What is fluculant?

A flocculant is a substance that assists in the formation of flocs (clusters) of suspended particles in a liquid suspension. Flocculants are used in the treatment of wastewater, industrial wastewater, and potable water to aid in the removal of suspended solids, colloids, and turbidity. They work by attracting and binding the particles together, making them settle out of the liquid more quickly. Some common types of flocculants include inorganic coagulants such as aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride, and organic polymers such as polyacrylamide. Flocculants can be added directly to the wastewater or water being treated, or they may be added to a settling tank to encourage settling of the solids before the treated water is discharged. Flocculants are an essential part of water and wastewater treatment processes, helping to ensure that water is safe for human consumption and that wastewater is properly treated before discharge to the environment.