Aggregate properties in relation to aggregation conditions under various applied shear environments

In this work, a dimensional analysis yields a correlation between floc properties, encompassing floc size and structure, and aggregation conditions that include fluid properties, applied shear, number and size of primary particles, and the estimated bonding force between particles. The measurement of aggregate properties was conducted using a small-angle light scattering technique, where information regarding the floc structure can be obtained from scattering intensity patterns of aggregates, indicating their degree of compactness. Experimental data obtained from current study, as well as from published results in the literature, show that the analysis is applicable for a range of particle sizes and shear fields. The non-dimensional factors offer a better appreciation of significant flocculation parameters, and provide a more convenient way of presenting data for various flocculation conditions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.