Factors Affecting Coagulation

*pH
Spent wash has an acidic nature. Its pH value ranges from 4 to 4.5. The effectivity
and enhancement of coagulation are influenced by the pH. According to a study on the
effect of pH on coagulation behaviour, at pH equal to 4, the process resulted to high floc
strength and efficient recovery.
The pH also determines the type of coagulant that is suitable for the treatment. In
the case of spent wash, the coagulant to be used should have an alkaline nature in order
to reach the optimal pH for coagulation to proceed.

*Temperature
Temperature affects the physical taste of the waste. Accordingly, it affects the
coagulation due to changes in the viscosity property. Hydrolysis and precipitation kinetics
are increased at high temperature. Apparently, coagulation is more effective at high
temperature, preferably between 10 to 25 0C.
The spent wash has high temperature, and therefore the coagulation process is
effective in terms of temperature.
*Turbidity
The type of coagulant to be used is affected by how turbid the sample is. Spent
wash is characterized as highly turbid. According to Alberta Water & Wastewater
Operators Association, polyhydroxy aluminum chloride is recommended for high turbidity.
*Mixing intensity
The intensity and time of mixing have impact on the performance of the coagulant.
To maximize the coagulation for processes at low intensity of mixing, it is necessary to
add coagulant aid such as sulphated aluminum or polyaluminum salt.

References:
BaiChuan, Cao et. al. (2010, May 6). Effects of pH on coagulation behavior and floc
properties in Yellow River water treatment using ferric based coagulants. Retrieved
from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11434-010-0087-5.

EPA. (n.d.). Conventional treatment. Retrieved from:

https://iaspub.epa.gov/tdb/pages/treatment/treatmentOverview.do?treatmentProce
ssId=1934681921#targetText=The%20optimal%20pH%20range%20for,to%20the
%20optimal%20pH%20range.&targetText=Temperature%20also%20impacts%20t
he%20coagulation,the%20viscosity%20of%20the%20water.
Greville, A.S. (1997, March). How to select a chemical coagulant and flocculant.
Retrieved from:
https://sswm.info/sites/default/files/reference_attachments/GREVILLE%201997%2
0%20How%20to%20Select%20a%20Chemical%20Coagulant%20and%20Floccul
ant.pdf.

Wagh, M.P. and Nemade, P.D. (2015, July 3). Treatment of distillery spent wash by using
coagulation and electro-coagulation [EC]. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281242154_Treatment_of_Distillery_Spe
nt_Wash_by_Using_Coagulation_and_Electrocoagulation_EC.