In this study, a kinetic model that describes bubble-particle transport and attachment in the contact zone of dissolved air flotation (DAF) process is presented. The kinetic model, which is based on the assumption that the contact zone is analogous to a chemical reactor, describes the particle removal rate as a first-order reaction with respect to the concentration of particles. It identified important parameters, such as the bubble-particle attachment efficiency (αPB). The theoretical first-order particle removal rate constant (kP), based on the mathematical model, was determined by varying αPB from 0.1 to 1.0. On the other hand, the experimental kP value was determined by measuring the mean residence time, the degree of mixing of particles, and the particle removal efficiency of the contact zone by conducting pilot-scale DAF experiments at different hydraulic loading rates and recycle ratios. The experimentally determined first-order particle removal rate constant was equal to the theoretical kP value when the bubble-particle attachment efficiency (αPB) was in the range of 0.35 to 0.55, which is considered typical for water treatment applications. The kinetic model can be used to predict DAF removal efficiencies provided that αPB is determined for the system under investigation and that the operating conditions applied in this research are used. However, independent experiments are required to verify the applicability of the proposed model.Key words: algae, bubble, coagulation, dissolved air flotation, flocculation, kinetic model, particle size distribution, water treatment.
