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Effect of the shear rate and supersaturation on the nucleation and growth of struvite in batch stirred tank reactors
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Effect of the shear rate and supersaturation on the nucleation and growth of struvite in batch stirred tank reactors

B. Elduayen-Echave, M. Azcona, P. Grau and P.A. Schneider
Journal of Water Process Engineering, Vol.38, Art. 101657
2020
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Abstract

Controlled struvite precipitation is a promising solution for phosphorus recovery in wastewater treatment plants. Particle size distribution of recovered struvite affects its efficacy as a fertilizer, so should be considered in the design and operation of struvite recovery reactors. This contribution analyzes the effect of varying the average shear rate (between 150 s−1 and 876 s−1) and saturation index (between 0.76 and 2.96) in two different experimental set-ups. Solution pH and particle number and size measurements using an electric zone sensing method are used to monitor the process. In addition, photomicrographs are used to observe the shape of the precipitated particles. Interestingly, for identical thermochemical conditions, a higher mixing intensity, associated with the shear rate, leads to shorter induction times, faster precipitation and a greater particle density. On the other hand, for similar mixing conditions, a higher saturation index is also linked with shorter induction times, faster precipitation and a greater particle density. From the experimental data it is concluded that the effect of the fluid shear rate cannot be ignored and should be further studied in the precipitation process.

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#6 Clean Water and Sanitation

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Citation topics
3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology
3.83 Bioengineering
3.83.2268 Struvite
Web Of Science research areas
Engineering, Chemical
Engineering, Environmental
Water Resources
ESI research areas
Engineering
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