Platypus Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Test

Description

Platypus DAF Jar Tester Saturator Assembly

Assembly Part No. 4GSAT

The Platypus Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) Jar Tester Saturator Assembly provides a pilot-scale platform for evaluating DAF as a clarification solution for challenging water conditions. The system allows detailed testing of DAF performance parameters including float quality, coagulant demand, and recycle saturation efficiency — all crucial for optimizing full-scale plant design and operations.

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What is DAF?

Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) is a water clarification process that removes suspended solids, algae, colloids, hydrocarbons, and finely divided particulate matter by attaching micro air bubbles to flocculated particles, causing them to float to the surface. This floating sludge, or “float,” is then easily removed.

DAF is especially effective in:

• Low turbidity, high-colour waters

• Waters with algae or fine, light flocs that resist settling

• Cold water environments, which enhance flotation efficiency

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How It Works

The DAF process involves:

1. Dissolving air into water under high pressure (400–800 kPa) in a Saturator

2. Releasing the air-saturated water into a flotation basin at atmospheric pressure

3. Microbubbles form, adhere to suspended solids, and lift them to the surface for removal

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Package Includes

• 1 x 2L Saturator Unit, complete with:

  • Level sight tube

  • Air pressure regulator and gauge

  • Fill and bleed facilities

  • Internal air diffuser

  • Static air bleed system

• 4 x 2L DAF Jars, each with disperser assemblies

• 1 x 4-Port Air Distribution Manifold, with:

  • Tubing and push-in fittings

  • Quick-disconnects (air in / saturator out)

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Key Advantages

• Effective for removing light, hard-to-settle particles like algae and colloids

• Operates at higher surface loadings than traditional sedimentation

• Requires lower coagulant doses and shorter flocculation times

• More robust against variations in raw water quality and chemical pre-treatment

• Compatible with Platypus and other jar testing platforms (size permitting)

• Ideal for assessing:

  • Float cohesion and stability

  • Optimal saturator pressure

  • Recycle rates for saturated water

  • Operational cost and QA parameters

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Applications

• Pilot testing for new DAF plant design

• Optimization of existing DAF plant performance

• Process verification and troubleshooting

• Educational and research environments

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Note: A separate jar tester is required for chemical/flocculation pre-treatment prior to flotation. View compatible models here:
Platypus Jar Tester Flocculator