Process Optimization for the Production of Ferric Sulfate Coagulant by the Oxidation of Ferrous sulfate with Hydrogen Peroxide
AbstractMotivated by the oxidative power of hydrogen peroxide and its environmentally attractive properties, the present study aimed to determine the optimum conditions for the production of ferric sulfate coagulant from ferrous sulfate The independent variables studied were the temperature (7.5–27.5 °C), amount of hydrogen peroxide (100–300 %) of the stoichiometric amount for the oxidation reaction, and dilution of the reaction medium using water (100–300 %) of the stoichiometric amount for the oxidation reaction. For the optimum conditions achieved, it was possible to obtain a conversion of 96.17 % of Fe+2 to Fe+3, using a small hydrogen peroxide excess of 50 %, resulting in a product suitable for use as a coagulant in water treatment. It was found that an oxidation potential (Eh) greater than 0.7 volts corresponded to the conversion of Fe+2 to Fe+3 greater than 90 %, indicating Eh to be useful for reaction control in an industrial process.