What causes small floc formation in chemical treatment?

Small floc formation in chemical treatment is influenced by the speed at which paddles mix the wastewater. When the paddle speed is too fast, it can lead to the generation of small floc particles instead of larger ones. Rapid mixing disrupts the formation of larger aggregates by shearing the developing floc, preventing particles from clumping together effectively. This can result in a less efficient settling process in sedimentation tanks, as smaller flocs may not settle as quickly or completely.

In contrast, slower paddle speeds may allow for better floc formation by enabling particles to collide and grow into larger aggregates. Through this mechanism, proper paddle speed is crucial for optimizing floc size and improving the overall efficiency of the chemical treatment process.