CHE1022: Mechanical Operation Lab

Experiment No :5
Date :

SEDIMENTATION
AIM:

To determine the area of thickener needed high for settling of solid waste from liquid
effluent.

APPARATUS REQUIRED:

1. A known conc. of CaCO3 solution.

2. Measuring jar

3. Stop watch

PRINCIPLE:

Sedimentation generally implies gravitational settling of solids that are suspended in a

liquids. In batch settling occurs at a very low rate. Stokes formula spherical grains can be
used

2 ..( )
Ut = -----------------(1)
18

Where

Ut=Terminal settling velocity

dp=Dia of particle

g= Acceleration due to gravity

p= Density of particle

= Density of medium

=Viscosity of medium

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CHE1022: Mechanical Operation Lab

During the early stage of settling, the velocity is constant as solid accumulates at the
end of vessel .The rate of settling decreases until the ultimate height is reached .In the
operation of sedimentation sludge settle at the bottom of the tank is removed as underflow by
vacuum or withdrawn for further movement .The clear liquid at the top is called overflow and
is free from settle solid .The sedimentation in waste water treatment is carried out in a
rectangular or circular tank and the flow is horizontal or feed is let in at central wall and the
classified effluent is collected at the peripheral provided. Sludge is removed by means of
rotating sludge scrubber .The settling particles undergo the following stress on it .The
gravitational force dragging to the bottom, buoyancy force of the fluid falling it and the drag
force which resist easy settling.

FORMULA USED:

(i)Ultimate height hu= (m)

Ci=Initial concentration (g/l),

Cu=Final concentration (g/l)

hu=Ultimate height(m)

(ii)Settling velocity

0
V=
m/s

Where

hc=Critical height in m

tc=Critical time in seconds

(iii)Area of the thickner

A= m2

where,

Q = mass flow rate in m3/s (Assumed as 0.05)

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CHE1022: Mechanical Operation Lab

= ultimate time in sec

PROCEDURE:

A known conc. of CaCO3 slurry is prepared by mixing a known weight of CaCO3 in

a known volume of water .The slurry is thoroughly well and the particles are allowed to settle
when a clear layer of separation of particles are allowed to settle when a clear layer of
separation of particles occur. The stop watch is started simultaneously at regular intervals of
time .The height of clear liquid zone is noted and procedure is repeated until all the particles
settle down.

TABULAR COLUMN:

Time Hieght Time Hieght

(Sec) (cm) (sec) (cm)

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CHE1022: Mechanical Operation Lab

GRAPH:

The graph is plot between the height of the clear zone and the time of settling after
plotting the graph.

RESULT:

(i)Settling velocity (v)= ______________m/s.

(ii)Area of the thickener (A)= _______________m2

(iii)Ultimate height (hu)= _______________m