Optimizing filtration pre-treatment processes through state-of-the-art floc particle characterization

As regulations continue to become more and more stringent with regards to turbidity and TOC removal in drinking water treatment using surface water, it is increasingly important for facilities to optimize their granular media filtration and to keep it optimized at all times. The most important function of granular media filtration is particle capture and retention. The primary vehicle to manipulate particle removal within the filter is coagulation/ flocculation. In recent years, automated instrumentation has been made available which predicts optimum particle removal within the filters. This instrumentation can be run automatically and has the potential to allow operations staff to improve their overall plant performance without having to invest large amounts of capital in additional personnel and facilities (pilot-scale plants, for example). The pilot-scale investigation discussed here has utilized these state-of-the-art floc particle characterization technologies in conjunction with a pilot-scale water treatment facility at the City of Golden, Colorado in order to demonstrate how plant performance can be improved and maintained without significant impact to operations staff utilizing the new technologies.