The Crucial Role of Air Flotation Machines in Water Plant Pretreatment During Algal Blooms

Algal blooms pose a significant challenge in water treatment, where traditional sedimentation processes struggle with the near-water-density characteristics of algal cells‌. Air flotation technology overcomes this limitation through microbubble adsorption, establishing itself as a core process unit for ensuring water quality safety‌.

I. Superior Algae Removal Mechanism of Air Flotation

Air flotation machines utilize dissolution systems to generate microbubbles that adhere to negatively charged algal cell surfaces via charge neutralization, forming bubble-algae complexes with lower density than water‌. This technology significantly accelerates algae ascent compared to sedimentation, particularly effective for hard-to-settle species like cyanobacteria and diatoms‌. Enhanced by optimized inclined plate designs, shallow-layer air flotation units maintain high surface loading capacity while resisting sudden raw water algae density surges.

II. Synergistic Treatment Capabilities

The flotation process simultaneously eliminates algae-derived contaminants, including odor-causing compounds (e.g., 2-MIB) and certain algal toxins‌. As a pre-treatment unit for membrane systems, its effluent quality significantly delays ultrafiltration membrane fouling and extends cleaning cycles.

III. Technological Evolution Pathways

Modern intelIntegrating physical separation with intelligent control, this technology delivers both efficient and stable solutions for water plants during algal bloom seasons‌. Operational strategies should be optimized based on algal species composition to refine bubble size and chemical dosing‌.ent air flotation systems dynamically regulate dissolution pressure through online monitoring, optimizing chemical consumption‌. Nanobubble technology penetrates algal extracellular polymers, further enhancing cyanobacteria removal efficiency‌. Future developments focus on integrated removal of algae, organic matter, and odor compounds‌

Integrating physical separation with intelligent control, this technology delivers both efficient and stable solutions for water plants during algal bloom seasons‌. Operational strategies should be optimized based on algal species composition to refine bubble size and chemical dosing‌.