Flocculation Monitoring: Focused Beam Reflectance Measurement as a Measurement Tool

A methodology to study flocculation processes and floc properties using a non-imaging scanning laser microscope is presented in this paper. This methodology allows us to study floc stability and resistance to shear forces, re-flocculation tendency and reversibility of the flocs. Furthermore, optimal dosage of any polymer and the associated flocculation mechanism can be determined. In order to illustrate the technique, some examples applied to flocculation in papermaking are described. Although in this paper all the examples have been applied to papermaking, the developed methodology can be used in any process in which flocculation phenomena is involved.