Tapered vs. Uniform Baffle Configuration

Introduction

Wiki MarkupThe vertical flow hydraulic flocculator has been used to test tapered and uniform baffle configurations during previous semesters, but the two configurations have never been compared with similar raw water conditions. For this reason the Fall 2008 Pilot Plant team plans to repeat testing with the two configurations. We plan to develop \[ turbidity profilesturbidity profiles\|\] that are comparable for both configurations. This data will enable us to determine whether or not tapered flocculation is more efficient than uniform flocculation as has been suspected in past semesters.

Methods

Flocculator Sampling Methods

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Several tests have been run with the uniform baffle configuration. The initial results were inaccurate due to a clog in the inlet valve of the raw water sampling line. The following graph is the turbidity profiles were obtained from the Pilot Plantprofile obtained on 10/20/08.

The accuracy of this result is questionable. The tank had to be cleaned before the measurement could be taken. Cleaning may have increased turbidity in the last section of the flocculator. We observed an incoming turbidity of 1 NTU, which is comparable to the raw water that enters the CUWFP. There could be some residual sludge in the first baffle section that is building up in the tank.