FLOATATION AND WASTE

MANAGEMENT

PRESENTATION BY
BADMUS MOBOLAJI- 215333
 FLOATATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
To understand how floatation can be used in waste management, it is important to understand
what the word really means, its principles and the laws governing the process. Floatation
refers to the tendency of an object to rise up to the upper levels of the fluid or to float on the
fluid surface. It also refers to the tendency of an object to remain in the upper layers of the
liquid or stay on the surface of the liquid. Several physical characteristics of the liquid and
the object, most notably their density or relative buoyancy, are necessary for flotation.

PRINCIPLE OF FLOATATION
Archimedes states the floating principle. The ancient Greek scientist Archimedes was the
first to explain the idea of floating. He says that everything buried in a liquid feels an upward
force, thus if a body displaces water equivalent to its own weight, it would float. This upward
force, sometimes referred to as the BOUYANT FORCE, is called the rule of buoyancy.
Density is the primary factor influencing flotation. If an object's density is less than that of
water, it will float. For example, a leaf from a plant floats on the water because its density is
lower than that of water. A stone will sink if it is thrown into water because stones are denser
than water.

LAWS OF FLOATATION
The laws that govern floatation are laws generated from Archimedes’ Principle. The law
states that for an object to float in a liquid it should displace the same amount of liquid as its
weight. Consider a log that weighs 100kg and has a weight of 1000N, for this log to float in
water, it should displace an amount of water whose weight is equal to 1000N.

The laws for floatation are stated as:

 A body will float in a liquid if,
1. The body's material density is less than or equal to the liquid's density.
2. The density of the material of the body is equal to the density of the liquid, the body floats
fully submerged in liquid in neutral equilibrium.
3. The weight of the body and the displaced liquid are equal when the body floats in neutral
equilibrium.
4. The body's center of gravity and the displaced liquid's center of gravity ought to be on a
single vertical line.

An object must fulfill the following requirements in order to float in water:

1. When placing an object in a fluid, its average density should be lower than the fluid's
average density.
2. A substantial amount of fluid should be displaced by the submerged object's volume.
3. The liquid's upthrust should be more than the object's total weight submerged in the fluid.

FLOATATION IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

Flotation is a frequently used technology in waste management that is both adaptable and
successful in removing pollutants from wastewater and industrial effluents. This method
separates and eliminates undesirable items by taking advantage of the variations in the
hydrophobic qualities of different substances. This is a thorough examination of the use of
flotation in waste management. Waste from agricultural operations, such as manure, crop wastes,
and wastewater, is produced in large quantities. To reduce pollution to the environment,
safeguard water supplies, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural methods, this waste must
be managed effectively. A new method in agricultural waste management called flotation
provides a practical and economical way to separate and eliminate pollutants from agricultural
waste streams. This extensive article examines the fundamentals, uses of flotation in the
treatment of agricultural waste.
FLOATATION TECHNIQUES IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. DISSOLVED AIR FLOATATION (DAF):

Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is a water treatment process that clarifies wastewaters (or other
waters) by the removal of suspended matter such as oil or solids. In order to remove the air, it is
first dissolved under pressure in the water or wastewater and then released at atmospheric
pressure in a flotation tank basin. The released air creates microscopic bubbles that stick to the
suspended material and cause it to float to the water's surface, where a skimming equipment may
retrieve it.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION

The feed water to the DAF float tank is frequently (though not always) dosed with a flocculant to
gather the particles into larger clusters and/or a coagulant (such ferric chloride or aluminum
sulfate) to coagulate the colloidal particles. A tiny pressure vessel known as the "air drum"
receives a part of the cleared effluent water that exits the DAF tank, together with compressed
air. As a result, air becomes saturated in the pressured effluent water. The air is released as tiny
bubbles as the air-saturated water stream is returned to the front of the float tank and passes
through a pressure reduction valve as it approaches the front of the float tank. On the surface of
the suspended particles, bubbles cling to the particles at nucleation sites. The lift from the
bubbles finally cancels out the force of gravity as more bubbles grow. As a result, the suspended
material rises to the surface and produces a layer of foam, which is skimmed off by a skimmer.
The cleared effluent from the DAF unit, along with the froth-free water, is released from the float
tank.

A typical dissolved air flotation unit (DAF)

In order to increase the unit's separation efficiency, certain DAF unit designs make use of
parallel plate packing material, such as lamellas, which provide more surface area for separation.
There are two types of DAF systems: circular DAF system, which is more efficient and
rectangular DAF system which has a longer residence time. It only takes three minutes for the
former kind. The rectangular variety takes twenty to thirty minutes.

COMPONENTS OF A DAF SYSTEM

Typical DAF system parts include the following:

Saturator Tank: A pressure-filled container used to dissolve air in water.

Flotation Tank: Where the actual separation of contaminants occurs.
Air compressor: Delivers the air required for disintegration.
Recycling Pump: Circulates water through the saturator tank and flotation tank.
Skimmer: Eliminates the surface froth layer mechanically.
Control System: Monitors and adjusts the operational parameters.

A Redox DAF Unit, an example of a rectangular DAF System

2. INDUCED AIR FLOATATION (IAF):

A water treatment method called induced air flotation (IAF) cleans wastewater by eliminating
suspended particles, oils, greases, and other impurities. IAF uses mechanical methods to create
air bubbles in the wastewater immediately, as opposed to Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), which
dissolves air under pressure and then releases it to form bubbles. Gas bubbles are injected into
the water or wastewater in a flotation tank or basin to accomplish the removal. The suspended
substance floats to the water's surface where it can be collected by a skimming device because
the tiny bubbles stick to the suspended debris.
PROCESS DESCRIPTION

The feed water to the IAF float tank is often (but not always) dosed with a coagulant (such as
ferric chloride or aluminum sulfate) to flocculate the suspended matter. A sparger, eductors, or
an impeller could be the source of the bubbles, a mechanical action that creates fine air bubbles,
typically in the range of 20-100 micrometers in diameter. The suspended material rises to the
surface and forms a froth layer that is removed by a skimmer as a result of the bubbles sticking
to the suspended material. The cleared effluent from the IAF unit, along with the froth-free
water, is released from the float tank.

Some IAF unit designs use parallel plate packing material to increase the unit's separation
efficiency by providing greater separation surface.

Induced Air Floatation (IAF) Unit

A sparger
COMPONENTS OF A IAF SYSTEM

Typical IAF system parts include the following:

Flotation Tank: The main vessel where the flotation process occurs.
Air Introduction System: Includes spargers, aerators, or impellers that introduce air into the
wastewater.
Mixing Mechanism: Ensures proper mixing of air and wastewater to create fine bubbles.
Skimming Mechanism: A device, such as a skimmer or scraper, to remove the froth layer from
the surface.
Control System: Monitors and adjusts the operational parameters to optimize the flotation
process.

3. FROTH FLOATATION :

Froth flotation is a widely used process in the mining industry for separating valuable minerals
from their ores. The method is predicated on the variations in the hydrophobic characteristics of
the particles that need to be separated. Water is typically repelled by hydrophobic particles,
which then cling to air bubbles and bring them to the surface where they form a froth layer that
can be skimmed off. This idea can be modified to separate and eliminate pollutants from
wastewater in agricultural waste management.

PROCESS DESCRIPTION

The process of froth flotation involves adding air bubbles to a slurry of water and finely
powdered particles. Slurry is a byproduct of the mining and processing processes that is made up
of both solids and liquids. Massive volumes of solids in the form of rocks and dirt are produced
by mining. In a single facility, there may be billions of gallons of this imprisoned liquid waste
(slurry). The waste material is prepared first, then combined with water to make a slurry, which
starts the process. After that, reagents—which could include modifiers, collectors, and frothers—
like pine oil are added to condition this slurry. Chemicals known as collectors make certain
particles more hydrophobic; frothers stabilize the froth to facilitate efficient skimming; and
modifiers change the slurry's pH and other characteristics to improve flotation.

Air is added to the mixture using flotation cells or columns. Spargers, impellers, or other aeration
tools create air bubbles in the mixture. Effective particle flotation depends on the creation and
dispersal of fine air bubbles. Because hydrophobic particles prefer air to water, they adhere to
these air bubbles. A layer of froth is created when the hydrophobic particles are carried to the
surface by the rising bubbles through the slurry. The separated hydrophobic particles-rich froth
layer is skimmed from the surface, revealing the water that has been cleared.

Froth Floatation Process

COMPONENTS OF A FROTH FLOATATION SYSTEM

Typically, a froth flotation system consists of the following parts:

Flotation Cells: Tanks where the flotation process takes place

Air Supply: To add air to the flotation cells, use blowers or compressors.
Reagents: Chemicals added to the slurry to condition the particles, for example Pine Oil
Mixers: Tools for making sure the reagents and slurry are properly mixed.
Mechanism for Skimming: Tools for removing the layer of froth from the surface.
Control System: Keeps an eye on and modifies the operating settings to ensure the best possible
flotation performance.

APPLICATION OF FLOATATION IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Oil and Grease Removal: Wastewater from industrial processes frequently contains oils
and greases, which can be difficult to remove using standard techniques. Flotation
effectively eliminates these compounds that are hydrophobic. Dissolved air flotation
(DAF) systems are widely used in sectors including food processing, metallurgy, and
petroleum refining to remove oil and grease from water, increasing effluent quality and
facilitating compliance with environmental standards.
2. Heavy Metal Removal: Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals can also be
treated by flotation to get rid of them. Flotation systems are an efficient way to remove
contaminants from water by capturing and removing metal ions and lowering their
concentration in the discharged water by adding certain chemicals that make them
hydrophobic.

3. Enhancement of Primary and Secondary Treatment: Flotation can improve the

primary and secondary treatment phases in municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
Flotation aids in the removal of oils, grease, and suspended solids during primary
treatment, resulting in cleaner water and a lighter load on secondary treatment
procedures. Flotation can help separate biological sludge in secondary treatment,
increasing the effectiveness of biological treatment procedures like activated sludge
systems.

4. Treatment of Dairy Wastewater: Sewage from dairy farms contains a lot of fats, oils,
and suspended particles. Cleaner effluent can be produced by effectively removing these
impurities using flotation systems. The recovered fats can enhance the waste management
process by being converted into byproducts like biogas or animal feed.

5. Removal of Nutrients: Over-nutrition, especially from nitrogen and phosphorus in urban

wastewater, can cause aquatic bodies to become eutrophic. These nutrients can be
efficiently removed by flotation in conjunction with chemical precipitation, supporting
the preservation of aquatic habitats and adherence to legal restrictions.

6. Treatment of Effluent: The pulp and paper industries produce a lot of effluent that
contains organic materials, fibers, and suspended sediments. By removing these
impurities through flotation, the effluent's quality is raised. In this application, dissolved
air flotation (DAF) devices work very well, guaranteeing that the treated water satisfies
discharge requirements.

7. Pesticide Removal: Pesticides that pose serious dangers to the environment are
frequently found in agricultural runoff. Pesticide particles can be removed from water by
flotation, which lowers contamination levels and keeps these dangerous substances out of
natural water bodies.

8. Fiber Recovery: Utilizable fibers from wastewater can also be recovered by flotation and
recycled back into the manufacturing process. This improves the sustainability of paper
manufacturing operations while also reducing trash.
ADVANTAGES OF THE FLOATATION IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. High Efficiency: Oils, greases, and other impurities can be effectively removed from
wastewater by flotation. As a result, high-quality effluent is produced that satisfies legal
requirements and may be safely released or recycled.
2. Versatility: By modifying the types and dosages of reagents employed, the flotation
process can be tailored to treat a broad range of waste types. It is applicable to industrial,
municipal, agricultural, and mining wastewater.
3. Environmental Protection: Flotation effectively eliminates dangerous pollutants,
lessening the environmental impact of agriculture and industry, and helps prevent
pollution of water bodies. Better ecosystem health and adherence to environmental laws
are facilitated by this.
4. Improved Treatment Processes: Flotation increases the effectiveness of the procedures
that come after. It improves overall treatment performance by reducing the load on
secondary and tertiary treatment systems by eliminating a large amount of pollutants in
the early stages.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE FLOATATION IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Chemical Use: For efficient flotation, chemical reagents like collectors, frothers, and
modifiers must be used. If not effectively handled, these substances may cause threats to
the environment and human health in addition to raising operating expenses.
2. Frequent Maintenance: To avoid clogging and guarantee effective functioning, flotation
systems need to be maintained on a regular basis. This involves keeping an eye out for
any problems with the system and cleaning and replacing any worn-out parts.
3. Energy Consumption: The procedure includes mixing and air compression, two energy-
intensive phases that raise operating expenses. An essential component of the flotation
system's overall cost-effectiveness is energy efficiency.
4. Sludge Handling: Concentrated pollutants found in the froth produced during flotation
need to be appropriately handled and disposed of. The process can become more
complicated and expensive if this sludge needs to be treated further or disposed of.
5. Environmental Effects Of Reagents: It is important to give serious thought to how the
chemical reagents used in flotation may affect the environment. If not handled properly,
certain reagents may be poisonous or non-biodegradable, raising certain environmental
issues.
CURRENT TRENDS OF THE FLOATATION IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Biodegradable and Non-Toxic Chemicals: The creation and application of

environmentally friendly reagents is one of the major themes. Conventional floating
techniques frequently use chemicals that may be bad for the environment. These days,
scientists and businesses are concentrating on non-toxic, biodegradable substances that
are equally effective but have less of an adverse effect on the environment.
2. Natural Surfactants: Plant or microorganism-based natural surfactants like lecithins
extracted from soybeans and sunflower seeds are gaining popularity. By substituting for
manufactured compounds, these natural substances can increase biodegradability and
decrease toxicity.
3. Integration with Renewable Energy: In an effort to further lessen the wastewater
treatment process' carbon footprint, certain contemporary flotation systems are being
built to combine with renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
4. Hybrid Systems: To improve overall effectiveness, flotation is being combined with
other treatment methods more and more. For instance, for complicated wastewater
streams, flotation combined with membrane filtration or biological treatment, can offer
complete solutions.
5. Removal of Microplastics: Microplastics are defined as plastic particles ranging in size
from 5 mm to 100 nm. Flotation is being modified to particularly target and remove these
microscopic particles from wastewater as environmental concerns about microplastics in
wastewater continue to develop.
6. Nutrient Recovery: In agricultural and municipal wastewater, flotation is being used to
recover nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. By being transformed into fertilizers,
these nutrients support environmentally friendly farming methods.
7. Portable Systems: These flotation devices are flexible and simple to set up in different
areas. These devices are very helpful in emergency scenarios or short-term waste
management requirements.
CONCLUSION

Flotation is a strong and flexible technique that may be used to manage a variety of waste kinds.
It is a vital instrument for contemporary waste management procedures due to its effectiveness in
eliminating tiny particles, oils, and other impurities. Industries and municipalities can reduce
their environmental impact, recover precious resources, and adhere to regulations by
incorporating flotation systems into their waste management strategies. This will ultimately lead
to the adoption of more sustainable practices.
REFERENCES

• Bennett, R. J. (1996). Induced air flotation for wastewater treatment. Water Environment
Research, 68(5), 898-904.
• Edzwald, J. K. (1995). Principles and applications of dissolved air flotation. Water
Science and Technology, 31(3-4), 1-23.
• Rubio, J., Souza, M. L., & Smith, R. W. (2002). Overview of flotation as a wastewater
treatment technique. Minerals Engineering, 15(3), 139-155.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2013). Industrial wastewater treatment
technologies: Induced air flotation.
• Wang, L. K., Shammas, N. K., & Hung, Y. T. (2007). Handbook of environmental
engineering: Flotation technology. Humana Press.
• Zhang, Z., & Liu, Y. (2018). Future trends in flotation.
• Pacwa-Pociniczak, M., Paza, G. A., Piotrowska-Seget, Z., & Cameotra, S. S. (2011).
Environmental applications of biosurfactants: Recent advances. International Journal of
Molecular Sciences, 12(1), 633-654