Using Digital Image Processing to Characterize Flocculation of Papermaking Wastewater

Abstract

Wastewater generated from pulp and paper mills is a major pollution source. It is important to identity the flocculation characteristics of papermaking wastewater so that the wastewater treatment can be optimized. In this paper the characteristics of flocculation of deinking wastewater were studied by computer image processing. Experiments were carried out to acquire images of flocculation. A series of graph parameters related to floc sedimentation characteristics and time-variable parameters were found. Using computer visualization technology to study the static and dynamic behavior of wastewater flocs has many advantages; computer visualization technology can be used to improve wastewater treatment.