Mutah University
Faculty of Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering
Unit Operations Lab 0404533
A Report About Batch Sedimentation
Experiment no. 4
Instructors: Prof. Dr. Nabeel Al Jarrah
Eng. Saja Al Awasa
Date of submission: 26th of May 2025
Student Name Student Number
Arwa Musallam Lassassmeh 120210414019
Rayan Othman Al Masri 120210414078
Ro’a Baker Al Btoush 120210414050
Sarah Muneer Abu Alkhair 120210414081
• Abstract
This experiment investigates batch sedimentation behaviour under varying
slurry concentrations and vessel volumes to understand solid-liquid separation
dynamics. Limestone powder in water was used to simulate suspended particles,
and sedimentation was observed in graduated cylinders of 200, 450, and 1000
mL at different concentrations. Interface height was measured at regular time
intervals to monitor settling behaviour.
The objective was to determine settling velocity and use experimental data to
design a continuous thickener. Results confirmed the theoretical development of
sedimentation zones (clear liquid, constant composition, transition, and
compression). Calculations of settling velocity and area required for a thickener
validated the method's applicability for industrial scale-up. Key influencing
factors such as concentration, vessel geometry were evaluated.
• Introduction
Sedimentation is a vital unit operation used in various industries to separate
suspended solids from liquids by gravity. It is fundamental to processes such as
wastewater treatment, mineral recovery, and chemical production. Batch
sedimentation involves the settling of particles in a stationary container,
allowing the study of zone formation and settling behaviour without external
flow disturbances. This experiment aims to observe sedimentation profiles
across different slurry concentrations and vessel sizes, calculate settling
velocities, and apply the data to design a thickener. Understanding the
behaviour of settling particles under batch conditions supports the design and
control of continuous separation systems in industry.
• Objectives
1. Understand Grasp the fundamental principles of batch sedimentation and
real-world uses of batch sedimentation
2. Develop hands-on skills in preparing and executing sedimentation
experiments.
3. Analysing the relationship between settling time and rate across varying
slurry concentrations and volumes.
4. Apply batch test data to design a continuous thickener system.
• Theory
Sedimentation is a fundamental physical process used to separate solid particles
from a liquid by the action of gravity. In batch sedimentation, a slurry or
suspension of solid particles is allowed to settle in a stationary vessel with no
inflow or outflow. Over time, gravity causes the particles to settle, resulting in a
separation between the clear liquid and the concentrated solids.
Sedimentation Profile in a Batch Process
At the beginning of the process, the suspension is uniformly mixed, and the
particles are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. The following illustration
shows the typical zones that develop during batch sedimentation.
As settling progresses, four distinct zones typically form:
▪ Zone A: Clear Liquid Zone
This zone forms at the top of the vessel where the liquid becomes clear as
particles settle out. It consists of the liquid phase that is almost entirely free
from solids. The boundary between the clear zone and the slurry beneath it
becomes sharper over time as sedimentation proceeds.
▪ Zone B: Constant Composition Zone
Below the clear liquid, the concentration of solids remains uniform and is
approximately equal to the original concentration of the slurry. This zone
represents the bulk of the settling mass at the start. As sedimentation continues,
the thickness of this zone decreases.
▪ Zone C: Variable Composition Zone
As particles continue to settle, a transition zone forms where the concentration
of solids gradually increases from the top downward. This region acts as a
buffer between the upper slurry and the consolidated sediment at the bottom.
▪ Zone D: Sediment Zone
At the bottom, the particles accumulate into a dense sediment layer. Over time,
the weight of the accumulating solids compresses the flocs (aggregated
particles), leading to a reduction in void spaces between particles. This zone
becomes denser as the process continues, and compression increases until
equilibrium is reached.
- As the batch sedimentation continues:
• The clear liquid zone (A) grows thicker as more solids settle out.
• The constant composition zone (B) becomes thinner and eventually
disappears.
• The transition zone (C) remains relatively stable in depth.
• The compression zone (D) increases in thickness as solids consolidate.
Ultimately, the process reaches a point where all the solids are compressed into
the bottom layers (zones C and D), and settling ceases. This final state is
characterized by a balance between the downward gravitational force and the
upward resistive force due to the compressive strength of the compacted flocs.
The understanding of sedimentation zones and their behaviour in a batch
process forms the foundation for designing and operating industrial equipment
that performs continuous solid-liquid separation. One of the most common and
effective devices for this purpose is the thickener.
What Is a Thickener?
A thickener is an industrial device that continuously separates solids from
liquids via gravity sedimentation. It processes dilute slurry and produces a dense
underflow of solids while delivering clarified liquid at the overflow. Solids
typically range from a few microns up to 0.5 mm in diameter. Thickener
capacity is usually rated in pounds of solids settled per square foot of surface
area.
Thickeners use slowly rotating rakes or scraper blades that move settled solids
toward a central discharge. They’re vital in industries like mining for pre-
filtration thickening, water recovery from tailings, and other solid-liquid
separation tasks. While like clarifiers, thickeners aim to concentrate solids,
whereas clarifiers focus on purifying liquids.
Working Mechanism of a Thickener
A typical thickener is a large cylindrical tank with a central feed well where
slurry enters and spreads evenly to reduce turbulence. Solids settle by gravity
and clarified liquid overflows into a peripheral launder. Rotating arms with
scraper blades move settled solids inward to a central underflow outlet while
compressing the sediment. Modern thickeners often include torque-sensitive
arms to prevent damage under overload. The process separates solids downward
and inward, while liquid moves upward and outward.
Factors Affecting Thickener Efficiency
Thickener performance depends on several key factors, including:
▪ Bed mass inventory: The amount of settled solids in the thickener affects
capacity and settling behaviour.
▪ Underflow density and flow rate: Consistent, controlled discharge of
the thickened slurry is critical for stable operation.
▪ Bed level: Maintaining the correct settled solids level ensures optimal
compression and prevents overflow disturbance.
▪ Overflow clarity: Clear overflow liquid indicates effective separation of
solids and liquids.
▪ Flocculent dosing: Proper addition of flocculants improves particle
aggregation and settling rate, enhancing thickening efficiency.
Accurate measurement and control of these parameters require reliable
instrumentation and equipment. Selecting the right thickener and control system
is crucial and often depends on equipment from trusted manufacturers like
Eimco, FLSmidth, Dorr-Oliver, Phoenix, Lamella, and Westech.
Industrial Applications of Thickeners
Thickeners are widely used in industries that require solid-liquid separation,
such as:
1. Mining and Metallurgy: Thickening of ore slurries before filtration,
flotation, and tailings management.
2. Chemical Processing: Separation and concentration of solids from liquid
mixtures.
3. Wastewater Treatment: Clarification and dewatering of sludge and
effluents.
4. Coal Processing: Dewatering of fine coal slurries.
5. Pulp and Paper: Recovery of fibres and water from process streams.
Mathematical Representation of Thickener Design
To ensure efficient thickener design, the required surface area must be
calculated based on settling behaviour and flow conditions. The design is
governed by the following equation:
1 1
−
C Cu
A = Q 0 C0 × ( l )
v
max
Where:
• (A): Area of the thickener (m²)
• (Q 0 ):Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• (C0 ): Initial solids concentration (kg/m³)
• (Cl ): Concentration at the top of the settling zone (kg/m³)
• (Cu ): Concentration of the underflow or sludge (kg/m³)
• (v): Maximum settling velocity (m/s)
The settling velocity (v) is determined experimentally by tracking the
movement of the interface between the clear liquid and slurry over time. The
relationship between interface height and time typically produces a “batch
settling curve,” which starts with a steep decline and gradually flattens out as
sedimentation slows.
Industrial Applications
- Wastewater Treatment: Used to settle suspended solids from sewage or
industrial effluents. Produces clarified water for discharge or reuse.
- Mining and Mineral Processing: Separates valuable ores from gangue
in slurries. Allows recovery of solids and reuse of process water.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Removes solid byproducts from liquid
reaction mixtures. Enables purification and recycling of process fluids.
• Apparatus & Materials
- The following materials and equipment were used to perform the batch
sedimentation experiment:
1. Graduated Cylinders
Graduated cylinders (200 mL, 450 mL, and 1000 mL) were used for
precise volume measurement and clear observation of sedimentation.
2. Water
Tap water was utilized as the continuous liquid medium for preparing
the slurry.
3. Limestone Powder
Limestone powder was used as the solid phase to mimic suspended
particles in sedimentation.
4. Stopwatch
A stopwatch was used to track interface movement and measure
sedimentation rate accurately.
5. Stirring Rod
Used to thoroughly mix limestone and water for a uniform slurry at the
start.
Graduated Cylinders Limestone Powder Stirring Rod
- An image showing the experimental setup for the sedimentation of
limestone suspension inside graduated cylinders.
The separation of solid particles from the liquid over time can be observed
clearly, with the distinct formation of different sedimentation zones, including
the clear liquid layer at the top and the compression zone at the bottom.
• Procedure
1. Clean and assemble all equipment, and ensure the experimental setup is
ready.
2. Prepare a CaCO₃ slurry at the required concentration and transfer it into a
graduated measuring cylinder.
3. Mix the slurry thoroughly to ensure uniform particle distribution.
4. Record the initial total volume of the slurry in the cylinder.
5. Stop stirring and observe the interface height at 2-minute intervals.
6. Document the interface height and corresponding time in a table.
7. Repeat the experiment under varying conditions (different concentrations
& volumes).
• Safety Precautions
1. Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
Lab coat, gloves, and safety goggles are essential to prevent exposure to
chemicals and splashes.
2. Handle glassware with care
Use caution with measuring cylinders and other glass apparatus to avoid
breakage and injury.
3. Clean up spills immediately
Calcium carbonate slurry can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk
of falls.
4. Dispose of chemicals properly
Follow institutional guidelines for the disposal of CaCO₃ slurry and any
other materials used.
• Data & Calculations
- Experimental Data
Important Notations
• Zi: tangent intersects the settling curve
• ZL: the height of the layer (correspond to interface time)
• Velocity: the slope
1 1
−
Cl Cu
• X: ( )
v
Table 1: Batch Sedimentation at 0.1 g/mL Solids in 200 mL Cylinder
Time (sec) Volume (ml) Volume (m3) Zl (m) Velocity (m/s) Zi (m) Cl (g/L) X
0 200 0.0002 0.320215 0.000160108 0.320215 100 53.535429
60 194 0.000194 0.310609 0.000106738 0.304204 105.2632 75.618793
120 190 0.00019 0.304204 0.000106738 0.291396 109.8901 71.871313
180 186 0.000186 0.2978 0.000106738 0.278587 114.9425 68.123833
240 182 0.000182 0.291396 5.33692E-05 0.278587 114.9425 136.24767
300 180 0.00018 0.288194 8.00538E-05 0.264178 121.2121 85.210557
360 177 0.000177 0.28339 5.33692E-05 0.264178 121.2121 127.81584
420 175 0.000175 0.280188 8.00538E-05 0.246566 129.8701 78.340177
480 172 0.000172 0.275385 8.00538E-05 0.236959 135.1351 74.592697
540 169 0.000169 0.270582 5.33692E-05 0.241762 132.4503 114.69966
600 167 0.000167 0.26738 5.33692E-05 0.235358 136.0544 110.95218
660 165 0.000165 0.264178 5.33692E-05 0.228954 139.8601 107.2047
720 163 0.000163 0.260975 8.00538E-05 0.203337 157.4803 61.476517
780 160 0.00016 0.256172 5.33692E-05 0.214544 149.2537 98.772866
840 158 0.000158 0.25297 0.000133423 0.140895 227.2727 22.270738
900 153 0.000153 0.244965 8.00538E-05 0.172916 185.1852 49.609497
960 150 0.00015 0.240161 5.33692E-05 0.188927 169.4915 83.782946
1020 148 0.000148 0.236959 8.00538E-05 0.155304 206.1856 42.739117
1080 145 0.000145 0.232156 0.000133423 0.088059 363.6364 9.9040543
1140 140 0.00014 0.224151 5.33692E-05 0.16331 196.0784 68.793026
1200 138 0.000138 0.220948 8.00538E-05 0.124884 256.4103 30.872097
1260 135 0.000135 0.216145 0.000106738 0.081655 392.1569 10.506328
1320 131 0.000131 0.209741 8.00538E-05 0.10407 307.6923 22.752557
1380 128 0.000128 0.204938 0 0.204938 156.25 -
1440 128 0.000128 0.204938 0 0.204938 156.25 -
1500 128 0.000128 0.204938 0 0.204938 156.25 -
1560 128 0.000128 0.204938 - - - -
Table 2: Batch Sedimentation at 0.2 g/mL Solids in 200 mL Cylinder
Time (sec) Volume (ml) Volume (m3) Zl (m) Velocity (m/s) Zi (m) Cl (g/L) X
0 212 0.000212 0.339428 5.33692E-05 0.339428 200 66.919286
60 210 0.00021 0.336226 5.33692E-05 0.333024 203.8462 65.151606
120 208 0.000208 0.333024 5.33692E-05 0.326619 207.8431 63.383927
180 206 0.000206 0.329822 5.33692E-05 0.320215 212 61.616248
240 204 0.000204 0.326619 0.000106738 0.301002 225.5319 28.156605
300 200 0.0002 0.320215 5.33692E-05 0.304204 223.1579 57.19705
360 198 0.000198 0.317013 0.000106738 0.278587 243.6782 25.063166
420 194 0.000194 0.310609 5.33692E-05 0.288194 235.5556 52.777852
480 192 0.000192 0.307407 8.00538E-05 0.268981 252.381 31.649876
540 189 0.000189 0.302603 8.00538E-05 0.259374 261.7284 29.882197
600 186 0.000186 0.2978 2.66846E-05 0.281789 240.9091 102.02035
660 185 0.000185 0.296199 5.33692E-05 0.260975 260.1227 45.265215
720 183 0.000183 0.292997 2.66846E-05 0.273784 247.9532 97.601147
780 182 0.000182 0.291396 5.33692E-05 0.249768 271.7949 42.171776
840 180 0.00018 0.288194 1.33423E-05 0.276986 245.0867 198.73765
900 179.5 0.0001795 0.287393 1.33423E-05 0.275385 246.5116 196.96997
960 179 0.000179 0.286593 2.66846E-05 0.260975 260.1227 90.53043
1020 178 0.000178 0.284992 2.66846E-05 0.257773 263.354 88.762751
1080 177 0.000177 0.28339 2.66846E-05 0.254571 266.6667 86.995071
1140 176 0.000176 0.281789 2.66846E-05 0.251369 270.0637 85.227392
1200 175 0.000175 0.280188 2.66846E-05 0.248167 273.5484 83.459713
1260 174 0.000174 0.278587 1.33423E-05 0.261776 259.3272 181.9447
1320 173.5 0.0001735 0.277787 1.33423E-05 0.260175 260.9231 180.17702
1380 173 0.000173 0.276986 2.66846E-05 0.240161 282.6667 79.040515
1440 172 0.000172 0.275385 2.66846E-05 0.236959 286.4865 77.272836
1500 171 0.000171 0.273784 1.33423E-05 0.253771 267.5079 173.1063
1560 170.5 0.0001705 0.272983 1.33423E-05 0.252169 269.2063 171.33862
1620 170 0.00017 0.272183 - - - -
Table 3: Batch Sedimentation at 0.1 g/mL Solids in 450 mL Cylinder
Time
Volume (ml) Volume (m3) Zl (m) Velocity (m/s) Zi (m) Cl (g/L) X
(sec)
0 460 0.00046 0.357087 0.000103504 0.357087 100 82.812857
60 452 0.000452 0.350877 9.05656E-05 0.345443 103.3708 91.042706
120 445 0.000445 0.345443 6.46897E-05 0.33768 105.7471 124.09927
180 440 0.00044 0.341562 6.46897E-05 0.329918 108.2353 120.73875
240 435 0.000435 0.33768 6.46897E-05 0.322155 110.8434 117.37822
300 430 0.00043 0.333799 6.46897E-05 0.314392 113.5802 114.0177
360 425 0.000425 0.329918 6.46897E-05 0.306629 116.4557 110.65718
420 420 0.00042 0.326036 6.46897E-05 0.298867 119.4805 107.29666
480 415 0.000415 0.322155 6.46897E-05 0.291104 122.6667 103.93614
540 410 0.00041 0.318274 6.46897E-05 0.283341 126.0274 100.57561
600 405 0.000405 0.314392 6.46897E-05 0.275578 129.5775 97.215093
660 400 0.0004 0.310511 3.88138E-05 0.284894 125.3406 168.7462
720 397 0.000397 0.308182 6.46897E-05 0.261605 136.4985 91.166154
780 392 0.000392 0.304301 6.46897E-05 0.253843 140.6728 87.805632
840 387 0.000387 0.300419 2.58759E-05 0.278683 128.1337 246.39825
900 385 0.000385 0.298867 6.46897E-05 0.240646 148.3871 82.092745
960 380 0.00038 0.294985 6.46897E-05 0.232883 153.3333 78.732224
1020 375 0.000375 0.291104 6.46897E-05 0.22512 158.6207 75.371702
1080 370 0.00037 0.287222 6.46897E-05 0.217358 164.2857 72.01118
1140 365 0.000365 0.283341 6.46897E-05 0.209595 170.3704 68.650658
1200 360 0.00036 0.27946 6.46897E-05 0.201832 176.9231 65.290137
1260 355 0.000355 0.275578 0 0.275578 129.5775 -
1320 355 0.000355 0.275578 6.46897E-05 0.190188 187.7551 60.249354
1380 350 0.00035 0.271697 6.46897E-05 0.182425 195.7447 56.888832
1440 345 0.000345 0.267816 6.46897E-05 0.174662 204.4444 53.528311
1500 340 0.00034 0.263934 0 0.263934 135.2941 -
1560 340 0.00034 0.263934 6.46897E-05 0.163018 219.0476 48.487528
1620 335 0.000335 0.260053 6.46897E-05 0.155255 230 45.127006
1680 330 0.00033 0.256171 6.46897E-05 0.147493 242.1053 41.766484
1740 325 0.000325 0.25229 6.46897E-05 0.13973 255.5556 38.405963
1800 320 0.00032 0.248409 0 0.248409 143.75 -
1860 320 0.00032 0.248409 0 0.248409 143.75 -
1920 320 0.00032 0.248409 0 0.248409 143.75 -
1980 320 0.00032 0.248409 - - - -
Table 4: Batch Sedimentation at 0.2 g/mL Solids in 450 mL Cylinder
Time (sec) Volume (ml) Volume (m3) Zl (m) Velocity (m/s) Zi (m) Cl (g/L) X
0 450 0.00045 0.349325 0.000129379 0.349325 200 27.604286
60 440 0.00044 0.341562 0.000258759 0.326036 214.2857 12.513943
120 420 0.00042 0.326036 9.05656E-05 0.315168 221.6749 34.036522
180 413 0.000413 0.320602 0.000129379 0.297314 234.9869 21.850326
240 403 0.000403 0.31284 0.000103504 0.287999 242.5876 26.024707
300 395 0.000395 0.306629 0.000129379 0.267816 260.8696 18.586886
360 385 0.000385 0.298867 -2.58759E-05 0.308182 226.7003 -115.2632
420 387 0.000387 0.300419 0.000181131 0.224344 311.4187 9.8411469
480 373 0.000373 0.289551 3.88138E-05 0.270921 257.8797 63.101352
540 370 0.00037 0.287222 7.76277E-05 0.245304 284.8101 26.827276
600 364 0.000364 0.282565 5.17518E-05 0.251514 277.7778 41.958514
660 360 0.00036 0.27946 6.46897E-05 0.236764 295.082 30.303371
720 355 0.000355 0.275578 1.29379E-05 0.266263 262.3907 184.15126
780 354 0.000354 0.274802 5.17518E-05 0.234436 298.0132 37.235114
840 350 0.00035 0.271697 1.29379E-05 0.260829 267.8571 178.13966
900 349 0.000349 0.270921 7.76277E-05 0.201056 347.4903 18.668676
960 343 0.000343 0.266263 1.29379E-05 0.253843 275.2294 170.41046
1020 342 0.000342 0.265487 2.58759E-05 0.239093 292.2078 77.046629
1080 340 0.00034 0.263934 1.29379E-05 0.249961 279.5031 166.11646
1140 339 0.000339 0.263158 3.88138E-05 0.21891 319.1489 43.921486
1200 336 0.000336 0.260829 1.29379E-05 0.245304 284.8101 160.96366
1260 335 0.000335 0.260053 0 0.260053 268.6567 -
1320 335 0.000335 0.260053 0 0.260053 268.6567 -
1380 335 0.000335 0.260053 0 0.260053 268.6567 -
1440 335 0.000335 0.260053 - - - -
Table 5: Batch Sedimentation at 0.1 g/mL Solids in 1000 mL Cylinder
Time Volume Volume
Zl (m) Velocity (m/s) Zi (m) Cl (g/L) X
(sec) (ml) (m3)
0 990 0.00099 0.376011 0.000126603 0.376011 100 67.70314286
60 970 0.00097 0.368415 6.33016E-05 0.364617 103.125 130.6191948
120 960 0.00096 0.364617 6.33016E-05 0.357021 105.319149 127.4278009
180 950 0.00095 0.360819 3.16508E-05 0.355122 105.882353 253.2599048
240 945 0.000945 0.35892 3.16508E-05 0.351324 107.027027 250.0685108
300 940 0.00094 0.357021 3.16508E-05 0.347526 108.196721 246.8771169
360 935 0.000935 0.355122 3.16508E-05 0.343727 109.392265 243.6857229
420 930 0.00093 0.353223 6.33016E-05 0.326636 115.116279 114.6622251
480 920 0.00092 0.349425 3.16508E-05 0.334232 112.5 235.7072381
540 915 0.000915 0.347526 3.16508E-05 0.330434 113.793103 232.5158442
600 910 0.00091 0.345626 3.16508E-05 0.326636 115.116279 229.3244502
660 905 0.000905 0.343727 3.16508E-05 0.322838 116.470588 226.1330563
720 900 0.0009 0.341828 6.33016E-05 0.296251 126.923077 101.8966494
780 890 0.00089 0.33803 3.16508E-05 0.313343 120 218.1545714
840 885 0.000885 0.336131 3.16508E-05 0.309545 121.472393 214.9631775
900 880 0.00088 0.334232 3.16508E-05 0.305747 122.981366 211.7717835
960 875 0.000875 0.332333 3.16508E-05 0.301948 124.528302 208.5803896
1020 870 0.00087 0.330434 6.33016E-05 0.265867 141.428571 89.13107359
1080 860 0.00086 0.326636 0 0.326636 115.116279 -
1140 860 0.00086 0.326636 6.33016E-05 0.254472 147.761194 84.34398268
1200 850 0.00085 0.322838 6.33016E-05 0.246876 152.307692 81.15258874
1260 840 0.00084 0.31904 6.33016E-05 0.23928 157.142857 77.96119481
1320 830 0.00083 0.315242 6.33016E-05 0.231684 162.295082 74.76980087
1380 820 0.00082 0.311444 3.16508E-05 0.267766 140.425532 179.8578442
1440 815 0.000815 0.309545 0 0.309545 121.472393 -
1500 815 0.000815 0.309545 3.16508E-05 0.262068 143.478261 175.0707532
1560 810 0.00081 0.307646 6.33016E-05 0.208895 180 65.19561905
1620 800 0.0008 0.303847 0 0.303847 123.75 -
1680 800 0.0008 0.303847 0 0.303847 123.75 -
1740 800 0.0008 0.303847 - - - -
- Given Data
Ac of 200 ml Graduated Cylinder 6.2458 × 10-4 m2
Ac of 450 ml Graduated Cylinder 1.2882 × 10-3 m2
Ac of 1000 ml Graduated Cylinder 6.2458 × 10-3 m2
Volumetric flow rate 3.785 × 106 L/day
Initial solids concentration 200 g/L
Concentration of the underflow 700 g/L
Graph
Batch Settling Test
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
Zl (m)
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
Time (sec)
0.1, 200 0.2, 200 0.1, 450 0.2, 450 0.1, 1000
Calculation Samples:
- To convert the volume in ml to m3:
Volume in ml × 10−6 = Volume in m3
- To find Zl (m):
Volume (m3 )
Zl (m) =
AC (m2 )
- To find the velocity (m/s):
Zl i+1 − Zl i (m)
Velocityi (m⁄s) = | |
t i+1 − t i (s)
- To find Zi (m):
Zi = Zl − (Velocity × Time)
- To find Cl (g/L):
C 0 × Z0
Cl =
Zi
- To find X:
1 1
−
C l Cu
X=( )
v
Area of thickener:
Taking the Max X value of all Batch Sedimentation Data = 246.39
1 1
−
C Cu
A = Q 0 C0 × ( l )
v
max
3.785 × 106 L 1 day 1h 1 m3 200 g 253.25 L ∙ s
A= × × × × ×
day 24 h 3600 s 1000 L L g∙m
A = 2218.86 m2
• Results
The experiment was conducted under five conditions varying by slurry
concentration (0.1 g/L and 0.2 g/L) and cylinder volumes (200, 450, and 1000
mL). Interface height was recorded over time, and values of settling velocity
were calculated using the slope of the linear portion of the batch settling curve.
- Key observations:
• At lower concentrations, settling was slower but produced clearer
separation.
• At higher concentrations, floc formation improved settling rate but led to
denser sludge.
• Larger cylinders resulted in higher interface heights and more visible
stratification of zones.
The calculated area of the thickener for continuous operation was determined
based on the maximum X = 253.25 value and experimental parameters.
Using the design equation:
1 1
−
C Cu
A = Q 0 C0 × ( l )
v
max
A = 2218.86 m2
• Discussion
The batch sedimentation experiment provided a clear demonstration of how
solid-liquid separation dynamics vary with changes in slurry concentration and
vessel volume. As sedimentation progressed, the interface between the slurry
and the clarified liquid moved downward in a predictable manner, forming the
distinct zones typically seen in batch settling clear liquid (Zone A), constant
composition (Zone B), transition zone (Zone C), and the final compressed
sediment layer (Zone D).
Relationship Between Time and Settling Velocity
Settling velocity was not constant during the experiment. Initially, particles
settled rapidly due to minimal resistance, resulting in a steep slope in the
settling curve. As time progressed and more solids accumulated in the lower
zones, increased compaction and interparticle resistance caused the settling
velocity to decrease, flattening the curve. This behaviour matches the expected
sedimentation kinetics for dilute suspensions.
Effect of Slurry Concentration
• At lower concentrations (e.g., 0.1 g/L), particles settled more slowly but
more uniform, producing cleaner interfaces and longer Zone B presence.
• At higher concentrations (e.g., 0.2 g/L), natural aggregation effects (due
to particle-particle interaction) led to faster initial settling. However, this
also caused the early formation of the compression zone (Zone D), which
reduced the overall settling efficiency and led to less distinct interface
tracking over time.
Effect of Graduated Cylinder Volume
Cylinder volume impacted both the visibility and the rate of sedimentation:
• Smaller volumes (e.g., 500 mL) reached the compression phase faster,
limiting the time during which Zone B was clearly visible.
• Larger volumes (e.g., 1000 mL) allowed better zone formation and
longer observation windows for interface tracking, resulting in more
accurate velocity estimates and curve development.
Experimental Uncertainty and Sources of Error
Several sources of error may have influenced experimental accuracy:
• Manual timing and reading errors, especially during frequent interface
measurements.
• Non-uniform initial mixing of suspensions, leading to inconsistent
starting conditions.
• Temperature variations that can alter fluid viscosity and settling
behaviour.
• Meniscus misreading and wall effects in the graduated cylinders,
potentially affecting apparent interface location.
Despite these limitations, the batch settling curves derived were sufficiently
reliable to calculate settling velocities and model thickener design.
Thickener Design and Area Calculation
From the experimental data, settling velocity (v) was determined by analysing
the rate of change in interface height over time. These velocities were then
applied in the standard thickener design equation:
1 1
−
C Cu
A = Q 0 C0 × ( l )
v
max
Based on this equation and the experimentally determined parameters, the
required thickener area was calculated to be 2,218.86 m². This value reflects the
substantial spatial requirement for continuous solid-liquid separation at higher
concentrations and reinforces the need for efficient flocculation and proper feed
conditioning to minimize area demand.
The experiment highlights the sensitivity of sedimentation kinetics to
operational parameters and the importance of precise process control in
thickener design. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for scaling up to
industrial systems, where optimizing the underflow density, maintaining stable
bed levels, and achieving clear overflow are essential for cost-effective and
sustainable operation.
• Conclusion
The batch sedimentation experiment successfully demonstrated zone formation
and settling behaviour under varying conditions. Settling curves were obtained,
and settling velocities were calculated for different slurry concentrations and
vessel volumes. The data were used to compute the area required for a
continuous thickener, validating theoretical models of sedimentation.
The findings emphasize the critical roles of particle concentration, settling
velocity, and vessel design in separation processes. The experiment supports the
broader application of batch test data in designing continuous thickeners for
industrial use.
• References
- Instructor Notes
- Laboratory Manual
- McCabe, W. L., Smith, J. C., & Harriott, P. (2005). Unit Operations of
Chemical Engineering (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
- Wills, B. A., & Finch, J. (2016). Wills' Mineral Processing Technology
(8th ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann.
- Tchobanoglous, G., Burton, F. L., & Stensel, H. D. (2003). Wastewater
Engineering: Treatment and Reuse (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.