Modeling and Optimization of the Flocculation Process of Multi-Component Coal Waste Slurry Using Hybrid Polymer.

In the present study, the flocculation of multi-component coal waste slurry was investigated using an eco-friendly hybrid polymer naturally derived. The three significant operational parameters of the flocculation process, polymer dosage, suspension pH, and mixing time, were varied and the results were evaluated with the Central Composite Rotatable Design. In order to the flocculation process, mathematical model equations were derived by computer simulation programming applying the least-squares method using Minitab 15. Second-order response functions were produced for residual turbidity (RT), settleable solid speed (SSS), and settleable solid volume (SSV). The predictions were found to be in perfect agreement with the observed values (R2 values of between 0.82 and 0.86). The optimum results were obtained for the RT, SSS, and SSV as 3.59 NTU, 10 mm/min, and 143 ml, respectively, at polymer dosage – 350 ppm, suspension pH – 10, and mixing time – 1.0 min). Additionally, the predicted models have been presented as 3D (three-dimensional) response surface graphs to understand the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]