flocculation
Particles clustering together
Flocculation is the process by which fine particles clump together into larger masses called flocs.
In water treatment, chemicals cause suspended particles to aggregate so they can be filtered out: Flocculation removes sediment from drinking water.
The term appears in chemistry, brewing, and winemaking, where yeast cells flocculate and settle to the bottom after fermentation.
Suspended particle systems
- polymersLarge chain-like molecules
- destabilizationCausing loss of stability
- electrostaticsStudy of stationary charges
- adsorptionAccumulation on a surface
bridging · macromolecules · alginate · anionic · cationic · dispersion · suspension · emulsion
Making meaning plain
- turbidityCloudiness from suspended particles
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
- settlingReaching resolution or rest
- filtrationSeparating solids from liquids
effluent · wastewater · sludge · basin · thickening · backwash · purification · groundwater
Forming into lumps
- agglomerationCollected mass of parts
- particlesMinute pieces of matter
- aggregationCombined collection of items
- coalescenceUniting into one mass
bridging · adhesion · cohesion · entanglement · binding · masses
Measured medicine amount
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
- agitationDisturbed, restless state
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
colloids
Suspended particle systems
- polymersLarge chain-like molecules
- destabilizationCausing loss of stability
- electrostaticsStudy of stationary charges
adsorption · bridging · macromolecules · alginate · anionic · cationic · dispersion · suspension · emulsion · hydrolysis
clarification
Making meaning plain
- turbidityCloudiness from suspended particles
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
- settlingReaching resolution or rest
filtration · effluent · wastewater · sludge · basin · thickening · backwash · purification · groundwater
clumping
Forming into lumps
- agglomerationCollected mass of parts
- particlesMinute pieces of matter
- aggregationCombined collection of items
coalescence · bridging · adhesion · cohesion · entanglement · binding · masses
dosage
Measured medicine amount
- turbulenceChaotic flow patterns
- agitationDisturbed, restless state
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
clarifier
Something that explains better
flocculationdispersion
Scattering across space
disaggregation · dissolution · stabilization · dissociation · dispersal