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Jar Testing & Coagulant Dose Optimisation

Because real waters cannot be designed from first principles alone, the jar test remains the definitive tool for setting coagulant type, dose and pH, and for de-risking a design before commitment.

Why the Jar Test Matters

The jar test is the single most cost-effective way to de-risk a coagulation design, reproducing the rapid-mix, flocculation and settling stages of a full-scale plant in a row of beakers. By varying coagulant type, dose and pH across a matrix and measuring residual turbidity, settled-water clarity and floc behaviour, it establishes the operating window before any capital is committed. It also reveals practical detail a calculation never will — how the floc settles, how much sludge is produced and how sensitive the result is to dose. Reynolds & Bauhm run structured jar-test programmes on your actual water and translate the results directly into dosing rates, mixing energy and clarifier sizing.

Running a Valid Jar Test

Dose & pH Matrix

A matrix of coagulant dose against pH brackets the optimum and reveals the operating window.

Mixing Simulation

Programmable stirrers reproduce plant rapid-mix and tapered flocculation G values for representative results.

Settling & Supernatant

Floc formation, settling rate and supernatant turbidity or residual are assessed for each jar.

Interpreting the Results

Optimum Dose

The lowest dose achieving the target residual defines the economic operating point.

Zeta / Streaming Current

Charge measurement on the jars confirms the neutralisation point and supports automatic dosing control.

Sludge & Cost

Sludge volume and reagent cost per jar inform the whole-life dosing decision.

Bench to Plant

Set-Point Transfer

Optimised dose and pH transfer to plant dosing and pH-control set-points.

Seasonal Re-Testing

Periodic re-testing tracks seasonal raw-water changes and keeps dosing optimal.

Pilot Validation

Where required, pilot trials confirm jar-test predictions at continuous scale.

Optimising a coagulation and flocculation process?

Reynolds & Bauhm delivers this scope as part of an integrated, single-point engagement matched to your project, programme and regulatory regime.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.