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Blue Reef produces coagulants for water-based industries

21 October 2024
A suspended dark liquid within a yellow liquid which shows the effect of coagulants on dirty water.

Coagulants are important chemicals used to treat water and minimise suspended particles, such as clay, dirt, and organic matter. These particles can affect the purity and quality of the water, causing turbidity and discolouration, which can make it unfit for use in a variety of industrial processes.

Companies that rely on clean water, like food manufacturing, mining, and power generation, need high-quality water for their processes. To make sure that the water used in these businesses satisfies the required standards, coagulants are needed to remove suspended particulates. Contaminated water in industrial settings can cause problems with product quality, equipment damage, and decreased efficiency.

Blue Reef Water Solutions is a leading South African water treatment company that offers speciality chemicals and engineering for industrial water systems. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE company and are committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. We supply coagulants for South African and international customers.

What are coagulants used for?

Coagulants are used by certain companies to improve the quality of the water by eliminating suspended particulates. This not only makes water equipment more efficient but also prevents damage to the equipment by minimising the chances of corrosion and fouling of filters.

Coagulants are especially important in food-grade manufacturing where the water used must be safe and pure. The potential for human illness and widespread contamination is high in food processing and production facilities. 

In addition, many industries discharge wastewater into the environment, so this water needs to be clean and free of pollutants. Coagulants help to improve the quality of wastewater and reduce the company’s impact on the environment.

Industries that use coagulants

Coagulants are necessary in numerous industries, such as:

  • Municipal wastewater treatment – Coagulants clear drinking water and help improve the quality of wastewater at sewerage facilities.
  • Industrial water treatment – Food and beverage manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and electronics producers use these chemicals.
  • Mining – Wastewater from mining operations is treated using coagulants.
  • Pulp and paper – To recover important chemicals from wastewater, the pulp and paper sector uses coagulants.

How do coagulants work?

Coagulants help to neutralise the surface charge of the suspended particles in water, causing them to agglomerate and form bigger particles known as flocs. The water can then be cleared of these flocs by filtration or sedimentation. Coagulation involves the following crucial steps:

  1. Destabilisation – The water is mixed with coagulants, which are usually synthetic polymers or metal salts. By interacting with the suspended particles, these coagulants balance out their surface charges. The particles lose their repellent effect and become more prone to aggregation when this charge is neutralised. 
  2. Adsorption – The molecules of the coagulant adhere to the suspended particles’ surface. Weak chemical connections are formed between the particle surface and the coagulant during this phase. 
  3. Bridging – The coagulant molecules join the particles together by acting as bridges when they adsorb onto various particles. This phenomenon is known as bridging flocculation. 
  4. Sweeping – The flocs formed through bridging can also sweep up smaller particles in the water, which further improves the removal of suspended solids.

Depending on the coagulant type and the properties of the water being treated, different coagulation mechanisms can be used. The main mechanisms by which metal salt coagulants, such ferric chloride and aluminium sulphate (alum), function are bridging and destabilisation. Polyacrylamide is one example of a synthetic polymer coagulant that functions by sweeping, bridging, or by combining the two methods.

The following variables affect the success of coagulation:

  • Water quality – The amount and type of suspended particles in the water determines its quality.
  • Coagulant dosage – The correct amount of coagulant must be used to get the best results.
  • Mixing conditions – To guarantee the coagulant’s distribution and the creation of flocs, the water must be thoroughly mixed.
  • pH – The pH of the water can affect the efficiency of coagulation.

A male and female scientist pouring a liquid mix of micribiocides into a beaker of water.

Blue Reef coagulants for local and international businesses

Blue Reef supplies two types of coagulant to suit the different demands of South African and international sectors. We have conducted extensive research and development (R&D) on our coagulants to guarantee their efficacy and suitability for use with various water sources.

We are dedicated to offering world-class coagulants that satisfy the most stringent requirements set by the industry. Our team of professionals is committed to providing our clients with outstanding service and has a wealth of knowledge in water treatment solutions. For more information about our products and services, please get in touch with us today

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Blue Reef Water Solutions is a leading water treatment solutions and engineering company that services various in food & beverage, agriculture, mining, industrial manufacturing and more. We also offer mineral separation and water treatment for industrial usage and human consumption.

We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact enquiries@bluereef.co.za or phone +27 31 910 7500. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for our latest news and industry insights.

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