Study on preparation and properties of novel ternary flocculant for rapid separation of underground continuous wall waste mud

PurposeA novel ternary flocculant was prepared by a simple compounding method to achieve efficient and rapid mud-water separation. This paper aims to discuss the possible mud-water separation mechanism.Design/methodology/approachThis experimental study aims to investigate the effects of different types of flocculants on the separation of waste mud water and the degradation of flocculants in the supernatant. The flocculating component, the ratio of the flocculating accelerator to the flocculant and the addition amount of the novel ternary flocculant were optimized.FindingsThe experimental results show that the composition of the new ternary flocculant is cationic polyacrylamide (CP-02), grafted starch (GS-501) and flocculation sedimentation accelerator, the best effect, the mass ratio is 1:0.5: 0.75. According to 0.25:1 (volume ratio), the new ternary flocculant is pre-configured into a solution with a concentration of 3 kg/m3to achieve efficient and rapid mud-water separation.Originality/valueThe new ternary flocculant is used for the separation of mud and water in the underground continuous wall waste mud, improving the level of civilized construction.