Optimización de los procesos de coagulación y floculación para potenciar la eficiencia en la planta de tratamiento de agua cruda de una industria cerámica

Abstract

Chemical dosing in coagulation and flocculation processes is crucial for water treatment efficiency and operating costs. This thesis evaluated the coagulation and flocculation processes in the water treatment plant of a ceramic industry, focusing on hydraulic conditions and optimal dosing. The hydraulic behavior of the three-section flocculation unit was analyzed. The results indicated that piston flow prevailed in the unit; however, dead spaces and short circuits were identified. The third section presented the worst hydraulic conditions, but through an extension of 30 cm in the deflectors, the presence of piston flow increased. The hydraulic evaluation enabled the determination of mixing intensity parameters and retention times, which were replicated on a laboratory scale in jar tests to evaluate the effectiveness of three coagulants: Type A aluminum sulfate, Iron Free aluminum sulfate, and Poly aluminum chloride (PAC). At the plant level, flocculant doses were set at 0.5 and 0.75 mg/l, resulting in removal percentages of more than 90 %. Although the statistical tests indicated no significant difference in turbidity removal percentages between the coagulants, a significant difference was found in the cost calculations, highlighting Type A aluminum sulfate as the most efficient. The results will provide the industry with valuable information for decision-making and efficient plant operation through an optimal coagulant dosing curve.