Influence of the Treatment Method on the Water Yielding Capacity of Natural Water Sediments

AbstractLow water yielding capacity of natural water sediments complicates the treatment and recycling processes. It is caused by their peculiar structure and hydroxide composition distinct from other kinds of sediments. Elemental composition of the sediments of treatment facilities has been studied with the use of a scanning electron microscope, the grain-size composition has been determined using light scattering of water suspensions. In order to intensify the sludge dehydration of the water-supply network treatment facilities, the following methods has been investigated: the temperature treatment (freezing with subsequent thawing), the flocculant treatment, and the joint treatment with a flocculant and a filler (vermiculite). The properties and the structures of natural and conditioned sediments have been studied, which allows choosing the optimal treatment method. It has been shown that the use of the polyacrylamide-based flocculant together with vermiculite is a promising technique to increase the water yielding capacity of sediments along with freezing. Optimal amounts of the flocculant and vermiculite have been suggested