JMS Paddle-Wheel Flocculation Systems

Theory Flocculation is the result of the collision of particles, which is caused by three different mechanisms: 1) Brownian motion of the water mass due to thermal fluid motion; 2) Differential settling due to larger particles overtaking and colliding with slower settling particles; and 3) Velocity gradient due to bulk fluid motion. Velocity gradient can be quantitatively described by the concept of Camp and Stein, whereby the mean velocity gradient (G-Value) is a function of power input per unit volume or G= (P/uV), where P = total power dissipated, u = absolute viscosity, and V = volume. Typical velocity gradients for water treatment plants are: 60 for Stage 1; 45 for Stage 2; and 30 for Stage 3

Tip Speed
"Ten States Standards" guidelines specify a tip speed no greater than 3.0 fps should be followed to minimize floc shear while maintaining particle suspension.

Slow Mixing
Slow mixing is a key aspect of the flocculation process. In slow mixing, the water is stirred to encourage floc particles to clump together. Stirring too fast can break large particles apart, while stirring too slowly can prevent particles from clumping enough. A wide variety of flocculation mixing mechanisms have been used in water treatment. They include vertical shaft mechanical mixers, horizontal shaft mechanical mixers, and hydraulic mixing systems.

Basin Design
• Flow pattern options include over-under, serpentine, and ported baffles.
• Flocculator orientation can be perpendicular or parallel to the flow.
• Compartments in series minimize short-circuiting and provide for tapered flocculation.

Flocculator Inlets and Outlets
Short-circuiting occurs when water bypasses the normal flow path through the basin and reaches the outlet in less than the normal detention time. Inlet and outlet turbulence is sometimes the source of floc-destructive energy and short-circuiting in flocculation basins. The system should evaluate the following:
• Do inlet conditions prevent the breakup of formed floc particles? Inlet diffusers may improve the uniformity of the distribution of incoming water.
• Do basin outlet conditions prevent the break-up of formed floc particles? Basin outlets should avoid floc breakup.

Detention
• Flocculation is a time-dependent process that directly affects clarification efficiency.
• The detention time for floc formation is recommended to be 30 minutes with consideration to using tapered (i.e., diminishing velocity gradient) flocculation.
• The flow-through velocity is recommended between 0.5 and 1.5 feet per minute for a cross-flow basin design. Greater velocities are recommended for serpentine basin designs.
• The transition velocity into the sedimentation basin is recommended to be 0.5 nor greater than 1.5 feet per second.

JMS Design Software Proprietary JMS design software program incorporates all flocculation theory and design principles. • Thousands of designs performed utilizing proven design constants and equations. • Verified by independent engineers numerous times. • Calculates desired velocity gradient and/or RPM. • Provides an output graph for velocity gradient based on changing variables needed to optimize process performance at any plant (temperature variations and speed variations, such as RPM, Hz, % speed, and tip speed). See sample at left. Top of Page

CFD Program • CFD analysis used to optimize process designs. • Illustrates homogeneous paddle-type mixing Top of Page

		Drive Assembly (Drive Motor and Gear Reducer) Motor horsepower size is determined by process loads, including: • Velocity gradient imparted to the water • Drive system inefficiencies • Frictional losses • Safety factors to ensure adequate sizing Gear Reducer is selected based on: • Speed reduction ratio • Required process horsepower • Required AGMA rating & service factor • Recommended gear design is helical bevel and all gear reducers are provided with severe duty and wash-down features
		Shaft Connections • Flange connections used with pipe shafting • Proprietary design & manufacturing practices
		Floc Shafting • Solid shafts at bearing points • Pipe shafts between bearings • Shaft design criteria: -- Total combined stress < 6,000 psi -- Shaft deflection < L / 1,000 -- Angle of twist < 0.08°/ft not to exceed 5.0°
		Bearing Assembly • Bearing Selection • Bearing Alignment

JMS offers 3 types of paddle-style focculators:
HORIZONTAL		VERTICAL		WALKING BEAM

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JMS Horizontal Paddle-Wheel Flocculators

One of the most economical options for almost any flocculation need, this proven process has been utilized in thousands of plants across the country (a large majority of which have been provided by JMS). Over the last 30 years, JMS has incorporated critical design enhancements which have become today's industry standards. Our proprietary design features, vast experience, and advanced engineering capabilities have made the JMS Horizontal Paddle-Wheel Flocculator the first choice for countless engineers & plants throughout the country.

Configurations
• Wet Chain
• Dry Chain
• Direct Drive

Advantages
Maintenance Advantages
• Minimal wear items
• One drive assembly for numerous floc reels
• Proprietary features designed to facilitate low maintenance and long life

Process Advantages
• Follows "Ten States Standards"
• Low tip speed
• Homogeneous mixing

Experience Advantages
• JMS is the leading supplier of HPWF systems in the country, with hundreds of successful installations over the past 40 years.
• Utilizes proven design enhancements which are critical for the longevity of the system.
• The JMS design has been used to successfully upgrade numerous existing flocculation systems.
• Proven process design based on numerous installations and field testing data.

		Drive Assembly with Integral Chain Tensioning Back to HPWF System
		Stuffing Box Assembly Used in direct-drive and dry-well configurations, JMS has developed numerous design enhancements which have become industry standard. Back to HPWF System
		Shear Pin Drive Sprocket Back to HPWF System

Vertical Paddle-Wheel Flocculators offer a wide range of flexibility with easy installation, all with the proven process performance of a paddle-wheel design. All JMS Paddle-Wheel Flocculators follow the "Ten States Standards" and are optimized to produce the highest quality floc particles. With hundreds of our Vertical Paddle-Wheel Flocculator installations in operation, JMS has refined our design with unique and important features for maximum equipment reliability & longevity.

Advantages
Maintenance Advantages
• Very little maintenance required
• All moving parts above the water line
• Minimal wear items
• Easy access for general operator maintenance
• All the maintenance benefits of a vertical style mixer with the process performance of a paddle-style flocculator

Process Advantages
• Optimum process control
• Follows "Ten States Standards"
• Low tip speed
• Homogeneous mixing

Experience Advantages
• JMS is the leading supplier of VPWF systems in the country, with hundreds of successful installations over the past 40 years.
• Utilizes proven design enhancements which are critical for the longevity of the system.
• Proven process design based on numerous installations and field testing data.

Key Features

		Drive Assembly Back to VPWF System
		Complete Assembly JMS Vertical Paddle-Wheel Flocculator Assembly with Bridge: • Comes fully-assembled and shop-tested • JMS has hundreds of this exact assembly installed throughout the country Back to VPWF System

The JMS Walking-Beam Flocculator uses reciprocating motion to eliminate the mass rotation and bypass issues other impeller-style flocculators struggle with. This up-and-down motion produces the best floc particles possible and is widely recognized as the choice for premium performance. With all major components above water, longevity and ease-of-maintenance are excellent. JMS has provided more successful Walking-Beam Flocculators than any other manufacturer and has the proven, proprietary design knowledge to design these systems.

Advantages
Maintenance Advantages
• All moving parts are above the water line.
• Minimal wear items. (No chains, stuffing boxes, bottom steady guides, etc.)
• All bearings are heavy duty roller bearings.

Process Advantages
• Oscillating motion ideal for flocculation.
• Eliminates mass rotation which is present in all other mechanical flocculation equipment.
• Varying tip speeds throughout a given cycle promotes high-level floc formation.

Experience Advantages
• JMS is the leading supplier of Walking Beam Flocculators.
• Utilizes proven design enhancements which are critical for the longevity of the system.
• The JMS design has been used to successfully upgrade numerous existing flocculation systems.
• Proven process design based on numerous installations and field testing data.

Key Features

Drive Components All moving parts are above water line: • Torque Arm • Connecting Rod • Connecting Rod Bearing Assembly • Riser Beam and Haunch Assembly • Walking Beam and Haunch Assembly • Walking Beam and Drop Rod Bearing Assembly Back to WBF System

System Integration In addition to paddle-wheel flocculators, JMS has been building plate settlers and other products and systems for the water and wastewater industries for over 40 years. This vast and broad experience allows us to design, configure, and construct integrated systems that optimize efficiency and process performance.