Flocs’ morphology and stability in suspensions obtained in water treatment process

Purpose: In this paper, an attempt was made to apply fractal geometry for the description of morphology of the particles found in the selected crude and coagulated suspensions derived from the water conditioning process. When morphology of such suspensions was determined, particular attention was paid to their stability and influence of hydrodynamic conditions on both morphology and stability of their particles. Design/methodology/approach: Particle composition was examined using Low Angle Laser Light Scattering method and presented in volumetric particle size and parameters of log-normal distribution. Particles’ shape and morphology was characterized by fractal dimension by means of light scattering method. Findings: Fractal geometry is powerful tool for characterizing of non-grain suspension. Fractal dimension is very sensitive factor in terms to hydrodynamic and analytic conditions. Practical implications: Determining the nature and properties of the suspensions treated undergoing coagulation and sedimentation process in settlers. Originality/value: Application of the fractal dimension to design and use of the sedimentation devices in order to characterize the properties of solid phase of suspensions.