DIFFERENTIAL SETTLING (CLASSIFICATION)

Differential Settling is the separation of solid particles into several size

fractions based upon their settling velocities in a particular medium.
Differential Settling is also known as classification. The density of the medium
is less than that of either of the two substances to be separated. In differential
settling, both light and heavy materials settle through the medium.
(Geankoplis, 2005)
BASIC TYPES OF CLASSIFICATION
(a) Pool Classification
In pool classification, a suspension of particles is fed into and through
a pool of some kind at such a rate that only a part of them the coarser
and faster-settling part have time to settle out. The remainder overflows
as fines
(b) Hydraulic Classification
In hydraulic classification, the feed suspension is introduced into or
above one or more columns or pockets through which water is rising at a
controlled velocity. Coarse paritcles subside through the pockets and are
removed through spigots. Those that settle slower than the rising velocity
in any column or pocket are (at least ideally) prevented from subsiding
and must overflow.
CLASSIFICATION EQUIPMENT

Surface Velocity Classifier/Gravity Settling Tank

It is the simplest type of classifier.

It consists of a large tank with
provisions for a suitable inlet and
outlet.
Mechanism

A slurry feed enters the tank through an inlet connection. As soon as the
slurry enters the tank, its linear velocity decreased as a result of the
enlargement of cross-sectional area. Solid particles start to settle under the
influence of gravity. The faster-settling particles (coarse particles) will be
collected at the bottom of the tank near the inlet/entrance, while the slower
settling particles (small particles) will be carried farther into the tank before
they reach the bottom of the tank. The very fine particles are carried away in
the liquid overflow from the tank. Vertical baffles placed at various distances
from the inlet within the tank allow for the collection of several fractions
(different grades of particles) according to the terminal falling velocities.
Because of occurrence of considerable overlapping of size, no sharp separation
is possible with this classifier.
Spitzkasten

It consists of a series of conical vessels of increasing diameter in the direction

of flow.

Mechanism
The slurry feed enters the top of the first vessel where the larger, faster-settling,
particles are separated. The overflow including unseparated solids, feeds into
the top of the second vessel, where another separation occurs since the velocity
is lower than that in the first vessel. Each succeeding vessel will separate a
different range of particles depending upon settling velocities of the particles
and upon the fluid velocity in the vessel. In each vessel, the velocity of the
upflowing fluid is independently controlled to give the desired size range of
product from that vessel.

Elutriator

Elutriator is a vertical tube through which a fluid passes upwardly at a specific

velocity while a solid mixture, whose separation is desired, is fed into the top of
the column.
Mechanism
The large particle, which settle at a velocity higher than that of the rising fluid,
are collected at the bottom of the column, and the smaller particles are carried
out of the top of the column with the fluid. Several columns of different
diameter in series may be used to bring about a further separation.

Double Cone Classifier

This classifier uses hydraulic

water for classification. It consists
of a conical vessel inside of which
is a second hollow cone. The
inner cone is slightly larger in
angle, arranged apex downwards
and is movable in vertical
direction. The bottom portion
cone is cut away and its position
(height) relative to the outer cone
is
regulated
by
a
screw
adjustment.

Mechanism
The feed to be separated is fed in the form of a suspension to the center of the
inner cone. It flows downward through the inner cone and out at a baffle at the
bottom of the inner cone. Hydraulic water is fed near the outlet for the coarse
material. The solids form the inner cone and a rising stream of water are mixed
below the inner cone and then flow through an annulus space between the two
cones. Classification action occurs in the annular space, the small/fine
particles are carried away in the overflow while the large particles/ coarse
particles settle against the hydraulic water to the bottom and are removed
periodically
Rake Classifier

This classifier consists of a rectangular tank with a sloping/inclined bottom.

The tank is provided with movable rakes (reciprocating rakes).
Mechanism
The feed in the form of a suspension/slurry is introduced continuously near
the middle of the tank. The lower end of the tank has a weir overflow liquid.
The heavy material (coarser particles) sink to the bottom of the tank. The rake
scrap the settled solids upward along the bottom of the tank toward the top of
the tank for discharge from a sand-discharge chute. The reciprocating rakes
keep the slurry in continuous agitation. The time of raking stroke is so
adjusted that fines do not have time to settle and so remain near the surface of
the slurry, while the heavy particles have time to settle (they settle, scrapped
upward and removed as a dense slurry)

Pneumatic Classifier

It has almost same appearance of a cone

classifier, but operates on a different
principle. The dry solid feeds through a
hollow shaft and falls upon the rotating
feeder plates which distributes the
particles
across
the
cylindrical
classification section. The circulating fan
causes air to circulate upward and
outward through the inner cylinder,
carrying the fines into the outer cone
where they settle out and are removed
from the bottom. The circulating air
returns through slots in the inner
cylindrical section. The oversize material
settles down through the circulating air
into the bottom of the inner cone and is separately removed.
Bowl Classifier

It consists of a shallow cylinder with a

gentle conical bottom. The feed slurry is
fed at the center near the surface, and the
liquid flows outward in a radial direction.
The solids settle out according to their
particle size with the fines overflowing at
the bowl wall. The heavy sludge is scraped
towards the center for discharge.

Spiral Vane Classifier

It is a device consisting of a cylindrical

tank, a central shaft, and spiral or radial
arms which sweep the bottom. Feed is
pumped in as a slurry. The solids settle
and are swept to the center and removed
continuously. The fines overflow into a launder.