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Dissolved air (pressure) flotation

It appears that, in the past, little attempt has been made to establish the basic parameters influencing the flotation process, or their inter-relationships, on a quantitative basis for the purpose of developing rational design procedures. This thesis investigates those parameters influencing solid...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Bratby, John Raymond
Other Authors: Marais, G.v. R.
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: Department of Civil Engineering 2023
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Summary:It appears that, in the past, little attempt has been made to establish the basic parameters influencing the flotation process, or their inter-relationships, on a quantitative basis for the purpose of developing rational design procedures. This thesis investigates those parameters influencing solids removal and thickening by dissolved-air (pressure) flotation and the criteria pertaining to the design of flotation tanks for solids removal and thickening. A review of pertinent literature on flotation is presented. The historical development of flotation is given together with the theory of bubble-particle adhesion. Four common methods of flotation are compared and their inherent advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Dissolved-air (pressure) flotation, the method used in this investigation, is considered in greater detail by presenting established practical considerations for design. A pressure-saturation unit was developed in which all the compressed air supplied is dissolved into the saturator feed by continously recycling the air through a sparger, i.e. there is no air wastage. The air circulating pump operates within the pressurized circuit so that it pumps only against the hydrostatic head of water in the saturator. A vertical flow type flotation unit was developed which provides a counter current flow regime and a stable interface between the clear liquid and rising agglomerates. The accumulated agglomerates discharge freely and without mechanical assistance at the top of the unit.