Diseño y construcción de un floculador horizontal para el laboratorio de hidráulica de la Facultad de Ciencias, ESPOCH.

Abstract

In this project, a horizontal flocculator was designed and built for the hydraulic laboratory of the Science Faculty at the ESPOCH, with the purpose of consolidating theoretical knowledge on water treatment issues through laboratory practices. The project started with the horizontal flocculator sizing on a laboratory scale using pre-set parameters and mathematical calculations, which determined the theoretical values that were later adjusted to real construction values. The methodology for the determination of the flocculator efficiency was made by taking and analyzing samples of the synthetic water, contaminated with clay, which was then treated by the horizontal flocculation process. In addition, dosing test of the coagulating and flocculating reagent indispensable in the treatment of the water used in the horizontal flocculator were carried out. The water quality parameters analyzed in the samples before and after the flocculation process, indicated that there was a decrease in color values from 375 Pt.Co to 6 Pt.Co in the case of the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) from 590 mg/L to 219 mg/L and the turbidity from 140 UNT to 0.5 UNT. A spectrophotometric analysis of the samples was also carried out and a colloid removal of 92.53% was determined. The results indicated the high efficiency of the horizontal flocculator in the treatment of the synthetic water. It is recommended to use the operating manual of the equipment for its correct use and operation, thus avoiding possible damages.