Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
College of Engineering and Technology

Department of Chemical Engineering
SEDIMENTATION
According to Brown (1950), sedimentation is the separation of a suspension into a supernatant
clear fluid and a rather dense slurry containing a higher concentration of solid.
According to Perry (), sedimentation is the partial separation or concentration of suspended solid
particles from a liquid by gravity settling. This field may be divided into the functional operations of
thickening, whose purpose is to increase the concentration of suspended solids in a feed stream; and
clarification whose purpose is to remove a relatively small quantity of suspended particles and produce a
clear effluent.
Classification of Settleable Solids
There are different factors to be
consider
in
choosing
the
type
of
sedimentation to be used, some of it are

particle size, viscosity, solid and solution
densities as well as the characteristics of
the particles within the slurry.
In this figure, it illustrates the relationship between solid concentration, interparticle cohesiveness
and the type of sedimentation that may exist. Totally discrete particles include many mineral particles, salt
crystals and similar substances that have little tendency to cohere. The flocculent particles generally
include those smaller than 20 micrometer, metal hydroxides, chemical precipitates and most organic
substances other than true colloids.
Sedimentation Tests
Particle Technology: Sedimentation

1

Determination of Clarification-Zone Requirements

In the treatment of solids suspensions which are in the particulate-settling regime, the usual
objective will be the production of a clear effluent and test methods limited to this type of settling will be
the normal sizing procedure, although the area demand for thickening should be verified.
Long-Tube Method
A transparent tube 2 to 4 m long and at least 100 mm in diameter (preferably larger), fitted with
sampling taps every 200 to 300 mm, is used in this test. The tube is mounted vertically and filled with a
representative sample of feed suspension. At timed intervals approximately 100-mL samples are
withdrawn from successive taps, beginning with the uppermost one. The time intervals will be determined
largely by the settling rate of the particles and should be chosen so that a series of at least four time
intervals will produce samples that bracket the desired solids-removal target. Also, this procedure will
indicate whether or not detention time is a factor in the rate of clarification. Typically, intervals may be 30
min long, the last series of samples representing the results obtainable with 2-h detention. The samples
are analyzed for suspended-solids concentration by any suitable means, such as filtration through
membranes or centrifugation with calibrated tubes.
Short-Tube Method
This test is suitable in cases in which detention time does not change the degree of particle
flocculation and hence has no significant influence on particle-settling rates. It is also useful for
hydroseparator tests where the sedimentation device is to be used for classification.
Detention Test
This test utilizes a 1- to 4-L beaker or similar vessel. The sample is placed in the container,
flocculated by suitable means if required, and allowed to settle. Small samples for suspended-solids
analysis are withdrawn from a point approximately midway between liquid surface and settled solids
interface, taken with sufficient care that settled solids are not resuspended. Sampling times may be at
consecutively longer intervals, such as 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 min.
Laboratory Batch Sedimentation

2

From a simple batch sedimentation where suspended fine solids are placed in a graduated cylinder
allowing the contents to be undisturbed. The time rate of decrease in height of the visible interface
between s supernatant clear liquid and slurry containing the particles is the sedimentation rate. This small
scale experiment must be conducted at a uniform temperature to avoid movement of fluid or convection
due to density differences resulting from different temperatures. (Brown, 1950)
FACTORS AFFECTING SEDIMENTATION
Several factors affect the separation of settleable solids from water. Some of the more common
types of factors to consider are:
PARTICLE SIZE
The size and type of particles to be removed have a significant effect on the operation of the
sedimentation tank. Because of their density, sand or silt can be removed very easily. The velocity of the
water-flow channel can be slowed to less than one foot per second, and most of the gravel and grit will be
removed by simple gravitational forces. In contrast, colloidal material, small particles that stay in
suspension and make the water seem cloudy, will not settle until the material is coagulated and
flocculated by the addition of a chemical, such as an iron salt or aluminum sulfate. The shape of the
particle also affects its settling characteristics. A round particle, for example, will settle much more readily
than a particle that has ragged or irregular edges. All particles tend to have a slight electrical charge.
Particles with the same charge tend to repel each other. This repelling action keeps the particles from
congregating into flocs and settling.
WATER TEMPERATURE
Another factor to consider in the operation of a sedimentation basin is the temperature of the
water being treated. When the temperature decreases, the rate of settling becomes slower. The result is
that as the water cools, the detention time in the sedimentation tanks must increase. As the temperature
decreases, the operator must make changes to the coagulant dosage to compensate for the decreased
settling rate. In most cases temperature does not have a significant effect on treatment. A water treatment
plant has the highest flow demand in the summer when the temperatures are the highest and the settling
rates the best. When the water is colder, the flow in the plant is at its lowest and, in most cases; the
detention time in the plant is increased so the floc has time to settle out in the sedimentation basins.
CURRENTS

3

Several types of water currents may occur in the sedimentation basin:

Density currents caused by the weight of the solids in the tank, the concentration of solids and
temperature of the water in the tank.
Eddy currents produced by the flow of the water coming into the tank and leaving the tank. The
currents can be beneficial in that they promote flocculation of the particles. However, water currents also
tend to distribute the floc unevenly throughout the tank; as a result, it does not settle out at an even rate.
Some of the water current problems can be reduced by the proper design of the tank. Installation of
baffles helps prevent currents from short circuiting the tank.
SEDIMENTATION BASIN ZONES
Under ideal conditions, the sedimentation tank would be filled with the water that has been
coagulated, and the floc would be allowed to settle before any additional water is added. That is not
possible for most types of water treatment plants.
Most sedimentation tanks are divided into these separate zones:
Inlet zone
The inlet or influent zone should provide a smooth transition from the flocculation zone and
should distribute the flow uniformly across the inlet to the tank. The normal design includes baffles that
gently spread the flow across the total inlet of the tank and prevent short circuiting in the tank. (Short
circuiting is the term used for a situation in which part of the influent water exits the tank too quickly,
sometimes by flowing across the top or along the bottom of the tank.) The baffle could include a wall
across the inlet, perforated with holes across the width of the tank.
Settling Zone
The settling zone is the largest portion of the sedimentation basin. This zone provides the calm
area necessary for the suspended particles to settle.
Sludge Zone
The sludge zone, located at the bottom of the tank, provides a storage area for the sludge before
it is removed for additional treatment or disposal.

4

Basin inlets should be designed to minimize high flow velocities near the bottom of the tank. If
high flow velocities are allowed to enter the sludge zone, the sludge could be swept up and out of the
tank. Sludge is removed for further treatment from the sludge zone by scraper or vacuum devices which
move along the bottom.
Outlet Zone
The basin outlet zone or launder should provide a smooth transition from the sedimentation zone
to the outlet from the tank. This area of the tank also controls the depth of water in the basin. Weirs set at
the end of the tank control the overflow rate and prevent the solids from rising to the weirs and leaving the
tank before they settle out. The tank needs enough weir length to control the overflow rate, which should
not exceed 20,000 gallons per day per foot of weir.
SELECTION OF BASIN
There are many sedimentation basin shapes. They can be rectangular, circular, and square.

5

Rectangular Basins
Rectangular basins are commonly found in large-scale water treatment plants. Rectangular tanks
are popular as they tend to have:
High tolerance to shock overload
Predictable performance
Cost effectiveness due to lower construction cost
Lower maintenance
Minimal short circuiting

6

Circular and Square Basins

Circular basins are frequently referred to as clarifiers. These basins share some of the
performance advantages of the rectangular basins, but are generally more prone to short circuiting and
particle removal problems. For square tanks the design engineer must be certain that some type of
sludge removal equipment for the corners is installed.
Equipment
Thickeners
A thickener concentrates suspended solids by gravity settling so that a steady-state material balance is
achieved. Solids being withdrawn continuously in the underflow at the rate they are supplied in the feed.
Basic Components of a thickener
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Tank to contain a slurry

Feed piping
Feed well to allow the feed stream to enter a tank
Rake mechanism to assist in moving the concentrated solids to the withdrawal points
An underflow solids-withdrawal system
Overflow launder
Gravity Settlers
According to Rousseau (1987), there are two types of sedimentation or settling. Type 1 settling
refers to the settling where interaction between particles are minimal. This is usually the case of settling
dilute slurries. All of the particles are to settle independently, knowing this and by acquiring additional data
like particle size distribution and rate of particle settling, a design of the settler can be made.
If the terminal velocity (U,) of the smallest particle to be separated is known or can be calculated,
then the overflow area (A1) can be calculated from the equation
where Qc is the volumetric flow rate of the liquid.

7

The depth of the liquid should be great enough to avoid suspending effects of turbulent liquid
flow. Rousseau (1987) stated that the fluid velocity being about less than 20 times of the terminal velocity
will prevent the re-suspension of the particles. Since this is the case; for calculation purposes, Rousseau
(1987) indicated that the flow velocity should be 10 times of the terminal velocity of the particle resulting
for the flow area (AF)to be given as
If the height of the basin is one-third the width,
Example
10 /tim particles of specific gravity = 3, the terminal velocity is 0.033 ft/s. To separate these
particles and all larger particles from a water stream of 100 ftVmin (833 gal/min), the basin dimensions
are calculated as follows:
In actual practice the effects of turbulence and other nonuniform flow characteristics would necessitate
making the basin at least 19 ft long. (Rousseau, 1987)

8

Another type of sedimentation; Type II sedimentation, is seen in thick and lumpy slurries where
the solid particles are settling as a mass. Because of this, systems are designed by controlling the
thickening capability of the basin along with sufficient overflow area in order to clarify the overflow of
liquid. Settlers of this type are referred to as thickeners. The construction of thickeners may be of a
rectangular basin but usually it is of circular cross-section. In the rectangular basin, solids are normally
removed by a traveling syphon that moves longitudinally back and forth along the basin. In the circular
design a raking mechanism is used to convey the settled solids slowly to the center of the basin where, as
with the rectangular basin, a syphon is used for their removal. (Rousseau, 1987)
The figure below depicts a circular thickener. The feed is introduced below the liquid surface and
above the sludge blanket. Density differences between the feed, clarified liquid, and settled solids cause
the feed to spread laterally or radially from the feed point, producing the effect of feeding the basin
uniformly across the area just above the sludge layer.

9

Solid-
Liquid Separation
Up
date,
to
there
are
already much inventions of equipment used to separate solids that are finely dispersed and divided within
a liquid. Given below is a table showing the different classification of mechanical processes employed in
solid-liquid separation. (Couper, Penney, Fair, & Walas, 2005)

10

Settling
Settling can be done letting the particles settle due to gravitational force of by employing
centrifugal force. Other means can also be used like flotation and magnetic separation. Sedimentation
behavior is important to be known in order to design the appropriate equipment. The figure below
illustrates typical sedimentation progress. (Couper et al., 2005)
According to Couper et al. (2005), it is more economical to concentrate dilute slurries when dealt
on a large scale basis. To make this happen, the slurries are made to undergo sedimentation with the use

11

of sedimentation tanks or thickeners within a prescribed period of time. Typical designs of thickeners are
shown next.
The
illustration above shows a typical thickener
design employed
for slurry concentration on
a large scale. The slurry is introduced at the top center via feed launder; the clear liquid overflows the top
edge in the overflow launder, whereas the solids settle out and are moved gradually towards the center
with slowly rotating rakes towards the discharge port at the bottom center. The concentrated slurry then is
suitable for filtration or other further processing. (Couper et al., 2005)
Another design of thickener is shown above. It is a deep cone thickener which was developed for
the National Coal Board in UK. The unit is about 10ft in diameter and the impellers have a rate of rotation

12

of 2rpm. Flow rate is about 70m 3 per sec with solids content of 6wt%. It can concentrate up to 25-35 wt%.
(Suarovsky, 1981).
(Perry's Chemical Engineers Handbook, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1963,

pp. 19.49,19.52).

13

Clarifiers are similar devices, primarily for recovering clear liquids from dilute suspensions. Sedimentation
rates can also be improved with the use of flocculating agents. Some of them are listed in the next page.
(Couper et al., 2005)

14

Designing a Rectangular Sedimentation Tank

Introduction
Designing a rectangular sedimentation tank is similar in many ways to designing a flocculation
chamber. However, water in a sedimentation basin is not agitated, so the velocity gradient is not a factor
in the calculations. Instead, two additional characteristics are important in designing a sedimentation
basin.
The overflow rate (also known as the surface loading or the surface overflow rate) is equal to the
settling velocity of the smallest particle which the basin will remove. Surface loading is calculated by
dividing the flow by the surface area of the tank. Overflow rate should usually be less than 1,000 gal/dayft.2
The weir loading is another important factor in sedimentation basin efficiency. Weir loading, also known
as weir overflow rate, is the number of gallons of water passing over a foot of weir per day. The
standard weir overflow rate is 10,000 to 14,000 gpd/ft and should be less than 20,000 gpd/ft. Longer
weirs allow more water to flow out of the sedimentation basin without exceeding the recommended water
velocity.
Specifications
The sedimentation basin we will design in this lesson will be a rectangular sedimentation basin
with the following specifications:

15

Rectangular basin
Depth: 7-16 ft
Width: 10-50 ft
Length: 4 width
Influent baffle to reduce flow

momentum
Slope
of
bottom
toward
surface
dimensions,
Continuous sludge removal
ft/min
Detention time: 4-8 hours
Flow through velocity: <0.5

ft/min
Overflow
volume
area,
and
of
the
sedimentation tank as
well as the weir length.
The calculations are as

follows:
1. Divide flow into
at
rate:
500-1,000
gal/day-ft2
We will determine
the
with a scraper velocity <15
of
Calculations
sludge hopper >1%
Overview
least
two
tanks.
2. Calculate
the
required
Weir loading: 15,000-20,000
surface area.
gal/day-ft
3. Calculate
required volume.
4. Calculate the tank depth.
5. Calculate the tank width and length.

16
the

6. Check flow through velocity. If velocity is too high, repeat calculations with more tanks.
7. Calculate the weir length
1. Divide the Flow
The flow should be divided into at least two tanks and the flow through each tank should be calculated
using the formula shown below:
Qc = Q / n
Where:
Qc = flow in one tank
Q = total flow
n = number of tanks
We will consider a treatment plant with a flow of 1.5 MGD. We will divide the flow into three tanks, so the
flow in one tank will be:
Qc = (1.5 MGD) / 3
Qc = 0.5 MGD
2. Surface Area
Next, the required tank surface area is calculated. We will base this surface area on an overflow
rate
of
500
gal/day-ft2 in
order
to
design
the
The surface area is calculated using the following formula:

A = Qc / O.R.
Where:

17
most
efficient
sedimentation
basin.

A = surface area, ft2

Qc = flow, gal/day
O.R. = overflow rate, gal/day-ft2
In our example, the surface area of one tank is calculated as follows:
A = (500,000 gal/day) / (500 gal/day-ft2)
A = 1,000 ft2
(Notice that we converted the flow from 0.5 MGD to 500,000 gal/day before beginning our calculations.)
3. Volume
The tank volume is calculated just as it was for flocculation basins and flash mix chambers, by
multiplying flow by detention time. The optimal detention time for sedimentation basins depends on
whether sludge removal is automatic or manual. When sludge removal is manual, detention time should
be 6 hours. We will consider a tank with automatic sludge removal, so the detention time should be 4
hours.
The volume of one of our tanks is calculated as follows:
V=Qt
V = (500,000 gal/day) (4 hr) (1 day/24 hr) (1 ft3/7.48 gal)
V = 11,141 ft3
(Notice the conversions between days and hours and between cubic feet and gallons.)
4. Depth
The tank's depth is calculated as follows:
d=V/A
Where:

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d = depth, ft
V = volume, ft3
A = surface area, ft2
For our example, the depth is calculated to be:
d = (11,141 ft3) / (1,000 ft2)
d = 11.1 ft
The specifications note that the depth should be between 7 and 16 feet. Our calculated depth is within
the recommended range. If the depth was too great, we would begin our calculations again, using a
larger number of tanks. If the depth was too shallow, we would use a smaller number of tanks.
5. Width and Length
You will remember that the volume of a rectangular solid is calculated as follows:
V=LWd
Where:
V = volume
L = length
W = width
d = depth
For our tank, the length has been defined as follows:
L=4W
Combining these two formulas, we get the following formula used to calculate the width of our tank:
In the case of our example, the tank width is calculated as follows:

19

W = 15.8 ft
The length is calculated as:
L = 4 (15.8 ft)
L = 63.2 ft
6. Flow Through Velocity

Checking the flow through velocity is done just as it was for the flocculation basin. First, the
cross-sectional area of the tank is calculated:
Ax = W d
Ax = (15.8 ft) (11.1 ft)
Ax = 175.4 ft2
Then the flow through velocity of the tank is calculated (with a conversion from gallons to cubic feet and
from days to minutes):
V = Qc / Ax
V = (0.0000928 ft3-day/gal-min) (500,000 gal/day) / (175.4 ft2)
V = 0.26 ft/min
The velocity for our example is less than 0.5 ft/min, so it is acceptable. As a result, we do not need to
repeat our calculations.
7. Weir Length
The final step is to calculate the required length of weir. We will assume a weir loading of 15,000
gal/day-ft and use the following equation to calculate the weir length:

20

Lw = Qc / W.L
Where:
Lw = weir length, ft
Qc = flow in one tank, gal/day
W.L. = weir loading, gal/day-ft
So, in our example, the weir length is calculated as follows:
Lw = (500,000 gal/day) / (15,000 gal/day-ft)
Lw = 33.3 ft
The weir length should be 33.3 ft.
SEDIMENTATION AS A PARTICLE SIZE MEASUREMENT
Sedimentation is one method of particle size measurement. In this method, the rate of
sedimentation of a sample of particles in a liquid is followed. The suspension is dilute and so the particles
are assumed to fall at their single particle terminal velocity in the liquid (usually water). Stokes law is
assumed to apply (Rep < 0.3) and so the method using water is suitable only for particles typically less
than 50 m in diameter. The rate of sedimentation of the particles is followed by plotting the suspension
density at a certain vertical position against time. The suspension density is directly related to the
cumulative undersize and the time is related to the particle diameter via the terminal velocity. This is
demonstrated in the following:
Based on the figure below, the suspension density is sampled at a vertical distance, h below the
surface of the suspension. The following assumptions are made:
The suspension is sufficiently dilute for the particles to settle as individuals.

Motion of the particles in the liquid obeys Stokes law (true for particles typically smaller
than 50 mm).
Particles are assumed to accelerate rapidly to their terminal free fall velocity UT so that
the time for acceleration is negligible.

21

Let the original
uniform suspension density be C 0. Let the suspension density
at the sampling point be C at time t after the start of settling. At time t all those particles travelling faster
than h=t will have fallen below the sampling point. The sample at time t will therefore consist only of
particles travelling a velocity h=t.
Since C0 is representative of the suspension density for the whole population, then C represents
the suspension density for all particles which travel at a velocity h=t, and so C=C 0 is the mass fraction of
the original particles which travel at a velocity h=t.

All particles travel at their terminal velocity given by Stokes law:
Thus, equating UT with h=t, we determine the diameter of the particle travelling at our cut-off velocity h=t:
Particles smaller than x will travel slower than h=t and will still be in suspension at the sampling
point. Corresponding values of C=C 0 and x therefore give us the cumulative mass distribution. (Rhodes,
2008)

22

SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLE

Particles within a fluid affect the motion of each other. With respect to this, analysis can be made
to model the multiple particle system. Stokes law can be assumed to apply in such suspension of
particles in a fluid, but the effective suspension viscosity and effective average suspension density should
be used. (Rodes, 2008)
where
is the voidage or volume fraction occupied by the fluid. The effective viscosity of the suspension
is seen to be equal to the fluid viscosity, m modified by a function
of the fluid volume fraction.
The drag coefficient for a single particle in the Stokes law region was:
Substituting the effective viscosity and average density for the suspension, Stokes law becomes:
Where
and
is the relative velocity of the particle to the fluid.
Under terminal velocity conditions for a particle falling under gravity in a suspension, the force balance,
drag force
becomes

23

Which results to:
Substituting for average density
and effective viscosity
of the suspension, we obtain the following
expression for the terminal falling velocity for a particle in a suspension:
Stokes Law
Stokes law applies in Stokes law region with C D=24/Rep (drag coefficient), the single particle
terminal velocity is:
Where: UT=terminal velocity of the particle

x=particle diameter
p=particle density
f=fluid density
g=gravitational acceleration
=viscosity of fluid
In this region, the terminal velocity is proportional to the square of the particle diameter. (Rhodes, 2008)
Settling of Suspension of Particles
In the study of sedimentation process (settling of particles in a fluid), Stokes law is assumed to
apply although the effective suspension viscosity and effective average suspension density are used. ,
Rhodes (2008) gave the superficial velocities of the fluid and particles as:

24

Where Qf and Qp are the respective volume flowrates of the fluid and particles which are assumed
constantly flowing within a vessel cross-sectional area A. Under isotropic conditions the flow areas
occupied by the fluid and particles are:
Where is the volume fraction occupied by the fluid. Using continuity:
And for the actual velocities of the fluid and particles:
BATCH SETTLING
Batch settling involves no net flow through the vessel. The relationship of the terminal velocity of
the particle (UT) to its actual velocity (UP) and expressed as a volumetric solids settling flux (Ups) was
given as:
This was derived from the general relationship in the experiment results of Richardson and Zaki (1954)
where n is 4.65 for Rep<0.3 (under
Stokes law) and 2.4 for Rep>500
(under Newtons law).

Sharp Interfaces in Sedimentation
Interfaces or discontinuities in terms of concentration happens in sedimentation of particles in a
suspension. Particle volume fraction (1-) here is now represented with C (concentration of the

25

suspension) for convenience. The figure below shows the interface between a suspension of
concentration C1 with particles settling at velocity Up1 and a suspension of concentration C2 with particles
settling at velocity Up2. (Rhodes, 2008)
Concentration Interface in Sedimentation

(Rhodes, 2008)
With this, the interface falling velocity (Uint) can be expressed as:
Where UpC is also the particle volumetric flux (Ups). On a flux plot (a plot of Ups versus concentration)
a) The gradient of the curve at concentration C is the velocity of a layer of suspension of this
concentration.
b) The slope of a chord joining two points at concentrations C1 and C2 is the velocity of a discontinuity or
interface between suspensions of these concentrations.

26

Determination of interface and layer velocities from a batch flux plot (Rhodes, 2008)
Relationship Between the Height-Time Curve and the Flux Plot
By the analysis of a simple batch settling test we can obtain a height-time curve. And from that we
can derive a flux plot.
Analysis of batch settling test. (Rhodes, 2008)

27

Referring to the curve we have the velocity of interface as the slope of the curve at time t which is also
equal to the velocity of the particles at the interface relative to the vessel wall (Up).
And for the relation of the suspension and planes or waves of higher concentration:
CONTINUOUS SETTLING
For a real thickener shown below:
Where: F, L, V are volume flows and CF, CL, and CV are concentrations. CT and CB are the
mean concentrations of bottom and top sections respectively.

28

PROBLEMS
1. A suspension in water of uniformly sized spheres of diameter 100 mm and density 1200 kg=m3
has a solids volume fraction of 0.2. The suspension settles to a bed of solids volume fraction 0.5.
(For water, density is 1000 kg=m3 and viscosity is 0.001 Pa s.) The single particle terminal
velocity of the spheres in water may be taken as 1:1mm=s.
Calculate:
(a) the velocity at which the clear water/suspension interface settles;
(b) the velocity at which the sediment/suspension interface rises.
2. A heighttime curve for the sedimentation of a suspension in a vertical cylindrical vessel is

shown in Figure below. The initial solids concentration of the suspension is 150 kg=m3.
Determine:
(a) the velocity of the interface between clear liquid and suspension of concentration 150 kg=m3;
(b) the time from the start of the test at which the suspension of concentration 240 kg=m3 is in contact
with the clear liquid;
(c) the velocity of the interface between the clear liquid and suspension of concentration 240 kg=m3;
(d) the velocity at which a layer of concentration 240 kg=m3 propagates upwards from the base of the
vessel;
(e) the concentration of the final sediment.

29

3. A suspension in water of uniformly sized spheres of diameter 90 mm and density 1100 kg=m3
has a solids volume fraction of 0.2. The suspension settles to a bed of solids volume fraction 0.5.
(For water, density is 1000 kg=m3 and viscosity is 0:001 Pa s.) The single particle terminal
velocity of the spheres in water may be taken as 0:44mm=s.
Calculate:
(a) the velocity at which the clear water=suspension interface settles;
(b) the velocity at which the sediment=suspension interface rises.
4. The batch and continuous flux plots supplied in Figure below are for a thickener of area 200m2
handling a feed rate of 0:04m3=s and an underflow rate of 0:025m3=s.
(a) Using these plots, graphically determine the critical or limiting feed concentration for this thickener.
(b) Given that if the feed concentration is 0:18m3=m3, determine the solids concentrations in the
overflow, underflow, in the regions above and below the feed well.
(c) Under the same flow rate conditions in the same thickener, the feed concentration increases to 0.24.
Estimate the new solids concentration in the overflow and the underflow once steady state has been
reached.

30

5. A suspension in water of uniformly sized spheres of diameter 80 mm and density

300 kg=m3 has a solids volume fraction of 0.10. The suspension settles to a bed of solids volume
fraction 0.4. (For water, density is 1000 kg=m3 and viscosity is 0:001 Pa s.) The single particle terminal
velocity of the spheres under these conditions is 1:0mm=s.

31

Calculate:
(a) the velocity at which the clear water=suspension interface settles;
(b) the velocity at which the sediment/suspension interface rises.
6. (a)Using the batch flux plot data given in Table below, graphically determine the limiting feed
concentration for a thickener of area 300m 3 handling a feed rate of 0.03m 3/s and with an
underflow rate of 0.015m3/s. Determine the underflow concentration and overflow concentration
under these conditions. Sketch a possible concentration profile in the thickener clearly indicating
the positions of the overflow launder, the feed well and the point of underflow withdrawal (neglect
the conical base of the thickener).
(b) Under the same flow conditions as above, the concentration in the feed increases to 110% of
the limiting value. Estimate the solids concentration in the overflow, in the underflow, in the
section of the thickener above the feed well and in the section below the feed well.
7. Consider the batch flux plot shown in below. Given that the final sediment concentration is 0.36
volume fraction:
(a) determine the range of initial suspension concentration over which a variable concentration zone is
formed under batch settling conditions;
(b) calculate and sketch the concentration profile after 40 min of the batch settling test with an initial
suspension concentration of 0.08 and an initial height of 100 cm;
(c) estimate the height of the final sediment and the time at which the test is complete.

32

8. Use the batch flux plot below to answer the following questions. (Note that the sediment concentration
is 0.44 volume fraction.)
(a) Determine the range of initial suspension concentration over which a variable concentration zone is
formed under batch settling conditions.
(b) For a batch settling test using a suspension with an initial concentration 0.18 volume fraction and initial
height 50 cm, determine the settling velocity of the interface between clear liquid and suspension of
concentration 0.18 volume fraction.
(c) Determine the position of this interface 20 min after the start of this test.
(d) Produce a sketch showing the concentration zones in the settling test 20 min after the start of this test.

33


34

SOLVED PROBLEMS
1
A heighttime curve for the sedimentation of a suspension, of initial suspension concentration 0.1,
a
b
c
in vertical cylindrical vessel is shown in Figure 3W1.1. Determine:

The velocity of the interface between clear liquid and suspension of concentration 0.1;
The velocity of the interface between clear liquid and a suspension of concentration 0.175;
The velocity at which a layer of concentration 0.175 propagates upwards from the base of the
vessel;
The final sedimentation concentration.
Given:
Initial suspension concentration 0.1

Figure 3W1.1
Reqd:
a
b
c
The velocity of the interface between clear liquid and suspension of concentration 0.1;
The velocity of the interface between clear liquid and a suspension of concentration 0.175;
The velocity at which a layer of concentration 0.175 propagates upwards from the base of the
vessel;
The final sedimentation concentration.
Soln:

35

Since the initial suspension concentration is 0.1, the velocity required in this question is the
velocity of the AB interface. This is given by the slope of the straight portion of the heighttime
curve.
We must first find the point on the curve corresponding to the point at which a suspension of
concentration 0.175 interfaces with the clear suspension.
A line drawn through the point t=0, h=h1
tangent to the curve locates the point on the
curve corresponding to the time at which a suspension of concentration 0.175 interfaces with the
clear suspension (Figure 3W1.2). The coordinates of this point are t=26 s, h=15 cm. The velocity
of this interface is the slope of the curve at this point:
Then the downward velocity of interface =0.31cm/s.

36

From the consideration above, after 26 s the layer of concentration 0.175 has just reached the
clear liquid interface and has travelled a distance of 15 cm from the base of the vessel in this
time.
For the concentration of the sediment, the value of h1 corresponding to the final sediment (h1s) is
found by drawing a tangent to the part of the curve corresponding to the final sediment and
projecting it to the h axis. In this case h1S=10 cm:
Ans: a) 1.333cm/s; b) 0.30 cm/s; c) 0.577 cm/s; and d) 0.4

2
A suspension in water of uniformly sized sphere (diameter 150 m, density 1140 kg/m 3) has a
solids concentration of 25% by volume. The suspension settles to a bed of solids concentration of
a
b
55% by volume. Calculate:

the rate at which the water/suspension interface settles;
the rate at which the sediment/suspension interface rises (assume water properties: density, 1000
kg/m3; viscosity, 0.001 Pa s).
Given:
uniformly sized sphere whose diameter is 150 m and with a density of 1140 kg/m 3
solids concentration of 25% by volume
a bed of solids concentration of 55% by volume
Reqd:
a
b
UpB;
Uint,BS
Soln:
a
CB=0.25 (solids concentration of initial suspension),

37

Since CA=0,
UpB is the hindered settling velocity of particles relative to the vessel wall in batch settling
Assuming Stokes law applies, then n=4.65 and the single particle terminal velocity is
To check that the assumption of Stokes law is valid, we calculate the single particle Reynolds number:
which is less than the limiting value for Stokes law (0.3) and so the assumption is valid.
The voidage of the initial suspension, B = 1-CB = 0.75
The velocity of the interface between initial suspension (B) and sediment (S) is:

38

With CB = 0.25 and CS = 0.55 and since the velocity of the sediment, UpS is zero, we have:
And from part (a), we know that UpB = 0.45mm/s, and so Uint,BS = -0.375mm/s.
The negative sign signifies that the interface is moving upwards. So, the interface between initial
suspension and sediment is moving upwards at a velocity of 0.375mm/s. Ans: a) 0.45; b) -0.375
REFERENCES:
Brown, George G., et al. Unit Operations. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1971.
Foust, Alan S., et al. Principles of Unit Operations. 2nd ed. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
1980.
Geankoplis, C.J. Principles of Transport Processes and Separation Processes. 4th edition. New
Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc. 2003.

McCabe, W.L., and Smith, C. Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering, 5th edition. New York:
McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1993.

Perry, Robert H. et.al. Perrys Chemical Engineering Handbook. 7th edition. New York: McGrawHill Book Company.1997.

39

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PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

College of Engineering and Technology

sedimentation to be used, some of it are

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Determination of Clarification-Zone Requirements

Laboratory Batch Sedimentation

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Several types of water currents may occur in the sedimentation basin:

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Circular and Square Basins

Tank to contain a slurry

where Qc is the volumetric flow rate of the liquid.

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

If the height of the basin is one-third the width,

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

illustration above shows a typical thickener

for slurry concentration on

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

(Perry's Chemical Engineers Handbook, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1963,

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Designing a Rectangular Sedimentation Tank

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

Influent baffle to reduce flow

Flow through velocity: <0.5

The calculations are as

with a scraper velocity <15

sludge hopper >1%

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

The surface area is calculated using the following formula:

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

A = surface area, ft2

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

In the case of our example, the tank width is calculated as follows:

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

6. Flow Through Velocity

Particle Technology: Sedimentation

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

The suspension is sufficiently dilute for the particles to settle as individuals.