Optimization of the clarification process at kakira sugar factory

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the optimum dosage of two flocculants (Polyacrylamide and Moringa oleifera) and to determine which performs better. The jar testing method was employed for seven different samples that were treated with each flocculant at various concentrations, followed by the use of standard testing methods (HACH 8156, HACH 8237 and HACH 8025) to analyse the pH, turbidity and colour of each sample. The results showed that an increase in the concentration of both flocculants will result in a decrease in turbidity, colour, time of floc formation and pH for each sample. Furthermore, the highest turbidity removal efficiency provided by polyacrylamide was 97.8% at a dose of 9 mL compared to 95% that was achieved by moringa oleifera at a dose of 3 mL. The results suggest that the optimum dosage for polyacrylamide and moringa were 9mL and 3mL respectively, with polyacrylamide providing the greatest turbidity removal efficiency.