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Procedure to Evaluate the Efficiency of Flocculants for the Removal of Dispersed Particles from Plant Extracts
Published on: April 9, 2016
Flocculation, coagulation, and precipitation of manure affecting three separation techniques
Maibritt Hjorth1, Morten Lykkegaard Christensen, Peter Vittrup Christensen
1Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aarhus University, Schüttesvej 17, 8700 Horsens, Denmark.
Bioresource Technology
|May 14, 2008
Summary
Polymer flocculation significantly enhances phosphorus removal from manure, achieving up to 95% removal. This method improves manure separation efficiency, preventing filter clogging and optimizing nutrient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Manure separation is crucial for nutrient management and environmental protection.
- Raw manure filtration often leads to filter clogging, hindering efficient separation.
- Phosphorus removal from manure is essential to prevent eutrophication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of polymer flocculation prior to manure separation.
- To compare the performance of linear and branched polymers in phosphorus removal.
- To determine optimal polymer dosage for efficient manure treatment.
Main Methods:
- Testing linear and branched polymers for manure flocculation.
- Evaluating phosphorus removal using centrifugation, gravity drainage, and pressure filtration.
- Assessing the impact of polymer charge and dosage on floc formation and separation efficiency.
Main Results:
- Centrifugation of raw manure removed 60% of phosphorus; filtration methods clogged.
- Optimal flocculation achieved 95% phosphorus removal across all tested separation methods.
- Specific polymer dosages (0.6g/kg branched, 0.85g/kg linear) were identified for optimal flocculation.
- Ferric chloride addition slightly increased phosphorus removal.
Conclusions:
- Polymer flocculation is a highly effective pretreatment for manure separation.
- Branched polymers are superior for pressure filtration due to compact floc formation.
- Linear polymers excel at turbidity reduction, but can cause resistance at high doses.
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