What is the difference between coagulants, flocculants, and coagulation aids? Can they all be referred to as coagulants, after all, they are all used in the process of coagulation and sedimentation?
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Encyclopedias explain that coagulation involves two processes: coagulation and flocculation. The chemicals used in these two processes are both referred to as coagulants; therefore, does this mean that flocculants and coagulation aids are also included within the category of coagulants?
That’s correct; coagulants include coagulating agents and flocculants. Common coagulants are inorganic iron salts and aluminum salts, while flocculants are usually PAM (polyacrylamide).