Optimization of flocculation conditions for kaolin suspension using the composite flocculant of MBFGA1 and PAC by response surface methodology

The response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to study the treatment of kaolin suspension by the composite flocculant of MBFGA1 and PAC. And the two quadratic models of the five factors were established with the flocculating rate and floc size as the target responses. The optimal flocculating conditions are MBFGA1 99.75 mg/L, PAC 121 mg/L, pH 7.3, CaCl2 27 mg/L and the top speed of stir 163 rpm, respectively. That was obtained from the compromised results of two desirable responses, flocculating rate as 100% and floc size as 0.7 mm which were deduced from the frequency of responses. By means of Zeta potential measurement and experiment of flocculating process, it could be concluded that PAC has more capability on changing the potential of colloid and MBFGA1 is good at absorption and bridge effect. The composite of two kinds of predominance makes a significant sense on enhancing flocculating rate, reducing flocculent costs and decreasing secondary pollution.