Anti-shock loading capability of a fluidized-bed flocculator

The efficiency of a fluidized-bed flocculator with 800-μm particles of 1360 kg/m3 in density was studied, and the anti-shock capability of the unit was estimated for three kinds of industrial wastewater: heavy turbidity wastewater, dispersed dyeing wastewater and starch wastewater. Steady removal efficiency was contributed by the following characteristics of the flocculator: (1) the dynamic conditions, flocculation time and velocity gradient, which were stabilized at a steady level as the loading rate changed; (2) hydrodynamic characteristics, especially the considerable rise of expanded bed height with increasing superficial velocity when small and light particles were employed as the solid phase; (3) flocs growth characteristics in the fluidized bed, which caused the density and size of the flocs being maintained at a compensational relationship, resulted the stabilized settling velocity of the flocs.

Graphical abstractThis study shows that a fluidized-bed flocculator using small and light resin beads as solid phase presents high flocculation efficiency and steady anti-shock capability for industrial wastewater treatment because flocculation time and velocity gradient can be kept steadily as loading rate changes.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide