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The tube flocculator was constructed in the summer of 2008. To In order to prevent flocs from settling in the tube flocculator it was arranged in a vertical figure-eight. The flocculator has the same configuration and dimensions as the lab flocculator.
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Finally, clear braid-reinforced tubing was used to set up the flocculator. This tubing was flexible enough to form a figure eight and very durable. The flocculator was set up vertically at ground level. Elevation differences between the flocculation tank and the outlet of the tube flocculator drive flow through the tube flocculator. A T tee with one end open to the atmosphere was connected to the outlet. The T tee can be elevated or lowered to control the flow rate through the flocculator.
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Raw water particles were settling out in the 1/4 diameter line drawing water from the flocculation tank. The incoming NTU to the line was 8.2 NTU while the effluent turbidity was 4.9 NTU. It is presumed that particles were settling because no flocs were seen in the effluent. In the future, the sampling line should be shortened to avoid this issue. The flocculator could either be set up closer to the floc tank . Another or another option would be to measure raw water turbidity from the point which water enters the flocculator.
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Air often gets caught in the connection between the 1/4 line drawing water from the tank. To resolve this issue the peristaltice pump used to sample water from the sed tanks was used to provide pressure to remove air. Additionally the joint was sealed with tape to make it air tight. FIGURE >>>>>
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