Resumen en español

In this paper, we report the results for the operation and performance of a laboratory-scale clarifier sludge blanket suspension hydraulic, through a series of experiments that used a 23 factorial design. Factors in the design included: turbidity of raw water, hydraulic load rate and type of coagulant. These factors could affect the formation of a blanket, and therefore, the system’s efficiency on the removing turbidity. Two types of coagulants –aluminum sulfate and C-325 (a cationic polymer)– were tested in two types of synthetic raw water prepared in the laboratory through the addition of kaolin with high (Type I with 100 NTU) and low (Type II with 15 NTU) turbidity. The system was operated with surface load rates of 30 and 70 m3/m2.day. Results show that the best blanket was generated when the system was operated with Type I water and a hydraulic load rate of 70 m3/ m2.day, with turbidity values in the effluent below 2 NTU.