Water Treatment: Removal of Suspended Solids

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What is the first stage of water treatment?

Filtration

Removal of heavy metals

Disinfection

Removal of suspended solids (correct)

What are suspended solids?

Particles smaller than 2 microns that dissolve as ions

Particles smaller than 2 microns that do not dissolve as ions

Particles larger than 2 microns that do not dissolve as ions (correct)

Particles larger than 2 microns that dissolve as ions

Why do suspended solids need to be removed from water?

To increase the levels of heavy metals

To reduce the cost of filtration

To increase the velocity of water

To prevent operational issues like deposits and erosion (correct)

Where is water likely to have higher levels of suspended solids?

Water drawn from rivers and lakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a settling pond or basin in water treatment?

To slow or delay the velocity of water to allow suspended solids to settle Signup and view all the answers

What is a clarifier in water treatment?

A settling tank that uses gravity to settle out particles Signup and view all the answers

How are suspended solids removed from ground water?

Through filtration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of removing suspended solids from water?

Preventing plugging of equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of water treatment removes other harmful substances like heavy metals?

Filtration Signup and view all the answers

How does a clarifier differ from a settling pond?

A clarifier is a large settling tank while a settling pond allows suspended solids to float. Signup and view all the answers

What is the residence time for water in a clarifier?

An hour or two Signup and view all the answers

What is added to speed the settling time for colloidal particles in a clarifier?

Synthetic polymer coagulant Signup and view all the answers

What are the most common types of filters mentioned in the text?

Pressure filters, filter-aid tubular filters, cartridge filters, activated carbon filters Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of backwashing in a filter?

To remove trapped solids Signup and view all the answers

What is a common material used for the filter medium in a pressure filter?

Diatomaceous earth Signup and view all the answers

What does an activated carbon filter effectively remove from water?

Taste or odors Signup and view all the answers

How is filter cake removed in a tubular filter during backwashing?

By reversing the flow of water through the tubes Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that a cartridge filter needs to be replaced?

Increased pressure drop across the filter Signup and view all the answers

What happens during backwashing of a filter if excessive flow rate is used?

Trapped solids will not come free Signup and view all the answers

What is transformed into activated carbon by heating with steam?

Coconut shells Signup and view all the answers