ALBALQA APPLIED UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

UNIT OPERATIONS LAB-1

SEDIMENTATION EXPERIMENT

NAME: Noor Mustafa Al-Ghazal

REG.NUMBER: 32015019087
INSTRUCROR: Eng.Lamia & Dr.Banan
LAB TIME: 11:30-2:30
DATE: 5/30/2023

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 1. Abstract
In industrial plants separation processes are often undertaken to obtain the desired
products in the preferred purity and form. Separation processes can be grouped
based on their properties into: Diffusional separators, Membrane separators and
Mechanical separators. This report is focused around Sedimentation
Sedimentation is a natural geological process where suspended solids are left to
settle to the bottom of a liquid and form a sediment due to gravity.
The experiment was carried out using glass cylinders and allowing Calcium
Carbonate slurries to settle. At 24 minute intervals, the height of the interface was
recorded. The recorded data was then used to determine the settling rate of each
slurry. The results of the experiment show that the height of the solid-liquid
interface of a Calcium Carbonate decreases through time and the settling rate
increases as concentration increases.

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 2. Introduction
In most industrial chemical processes, the desired product formed is usually in a
mixture with other components. These components can be excess reactants, by-
products, catalysts and components of solvents or reaction media. To obtain the
products in the desired purity and form separation must be undertaken. The most
common separation processes include evaporation, distillation, absorption,
crystallization, filtration, centrifugation, drying and membrane processes.
This paper is focused around sedimentation experiment, Sedimentation is a process
used widely in the clarification of water and wastewater. Particles settle from
suspension in different ways, depending on the concentration of the suspension and
the characteristics of the particles. The simplest type of sedimentation is the
settling of a dilute suspension of particles which have little or no tendency to
flocculate. In these circumstances, the prediction of clarification rates and their
scale-up to plant design is relatively straightforward. For higher concentrations
where inter-particle effects become significant and where agglomeration may take
place, different regimes of settling rate occur, known as zone settling.
Sedimentation is the partial separation or concentration of suspended solid
particles from a liquid by gravity settling. It is a strong function of liquid viscosity
and density, particle size, and the concentration of the solution. This experiment
will enable to determine settling times and velocities for liquid-solid suspensions
and slurries.
The main objectives of this study are:
• To determine the effect of initial concentration on sedimentation rates.
• To determine the effect of initial suspension height on sedimentation
rates.
• To determine the effect of particle size distribution.
• To study different settling regimes and to determine the relationship
between concentration and settling velocity.

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 3. Theory
When the concentration of a given suspension is low, the effect of mutual
interference of the particles is at higher concentrations, however, conditions within
the suspensions are considerably modified, particularly in that the upward velocity
of the fluid displaced by the settling particles is much greater. The resulting flow
characteristics are appreciably altered, and the effect is known as "hindered
settling".
For hindered flow, the settling velocity is considerably less than the terminal
falling velocity under free settling conditions. Hindered Settling is encountered in
sedimentation. In this case, the particle is settling through the suspension of
particles in fluid rather than through fluid itself.

Figure 1/Hindered settling

Coe and Clevenger concluded from their sedimentation studies that a concentrated
suspension may settle in one of two different ways. In the first, after an initial brief
acceleration period, the interface between the clear liquid and the suspension
moves downwards at a constant rate and a layer of sediment builds up at the
bottom of the container. When this interface approaches the layer of sediment, its
rate of fall decreases until the "critical settling point" is reached when a direct
interface is formed between the sediment and the clear liquid.

Further sedimentation then results solely from a consolidation of the sediment,

with liquid being forced upwards around the solids which are then formed a loose
bed with the particles in contact with one another. Since the flow area is gradually
being reduced, the rate progressively diminishes.

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In Figure 1(A), a stage in the sedimentation process is illustrated. A is clear liquid,
B is suspension of the original concentration, C is a layer through which the
concentration gradually increases, and D is sediment.
The sedimentation rate remains constant until the upper interface corresponds with
the top of zone C and it then falls until the critical settling point is reached when
both zones B and C will have disappeared. A second and rather less common mode
of sedimentation
In Figure 1(B), is obtained when the range of particle size is very great. The
sedimentation rate progressively decreases throughout the whole operation because
there is no zone of constant composition, and zone C extends from the top interface
to the layer of sediment. If the range of particle size is not more than about 6: 1, a
concentrated suspension settles with a sharp interface and all particles fall at the
same velocity
The heavier faster-settling particles settled at the bottom of a glass cylinder are
indicated by area D. Above area D forms another layer, called area C, a region of
variable size distribution and non-uniform concentration. The boundary between C
and D is usually obscure and is marked by a vertical channel through which fluid is
rising from the lower area D as it compresses. Above area, C is area B which is a
zone of uniform concentration of approximately the same concentration as that of
the original pulp. Above area, B is A, which is an area of clear liquid.
If the original slurry is closely sized with respect to the smallest particles the
boundary between A and B is sharp.

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Figure 2/ sedimentation process

Figure 3/ sedimentation process

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  Settling velocities
Most correlations used to size thickeners require that the particles behave
according to Stoke's law. The criteria for Stoke's law operation is that the Reynolds
number must be less than 0.3.
The Kynch method is a graphical approach that is used to find the settling velocity
of a slurry or suspension over time. However, there are several other constraints
that apply to the Kynch method that should also be kept in mind, such as
neglecting wall effects, assuming uniform particle shape and size, and that the
particle velocity reaches zero at large times. The Kynch method involves
constructing tangents to the settling height and times curves, and the slope of each
of these tangents is the velocity at that time.
Consider the time t, at which the plane of concentration C₁ arrives at the interface.
This plane moves upwards at a constant rate (dx/dt), as shown by a straight line
from the origin.
The settling velocity at the interface is given by the slope of the settling curve there
so that

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 Free settling behavior curve

 Stok’s law :

Stoke’s law

Where:
 Vs= Settling velocity
 Pp= Density of the particle
 Pf= Density of the fluid
 Dp= particle diameter
 g= Acceleration of gravity
 µ = Viscosity of the fluid

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 kynch Theory of Sedimentation

 There are three forces act on a particle settling through a fluid:

1. External force: gravitational or centrifugal Fe
2. Buoyancy force: Fb
3. Drag force: parallel and opposite to external force FD

Fe  mae

1
FD  CDu 2  Ap
2

m
 Fb   ae
p

forces act on a particle settling

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In the figure (3) the critical point is shown at point c. Since sludges vary greatly
in their settling rates, experimental rates for each sludge are necessary. The settling
velocity V is determined by drawing a tangent to the curve at a given time t, with
slope at this point the height is z1 and zi is the intercept of the tangent to the curve.

Figure 3/ critical point

Several attempts have been made to predict the apparent settling velocity of a
concentrated suspension. In 1926 Robinson suggested a modification of Stokes'
law and used the density (pc) and viscosity (pc) of the suspension in place of the
properties of the fluid.
Thus Robinson determined the viscosity of the suspension 'c ' experimentally, but
it may be obtained approximately from the following formula of Einstein: This
equation holds for values of C up to 0.02. For more concentrated suspensions, V
and gives the equation: Steinour, who studied the sedimentation of small spheres,
adopted a similar approach, using the viscosity of fluid, the density of the
suspension and a function of the voidage of the suspension to take account of the
character of the flow spaces. He obtained an expression for the velocity of particle
relative to the fluid (VP) as follows to give:
Mc = *d2(P'~ Pi* 10)

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 Factors affects sedimentation:

 Height effects
 Wall effects
 Effects of concentration
 Particle size
 Density of particles
 Shape of particles Sedimentation:

1. Height effects:
The height of suspension does not generally affect either the rate of sedimentation
or the consistency of the sediment ultimately obtained. If However, the position of
the sludge line is plotted as a function of time for two different initial heights of
slurry, curves of the form shown is Figure (4) are obtained in which the ratio
OA':OA" is everywhere constant. Thus, if the curve is obtained for any one initial
height, the curves can be drawn for any other height.

Figure4/Effect of height on sedimentation of a 3 percent (by volume) suspension of calcium carbonate.

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 2. Wall effects

If the ratio of the diameter of the vessel to the diameter of the particle is greater
than about 100, the walls of the container appear to have no effect on the rate of
sedimentation. For smaller values, the sedimentation rate may be reduced because
of the retarding influence of the walls.

3. Effects of concentration

The higher the concentration, the lower is the rate of fall of the sludge line because
the greater is the upward velocity of the displaced fluid and the steeper are the
velocity gradients in the fluid. Typical curves for the sedimentation of a suspension
of precipitated calcium carbonate in water are shown in Figure (5) and in Figure
(6) the mass rate of sedimentation (kg/m2 s) is plotted against the concentration.
This curve has a maximum value, corresponding to a volumetric concentration of
about 2 per cent.
Egolf and McCabe, Work and Kohler, and others have given empirical
expressions for the rate of sedimentation at the various stages, although these are
generally applicable over a narrow range of conditions and involve constants
which need to be determined experimentally for each suspension. The initial rates
of the fall of the interface are linear, although the departure from a linear pattern
occurred more quickly for higher concentrations. The slopes of these initial
sedimentation rates can be calculated as follows:

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 Figure 5/. Effect of concentration on the sedimentation of calcium carbonate suspensions

Figure 6/ Effect of concentration on mass rate of sedimentation of calcium carbonate

The final consolidation of the sediment is the slowest part of the process because
the displaced fluid has to flow through the small spaces between the particles. As
consolidation occurs, the rate falls off because the resistance to the flow of liquid
progressively increases. The porosity of the sediment is smallest at the bottom
because the compressive force due to the weight of particles is greatest and
because the lower portion was formed at an earlier stage in the sedimentation
process.

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 4. Particle Size:
Larger particles tend to settle more quickly than smaller particles. This is because
larger particles have greater mass and, therefore, experience stronger gravitational
forces. As a result, they sediment at a faster rate.

Smaller particles have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, which can lead to
increased drag forces from the surrounding fluid. This resistance slows down their
settling velocity and prolongs the sedimentation process.

5. Density of Particles:
The density of particles affects their buoyancy and settling behavior. Heavier
particles with a higher density settle faster than lighter particles.

If the density of particles is similar to that of the liquid medium, they may have a
tendency to remain suspended for a longer time, resulting in slower sedimentation
rates.

In cases where the density of particles is lower than that of the liquid medium, they
may float instead of settling. This phenomenon is known as flotation and is the
opposite of sedimentation.

6. Shape of Particles:
The shape of particles can significantly impact their sedimentation rate. Irregularly
shaped particles experience increased drag forces due to their complex geometry,
which slows down their settling velocity.

Spherical or well-rounded particles experience less resistance from the surrounding

fluid, leading to a higher sedimentation rate compared to irregularly shaped
particles of the same size and density.

Additionally, the orientation of particles during sedimentation can also affect their
settling behavior. Particles with a preferred orientation may settle faster or slower
depending on their alignment with the gravitational field.

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  Applications:
The sedimentation process has various applications in different fields. Here are
some common applications of sedimentation:

 The removal of solids from liquid (water treatment)

 Obtaining crystals from their solution
 Settling solid food particles
 Catalytic reactors
 Geological and Environmental Studies:
 Mining and Mineral Processing:

4. Experimental Apparatus and material

 Suspension of solid particles (Calcium Carbonate and Alum powder)
 Two graduated cylinder (measuring cylinder)
 Stopwatch
 Weighing balance
 Distilled water
 Stirrer or mixing rod
 Safety goggles and lab coat
 Ruler

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 5. Procedure:
 Safety Precautions:
 Put on safety goggles and lab coat before starting the experiment.
 Ensure the work area is clean and free from any obstacles.
 Handle the sedimentation column and glassware with care to avoid
breakage.

 Preparation of Suspension:
 Weigh a 100 g of Calcium Carbonate and 1 g of Alum powder using a
weighing balance.
 Transfer the solid particles into a clean, dry measuring cylinder of (500 ml)
volume.
 Add 1L of distilled water to the measuring cylinder.
 Stir the mixture using a stirrer or a mixing rod to ensure the solid particles
are uniformly dispersed in the liquid. Avoid excessive agitation.

 Sedimentation Process:
 Observe the settling process and note the time required for the solid particles
to settle to different predetermined heights in the column.
 Record the time every minute until the sedimentation process is complete.
 Ensure that the suspension in the column remains undisturbed during the
sedimentation process.

 Measurement and Calculations:

 Measure the height of settled particles at different time intervals from the
bottom of the column using a measuring scale or ruler.
 Calculate the settling velocity using the recorded time intervals and the
known heights of sedimentation.
 Repeat the experiment with different suspensions or varying experimental
conditions to gather sufficient data for analysis.

 Clean Up:
 Dispose of the used suspension and particles as per the laboratory guideline.
 Clean the sedimentation column and glassware thoroughly with water and a
suitable cleaning agent.
 Store the equipment in its designated place.

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 6. Data table:

CaCo3 Only
time (min) distance (cm)
0.59 24
1.26 23
1.35 22
1.49 21
2.17 20
2.47 19
3.2 18
3.53 17
4.16 16
4.4 15
5.05 14
5.3 13
6.07 12
6.33 11
7.08 10
7.44 9
8.15 8
8.43 7
9.08 6
9.3 5
10 4
10.39 3
11.11 2
11.36 1

*Note that these reading is taken from the uploaded video on E-learning.

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 CaCO3+ AL2O3
time (min) distance (cm)
0.42 24
1.2 23
2 22
2.4 21
3.18 20
3.53 19
4.32 18
5.11 17
5.5 16
6.28 15
7 14
7.72 13
8.18 12
9 11
9.33 10
10.08 9
10.45 8
11.25 7
12.02 6
12.35 5
13.14 4
13.58 3
16.13 2
17 1

*Note that these reading is taken from the uploaded video on E-learning.

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 Caco3 interface height against time

7. Caco3 + Al2o3 interface height against time

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 8. Calculations
 To calculate the settling velocity for CaCo3 cylinder, we can get from the
graph above the following :
h=24
hc= 9.08
tc= 6
ℎ−ℎ𝑐 24−9.08
v(c)= = = 2.49 cm/min =0.000415 m/s.
𝑡𝑐 6

 To calculate the settling velocity for CaCo3+ AL2O3 cylinder we can get
from the graph above the following :
h=24
hc=10.45
tc= 8
ℎ−ℎ𝑐 24−10.45
v(c)= = = 1.7 cm/min = 0.0002833 m/s
𝑡𝑐 8

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 9. Discussions

According to theoretical research particle size plays an important role in

sedimentation. Larger particles settle faster. This important fact has been
witnessed with the settling velocity of the particles of Cylinder A( CaCo3
only) being greater than that of particles of Cylinder B (CaCo3+ AL2O3) .

Again according to the theory included in this report: Sedimentation is

achieved by decreasing the velocity of the mixture to a point which the
solid particles will no longer remain in suspension. When the velocity no
longer supports the particles, gravity will remove them from the fluid.

The velocity was increased in order to determine what would happen to

the efficiency of sedimentation. Since the efficiency decreased the results
obtained correspond with the theory. Indeed sedimentation to occur properly
when the velocity, which also goes to say the volumetric flowrate, is be
kept minimal. To conclude, because the results obtained correspond with the
theoretical analysis is can be said that the experiment was conducted properly
and that the sedimentation apparatuses operate efficiently to some extent.

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 10. Conclusion

Sedimentation experiments have evolved over time, with advancements in

technology and experimental techniques. Traditional methods, such as the
Imhoff cone and settling column, have been widely used for many years and
continue to be valuable tools in sedimentation research.
However, newer techniques, such as laser diffraction particle size analysis
and high-speed imaging, offer more precise and detailed measurements,
enabling researchers to investigate sedimentation processes at a finer scale.

One important aspect to consider in sedimentation experiments is the selection

of appropriate experimental conditions. Factors such as particle concentration,
fluid viscosity, and temperature can significantly influence sedimentation
rates and particle behavior. Therefore, careful calibration and standardization
of these variables are essential to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
Moreover, the choice of sedimentation model, such as the Stokes' law or
hindered settling models, should be based on the specific characteristics of the
sediment under investigation.

It is worth noting that sedimentation experiments, while providing valuable

insights, have certain limitations. Laboratory-scale experiments may not fully
replicate the complexity of natural environments, where factors like
turbulence, organic matter, and biological activity can affect sedimentation
processes

In conclusion, sedimentation experiments play a crucial role in advancing our

understanding of sediment behavior, sedimentation rates, and their
implications in various scientific fields. Continued research and refinement of
experimental techniques will further enhance our knowledge of sedimentation
processes and their impacts, ultimately contributing to more informed
decision-making and sustainable resource management.

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 11. References

 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/settling-velocity

 https://www.chemicalslearning.com/2022/12/sedimentation-definition-
process-and.html

 https://bmsce.ac.in/Content/CH/Manual_MOP_by_CTP_and_YKS.pdf

 https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1966/0054/report.pdf.

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