Investigation and Optimization of Chitosan Performance in Flocculating Kaolin Suspensions Using a Real-Time Suspending Solid Concentration Measuring Method

The performance of chitosan in flocculating kaolin suspensions was investigated. A real-time suspended solid (SS) concentration measuring method was applied. The influence of pH was examined from 2.0 to 13.0. The optimal pH value for low-grade (100 mg/L), middle-grade (500 mg/L), and high-grade (1000 mg/L) kaolin suspension samples was 8.0. The optimal dosage of chitosan for the three grades of kaolin suspensions was 5.0 mg/L, regardless of the initial SS concentration. An orthogonal array test was performed to determine the optimal hydraulic conditions. Range analysis and variance analysis showed that all four considered factors significantly influenced the flocculation performance of chitosan in the following order: paddle rotation speed in the mixing period > paddle rotation speed in the flocculating period > mixing period time > flocculating period time. Intermittent agitation tests were also performed, showing that alternating agitation and settling enhanced the flocculation performance of chitosan.

Automated summary

This study investigated the performance of chitosan in flocculating kaolin suspensions, discovering optimal pH, dosage, and hydraulic conditions through real-time concentration measurement, orthogonal array, and intermittent agitation tests. The results showed significant influences of different factors on the flocculation performance of chitosan under various conditions.