A zone settling velocity function to characterize settling properties of suspensions in thickening applications

Relationship between solids zone settling velocity (ZSV) and concentration is of importance in solid-flux theory used in the design and operation of thickeners. A reliable characterization of relationship between ZSV and concentration relying on a single batch settling curve (SBSC) remains necessary and challenging. In this study, a novel ZSV function considering both maximum settling velocity and maximum packing fraction is proposed. The comparison between the novel function and some state-of-the-art ZSV functions indicates that the former shows preferable performances in predicting the batch settling phenomena. The inverse problem to determine ZSV function from SBSC is carried out and the obtained ZSV function performs well in simulating sedimentation without compression. Finally, sedimentation with compression is discussed based on the novel ZSV function.

Automated summary

The relationship between solids zone settling velocity (ZSV) and concentration is crucial in the design and operation of thickeners. This study proposes a novel ZSV function that accurately predicts batch settling phenomena and successfully simulates sedimentation without compression. Additionally, the study discusses sedimentation with compression based on the new ZSV function.