What is the primary function of the mixer in the coagulation process?

The primary function of the mixer in the coagulation process is to bring the coagulant into contact with raw water. This step is crucial because the effectiveness of the coagulation process relies heavily on properly dispersing the coagulant throughout the water. When the coagulant is adequately mixed with the raw water, it allows particles suspended in the water to come into contact with the coagulant particles, which facilitates the binding or "coagulation" of these particles.

Effective mixing ensures that the coagulant can interact with all the particle types present in the water, allowing for the formation of larger flocs as the process progresses. This initial mixing phase is vital for optimizing the coagulation process, which ultimately leads to improved water quality by removing suspended solids and impurities. Other tasks, such as filtering out solids, managing temperature, or stabilizing pH, may be important in the water treatment process, but they are not the primary role of the mixer during coagulation.