Sedimentation

KEVIN A. OLEGARIO

BS Chemical Engineering

College of Engineering and Architecture

Department of Chemical Engineering

Cebu Institute of Technology - University, N. Bacalso Ave. Cebu City, 6000 Philippines

ABSTRACT

Sedimentation is the tendency for particles in suspension to settle out of the fluid in
which they are entrained and come to rest against a barrier. This experiment aims to
determine the effect of initial concentration and initial height of the calcium carbonate slurry
on its settling characteristics. Using a set of data obtained from the experiment, its effect to
the settling rate was determined. Varying concentrations of the powdered calcium carbonate
was prepared at 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%and 10%. It was found out that as the concentration
increases the settling velocity decreases. Varying initial heights of the powdered calcium
carbonate slurry was prepared at 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 400 mm and 500 mm. The
curve formed by plotting the position of the sludge line as a function of time is constant.
Therefore the curve can be drawn for any other height.
1. Introduction

The phenomenon of settling of particles in motionless water is of great importance,

which can be observed in naturally occurring process like sea, river, canals etc. and
particularly in water treatment for the purification of water.

Several processes are there for the removal of suspended solids from the water like
Cyclones, Centrifugal, Thickeners, and Sedimentation tanks. All these processes are
important but the later one is the most commonly used process in the industry due to multiple
reasons i.e. capital cost, operational cost are relatively low as compare to other processes.

For this very reason, study of settling of particles in a fluid is an important practice
regarding purification and separation. When water has little or no movement, suspended
solids sink to the bottom under the force of gravity and form sediment. This process is called
sedimentation.

Sedimentation is the process of allowing particles in suspension in water to settle out

of the suspension under the effect of gravity. The particles that settle out from the suspension
become sediment, and in water treatment is known as sludge. When a thick layer of sediment
continues to settle, this is known as consolidation. When consolidation of sediment, or
sludge, is assisted by mechanical means then this is known as thickening. In water treatment
sedimentation might be used to reduce the concentration of particles in suspension before the
application of coagulation, to reduce the amount of coagulating chemicals needed, or after
coagulation and, possibly, flocculation. When sedimentation is applied after coagulation, its
purpose is usually to reduce the concentration of solids in suspension so that the subsequent
filtration can function most effectively.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1 Materials and Apparatuses

454 g of Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)

2.2 Apparatuses
Sedimentation Apparatus Spatula
Stop Watch Stirring Rod
6 pcs. of 1000 mL Beaker Mesh
2.3 Methods
The experiment consisted of two parts. The first part is about the effect of
initial concentration on sedimentation characteristics. To start the experiment, the
powdered calcium carbonate was sieved to achieve a uniform particle size using a mesh.
1 L of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10% by weight calcium carbonate suspension in water was
prepared. Each slurry was placed in sedimentation tubes at the same height. Turning on
the light of the sedimentation apparatus, the readings of the interphase were noted at
convenient time intervals. The rise of sludge interphase at the base of the cylinder was
recorded. For final compaction readings, a period of 24 hours was given.
The second part, which is about the effect of initial height on sedimentation
characteristics, was conducted with the same procedures with part one. This time, they
have similar concentrations (4%) but differs in height: 100 mm, 200 mm, 300 mm, 400
mm, and 500 mm.

2.4 Sketch

Image 2.3.1 Settling at Varying Height (after 24 hrs of settling)

3. Results
Table 3.1 and 3.2 shows the raw data taken after reading the height of the interface at
a certain time interval.
Height of Interface
Time (min)
2% 4% 6% 8% 10%
0 500 500 500 500 500
10 23.5 67.5 234 261 252
20 19.5 45.5 122.5 187 217.5
30 18 40 92.5 153 192
40 17 38 73 129 170
50 16.5 35.5 61.5 109 152
60 16 34 57 92 135
1440 16 29 41 53 68
Table 3.1 Settling at Varying Concentrations

Height of Interface
Time (min)
1 2 3 4 5
0 100 200 300 400 500
10 9.5 20 29.5 57 96
20 8.5 16.5 25 36.5 61.5
30 8 15 22.5 32 49
40 8 14.5 21 29.5 45
50 8 14 20.5 28 42.5
60 8 13.5 19.5 27 41
1440 8 13.5 18.5 24 31.5
Table 3.2 Settling at Varying Heights
Table 3.3 and 3.4 shows the initial mass settling rate at different concentrations (same
height) and at different heights (same concentration). The initial mass settling rate is the slope
of the linear line just before it curves.
Concentration (%) Initial Mass Settling Rate (mm/min)
2 47.65
4 43.25
6 26.6
8 23.9
10 24.8
Table 3.3 Initial Mass Settling Rate of CaCO 3 at Different Concentrations

Height (mm) Initial Mass Settling Rate (mm/min)

100 9.05
200 18
300 27.05
400 34.3
500 40.4
Table 3.4 Initial Mass Settling Rate of 4% CaCO3 at Different Initial Heights
 Figure 3.1 and 3.2 represents the plot for the initial mass settling rate versus their
initial concentrations and initial heights, respectively.

60
Initial Mass Settling Rate (mm/min)

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Concentration (%)

Figure 3.1 Plot of Initial Mass Settling Rate vs. Initial Concentration

45
Initial Mass Settling Rate (mm/min)

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Initial Height (mm)

Figure 3.2 Plot of Initial Mass Settling Rate vs. Initial Height
 The values found in Tables 3.1 and 3.2 were plotted in a graph (Height of Interface
vs. Time), drawn with their respective tangent lines (to obtain the intercept interface height),
and a sample is shown in Figure 3.3.

Figure 3.3 Plot of Height of Interface vs. Time (6% Concentration)

Table 3.5 shows a sample computed quantities upon which the determination of
settling velocity and slurry concentration are based on.

6% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 500 500 26.6 0.06
10 234 430 19.6 0.069767442
20 122.5 245 6.125 0.12244898
30 92.5 160 2.25 0.1875
40 73 130 1.425 0.230769231
50 61.5 100 0.77 0.3
60 57 80 0.383333333 0.375
Table 3.5 Figured Values Prior to the Determination of Settling Velocity and Slurry Concentration
 Figures 3.4 and 3.5 represents the plot of settling velocity against the limiting
concentration.
60

50

40
Settling Velocity (mm/min)

2%
30
4%
6%
20
8%
10%
10

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2

-10
Slurry Concentration (g/L)

Figure 3.4 Plot of Settling Velocity vs. Slurry Concentration (Different Concentrations)

45

40

35
Settling Velocity (mm/min)

30
100 mm
25
200 mm
20
300 mm
15
400 mm
10 500 mm
5

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
-5
Slurry Concentration (g/L)

Figure 3.5 Plot of Settling Velocity vs. Slurry Concentration (Different Heights)
4. Discussion
 Effect of Initial Concentration on Sedimentation Characteristics
 In Table 3.1, it can be inferred that as the initial concentration of the slurry
increases, the longer time it takes for the particles to completely settle in the
tank.
 In Table 3.3 and Figure 3.1, the initial mass settling rate decreases as the
initial concentration increases. As stated by Coulson and Richardson's
Chemical Engineering (2002), the higher the concentration, the lower is the
rate of fall of the sludge line because the greater is the upward velocity of the
displaced fluid and the steeper are the velocity gradients in the fluid.
 In Table 3.5 and Figure 3.4 as well as Figure 3.5 (Initial height on
sedimentation characteristics), it can be concluded as the slurry concentration
increases, the settling velocity approaches to zero. As stated by Coulson and
Richardson's Chemical Engineering (2002), the final consolidation of the
sediment is the slowest part of the process because the displaced fluid has to
flow through the small spaces between the particles. As consolidation occurs,
the rate falls off because the resistance to the flow of liquid progressively
increases. The porosity of the sediment is smallest at the bottom because the
compressive force due to the weight of particles is greatest and because the
lower portion was formed at an earlier state in the sedimentation process.

 Effect of Initial Height on Sedimentation Characteristics

 In Table 3.2, it can be seen that as the initial height of the slurry increases, the
longer time it takes for the particles to completely settle in the tank.
 In Table 3.4 and Figure 3.2, the initial mass settling rate increases as the
initial height increases but it does not generally affect either the rate of
sedimentation or the consistency of the sediment ultimately obtained. If,
however, the position of the sludge line is plotted as a function of time for
two different initial heights of slurry, curves of the form shown in Figure 3.6
are obtained in which the ratio O A' : O A'' is everywhere constant. Thus if
the curve is obtained for any one initial height, the curves can be drawn for
any other height as proven in Figures 3.5 and 3.7.
Figure 3.6 Effect of height on sedimentation of a 3 per cent (by volume) suspension of calcium carbonate
[Courtesy of Coulson and Richardson's Chemical Engineering (2002)]

600

500
Height of Interface (mm)

400
100 mm
300 200 mm
300 mm
200
400 mm

100 500 mm

0
0 20 40 60 80
Time (min)

Figure 3.7 Plot of Height of Interface vs. Time at different heights (4% Concentration)

5. Conclusion
The settling velocity of the suspensions decreases with time. The initial concentration
of suspensions is inversely proportional to the sedimentation rate since there are many
particles in the suspension; the velocity of the particle is slow, taking some time before the
particles reach the bottom part of the vessel. The initial suspension height of the suspensions
is inversely proportional to the sedimentation rate since the particles in the lower suspension
height is nearer the bottom of the vessel and achieved the ultimate height of the settled solids
faster compared with the higher one.
Appendices

A. Equations

Zi − Z where: Zi = height at tangent point

Eq. (A.1) Velocity =
t
Z = height of the slurry at time t
Zo
Eq. (A.2) Concentration = (Co ) t = time
Zi
Co = original concentration of slurry

Zo = initial height of slurry

B. Computations

2% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 500 500 47.65 0.02
10 23.5 290 26.65 0.034482759
20 19.5 60 2.025 0.166666667
30 18 42 0.8 0.238095238
40 17 30 0.325 0.333333333
50 16.5 20 0.07 0.5
60 16 10 -0.1 1
4% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 500 500 43.25 0.04
10 67.5 285 21.75 0.070175439
20 45.5 70 1.225 0.285714286
30 40 50 0.333333333 0.4
40 38 45 0.175 0.444444444
50 35.5 43 0.15 0.465116279
60 34 40 0.1 0.5
6% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 500 500 26.6 0.06
10 234 430 19.6 0.069767442
20 122.5 245 6.125 0.12244898
30 92.5 160 2.25 0.1875
40 73 130 1.425 0.230769231
50 61.5 100 0.77 0.3
60 57 80 0.383333333 0.375
8% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 500 500 23.9 0.08
10 261 420 15.9 0.095238095
20 187 280 4.65 0.142857143
30 153 230 2.566666667 0.173913043
40 129 216 2.175 0.185185185
50 109 190 1.62 0.210526316
60 92 180 1.466666667 0.222222222
10% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 500 500 24.8 0.1
10 252 420 16.8 0.119047619
20 217.5 370 7.625 0.135135135
30 192 360 5.6 0.138888889
40 170 345 4.375 0.144927536
50 152 330 3.56 0.151515152
60 135 320 3.083333333 0.15625
 4% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 100 100 9.05 0.04
10 9.5 48 3.85 0.083333333
20 8 11 0.15 0.363636364
30 8 8 0 0.5
40 8 6 -0.05 0.666666667
50 8 5 -0.06 0.8
60 8 4 -0.066666667 1
4% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 200 200 18 0.04
10 20 103 8.3 0.077669903
20 16.5 22 0.275 0.363636364
30 15 18 0.1 0.444444444
40 14.5 15 0.0125 0.533333333
50 14 13 -0.02 0.615384615
60 13.5 9 -0.075 0.888888889
4% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 300 300 27.05 0.04
10 29.5 145 11.55 0.082758621
20 25 30 0.25 0.4
30 22.5 25 0.083333333 0.48
40 21 21 0 0.571428571
50 20.5 18 -0.05 0.666666667
60 19.5 13 -0.108333333 0.923076923
4% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 400 400 34.3 0.04
10 57 210 15.3 0.076190476
20 36.5 48 0.575 0.333333333
30 32 40 0.266666667 0.4
40 29.5 35 0.1375 0.457142857
50 28 30 0.04 0.533333333
60 27 28 0.016666667 0.571428571
4% Concentration
Time (min) Interface Height (mm) Interface Height [Intercept] (mm) Settling Velocity (mm/min) Slurry Concentration (g/L)
0 500 500 40.4 0.04
10 96 290 19.4 0.068965517
20 61.5 100 1.925 0.2
30 49 85 1.2 0.235294118
40 45 78 0.825 0.256410256
50 42.5 60 0.35 0.333333333
60 41 50 0.15 0.4

C. Graphs (needed for computations)

Height Interface vs. Time (2% Concentration) Height Interface vs. Time (4% Concentration)
 Height Interface vs. Time (6% Concentration) Height Interface vs. Time (8% Concentration)

Height Interface vs. Time (10% Concentration) Height Interface vs. Time (100 mm)

Height Interface vs. Time (200 mm) Height Interface vs. Time (300 mm)

Height Interface vs. Time (400 mm) Height Interface vs. Time (500 mm)
References
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