Intensification of the wastewater treatment process in the production of sanitary ware using coagulants and flocculants

Abstract

This article discusses the issue of sludge water treatment generated in the production of ceramic sanitary ware. Experimental studies were conducted on the effectiveness of physical and chemical treatment methods, in particular the use of coagulants (aluminium sulphate) and flocculants of various types (anionic, non-ionic, cationic). The optimal parameters for water treatment have been determined, which allow for the maximum removal of suspended particles and minimise the formation of sediment. It has been established that the use of aluminium sulphate in a concentration that does not lower the pH of the medium below 6.0–6.5, in combination with flocculants, ensures effective water clarification. The best result was obtained with a flocculant dosage of 250 g/t in a ratio of anionic to non-ionic 1:1. The combined use of coagulants and flocculants made it possible to reduce the residual turbidity of water to <5 mg/dm³ and accelerate the precipitation of finely dispersed particles by 1.5–2 times compared to traditional methods. An improved technological scheme for purification has been proposed, which includes coagulation, flocculation, settling and centrifugation, with the possibility of further use of purified water in the production cycle. The results obtained can be used to modernise local treatment facilities of ceramic industry enterprises and introduce closed water use systems. The proposed reagent selection method is adaptable to wastewater of similar composition and reduces the environmental impact.