ABSTRACT
This article presents a set of data obtained during the evaluation of a horizontal flow tubular flocculator for the provision of drinking water in developing communities. The HFTF is presented as an alternative technology to replace conventional flocculators, allowing high efficiency in the subsequent sedimentation and filtration processes. For obtaining the data, experimental tests were carried out using lengths of 68.4 m and 97.6 m for the HFTF, these lengths were combined with flow rates of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 2.0 L/s, as well as raw water turbidities of 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 NTU. The data set generated from measurements and observations made during experimental field tests is detailed. The resulting data set covers the main parameters that determine the quality of drinking water, such as turbidity and colour, as well as flocculation efficiency data. The data from the experimental system were compared with a conventional treatment plant that has a baffle flocculator. Likewise, data on the retention time and velocity gradient are presented that allowed the hydraulic characteristics of the HFTF are evaluated. This data set has significant potential for reuse in future research and development related to water treatment technologies in developing community settings. Detailed data has been collected on various operating conditions of the HFTF, such as different lengths, water flow rates and turbidity levels, as well as measurements of key parameters such as turbidity, colour, flocculation efficiency, retention time and velocity gradient, these Data could be used in future research and development related to water treatment technologies. Furthermore, a comparison of data from the experimental system with a conventional treatment plant provides useful insight into the relative performance of different water treatment technologies, which could be of interest to researchers, system designers and public policymakers in the field of drinking water supply in developing communities.
ABSTRACT
The guarantee of access to safe drinking water for rural communities is a great challenge due to the increase in contamination and deterioration of water sources. Rural areas face technological, financial, and operational limitations, having poor water quality, generally. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of a vertical tubular flocculator (VTF) to be used as part of the purification process in rural areas where small flows are used. An experimental treatment system (ETS) implemented in the field was used. The VTF was implemented using PVC pipes and fittings. Tests were carried out with the same raw water used from a conventional treatment plant with aluminum sulfate as a coagulant. The optimal coagulant dose applied in the ETS was determined by the jar test. In the VTF, the length, turbidity, and flow of the raw water were varied. The hydraulic behaviour of the VTF was evaluated with the analysis of the time distribution curve of concentration of a tracer applying the Wolf-Resnick model. A low residence time VTF was obtained, representing a new efficient flocculation model for the reduction of turbidity and colour. The results showed that the turbidity of the raw water, the residence time, and the degree of agitation are important parameters in the operation and efficiency of a VTF. There was a predominance of plug flow in the reactor. The obtained results were compared with the efficiency of a conventional water treatment plant used in the study site. The results obtained indicated that this ETS that integrates a VTF with settling and filtration can be a useful tool for rural areas. It was recommended to replicate this study with wastewater, other dimensions of the VTF, to establish a specific methodology for the design of the VTF, to evaluate the dosage with dose bombs for improving the results of VTF, and to elaborate a hydraulic model for VTF.
