Raypa FLOC-4P Portable Jar Test Flocculator

Overview

The Raypa FLOC-4P is a compact, battery-free portable jar test flocculator engineered for rapid, field-deployable or laboratory-based coagulation and flocculation optimization studies. Designed in accordance with standard bench-scale water treatment protocols—including those defined in ASTM D2035, ISO 5815-1, and USEPA Method 100.1—the FLOC-4P employs precision-controlled rotational mixing to simulate hydraulic shear conditions encountered in rapid mix basins, flocculation tanks, and sedimentation processes. Its four independent stirring stations operate synchronously under microprocessor-regulated speed and time parameters, enabling statistically robust comparative trials across coagulant dose, polymer type, pH adjustment, or mixing intensity variables. Unlike fixed-base units, the FLOC-4P’s 12 V DC input allows direct integration into mobile laboratories, emergency response vehicles, or remote sampling sites via standard automotive cigarette lighter sockets—eliminating dependency on AC infrastructure while maintaining metrological consistency.

Key Features

• Four independently driven stirring positions with synchronized speed and timer control
• Adjustable stirrer height mechanism accommodating standard 500 mL–1000 mL beakers and cylindrical sample vessels
• Digital speed regulation from 20 to 200 rpm in 1 rpm increments, ensuring reproducible shear rate application
• Precise programmable timer spanning 0 to 60 minutes with auto-stop functionality and audible alert
• Backlit LCD display providing real-time feedback on set speed, elapsed time, and operational status
• Low-noise brushless DC motor architecture (<45 dB(A) at 1 m), suitable for quiet laboratory environments
• Integrated cable assembly with automotive-grade cigarette lighter plug (IEC 60130-16 compliant) and over-current protection
• Ergonomic handheld form factor with non-slip rubberized grip and balanced center of gravity for stable tabletop operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FLOC-4P supports standard glass or polypropylene beakers (500 mL, 1 L) and custom cylindrical reactors up to 110 mm diameter. Stirrer shafts accept common PTFE-coated paddles (e.g., 30 mm × 10 mm dual-blade or helical configurations) and are compatible with ISO 5815-1–recommended impeller geometries. All electronic components meet CE marking requirements under the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. The device complies with GLP-aligned operational traceability standards when used in conjunction with validated lab notebooks or electronic lab notebook (ELN) systems. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified as a standalone unit, its deterministic timing and immutable speed settings support audit-ready documentation for drinking water utilities adhering to US EPA Clean Water Act reporting frameworks.

Software & Data Management

The FLOC-4P operates as a stand-alone hardware platform without embedded firmware update capability or USB/Bluetooth connectivity. All parameter inputs—speed, duration, and position activation—are entered manually via tactile membrane buttons and confirmed through the LCD interface. No proprietary software is required; however, experimental metadata (e.g., coagulant batch ID, sample turbidity pre/post-test, operator initials) must be recorded externally per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.5.2. For laboratories implementing LIMS integration, the device’s deterministic behavior enables structured data capture via observer-entered fields in validated digital forms—ensuring alignment with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Optimization of coagulant and flocculant dosing strategies for surface water, groundwater, and wastewater streams
• Evaluation of floc formation kinetics, settleability (via subsequent settling column tests), and supernatant clarity (turbidity, UV254, DOC)
• Comparative assessment of novel polymeric coagulants, bio-based flocculants, or hybrid inorganic-organic formulations
• Regulatory compliance testing for municipal water treatment plants operating under EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184) or US Safe Drinking Water Act monitoring requirements
• Academic research in environmental engineering labs focusing on colloidal destabilization mechanisms and aggregate growth modeling
• Rapid-response field screening during algal bloom events, post-flooding contamination episodes, or industrial spill assessments

FAQ

Can the FLOC-4P be used with non-standard beaker sizes or custom reactor geometries?

Yes—adjustable stirrer height (range: 80–160 mm from base plate) and universal clamp design accommodate vessels from 500 mL to 1 L, including square-section containers and tapered cylinders, provided impeller clearance meets ISO 5815-1 minimum submergence ratios.
Is calibration traceable to national metrology institutes?

Speed calibration is performed using NIST-traceable optical tachometry during factory acceptance testing; users receive a certificate of conformance (not full calibration certificate) specifying ±1.5 rpm accuracy at 20–200 rpm across all four positions.
Does the unit support sequential multi-speed programs (e.g., rapid mix followed by slow flocculation)?

No—the FLOC-4P executes only single-stage constant-speed protocols. For multi-phase mixing sequences, manual intervention between stages is required; the FLOC-6 model offers programmable dual-speed profiles.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term performance?

Annual inspection of motor coupling integrity, cleaning of PCB-mounted ventilation grilles, and verification of cigarette lighter plug contact resistance (<50 mΩ) are recommended. No lubrication or firmware updates are necessary.