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ELECTROCOAGULATION
NO FIELD INFORMATION
1 Purpose andstatus
Electrocoagulation produces coagulants directly into the water
by the release ofmetal ions such as iron or aluminium by
electrolysis of electrodes by applyingdirect electrical
current.
It is an experimental technology.
2 Alternatives Standard metals coagulation
3 Summary of key features
Experimentation on Vaal Dam water with a turbidity of 60 NTU
with micro-organism added.
Turbidity reduced to
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6 Performancelimitations
Floating debris that could interfere physically with the
electrodes must beremoved prior to treatment.Plant performance is
highly dependant on climatic conditions; lack of wind andlow solar
radiation levels reduces the efficiency and output. Hihg raw
waterturbidity may require a reduction in through put.
7 Recommendedcapacity
From very small to large plantsExpansion is easy but costly
[modular].
8 Operationalrequirements
Requires a submersible pump and semi-skilled operator with
basicunderstanding of water quality and elementary plumbing.
9 Maintenancerequirements Removal of scale form the electrodes,
removal and disposal of chemical sludge,and cleaning of filter.
10 Infr ast ruc tu rerequirements
Solar panel, wind generator and treatment units are factory
manufactured anderected on site.Stands for wind generator, solar
panel and treatment units, gravity flowrequired.Disposal of iron or
aluminium rich sludge.
11 Impact of failures
Not dependant on electricity supply when using wind or solar
power.
12 Energyrequirements
Electricity is generated on site form renewable sources i.e.
wind and solarpower.
13 Capital costs Still being determined.
14 Operating costs Still being determined (but expected to be
low).
15 Typicaltreatmentprocessconfiguration(train) orexample
16 Exampl es of SAinstallations
Experimental only at Rand Water.
17 Socio-
economicaspects
Operating costs are reduced by using renewable energy sources,
which can be
easily maintained by the community.
18 Resear ch andevaluation inSouth Africa
Rand Water
Final waterstorage tank
FiltrationElectrocoagulation
Sedimentation
Rawwater Disinfection
