Tapered vs. Uniform Baffle Configuration
Abstract
The 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 Flocculation team focused on determining which flocculation configuration is optimal. The tapered flocculation configuration model is based on the G-theta Model, while uniform configuration is based on the energy dissipation model. In our final results, the tapered baffle configuration produced marginally better turbidity than the uniform baffle configuration. However, due to low temperature conditions, the incoming turbidity was too low in order to produce conclusive results.
Introduction and Objectives
Methods
Results
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 profile 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. Residual sludge iin the end of the tank could be contributing to the final turbidity creating some error. However a decrease in turbidity can been seen as water travels through the flocculator indicating more flocs are settling later in the flocculator.
The team will develop a more comprehensive profile for the uniform baffle configuration, sampling turbidity at more locations in the flocculator. A comprehensive turbidity profile must also be created for the tapered baffle configuration.Fall 2008Fall 2008