Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems for optimizing coagulant dosing of raw water in a water treatment process. First, the embodiments determine the optimum dosage of pH adjusting chemicals to be added to the raw water based on a measurement of dissolved organic content, alkalinity, and pH of the raw water. Then, the embodiments perform a flocculation test of a mixture of the optimally-pH-dosed raw water and a hydrolyzing metal salt (HMS) wherein the dosage of the HMS salt in the mixture can be calculated based on a measurement of the charge demand of the optimally-pH-dosed raw water. The results of this flocculation test are compared to the results of at least one previous test of a combination of optimally-pH-dosed raw water and HMS to determine if the hydrolyzing metal salt dose is optimized.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and systems for optimizing coagulant dosing of raw water in a water treatment process. First, the embodiments determine the optimum dosage of pH adjusting chemicals to be added to the raw water based on a measurement of dissolved organic content, alkalinity, and pH of the raw water. Then, the embodiments perform a flocculation test of a mixture of the optimally-pH-dosed raw water and a hydrolyzing metal salt (HMS) wherein the dosage of the HMS salt in the mixture can be calculated based on a measurement of the charge demand of the optimally-pH-dosed raw water. The results of this flocculation test are compared to the results of at least one previous test of a combination of optimally-pH-dosed raw water and HMS to determine if the hydrolyzing metal salt dose is optimized.

Abstract: A portable digital optical camera-based system and method can be used to test water and coagulant samples in a chamber. The chamber has a substantially square shaped horizontal cross section and a least one see-through wall. The system and method can comprise a light source and a contrast plate that are configured to be manually placed, at least partially, into the water and coagulant samples through an aperture at the top of the chamber. The camera is configured to be located outside the chamber and to view an illuminated region in the chamber though the see-through wall. The system and method further comprise a mixing paddle that can be programmed to operate at different speeds during different time segments. The system and method can measure, store, and display time-series data of floc particle count, floc volume concentration, equivalent average spherical floc particle diameter, and computed average floc particle volume of the water and coagulant samples.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing a water sample in a water processing facility are disclosed. The system uses a chamber for receiving and isolating the water sample from the main water treatment process. An optical detector views and characterizes the particles in a region of the chamber. An analyzer coupled to the optical detector compares the characterized suspended particles at a first time and at with the characterized suspended particles at a second time to produce a report showing suspended particle size as a function of time.

Abstract: A system for characterizing suspended particles in a water treatment facility is disclosed. The system uses an imaging array to take multiple images of the particles in a sample volume. These images are then processed to determine geometrical properties of individual particles in the sample. These geometric properties can then be used to identify properties of the sample volume such as particle volume concentration, particle number concentration, computed particle diameter, gravitational settling velocity, mass concentration, and computed particle volume.

Abstract: A system for characterizing suspended particles in a water treatment facility is disclosed. The system uses an imaging array to take multiple images of the particles in a sample volume. These images are then processed to determine geometrical properties of individual particles in the sample. These geometric properties can then be used to identify properties of the sample volume such as particle volume concentration, particle number concentration, computed particle diameter, gravitational settling velocity, mass concentration, and computed particle volume.