Flocculation
also known as flocculant · coagulation
Flocculation adds a long-chain water-soluble polymer that bridges individual particles into loose aggregates, or a coagulant that neutralises surface charge so particles can approach each other. The flocs settle far faster than the original fines and produce a clearer overflow, but they are fragile and can be destroyed by excessive shear in pumps or agitators.
Why it matters in practice
It is often the cheapest way to make an unfilterable or slow-settling slurry tractable, but overdosing flocculant reverses the effect and re-stabilises the suspension. Flocs also compress, so thickener sizing still has to come from a settling test.
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Related terms
Reference entry GL-FLOCCULATION. Definitions on this page describe engineering practice in hydrometallurgical process design; they are not a substitute for test work on your own material.