Florida Drinking Water Operator "B" Practice Test

Gradually reducing the speed of mixers in each succeeding flocculation basin is referred to as?

1. Constant mixing

2. Linear energy mixing

3. Tapered-energy mixing

4. Dynamic mixing

The correct answer is: Tapered-energy mixing

Gradually reducing the speed of mixers in each succeeding flocculation basin is referred to as tapered-energy mixing. This process is designed to optimize the flocculation phase of water treatment, where the purpose is to encourage the aggregation of particles (flocs) without disrupting them excessively. By decreasing the speed of mixers progressively, the energy imparted to the water is minimized over successive basins, allowing for the growth of larger, more effective flocs. This method helps in achieving a balance where enough energy is provided initially to promote collisions between particles, but as the flocs grow larger, the reduced mixing intensity allows them to settle out more easily in subsequent steps. This transition is crucial for maximizing the efficiency of the treatment process and improving the overall quality of the treated water. In contrast, constant mixing would involve maintaining the same speed throughout, which may not facilitate optimal floc growth. Linear energy mixing and dynamic mixing are terms that may describe other mixing methods but do not specifically capture the gradual reduction aspect inherent in tapered-energy mixing.