AWWA ACE95100

Flocculation of chemically conditioned (coagulated) water can be accomplished using mechanical (paddle) agitation, mixing induced by diffused air, baffles or porous media in basins, and in pipelines. In some water treatment facilities, hydraulic flocculation can result in potential savings in water treatment costs. This paper presents the design of a baffled hydraulic flocculator pipeline for a new 50-MGD water filtration plant. The design is based on the result of a pilot study that evaluated the performance of both pipeline flocculation and mechanical flocculation. Data on an existing pipeline, which could be used as a hydraulic flocculator, is also presented. The hydraulic flocculator pipeline designs for these two plants would assist in compliance with the Surface Water Treatment Rule.