Type – II settling involves flocculating particles in dilute suspension.

The Stokes equation cannot be used because

flocculating particles are continually changing in size, shape and if a large aggregate of particles collect, specific gravity
because of entrapment of water in the interstitial space. So many factors contribute to the flocculation process that it is
quite complex to have a general formula for determining settling velocities.

An analysis of settleability of flocculating suspension similar to analysis for discrete particles can however be made. The
settling column must be altered to allow for sampling at several depths. As in the previous analysis, samples are drawn off
at several time intervals and analysed for suspended solids concentrations. These concentrations are then used to compute
mass fraction removed (instead of mass fraction remaining) at each depth and for each time. Xij = (1 – Cij/C0) x 100.
Where, Xij is the mass fraction in percent that is removed at ith depth at the jth time interval. These values are graphed and
isoremoval lines are drawn similar to contour map. The slope at any point on any given isoremoval line is the
instantaneous velocity of the fraction of particles represented by that line. It is to be noted that the velocity becomes
greater (i.e., the slope of the isoremoval lines becomes steeper) at greater depth. This common characteristic of
flocculating suspensions reflects the increase in particle size and subsequent increase in settling velocity because of
continued collision and aggregation with other particles.

Q. Settling column analysis is run on a type 2 suspension with following results. Entries in the table below are suspended
solids concentrations (mg/L) at stated times. Determine the theoretical efficiency of settling basin which is 3.0 m deep
with a detention time of 1 hr and 45 min.

Depth Time (min)

(m) 0 30 60 90 120 150 180
0.5 250 133 83 50 38 30 23

1.0 250 180 125 93 65 55 43

1.5 250 203 150 118 93 70 58

2.0 250 213 168 135 110 90 70

2.5 250 220 180 145 123 103 80

3.0 250 225 188 155 133 113 95

Steps:
a. Determine the removal rate at each depth and time, Xij = (1 – Cij/C0) x 100
b. Plot iso-concentration lines
c. Construct a vertical line corresponding to to = 1 hr and 45 min.
d. Working upwards along to line, determine increments of removal and depths to the midpoint of these
increments.
e. Determine the removal efficiency, R = ro + ∑ (Δr . Zi/Z0)
0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

0 30 60 90 120 150 180