FOR THE FACILITY MANAGER Theory of Flocculation

The term flocculation is often confused with coagulation, although the two refer to different processes. Coagulation is basically electrostatic in nature. It is brought about by a reduction of the repulsive potential of the electrical double layer. The term flocculation is derived from the Latin, “flocculus,” literally a small tuft of wool, or a loosely fibrous structure. Flocculation is brought about by the action of high molecular weight materials such as starch or polyelectrolytes. These materials from a physical bridge between two or more particles, uniting the solid particles into a random, three-dimensional structure which is loose and porous. This structure is referred to as a “floc.”