turbidez, cor verdadeira e do número de partículas nos dois tipos de águas estudadas.
Due to the potentiality of the algae removal by dissolved air flotation, it was proposed the development of an equipment in laboratory scale of easy operation and maintenance, dominated Floteste, integrating the geometric characteristics of the Jarteste equipment in this work. Tests were carried out with synthetic water containing a high concentration of algae (~108 ind/L) and natural water from and eutrophicated source. Besides several improvements in the equipment developed in this study, the rapid mixing can be considered the most important, followed by flocculation and flotation. Also, flotation and sand filtration tests were performed to simulate the floto-filtration technology. The Flotateste vessel have a perforated plate that provides enough loss of load in order to uniform the distribution of saturated water in the bottom. It was concluded, mainly, that the coagulant dose and the pH of coagulation, time and velocity gradient of rapid mixing, time and velocity gradient of flocculation, time and saturation pressure chamber and the amount of air supplied played a significant role in the removal of algae, turbidity, true color and of the number of particles in the two types of water studied.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico
No cenÃrio brasileiro, os resÃduos de EstaÃÃes de Tratamento de Ãgua (ETAs) sÃo normalmente lanÃados in natura em corpos hÃdricos, apresentando-se como potencialmente danosos ao meio ambiente, sendo necessÃrio tratÃ-los para que sejam descartados conforme os aspectos legais. Estudos demonstram que a tecnologia da FlotaÃÃo por Ar Dissolvido (FAD) tem sido viÃvel para este fim. Acredita-se que a incorporaÃÃo da floculaÃÃo em cortinas numa mesma unidade de flotaÃÃo possa promover elevada eficÃcia ao sistema, traduzindo-se como uma inovaÃÃo tecnolÃgica: o Floco-Flotador por Ar Dissolvido (FFAD). Uma unidade piloto de FFAD foi construÃda para o tratamento da Ãgua de lavagem dos filtros da ETA GaviÃo, pertencente à Companhia de Ãgua e Esgoto do Cearà (CAGECE). Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo quantificar e verificar o atendimento da Ãgua de lavagem dos filtros (ALF) desta ETA e da Ãgua clarificada via FFAD aos padrÃes de lanÃamento de efluentes conforme as ResoluÃÃes n 430/11 e 357/05 do CONAMA e Portaria n 154/2002 da SEMACE. Estudos de tratabilidade da ALF em Jartest foram realizados para avaliar a influÃncia da dosagem de polÃmeros catiÃnicos e a viabilidade de gradientes de velocidade decrescente (35 a 5,6 s-1) a serem empregados no equipamento de FFAD desenvolvido. Ensaios de flotaÃÃo foram realizados a fim de avaliar a dosagem do polÃmero e os parÃmetros de processo como taxas de recirculaÃÃo (TR) e taxas de aplicaÃÃo superficial (TAS). ApÃs definidos estes parÃmetros, ensaios de FFAD foram realizados em triplicata para coleta da AC a fim de comparÃ-la com os principais padrÃes de lanÃamento de efluente em corpos hÃdricos classe II. Somente os parÃmetros pH, Fluoreto, AmÃnia, E. coli e SÃlidos dissolvidos da ALF atenderam aos padrÃes de lanÃamento. Ao aplicar polÃmero a 1 mg.L-1, taxa de recirculaÃÃo de 15%, gradientes de velocidade decrescente (19,3 a 5,6 s-1), taxa de aplicaÃÃo superficial de 57 m3.m-2.d-1 com tempo de detenÃÃo hidrÃulico de 22 minutos no FFAD, os resultados alcanÃaram elevada eficiÃncia na remoÃÃo de turbidez (superior a 98%) mesmo enfrentando variaÃÃes bruscas na qualidade da ALF (94,4 a 410 UT). Observou-se tambÃm significativa eficiÃncia mÃdia na remoÃÃo de coliformes totais (98,5%), cor aparente (97,6%), DQO (92,6%) e remoÃÃo de alumÃnio (84,1%). Diante destes resultados, constatou-se que a ALF da ETA GaviÃo tratada via Floco-flotaÃÃo por ar dissolvido atendeu aos referidos padrÃes de lanÃamento em corpos hÃdricos.
In Brazil the filter backwash wastewater is normally released in to the water resources without proper treatment, representing a potential danger to the environment. Thus, it is necessary to treat this wastewater in order to dispose it in accordance to federal and state environmental laws. Studies show that Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) technology has been feasible for this purpose. It is believed that the incorporation of flocculation in curtains and air dissolved flotation system in the same unit can promote high efficiency and significant size reduction, which translates in a technological innovation: the Floculator - Dissolved Air Flotation (FFAD) unit. A FFAD pilot unit was built to evaluate the treatment of GaviÃo Water Treatment Plant filter backwash wastewater, owned by the Water and Wastewater Company of Cearà (CAGECE). This research had as main objective to quantify and verify the compliance of the filter backwash wastewater parameters to the Resolution No. 430/11 and 357/05 of CONAMA and Ordinance No. 154/2002 of SEMACE. Treatability studies were performed with filter backwash wastewater using Jartest to evaluate the influence of cationic polymer dosages and the feasibility of decreasing flocculation velocity gradients (35 to 5.6 s-1) in the FFAD. Experimental runs of the flocculation - flotation system were performed to evaluate the best polymer dosage and the process parameters such as recirculation rates (TR) and surface application rates (TAS). These parameters were compared by observing the lower residual turbidity and best removal efficiency in the clarified water (AC). The treated wastewater was again characterized using physicalchemical and bacteriological parameters and compared to the specific legislation. The results showed that the use of 1 mg.L-1 of polymer, recirculation rate of 15% and surface application rate of 57 m3.m-2.d-1, presented the highest turbidity efficiency removal (> 98%) and a very stable performance against sudden changes in the influent quality (94.4 to 410UT). It should be noted that the unity showed also a high average efficiency total coliforms removal (98.5%), apparent color removal (97.6%), DOC removal (92.6%), of aluminum (84.1%) removal and turbidity (99.2 %) removal. Given these results, it was concluded that the AC coming from the treatment of ALF by ETA WTP GaviÃo FFAD met the discharge parameters listed for water resources.

Orientador: Edson Pereira Tangerino
Banca: Dib Gebara
Banca: Carlos Gomes da Nave Mendes
Resumo: Novas tecnologias para o tratamento de água vêem sendo desenvolvidas e suas combinações podem apresentar bons resultados principalmente quando submetidas a variações sazonais de origem natural e antropicas. A crescente poluição dos corpos d'água causa florescimentos de algas e cianobactérias nos mananciais, com aparecimento de sabor e odor na água bruta, podendo ocorrer também a liberação de toxinas pelas cianobactérias. Os processos de tratamento de água convencionais têm apresentado deficiências quanto à remoção de cianobactérias e cianotoxinas, principalmente quanto ao aspecto de remoção das células viáveis e na capacidade de remover as toxinas extracelulares. As cianobactérias retidas no lodo dos decantadores representam riscos à qualidade final da água tratada. O presente projeto de pesquisa consistiu em experiência com floco-decantador de manta de lodo acoplado a flotador por ar dissolvido, formando um conjunto composto pelos dois tipos de equipamentos ou tecnologias e ainda com dispositivo limitador de manta. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o desempenho da instalação proposta quando submetida a variações da qualidade da água bruta, principalmente quando submetido à sobrecarga de algas e cianobactérias, simulando possíveis florações nos mananciais. Os resultados dos ensaios no modulo experimental com água natural apresentaram remoção satisfatória de turbidez , com valores abaixo de 3,0 uT da água floco-floto-decantada e em torno de 0,1 uT da água filtrada. Os ensaios realizados com água natural com presença elevada de algas e cianobactérias, evidenciaram a importância da unidade de flotação, com remoção de clorofila_a de 82% na água decantada/flotada e próximo de 99% na água filtrada, em relação à água bruta, sendo que a turbidez manteve-se abaixo de 3 uT na saída do modulo floco-floto-decantador e a turbidez... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: New technologies for water treatment have been developed and their combinations can produce good results especially when subjected to seasonal variations of natural and anthropogenic. The increasing pollution of water bodies causes blooms of algae and cyanobacteria in water sources, with the appearance of taste and odor in raw water, but may also occur the release of toxins by cyanobacteria. The processes of conventional water treatment have shown deficiencies in the removal of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, especially on the aspect of removal of viable cells and the ability to remove extracellular toxins. Cyanobacteria retained in the sludge of the sedimentation tanks pose to the final quality of treated water. This research project was to experiment with floc-settling sludge blanket coupled to dissolved air flotation, forming a group composed of two types of equipment or technology, and with relief device blanket. The research aimed to evaluate the performance of the proposed development when subjected to variations in raw water quality, especially when subjected to the overload of algae and cyanobacteria to simulate possible blooms in the springs. The results of tests on an experimental module with natural water showed satisfactory removal of turbidity, with values below 3 uT decanted and around 0,1 uT filtered water. Tests conducted with water with high presence of algae and cyanobacteria, have highlighted the importance of unity flotation Chlorophyll "a" with removal of 82% in the decanted water / rappel and around 99% in filtered water compared to raw water, and the turbidity remained below 3 uT the output of modulo-flake-floto sedimentation and turbidity of filtered water was below 0,6 uT. The limiting device of the ground and periodic removal of sludge, decreased the retention time of the cells retained in the sludge which may have prevented the release of toxins into the water... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

A presente pesquisa teve por objetivo a investigação da influência do tamanho de partículas floculadas na eficiência da clarificação de águas para abastecimento por flotação por ar dissolvido (FAD) com o emprego de método e equipamento para a aquisição e análise de imagens especialmente desenvolvidos, tendo em vista à caracterização da distribuição de tamanho de flocos e microbolhas de ar, bem como, o estudo dos aglomerados bolhas-floco (em termos de número de microbolhas de ar aderidas e velocidade ascensional) presentes no processo de flotação e comparação dos dados experimentais àqueles obtidos em simulação com o emprego do modelo matemático proposto por Reali (1991). Os ensaios foram realizados com água sintética (turbidez de 7,5±0,2 NTU; cor aparente de 38±1 uC; alcalinidade de 29,8±0,6 mg\'CA\'CO IND.3\'/L; condutividade de 59,3±0,8 \'mü\'S/cm; UV254nm de 0,128±0,004 \'CM POT.-1\'), a qual foi coagulada com a aplicação de 1,9 mg/L de \'AL POT. 3+\' (pH de 6,6±0,05) e divididos em duas Fases: Fase 1 - ensaios preliminares realizados em escala de laboratório, com o emprego do flotateste; Fase 2 - ensaios realizados em unidade piloto de flotação. Os resultados alcançados demonstraram que: i) a distribuição de tamanho de partículas floculadas influenciou diretamente a clarificação por flotação da água em estudo, sendo que as melhores condições de floculação foram aquelas que conduziram à formação, em sua maioria, de partículas floculadas com diâmetro médio de Feret acima de 300 \'mü\'m; ii) os menores valores residuais dos parâmetros analisados na água em estudo foram alcançados com o emprego do tempo de floculação de 17 min, entretanto a FAD foi capaz de operar também com boa eficiência com a utilização de tempo de floculação de 10 min; iii) o método e equipamento desenvolvidos nesta pesquisa para a aquisição e análise de imagens demonstraram constituir importantes ferramentas para a obtenção das distribuições de tamanho de flocos e microbolhas de ar, bem como, para a determinação do número de microbolhas de ar aderidas às superfícies dos flocos e da velocidade ascensional dos aglomerados bolhas-floco gerados no processo de flotação; iv) mesmo com as diversas simplificações adotadas no desenvolvimento do modelo matemático analisado e considerando as condições experimentais utilizadas nesta pesquisa, foi possível verificar para a água em estudo e para as condições operacionais empregadas nesta pesquisa, que a modelação matemática proposta por Reali (1991) foi capaz de fornecer subsídios para uma adequada estimativa do número de microbolhas de ar aderidas aos flocos, bem como, das velocidades ascensionais dos aglomerados bolhas-floco.
The goal of this research was to investigate the flocculated particles size distribution influence on the dissolved air flotation (DAF) efficiency. Special image acquisition method and equipment were used to characterize the flocculated particles and air microbubbles size distribution, as well as, the clusters (in terms of microbubbles number adhered and rise velocity) in the contact zone outlet of the DAF unit. Besides that, the experimental results were compared with those obtained from the DAF modeling proposed by Reali (1991). The trials were carried out with synthetic water (temperature of 26.0 ± 0.5oC; turbidity of 7.5±0.2 NTU; apparent color of 38±1 CU; alkalinity of 29.8±0.6 mg\'CA\'\'CO IND.3\'/L; conductivity of 59.3±0.8 \'mü\'S/cm; UV254nm of 0.128±0.004 \'CM POT.-1\'), that it was coagulated by applying 1.9 mg/L of \'AL POT.3+\' (22.5 mg/L alum). The trials were divided into two phases: Phase 1 - preliminary tests carried out in laboratory facilities (flotatest); Phase 2 - tests carried out in pilot facilities (DAF pilot unit). The results showed that: i) the flocculation conditions interfered directly on the efficiency of DAF process, and the best flocculation conditions were those that conducted to formation of flocculated particles size with Feret mean diameter above 300 \'mü\'m; ii) the best results were obtained applying flocculation time of 17 min, however, DAF was also capable of operating with a satisfactory efficiency when applying flocculation time of 10 min; iii) the special image acquisition method and equipment developed in this research proved to be a important tool to characterize the flocculated particles and air microbubbles size distribution, as well as, the number of air microbubbles adhered to the flocs surface and the clusters rise velocity; iv) the DAF modeling developed by Reali (1991) provided a reliable prediction of the microbubbles number adhered to the flocs surface, as well as, the clusters rise velocity.

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar a remoção de cistos de Giardia spp. e oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. em água de abastecimento utilizando a tecnologia de tratamento de ciclo completo com flotação (coagulação, floculação, flotação e filtração) em escala de bancada e utilizando cloreto de polialumínio – PAC como coagulante. Para isso, o método de floculação em carbonato de cálcio – FCCa com e sem a separação imunomagnética – IMS foi utilizado para quantificação dos organismos. Os resultados mostraram que as etapas de coagulação, floculação e flotação (Fase1) removeram 1,55 log de cistos de Giardia spp. e 1,21 log de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. O tratamento apenas com filtração (Fase 2) removeu 1,2 log de cistos de Giardia spp. e 0,88 log de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. A combinação dos tratamentos (Fase 3) foi capaz de remover 2,64 log de cistos de Giardia spp. e 2,5 log de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp. Na quantificação de protozoários, o método de FCCa sem IMS demonstrou ser mais econômico e com melhor recuperação do que com IMS. Também foi analisada a influência da terceira dissociação ácida no método com IMS e tal procedimento acarretou em diferenças significativas nos resultados. Mesmo atendendo aos padrões de potabilidade, o tratamento estudado não removeu completamente os protozoários, este fato demonstra a necessidade da preservação dos mananciais, do tratamento dos esgotos e da desinfecção final para maximizar as barreiras que permitam reduzir o risco microbiológico presente na água de consumo.
This research aimed to analyze the removal of Giardia spp. cysts and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in drinking water using the full cycle of treatment with flotation technology (coagulation, flocculation, flotation and filtration) at bench scale and using polyaluminum chloride - PAC as coagulant. For this, the flocculation in calcium carbonate - FCCa method with and without immunomagnetic separation - IMS was used for quantification of organisms. The results showed that the stages of coagulation, flocculation and flotation (Step 1) removed 1,55 log Giardia spp. and 1,21 log Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. Only the treatment with filtration (Step 2) removed 1,2 log Giardia spp. and 0,88 log Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The combination of treatment (Step 3) was able to remove 2,64 log Giardia spp. and 2,5 log Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. In quantifying of protozoa, the FCCa method without IMS proved to be more economical and better recovery than with IMS. It also analyzed the influence of the third acid dissociation in the method with IMS and this procedure resulted in significant differences in the results. Even taking into account the potability standards, the treatment studied didnt completely remove protozoa, this fact demonstrates the need for preservation of water sources, treatment of sewage and final disinfection to maximize the barriers to reduce the microbiological risk present in drinking water.

A separação de microrganismos fotossintetizantes no tratamento de efluentes possui dois aspectos fundamentais. O primeiro refere-se à qualidade do efluente tratado e seu impacto sobre os recursos hídricos e, o segundo, refere-se ao potencial deste material como fonte de energia renovável. Diversos trabalhos tem demostrado elevada eficiência na separação de algas no tratamento de efluentes. Entretanto, quando considerado o cultivo de microalgas para utilização da biomassa como matéria prima, para produção de biocombustível por exemplo, mais estudos científicos são necessários. Entre as operações de separação sólido-líquido, normalmente empregadas no tratamento de efluentes, a flotação por ar dissolvido tem se mostrado uma tecnologia vantajosa, pois, além de ser capaz de separar partículas com diâmetro reduzido e baixa velocidade de sedimentação, também permite a obtenção de um material flotado com maior percentual de sólidos, desejável para redução dos custos de processamento da biomassa algal. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a separação de microalgas cultivadas em uma lagoa de tratamento de esgoto de alta taxa através do processo de coagulação-floculação e flotação por ar dissolvido. Como contribuição aos estudos de separação por FAD, foi avaliado a estabilidade do material flotado submetido a uma agitação mecânica, utilizando a técnica de captura e análise de imagens digitais, segundo um parâmetro chamado porcentagem de área (αa) Este parâmetro é definido como o percentual de pixels pretos em relação ao total de pixels da imagem, e demonstra a instabilidade do material flotado. Os coagulantes cloreto férrico e Tanfloc SG (Tanac®) e os floculantes sintéticos do tipo poliacrilamidas (SNF Floerger®) catiônico (FO4550SH), aniônico (FA920SH) e não iônico (FA920SH) foram investigados em diferentes dosagens e combinações. O presente estudo mostrou que a separação de algas através deste sistema é viável tecnicamente, sendo que os melhores resultados apresentaram uma remoção de turbidez de 92% para a combinação de cloreto férrico (20mg/L) + FO4550SH (2mg/L) e 97% para Tanfloc SG (20mg/L) + AN956SH (1mg/L). Em relação à estabilidade do material flotado, as amostras que continham apenas coagulantes apresentaram valores de αa entre 4,26 e 5,49, indicando uma baixa estabilidade do material flotado. Enquanto as combinações de cloreto férrico (20mg/L) + FO4550SH(0.5mg/L) e Tanfloc SG (20mg/L) +FO4550SH (1 e 2mg/L) foram as que produziram um material flotado com maior estabilidade, apresentando αa=0,35 e αa=0,40, respectivamente, demonstrando que o uso dos polímeros proporciona uma maior estabilidade do material flotado, quando este está sujeito a turbulências.
Separation of photosynthetic microorganisms in the effluent treatment has two fundamental aspects. The first refers to the quality of the treated effluent and its impact on water resources, and the second refers to the potential of this material as a source of renewable energy. Several studies show high efficiency in the separation of algae in effluent treatment. However, more scientific studies are required considering the cultivation of microalgae for the use of them as a raw material for biomass, like biofuel for instance. Among solid-liquid separation operations normally employed in effluents treatment, dissolved air flotation has been shown to be an advantageous technology in order to separate algae, because allows not only the separation of particles with reduced diameter and low sedimentation velocity, but also produces a floating material with higher percentage of solids, which is desirable for reducing the processing costs of the algal biomass. The aim of this work was to evaluate the separation of microalgae originated on a high rate pond through the coagulation, flocculation and dissolved air flotation (DAF) processes. As a contribution to the DAF separation studies, the stability of the floating material was evaluated against mechanical agitation, using the technique of digital image analysis, according to a parameter called area percentage (αa) This parameter is defined as the percentage of pixels in relation to the total pixels of the image, and demonstrates the instability of the floating material. The ferric chloride and Tanfloc SG (Tanac®) coagulants and the synthetic flocculants polyacrylamide types (SNF Floerger®) cationic (FO4550SH), anionic (FA920SH) and nonionic (FA920SH) were investigated in different concentrations and combinations. The present study showed that algae separation through this system is technically feasible. The best results showed a turbidity removal of 92% for the combination of ferric chloride (20mg/L) + FO4550SH (2mg/L) and 97% for Tanfloc SG (20mg/ L) + AN956SH (1mg/L). In relation to the stability of the floated material, the samples containing only coagulants presented values of αa between 4.26 and 5.49, indicating a low stability of the floated material. While the ferric chloride (20mg / L) + FO4550SH (0.5mg / L) and Tanfloc SG (20mg / L) + FO4550SH (1 and 2mg / L) combinations were the ones that produced a floated material with greater stability, 0.35 and α = 0.40, respectively, demonstrating that the use of the polymers provides greater stability of the floated material when it is subjected to turbulence.

The goal of this thesis was to determine the operational and technical parameters of the separation objects in water treatment. The first part is a theoretical and provides basic information on this issue. The second part contains the evaluation criteria created by the obtained information for individual objects and gained in practice by personal visits of selected treatment plants of water. In the last part we can find application of these criteria in water treatment in practice. There is also included the final evaluation of the researched condition.

Microcalorimetric measurements and contact angle measurements were conducted to study the surface chemistry of powdered minerals. The contact angle measurements were conducted on both flat and powdered talc samples, and the results were used to determine the surface free energy components using Van Oss-Chaudhury-Good (OCG) equation. It was found that the surface hydrophobicity of talc increases with decreasing particle size. At the same time, both the Lifshitz-van der Waals (gSLW) and the Lewis acid-base (gSAB) components (and, hence, the total surface free energy (gS)) decrease with decreasing particle size. The increase in the surface hydrophobicity and the decrease in surface free energy (gS) can be attributed to preferential breakage of the mineral along the basal plane, resulting in the exposure of more basal plane surfaces to the aqueous phase. Heats of immersion measurements were conducted using a flow microcalorimeter on a number of powdered talc samples. The results were then used to calculate the contact angles using a rigorous thermodynamic relation. The measured heat of immersion values in water and calculated contact angles showed that the surface hydrophobicity of talc samples increase with decreasing particle size, which agrees with the direct contact angle measurements. A relationship between advancing water contact angle qa, and the heat of immersion (-DHi) and surface free energies was established. It was found that the value of -DHi decrease as qa increases. The microcalorimetric and direct contact angle measurements showed that acid-base interactions play a crucial role in the interaction between talc and liquid. Using the Van Oss-Chaudhury-Goodâ s surface free energy components model, various talc powders were characterized in terms of their acidic and basic properties. It was found that the magnitude of the Lewis electron donor, gS-, and the Lewis electron acceptor, gS+, components of surface free energy is directly related to the particle size. The gS- of talc surface increased with decreasing particle size, while the gS+ slightly decreased. It was also found that the Lewis electron-donor component on talc surface is much higher than the Lewis electron-acceptor component, suggesting that the basal surface of talc is basic. The heats of adsorption of butanol on various talc samples from n-heptane solution were also determined using a flow microcalorimeter. The heats of adsorption values were used to estimate % hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity and the areal ratios of the various talc samples. In addition, contact angle and heat of butanol adsorption measurements were conducted on a run-of-mine talc sample that has been ground to two different particle size fractions, i.e., d50=12.5 mm and d50=3.0 mm, respectively. The results were used to estimate the surface free energy components at the basal and edge surfaces of talc. It was found that the total surface free energy (gS) at the basal plane surface of talc is much lower than the total surface free energy at the edge surface. The results suggest also that the basal surface of talc is monopolar basic, while the edge surface is monopolar acidic. The results explain why the basicity of talc surface increases with decreasing particle size as shown in the contact angle and microcalorimetric measurements. Furthermore, the effects of the surface free energies of solids during separation from each other by flotation and selective flocculation were studied. In the present work, a kaolin clay sample from east Georgia was used for the beneficiation tests. First, the crude kaolin was subjected to flotation and selective flocculation experiments to remove discoloring impurities (i.e., anatase (TiO2) and iron oxides) and produce high-brightness clay with GE brightness higher than 90%. The results showed that a clay product with +90% brightness could be obtained with recoveries (or yields) higher than 80% using selective flocculation technique. It was also found that a proper control of surface hydrophobicity of anatase is crucially important for a successful flotation and selective flocculation process. Heats of immersion, heats of adsorption and contact angle measurements were conducted on pure anatase surface to determine the changes in the surface free energies as a function of the surfactant dosage (e.g. hydroxamate) used for the surface treatment. The results showed that the magnitude of the contact angle and, hence, the surface free energy and its components on anatase surface varies significantly with the amount of surfactant used for the surface treatment.
Ph. D.

A dissertation submitted to the faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering January, 2019
The prevalence and treatment of low grade, finely disseminated iron ore has resulted in the production of primary and secondary slimes that constitute potential resources. Slimes processing is hindered by the particle size limits of current process equipment and this dissertation explores the potential of coupling selective flocculation with magnetic and gravity separation to improve separation efficiencies. Base case tests (without selective flocculation) were conducted on the SLon-100 (laboratory scale pulsating Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separator) and the laboratory scale Reflux Classifier (RC). The base case tests were conducted to determine the optimal intensity for the SLon-100 and a semi-batch test was done on the RC to determine the effect of increasing water fluidisation rates on the response variables namely Fe concentrate grade, Fe concentrate recovery and separation efficiency. Thereafter selective flocculation conditions were optimised by coupling the process with magnetic separation in order to determine the effect of the operating variables on the response variables mentioned above. A Box-Behnken design was utilised and the ANOVA models developed for the significant response variables were used to optimise the selective flocculation process by simultaneously maximising the response variables whilst minimising the three factors (sodium oleate, paraffin dosage and conditioning time). The optimised selective flocculation conditions were then coupled with the RC in order to compare magnetic and gravity separation with and without selective flocculation. The optimised selective flocculation conditions (1 kg/ton sodium silicate; pH 10; 500g/t sodium oleate; 1431.1g/t paraffin and 4.6 min conditioning time) coupled with magnetic separation showed improved metallurgical performance when compared to the base case test. Selective flocculation coupled with magnetic separation improved the magnetic product Fe grade from 52.28±0.38% to 59.21±0.42% Fe whilst simultaneously improving the separation efficiency from 40±1.46% to 56.8±2.0% and maintaining the Fe concentrate recovery within the 95% confidence limits (69.9% to 72.1%). These results were achieved under laboratory and ideal conditions and may differ from industrial scale results. Inconclusive results were achieved with selective flocculation coupled with the RC and additional testwork is recommended
MT 2019

Bitumen recovery by the water-based extraction process produces waste streams known as tailings. When discharged into the tailing ponds, the coarse solids in the tailings stream settle out quickly, while the fine solids accumulate over years of settling to a solids content of 30-35% by weight. The formed fluid fine solids sludge, known as mature fine tailings (MFT), traps 1-3% by weight hydrocarbons within its stable slurry structure. The remediation of these mature fine tailings is one of the major challenges facing the oil sands industry. This study was intended to investigate the recovery of residual hydrocarbons in the MFT by froth flotation process. Using a laboratory Denver flotation cell operated in a batch mode, the effect of MFT dilution ratio by process water or tap water, the flotation hydrodynamics and aeration rate on hydrocarbon recovery kinetics was studied. It was found that at 1:2 dilution by weight of the MFT with process water, increasing aeration rate has a more favourable effect on recovering more than 85% of the hydrocarbons from the MFT. The hydrocarbon-rich froth produced was treated by naphtha and was found to produce a hydrocarbon product similar to diluted bitumen obtained in bitumen extraction process, suitable for upgrading. Similar approach was applied to the hydrocarbon-rich tailings from the Tailings Solvent Recovery Unit of paraffinic froth treatment. Satisfactory recovery of hydrocarbons from the MFT was obtained using a flotation column operated in a continuous mode, confirmed the results obtained from the batch tests. The tailings produced from the continuous flotation experiments were treated with polymer flocculants such as Magnafloc-1011 and Al-PAM to study the effect of hydrocarbon recovery on the remediation of the MFT. The results from initial tests showed that both flocculants were not as effective on flocculating MFT solids following the recovery of hydrocarbons by froth flotation.
in Chemical Engineering