M1 Environmental Processes Engineering Water Production Course

Chapter 4: Decantation

1. Definition:

Decantation is the most common method for separating suspended solids (SS).
and the colloids collected in the form of flocs after the coagulation-flocculation stage.

2. Principle of static decantation

If a solid suspension is placed in a liquid phase, it will be observed that under the action of the
gravity and Archimedes' buoyancy, depending on their density and size, these particles tend to fall
downwards or to rise to the surface. For very fine particles (sensitive to thermal agitation),
notably viscous liquids, this decantation can be slow. However, several parameters
can be modified to increase the sedimentation rate namely:

The difference in density.

The diameter of the particles during the use of flocculants.
The surface of the bottom of the tank

The viscosity of the fluid (it decreases with an increase in temperature).

Why decant?

The goals sought by the decantation operation may be:

Clarification,
Thickening (obtaining a sludge containing all the solids with the minimum of
liquid.
Examples:
Production of drinking water from raw water. Example: surface water,
Treatment of effluents before discharge
The mining industry (water recovery for internal recycling).

3. Types of decantation

The different classes of decantation:

Type 1: sedimentation of granular or discrete particles in a diluted medium

The non-flocculating isolated particles remain individualized throughout the operation of

decantation.
Les particules conservent leurs propriétés initiales (forme, taille et densité) pendant leur chute.
The particles settle independently of each other.
The falling speed is independent of the particle concentration. It is constant.

[Link] extraction operation.

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Type 2: decantation of flocculating particles in a still diluted medium (50<MES<500 mg/L).

Particles aggregate to form larger and larger flocs.

The physical properties of these particles (shape, size, density, and fall speed) are
modified.
The speed increases with the size of the flocs (the speed increases when the residence time in the
sedimentation basins increase or (sedimentation height).

Ex. Primary decantation of wastewater treatment

Type 3: sedimentation in an area for flocculating particles in a quite concentrated medium (TSS>500
mg/L
The flocs do not settle independently but as a block.
The abundance of flocs and their interactions create an overall settling.
This decantation is characterized by a very clear interface between the clear liquid and the
suspension.
The speed at the interface is constant; it is the damped overall decantation.
Secondary clarification in wastewater treatment.
Type 4: sedimentation by compression, the medium is very concentrated

The particles come into contact with each other and rest on the lower layers.
Particles form a structure, and sedimentation results from the modification of this.
structure
The sedimentation rate at the interface decreases as the retention time increases.
Sedimentation can only occur by compressing the mass.

Thickening of the sludge

Note:
It should be noted that the transition between the different regimes occurs continuously and the
The proposed ranking is a simplification to better characterize them.
The fall speed of one-dimensional particles in a fluid is considered as
equivalent to that of an isolated particle as long as the average distance between particles is
greater than 10 times their diameter (concentration less than 1g/L) and does not depend on the properties
of the fluid and the characteristics of the particles.
A) Decantation of discrete particles:
a- Basic principle and calculation of sedimentation speed:

The displacement of a particle is described by the applied force F proportional to the mass.
m and its acceleration g equals the resultant of its weight FAreduced by the buoyant force of Archimedes
FAand the friction force Ft,

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2
=ρ × × =C × × ×
2
Archimedes' principle
Drag force

= × =ρ × ×

Weight force

Figure 1: the forces acting on the particle

The terminal fall speed vpis obtained by the balance of forces of Archimedes' force, of drag
(friction + pressure) = weight

With: P: the weight of the particle: = × =ρ × ×

FAthe Archimedes' buoyant force FA: =ρ × ×

2
Ft: the drag force Ft : =C × × ×2

Where:

- Vpvolume of the particle

- ρpdensity of the particle

- ρLdensity of the liquid

- A: area of the particle section (surface of its projection onto a plane orthogonal to
the flow

- Ctdrag coefficient

- vpfalling speed of the particle

- g : acceleration of gravity.

Sum of Forcesext= 0 =F +

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2
× ×( − )=C × × ×
2

2=
( − )
2× × ×
C × ×

To calculate vpYou must know Vp, A and Ctthus the geometry of the particle and the drag coefficient
Ct.
In the case of a spherical particle of diameter d:

∶ = ×
6

2
: = ×
4
4 (ρp− ρL )
v2p= ×d×g×
3 Ct× ρL

vp increases so much that d increases: the particle then falls faster.

The drag coefficient Ctit is a function of the hydrodynamic regime, characterized by the number of
REYNOLDSRe, from the shape of the particle in the fluid medium considered. It is related to the number of
Reynolds Re by:
=

a: depends on the flow;

n: is an empirical coefficient and depends on the hydraulic regime.

× ×d
=
µ
With :µLdynamic viscosity (Pa.s) andvLkinematic viscosity of the fluid.

For spherical particles, some equations for sedimentation velocity have been established.
using the flow regime:

a - Stock equation (Re ≤ 1)

In the case of very fine spherical particles falling freely in a still liquid or in a steady state

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laminar, the physicist Stocks demonstrated that for Reynolds numbers less than or equal to 1,
the drag coefficient Ctcan be evaluated by the following expression:
24
Re ≤ 1→ =

2=
4 ( − )
×g × d × 24×µ
3 × × ×

from where:

1 ( − ) 2
= × g × xd
18 µL
The Stokes equation is valid for spherical particles with a diameter ranging between 1.
µm and 100 µm.

b- Newton's equation

For Reynolds numbers 103<Re<2x105Newton showed that Ct≈0.44. In this case, we obtain
:

g x d x(ρp− ρL )
vp= 1.74 × √ EqualtNew ionton
ρL

g x d x(ρp− ρL )
vp = 1.74 × √
ρL

c- Equation of intermediate cases

For Reynolds number values 1<Re<103, the regime is transitional, Ctis complex and varied
continuously: The diameter of the particles ranges from 10-4m and 10-3m. We established
the approximation

Suivante :
24 3 18.5
= + + 0.34 ≈ 0,6
Re √ Re

0.71 1.14
[ × (ρ − ρ )] ×
= 0.153 × 0.29× µ0 .43

If Re > 2x105The speed law is no longer applicable.

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Re d a n Ct Settling velocity of a particle

24 1 ( − ) 2
Re≤1 <100 µm 24 1 = × g × xd
18 µL
18.5 [ × (ρ − ρ )]0.71 × 1.14
1 < Re < 103 100 µm < d < 1 mm 18.5 0.6 0,6 = 0.153 × 0.29× µ0 .43

103<Re<2x105 >1mm 0.44 0 0.44 g x d x(ρp− ρL )

vp= 1.74 × √
ρL

Corrections to be made:

The previous formulas are applicable to spherical particles. Therefore, it is necessary

to make corrections when this condition is not met. We introduce a so-called "index"
of sphericity, which represents the ratio between the volume of the sphere with the same total surface area as
the grain considered and the volume of the grain itself.

Leterme : = becomet ∶ ′=

volume of the sphere with the same projected surface area as the particle/volume of the particle.

The values of Ψ, taking into account the shape of the particles, are given in the following table:

Particles Ψ Particles Ψ

Sable 2 Graphite flake 22

Coal 2.25 Mica sheet 170

Talc 3.25 Gypsum 4

b-Concept of the ideal sedimentation basin (suspension of discrete particles):

Considering an ideal settling basin where it is assumed that:

The flow of liquid entering the basin is constant in time and space.

The flow is free of turbulence (laminar flow regime).

3) Upon arrival, the particles suspended in water are evenly distributed and obey the laws.
of sedimentation described above (the rate is the same at every point in the sedimentation basin)

A particle is considered to be retained (eliminated) when it reaches the bottom of the basin.

Vertical flow decantation

The particles whose settling velocity is greater than the upward velocity of the liquid are
withholdings.

Case of a rectangular basin with horizontal flow

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The diagram below represents a perfectly horizontal flow decanter. It is a basin.

rectangular with a horizontal base

VH
Zone
V
entrance
Zone
VH
of
exit
h
Vp

Zone
of mud

L
Figure 2: Rectangular decanter with horizontal bottom

H: the total depth of the settling area.

h: the partial depth of the settling zone.

L: the length of the settling area.

w: the width of the settling area.

The basin includes:

An entry area: the flow is evenly distributed across section A
A discharge area: where the evacuated decanted water takes place.
A sludge zone: where the accumulation of settled solids occurs.

The flow velocity consists of two velocities in the x and y directions (vHand vp).

The horizontal component vHhorizontal flow velocity (lateral velocity).

In such a basin, the parameters are as follows:

S: horizontal surface area of the settler, S = L.w
A: cross-sectional area of the settling zone, A = H.w
Q: volumetric flow rate of the water to be treated

vH horizontal flow velocity of water (Q/A)

vpfalling speed of a particle
v0characteristic limit vertical speed of the clarifier.

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In order for there to be complete sedimentation of all particles with a settling velocity ≥ v0,
the dimensions of the basin must be calculated so that the particles arriving at the basin at
a height H, can reach the mud bed before exiting.

The position of a particle is defined by:

= × =×

= −( 0× )
For the particle to settle, the boundary conditions are necessary:

= =0

×
= × =× = → =

= − ( 0× ) zero
equals → 0=

H×Q H×Q Q Q
v0= = = =
L× A L× l × H L × l

v0: the limiting settling speed (the superficial load)

= =
×
We note that the settling limit speed v0does not depend on the depth of the basin.

When particles of various dimensions are uniformly introduced over the entire height of the
basin
Particles with a vertical speed greater than vowill be completely eliminated.
The particles with velocities vp<v0 only a fraction will have time to reach the bottom
from the basin. They will only be eliminated if they enter the settling zone at a height
less than h.
Calculation of the eliminated fraction:

Case of particles with the same speeds:

ℎ 0× ℎ
= = = =
0 ⁄

This expression allows calculating the yield of an ideal settling basin containing
particles whose falling speed is the same.

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Case of particles with different speeds:

When the fall speeds of the particles are different, we can calculate the overall yield of a
settling basin if we know the distribution of these speeds.

We remind that v0is the minimum fall speed that the particle must have to penetrate in
surface, to reach the bottom of the decanter during the time it stays in it.

We saw that:
Q
v0=

All particles having a vp> v0will obviously be eliminated, those that have a speed of
fallp< v0will however be partially, considering their entry level in the decanter.

The experimental plot of the function fnd = f(vp) assuming 'fnd, fraction of non-settled particles'
allows us to determine the total fraction, fd, of particles that will be settled, regardless of their
falling speed.

Experimental trace defnd =f(vp)

We drop granular particles from a height of 2 meters in a column, coming from raw water.
to be processed. We allow the decantation to take place, and at regular intervals, we take samples from
bottom of the column.
The ratio of the weight of suspended solids deposited to that of the total suspended solids introduced into the column allows

to establish the fraction of settled particles and those of non-settled particles.

If: mo: quantity of MES introduced in the column;

md: quantity of MES deposited, at time t ;

mnd: quantity of unsubmitted MES;

On a :
La fractdean iontée: =
0

La fractnon-decan iontf = 1 −
0

La vitthis is rainte : =

Samples taken at different times allow us to construct the following table:

Weather t1 t2 t3 t4

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We can then plot the curve nd = f(vp(t).

Figure 3: distribution of the fraction of particles whose vp< v0depending on the speed

The fraction of particles removed is given by ⁄ 0By integrating the distribution curve
from the figure above from 0 to f0we obtain the additional fraction of the particles removed. The fraction
the total particles eliminated is:
1 0
= (1 - f) +
0 ∫
0 0

0the fraction of particles whose vp< v0

(1 - f)the0 fraction of particles completely eliminated:
1
∫0 0 term that accounts for particles belonging to the category f0 and have settled,
0
ctaking into account their entry level. It corresponds to the hatched area of the curve.
Indeed, these particles will be eliminated if their speed vp is such that:

0× ℎ
=

B) Settling of flocculating particles:

During the decantation process, flocculation continues and the sedimentation rate of
particle increases (V0increases

This process occurs once the concentration of flocs is above approximately 50 mg · L.-1.

The size of the clusters formed increases as they move. This is a favorable factor.
for decantation since its speed is all the higher as the volume of particles
is important;

however, this increase in volume is accompanied by a decrease in density and this

phenomenon contradicts decantation.

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Ultimately, the particle will be subject to the resultant of these two antagonistic effects and
the increase in particle size will outweigh the decrease in density.

In a horizontal hydraulic flow basin, the trajectory of particles, due to acceleration

that they undergo will be curvilinear.

Figure 4. Settling of a flocculating particle

Flocculation plays an important role in the sedimentation process. The flocculation rate of
particles in the basin are a function of:

From the distance traveled by the particles.

From the surface charge.

Speed gradients in the basin.

From the concentration of particles.

Of the diameter of the particles.

There is no mathematical formula for calculating the settling velocity.

Laboratory tests and graphical methods are the only ways to determine this speed.

Column settling test:

With the continuous changes of the particles settling, the design of a model
mathematics becomes more complicated. Therefore, in most cases, we must conduct trials of
laboratory. Using the column sedimentation test, the conditions for particle deposition
The flocculates of the diluted solution can be simulated in the laboratory.

The test requires a settling column of a height equal to the depth of the settler (between
1.8 and 2.4m.

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Figure 5: Column Test

Samples are taken at: 0.6, 1.2, and 1.6m from the surface.
2. Withdrawals are made at regular intervals.
3. We draw the curves of the same percentage (iso-yield).

The overall efficiency of the settling basin is given by the following equation:

∆ℎ1( 1+ 2) ∆ℎ2( 2+ 3) ∆ℎ3( 3+ 4) ∆ℎ ( + +1 )

= ∙ + ∙ + ∙ +⋯,+ ∙
2 2 2 2
With:

R: total percentage of particles eliminated in an ideal settling basin.

R1, R2,… RnPercentage of particles eliminated at a depth h, and after a retention time t.

∆h1, ∆h2∆hnaverage height between two curves of the same percentage of elimination
particles.

H: total height of the column.

Figure 6: Iso-yield curves for particle removal

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Use of the diagram

This experimental diagram allows to determine:

the yield of the clarifier for a desired elimination percentage

the required length of stay

the necessary speed.

Calculation of length of stay

The residence time is that of the particles that penetrate to the highest level. It is read directly on
le diagramme, là où les courbes d’équi-élimination coupent l’axe des temps.
Calculation of overflow velocity

For each desired % of elimination, the overflow rate is such that:

=

If we express time t in hours, we will have:

= × 60
(min)

From these various results, we can establish the yield diagram of the decanter.

Yield diagram

We construct the curve R% as a function of devv and from this diagram, we can recognize the speed.
vpnecessary to achieve a given yield shown below.

Figure 7: Decanter performance as a function of retention time

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C) The impeded decantation.

When the concentration of flocculated particles increases, the interaction between the particles does not
will be less negligible and the latter will settle in a 'piston' mode. The flocculation and the
decantation can initially be improved and then hindered beyond a certain point
concentration critique, we then speak of a "controlled decantation." The controlled decantation takes place
when the concentration of activated sludge and flocculated suspensions is greater than approximately 500
mg /L.
Schematic representation of decantation in a column:

When performing a decantation in a piston in a tube of sufficient height and diameter (at the
At least one test tube of one liter), we generally observe the appearance of four zones.

Initially, the large grains sediment quickly and settle at the bottom of the test tube.
(zonea). The height of this zone increases rapidly and stabilizes after decantation.
sands with a size greater than 0.1 mm;

Then, an interface quickly appears, and sometimes immediately, between a clear liquid
(zoneb) and a muddy phase. The muddy phase can itself be divided into two parts:
an upper part maintaining the appearance of the starting suspension (zonec) and an area
intermediate appearance inferior (zoned).

Figure 8 - Evolution of the appearance of a sedimentation suspension in a test tube

The Kynch curve:

Kynch's basic hypothesis is that the falling speed of particles depends solely on the
local concentration C of the particles.

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Figure 9: General overview of a sedimentation curve

Let's consider the various segments of this curve:

A-B. The separation surface is more or less clear; it corresponds to the coalescence phase of
flocs. It may happen that kinetic phenomena render this phase nonexistent.

B-C. We have an important straight segment that translates to a constant falling speed v0. This speed
is the inverse function of the initial concentration of the suspension. For example, if we take a sludge.
activated related to wastewater treatment, we observe that when the concentration changes from 1
At 4 g/L, the speed decreases from 6 to 1.8 m/h.

This section has an upward concavity and corresponds to a slowdown.

progressive increase in the falling speed of the upper layer of the floc.

D-E. From D, the flakes touch and exert pressure on the lower layers.

Practical results

It is segments B-C and C-D that are interesting in KYNCH's theory. They correspond to
cases encountered in static sedimentation tanks with sludge beds.

Let's consider the case of a hindered settling where the coalescence phase is absent.

When examining triangle BOC, it appears that the settling speed as well as the concentration
are constant and correspond to the initial conditions prevailing in B.
In triangle COD, the curves of equal concentration are straight lines passing through the origin and the
concentration increases as one approaches point D; the various layers are

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therefore called to touch each other more and more to eventually provoke a phenomenon of compression
which manifests in D.

Figure 10: Controlled decantation without coalescence phase.

It is therefore possible, thanks to the previous curve, to know the composition of the muddy medium at various ...
instants.

The muddy medium of height eb at time t1thus presents three distinct areas:
a superior zone bc where the concentration and the fall speed are uniform and have been maintained
their initial values C and V0;

an intermediate zone cd in which the concentration gradually increases from c to d and

the speed of the fall decreases accordingly;
a lower area where the mud flakes are subjected to compression.

In the medium considered at time t2the upper zone disappears, and at time t4the lower zone
only survives.

The intersection of the tangent to the sedimentation curve with the x-axis defines a time t,
temps de sédimentation, tandis que l'intersection avec l'axe des ordonnées définit une hauteur H
corresponding to the height that the mud would occupy if all the particles had the same concentration
What is the layer of the interface.

Note:

The variation of the velocity profile with concentration can be modeled by an exponential model
from which the linearization can access the values of k and n:

V=K× −

Mohlman Indices (Sludge Volume Index: SVI)

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A specific point to consider on the Kynch curve is the time t = 30 minutes.

on the x-axis corresponding to the Mohlman index IM, which characterizes sludges
biological.

V: Volume of sludge after 30 minutes of settling (cm3).

M: ME present in this volume (g).

For the same sludge, the Mohlman index partly depends on the geometric characteristics of
the test tube, but especially the initial concentration of the mud.
This is why it is recommended to dilute the mud with purified water beforehand if necessary.
so that the final volume is close to 250 ml (in a one-liter graduated cylinder). The maintenance of a
lens agitation during the test is planned in some protocols but its usefulness is uncertain. We
One can say that an activated sludge has good settleability when it has a Mohlman index.
from 50 to 100 cm3/g.

IM < 50 ml/g: granular aspect, risk of deposit formation

50 < IM < 150 ml/g: good decantability
IM > 150 ml/g: poor settling ability which may be due to the presence of bacteria
filamentous due to a nutritional imbalance.
The MOHLMAN index varies according to the applied mass load and the characteristics.
physicochemical properties of the waters to be treated, including temperature.

4. Lamellar decantation:
In order to increase the surface area of separation between water and mud in the same structure, bundles are placed.
lamellar (parallel tubes or plates) in the settling zone. This creates a large number of
elementary separation cells. The inclination of the strips at an angle to the horizontal
allows the gravity drainage of the obtained sludge.

Lamellar settlers are sized according to the type and speed of

sedimentation of particles, desired quality of the effluent depending on the concentration
initial in TSS (total suspended solids) but also the flow to be treated.

There are different types of lamellar decantation:

Against the current when the water flows from bottom to top and the muds from top to bottom.

A co-current

- Cross currents when water flows horizontally and sludge flows up and down.

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Figure 11. The lamellar sedimentation.

By analogy with Hazen's law, and in a first approximation, the limit settling velocity vlin
an element is:
=
∙ ∙
SLelementary surface of each element, n: number of sheets.

Three types of lamellar decantation exist

A) Counter-current (mud and water flow in the opposite direction)

=
∙ ( + )

B) Co-current (sludge and water flow from top to bottom)

=
∙ ( − )

C) Cross currents (mud and water flow perpendicularly)

=
∙ ∙ ∙
L: Length of the blade

l : Width of the blade

e: spacing between two blades (orthogonal distance).

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Some decanters:

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