Flocs not forming? A troubleshooting checklist
Go through this list before you change polymer, dose or supplier.
Check the solution
Lumps, a solution older than a day, or a make-up stronger than the grade's maximum use concentration are the most common causes of poor results.
Check the dosing point
Polymer into the rapid mixer gets sheared apart; polymer too far downstream does not mix in. Move it to the gentle mixing zone.
Check the charge
If flocs stay small at any dose, test the other charge. Organic streams usually want cationic; coagulated and mineral streams want anionic.
Check the coagulant and pH
Polymer cannot fix an underdosed coagulant or a pH outside its window. Re-run the jar test on today's water.
Check the dose
Too little leaves fines; too much can restabilise particles and cloud the water. Bracket the dose in a jar test.
Check the flow
Flow above design, or pump surges, gives flocs no time to settle.
Related
Polyelectrolyte dosing guide
Starting doses, solution strength and how to work out kilograms per day.
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