Maximising the performance of flotation thickeners

摘要

Dissolved air flotation thickeners are not only a well-established technique-they are still one of the most efficient. JOHN BRATBY, GARR JONES and WARREN UHTE look at the remarkable results that have been achieved. Thickening sludges by dissolved-air flotation (DAF) thickeners is a well established technique that has been around for many decades. In recent years, alternative thickening devices such as gravity belt thickeners and rotary drum thickeners have gained popularity. These typically occupy a reduced footprint, have fewer components and consume less power than DAFs. However, despite such attributes, these alternative systems are severely limited in their ability to process scum and to handle high hydraulic loads. In contrast, DAF systems are able to do so, and at the same time still provide effective thickening.