CHAPTER 4 -

MULTIPLE PARTICLES IN A FLUID

GUIDE TEXTBOOK:
RHODES – CHAPTER 3 - MULTIPLE PARTICLE SYSTEMS
 SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

 The close proximity of many particles in a fluid causes that the motion of each
particle to be influenced by the presence of the others.
 In practice, the concentrations of suspensions used in industry will usually be high
enough for there to be significant interaction between particles
 In the case of many particles flowing in a fluid, the previous analysis is no longer valid,
but can be adapted to model the multiple particle system.
SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

For a suspension of particles in a Fluid, Stoke´s Law is assumed to apply, but an

effective suspension viscosity and effective average suspension density are used:
𝜇
𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦. 𝜇𝑒 =
𝑓 𝜀

𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝜌𝑎𝑣𝑒 = 𝜀𝜌𝑓 + 1 − 𝜀 𝜌𝑝

Where 𝜀 is the voidage or volume fraction occupied by the fluid

SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

Taking the drag coeffient for a single particle in the Stoke´s Law Region:
24
𝐶𝐷 =
𝑅𝑒𝑝
And Substituting the effective viscosity and average density for the suspension, Stoke´s
Law now becomes:
24 24𝜇𝑒
𝐶𝐷 = =
𝑅𝑒𝑝 𝜌𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑥𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙
Where 𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙 is the relative velocity of the particle to the fluid 𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙 = 𝑈𝑡 − 𝑈𝑓
SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

Substituting in the equation of drag force, weight and buoyancy we have:

𝑥2𝑔
𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑡 = 𝜌𝑝 − 𝜌𝑎𝑣𝑒
18𝜇𝑒
Substituting average density and effective viscosity of the suspension, we obtain an expression for the
terminal falling velocity for a particle in a suspension:
𝑥2𝑔
𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑡 = 𝜌𝑝 − 𝜌𝑓 𝜀𝑓 𝜀
18𝜇
Which means:
𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑡 = 𝑈𝑡 𝜀𝑓 𝜀

𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑡 is known as the particle settling velocity in the presence of other particles or:
HINDERED SETTLING VELOCITY
HINDERED SETTLING
 When the concentration of the suspension is high enough for there to be a
significant interaction between the particles, and the frictional force exerted at a
given velocity of the particles relative to the fluid may be greatly increased as a result
of modifications of the flow pattern, it is said that hindered settling takes place.
 The sedimentation rate of a particle in a concentrated suspension may be
considerably less than its terminal falling velocity under free settling conditions when
the effects of mutual interference are negligible.
 Sedimentation velocity of particles tends to decrease steadily as the concentration of
the suspension is increased, but it has been shown, that particle sin very dilute
suspensions may settle at velocities up to 1.5 times the normal terminal falling
velocities, due to the formation of clusters of particles which settle in well defined
streams.
SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

Assuming that both the fluid and the particles are incompressible, and that the volume
flowrates, 𝑄𝑓 and 𝑄𝑝 , of the fluid and the particles are constant.
We define 𝑈𝑓𝑠 and 𝑈𝑝𝑠 , as the superficial velocities of the fluid and particles,
𝑄𝑓
𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑈𝑓𝑠 =
𝐴
𝑄𝑝
𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝑈𝑝𝑠 =
𝐴
Where A is the vessel cross-sectional area
SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

Under isotropic conditions, the flow areas occupied by the fluid and the particles are:
𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑, 𝐴𝑓 = 𝜀𝐴
𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑢𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝐴𝑝 = 1 − 𝜀 𝐴

So continuity gives:
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑: 𝑄𝑓 = 𝑈𝑓𝑠 𝐴 = 𝑈𝑓 𝐴𝜀
𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠: 𝑄𝑝 = 𝑈𝑝𝑠 𝐴 = 𝑈𝑝 𝐴 1 − 𝜀
SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

SETTLING OF A SUSPENSION OF PARTICLES

So the actual velocities of the fluid and the particles are:

𝑈𝑓𝑠
𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑, 𝑈𝑓 =
𝜀
𝑈𝑝𝑠
𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝑈𝑝 =
1−𝜀
BATCH SETTLING
SETTLING FLUX AS A FUNCTION OF SUSPENSION CONCENTRATION
 BATCH SETTLING
SETTLING FLUX AS A FUNCTION OF SUSPENSION CONCENTRATION

When a batch of solids in suspensión are allowed to settle in a container, such as a measuring
cylinder in the laboratory, there in no net Flow through the vessel, therefore:
𝑄𝑝 + 𝑄𝑓 = 0
Then:
𝑈𝑝 1 − 𝜀 + 𝑈𝑓 𝜀 = 0
(1 − 𝜀)
𝑈𝑓 = −𝑈𝑝
𝜀
In hindered settling under gravity, the relative velocity between particles and the fluid
𝑈𝑝 − 𝑈𝑓 = 𝑈𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑡 = 𝑈𝑡 𝜀𝑓 𝑒
Then, 𝑈𝑝 ,the hindered settling velocity of particles relative to the vessel wall in batch settling:
𝑈𝑝 = 𝑈𝑡 𝜀 2 𝑓 𝜀
 BATCH SETTLING
SETTLING FLUX AS A FUNCTION OF SUSPENSION CONCENTRATION

The effective viscosity function, 𝑓 𝜀 , has been shown theorethically to be:

𝑓 𝜀 = 𝜀 2.5
For uniform spheres forming a suspension of solid volume fraction less than 0.1
In general, the Richardson and Zaki relationship is given as:
𝑈𝑝 = 𝑈𝑇 𝜀 𝑛
Rep n for small vessels n for big vessels

< 0.2 4.65 + 19.5 x/d 4.65

0.2 < Re < 1 (4.35+17.5 x/d)Re-0.03 4.35Re-0.03

1 < Re < 200 (4.45+18 x/d)Re-0.1 4.45Re-0.1

200 < Re < 500 4.45Re-0.1 4.45Re-0.1

Re > 500 2.39 2.39
d : vessel diameter x: particle diameter
 BATCH SETTLING
SETTLING FLUX AS A FUNCTION OF SUSPENSION CONCENTRATION
ACCORDING TO RICHARDSON AND ZAKI (1954) 𝑈𝑝 = 𝑈𝑡 𝜀 𝑛

For 𝑅𝑒𝑝 < 0,3 For 𝑅𝑒𝑝 > 500

𝑈𝑝 = 𝑈𝑡 𝜀 4,65 𝑈𝑝 = 𝑈𝑡 𝜀 2,4

According to Khan and Richardson (1989), it is recommended to use the following

correlation for the value of exponent n over the entire range of Reynolds numbers:
4,8 − 𝑛 0,57
𝑥 0,27
= 0,043𝐴𝑟 1 − 2,4
𝑛 − 2,4 𝐷
𝑥 3 𝜌𝑓 𝜌𝑝 −𝜌𝑓 𝑔
Where 𝐴𝑟 is the Archimedes number: 𝐴𝑟 = , where 𝑥 is the particle diameter
𝜇2
and 𝐷, the Vessel diameter. The most appropriate particle diameter is the surface to volume
mean.
BATCH SETTLING
SETTLING FLUX AS A FUNCTION OF SUSPENSION CONCENTRATION

 Expressed as a volumetric solids settling flux, 𝑈𝑝𝑠 :

𝑈𝑝𝑠 = 𝑈𝑝 1 − 𝜀 = 𝑈𝑡 1 − 𝜀 𝜀 𝑛

 Or, as a dimensionless particle settling flux,

𝑈𝑝𝑠
= 1 − 𝜀 𝜀𝑛
𝑈𝑡
BATCH SETTLING
SETTLING FLUX AS A FUNCTION OF SUSPENSION CONCENTRATION

 A plot of dimensionless particle

settling flux vs suspension volumetric
concentration, 1 − 𝜀 has a maximum
𝑛
at 𝜀 = and an inflection point at
𝑛+1
𝑛−1
𝜀=
𝑛+1
SETTLING ZONES – SHARP INTERPHASES

 Interphases or discontinuities in concentration occur in the sedimentation or settling

of particle suspensions
 For convenience:
𝐶 = 1 − 𝜀. And it will be called concentration of the suspension
SETTLING ZONES – SHARP INTERPHASES

𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 = 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦

SETTLING ZONES – SHARP INTERPHASES

Assuming incompressible fluid and particles:

𝑈𝑝1 − 𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝐶1 = 𝑈𝑝2 − 𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝐶2
Where all velocities are measured relative to the vessel walls,
Then,
𝑈𝑝1 𝐶1 − 𝑈𝑝2 𝐶2
𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 =
𝐶1 − 𝐶2
Where, 𝑈𝑝 𝐶~𝑈𝑝𝑠 (particle volumetric flux), then:
𝑈𝑝𝑠1 − 𝑈𝑝𝑠2
𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 =
𝐶1 − 𝐶2
SETTLING ZONES – SHARP INTERPHASES

∆𝑈𝑝𝑠 𝑑𝑈𝑝𝑠
𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 = And, in the limit as ∆𝐶 → 0, 𝑈𝑖𝑛𝑡 =
∆𝐶 𝑑𝐶
Then, in the flux plot, 𝑈𝑝𝑠 vs C:
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
SETTLING ZONES – SHARP INTERPHASES
SETTLING ZONES. THE BATCH SETTLING TEST

 The simple batch settling test supplies all the needed information for the design of a
thickener for separation of particles from a fluid
 In this test, a suspensión of particles of known concentration is prepared in a
measuring cylinder, mixed and placed upright to allow the suspensión to settle.
 The positions of the interfaces are monitored in time.
 There are two types of settling depending on the initial concentration of the
suspension 𝐶𝐵
 TYPE 1 SETTLING

 Three zones of constant

concentration are formed
 Zone A: Clear Liquid (C=0)
 Zone B: Concentration equal to the
initial suspension concnetration (Cb)
 Zone S: The sediment concentration
(Cs)
 The slopes of the lines AB and BS
give the velocities of the interfaces
TYPE 1I SETTLING
 Four Zones
 Zone A: Clear Liquid (C=0)
 Zone B: Concentration equal to the
initial suspension concnetration (Cb)
 Zone E: Concentration within zone
E varies with position, but the
minimum 𝐶𝐸 𝑚𝑖𝑛 and máximum
𝐶𝐸 𝑚𝑎𝑥 concentrations are constant
 Zone S: The sediment concentration
(Cs)
Exercise 1
 A suspension in water of uniformly sized sphere (diameter 150𝜇𝑚,
density 1140𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 ) has a solids concentration of 25% by volume.
The suspension settles to a bed of solids concentration of 55% by
volume.
 Calculate:
a. The rate at which the water/suspension interface settles
b. The rate at which the sediment/suspension interface rises
 Assume water properties
Exercise 1 - solution
Exercise 1 - solution
Exercise 1 -solution
Exercise 1 - solution
Exercise 1 - solution
 SETTLING TYPES

 Examination of the particle flux plot allows us to

determine which type of settling is ocurring
 A tangent to the curve is drawn through the
point (C=Cs Ups=0).
 The concentration at the point of tangent is 𝐶𝐵2
and at the intersection with the curve is 𝐶𝐵1
 Type I occurs when initial suspension is less than
𝐶𝐵1 and greater than 𝐶𝐵2
 Type II occurs when the initial suspension
concentration lies between 𝐶𝐵1 and 𝐶𝐵2
HEIGHT-TIME CURVE VS FLUX PLOT

 If one follows the AB interfase in the simple batch

settling test, one can obtain the height time curve.
 There will be a family of such curves for different
initial concentrations.
 Therefore it is posible to obtain the particle flux
plot from the height –time curve
HEIGHT-TIME CURVE VS FLUX PLOT

 At time t, the interface between clear liquid and suspensión of concentration C is at

a height h from the base of the vessel and the velocity of the interface is the slope of
the curve at this time:
𝑑ℎ ℎ1 − ℎ
𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒 = =
𝑑𝑡 𝑡
 This is also equal to 𝑈𝑝 , the velocity of the particles at the interface relative to the
vessel Wall:
ℎ1 − ℎ
𝑈𝑝 =
𝑡
HEIGHT-TIME CURVE VS FLUX PLOT

At a time t, a plane of concentration C has risen a distance h from the base.

Therefore,:
𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑎 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 = ℎ/𝑡
Then,
ℎ
𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 = 𝑈𝑝 +
𝑡
As the particles pass thorugh the plane they have a concentration, C. therefore the volume of
particles which have passed through his plane in time t is:
= 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 × 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 × 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒
ℎ
= 𝐴 𝑈𝑝 + 𝐶𝑡
𝑡
 HEIGHT-TIME CURVE VS FLUX PLOT

At time t, this plane is interfacing with the clear liquid, therefore, at

this time, all the particles in the test have passed through the plane:

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 = 𝐶𝐵 ℎ0 𝐴

Therefore:
ℎ
𝐶𝐵 ℎ0 𝐴 = 𝐴 𝑈𝑝 + 𝐶𝑡
𝑡
ℎ1 −ℎ
Substituting 𝑈𝑝 =
𝑡
𝐶𝐵 ℎ0
𝐶=
ℎ1
2ND CLASS CHAPTER 4
Exercise 2
 A height time curve for the sedimentation of a suspension, of initial
suspension concentration 0.1, in a vertical cylindrical vessel is shown
in the figure.
 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 form
the base of the vessel.
 The final concentration
Exercise 2 – solution
a - The velocity of the interface between clear liquid and
suspension of concentration 0.1

 Since the initial suspension

concentration is 0.1, the velocity
required, in this question is the velocity
of the AB interface.
 Therefore, the slope of the straight
portion will give this velocity

20 − 40
𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = −1,333𝑐𝑚/𝑠
15 − 0

Downward Velocity = 1,33cm/s

Exercise 2 – solution
b- The velocity of the interface between clear liquid and a
suspension of concentration 0.175
 This is no longer the AB interface, therefore, is
necessary to find the height where the
suspension has this concentration of 0.175
𝐶 ℎ
 Use equation 𝐶 = 𝐵 0 to find such height. h1=22,85cm
ℎ1
𝐶𝐵 = 0,1 ℎ𝑜 = 40𝑐𝑚 𝐶 = 0,175

0,1 × 40𝑐𝑚 h=15cm

ℎ1 = = 22,85𝑐𝑚
0,175
 Interface velocity is the slope of this curve at this
point:
15𝑐𝑚 − 22,85𝑐𝑚
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = = −0,302𝑐𝑚/𝑠
26𝑠 − 0𝑠

Downward Velocity = 0,30cm/s t=26s

Exercise 2 – solution
c- The velocity at which a layer of concentration 0.175 propagates
upwards form the base of the vessel.

 From point b. the layer of concentration 0,175 is in contact with the

clear liquid, therfore, this layer has traveled a distance of 15cm from
the base of the vessel in the 26s it took to reach there,
 Then, the upward propagation velocity of this layer is:

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑎 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐶 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 = ℎ/𝑡

ℎ 15𝑐𝑚
= = 0,577𝑐𝑚/𝑠
𝑡 26𝑠
Exercise 2 – solution
d- The final concentration

 Since the final concentration is that of

the sediment in contact with the clear
𝐶0 ℎ0
water, we can use equation 𝐶 = to
ℎ1
find such concentration, where ℎ1 is the
height of the final sediment layer.
 The tangent to the curve in the constant
height zone, corresponds to the settled
bed height, in this case 10cm

𝐶0 ℎ0 0,1×40
𝐶= = = 0,4
ℎ1 10
Exercise 3
 For the batch flux plot shown, the sediment has a solids
concentration of 0.4 volume fraction of solids
a. Determine the range of initial suspension concentrations over
which a zone of variable concentration is formed under batch
settling conditions
b. Calculate and plot the concentration profile after 50min in a batch
settling test of a suspension with an initial concentration 0.1
volumen fraction of solids, and initial suspension height of 100cm
c. At What time will the settling test be complete?
Exercise 3 – solution
Part a - Determine the range of initial suspension
concentrations over which a zone of variable concentration is
formed under batch settling conditions

 A zone of variable concentration refers to a type II settling, therefore

it is necesary to find CEmin and CEmax.
 This is found drawing a line from the settled bed concentration,
Cs=0,4 tangent to the batch flux curve. 𝐿𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑋𝐶𝑠
X

CS

CBmin =0,036 CBmax=0,21

Exercise 3 – Solution
Part b - Calculate and plot the concentration profile after
50min in a batch settling test of a suspension with an initial
concentration 0.1 volumen fraction of solids, and initial
suspension height of 100cm

 To calculate the concentration profile first determine the velocities of the

different interfaces, between zones A, B, E and S, to be able to find the
positions after 50min.
 Locate the point (B) of the initial solution and the curve (𝐶𝑜 = 0.1, Ups) .
 Join this point with the clear liquid A(0,0) this gives line AB which is the
velocity of the interface between zones A and B
 The slope of this curve gives the velocity of the interface AB
 B

CS
CBmin CBmax
A
 Exercise 3 – Solution
Part b - Calculate and plot the concentration profile after
50min in a batch settling test of a suspension with an initial
concentration 0.1 volumen fraction of solids, and initial
suspension height of 100cm

 To calculate the concentration profile first determine the velocities of the

different interfaces, between zones A, B, E and S, to be able to find the
positions after 50min.
 Locate the point (B) of the initial solution and the curve (𝐶𝑜 = 0.1, Ups) .
 Join this point with the clear liquid A(0,0) this gives line AB which is the
velocity of the interface between zones A and B
 velocity of the interface AB=0,166mm/s or 1cm/min
Exercise 3 – Solution
Part b - Calculate and plot the concentration profile after 50min
in a batch settling test of a suspension with an initial
concentration 0.1 volumen fraction of solids, and initial
suspension height of 100cm

 Zone B is of constant concentration, therefore, the slope of the line

from point B tangent to the curve is the velocity of the interface
beween the initial suspension B and the mínimum value of the
variable concentration zone E, CEmin
 B

CS
CBmin CEmin CBmax
A
Exercise 3 – Solution
Part b - Calculate and plot the concentration profile after 50min
in a batch settling test of a suspension with an initial
concentration 0.1 volumen fraction of solids, and initial
suspension height of 100cm

 Zone B is of constant concentration, therefore, the slope of the line

from point B tangent to the curve is the velocity of the interface
beween the initial suspension B and the mínimum value of the
variable concentration zone E, CEmin
 Interface velocity BEmin=-0,111mm/s or -0,66cm/min
Exercise 3 – Solution
Part b - Calculate and plot the concentration profile after
50min in a batch settling test of a suspension with an initial
concentration 0.1 volumen fraction of solids, and initial
suspension height of 100cm
 The velocity of the sediment interface with E, is calculated with:
 The slope of the line tangent to the curve to the sediment point
Cs=0,4, Ups=0 is iqual to the velocity of the interface between the
maximum value of the variable concentration zone CEmax and the
sediment
 B

CS
CBmin CEmin CBmax CEmax
A
Exercise 3 – Solution
Part b - Calculate and plot the concentration profile after
50min in a batch settling test of a suspension with an initial
concentration 0.1 volumen fraction of solids, and initial
suspension height of 100cm
 The velocity of the sediment interface with E, is calculated with:
 The slope of the line tangent to the curve to the sediment point
Cs=0,4, Ups=0 is iqual to the velocity of the interface between the
maximum value of the variable concentration zone CEmax and the
sediment
 CEmaxS velocity = -0,0355mm/s or -0,213cm/min
Exercise 3 – Solution
Part b - Calculate and plot the concentration profile after 50min in a
batch settling test of a suspension with an initial concentration 0.1
volumen fraction of solids, and initial suspension height of 100cm
After 50min, the distances travelled by the interfaces are:
 AB interface: 1𝑐𝑚/min× 50min = 50 𝑐𝑚 𝑑𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠
 BEmin interface: −0,66𝑐𝑚/ min× 50𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 33𝑐𝑚 𝑢𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠
0,213𝑐𝑚
 EmaxS interface: − × 50𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 10,65𝑐𝑚 𝑢𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠
𝑚𝑖𝑛

The positions of the interfaces are then:

 AB interface: 100cm-50cm=50cm
 BEmin interface: 33cm
 EmaxS interface: 10,65cm
Exercise – Solution
part c - At What time will the settling test be complete?

Draw the height vs. Time curve, with the information calculated at
50min. Knowing that at time 0min, the initial hight was 100cm and that
all other interfaces at time cero, did not exist.

One can construct the curves:

AB (0min,100cm)-(50min,50cm)
BEmin (0min,0cm)-(50min,33,2cm)
Bemax (0min,0cm)-(50min,10,6cm)
 50 cm

33.2 cm

10.6 cm

50 min 100 min

Exercise – Solution part c
 50 cm

33.2 cm
25 cm

10.6 cm

50 min 100 min