An experimental study into the evolution of the size distribution of kaolinite flocs

摘要

This paper presents an investigation on the flocculation of a cohesive sediment suspension consisting of kaolinite minerals. The study is based on laboratory measurements with the aim to highlight the fundamental dynamical behaviour of mud flocs. In particular, a population of flocs is observed to evolve from a non-equilibrium initial state towards a steady (statistically stationary) far-from-equilibrium state. This is evinced from analysis of experimental recordings and conceptualization of the time evolution of the floc size distribution. In addition, analysis is performed of the local, floc scale. Floc geometries are characterized by fractal properties and non-homogeneous, disordered mass-density distributions. The overall conclusion from this research is that a flocculating system is marked, on the one hand, by "organization" at global scales and, on the other hand, by "complexity" at local scales.