Coagulation is the process whereby a given system may be transformed from a stable to an unstable state. The manifestation of destabilization depends on the particular system; for example, in the case of disperse suspensions or solutions visible floc or precipitate formation occurs; in the case of highly concentrated suspensions, dewatering of the sludge mass occurs, and so on.
Inorganic coagulants, organic coagulants, or a combination of both are typically used to treat water for suspended solids removal. Organic Coagulants are more appropriate for solid-liquid separation. Organic coagulants are generally used when sludge generation is desired. Furthermore, blended organic and inorganic chemicals are often more effective than either organic or inorganic coagulants alone. The correct blend can often combine the advantages of using the inorganic coagulant sweep-floc mechanism with the sludge generation characteristics of the organic coagulants.