NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Environmental Practice Exam 2025 - Free Environmental FE Practice Questions and Study Guide

Flocculant settling refers to the process by which particles in a suspension aggregate together to form larger clusters or "flocs," making it easier for them to settle under the influence of gravity. This process typically occurs when fine particles coalesce due to the addition of flocculating agents that promote the formation of larger entities.

Type II settling, also known as flocculent settling, is distinguished from other types of settling because it involves the interaction of particles which are in suspension, leading to the formation of flocs. In this type, the particles do not settle at a constant rate but rather accelerate as they aggregate, reducing the overall density of the settling mass due to the voids created between the flocs.

Understanding the characteristics of flocculant settling is critical for effective wastewater treatment and other environmental engineering applications, as the efficiency of separation can greatly impact the effectiveness of treatment processes. This highlights the importance of selecting flocculants that can lead to optimal settling rates in particular applications.