SEDIMENTATION

By
DR. ANKUSH MAJUMDAR
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
Jadavpur University
WILL YOU DRINK IT ?

2
DESIRABLE QUALITIES IN DRINKING
WATER

Clear

Colorless

Odorless

Acceptable
Taste

Safe

3
 GLOBAL WATER RESOURCES

SALINE WATER GROUNDWATER

97.5% 0.3%
WATER
RESOURCES
ICECAPS &
FRESH WATER
GLACIERS
2.5%
2.175%

SURFACE
WATER
0.025%

Source: Gleick, P. H., 1996: Water resources

SOURCES OF SURFACE WATER POLLUTION

ANTHROPOGENIC

• Untreated domestic sewage :

Organic solids, Pathogens
• Untreated Industrial sewage :
Solids, Toxic chemicals and metals
• Agricultural runoff : Pesticides,
Fertilizers

NATURAL

• Erosion : Solids

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COST-EFFECTIVE
TREATMENT

6
HOW TO DESIGN A COST-EFFECTIVE
WATER TREATMENT PLANT (WTP) ?

7
 DATA NEEDED TO DESIGN WTP

RAW WATER QUALITY

1. Quality of raw water from surface source – By testing
2. Compare with IS 10500: Standard for drinking water –
Identify the pollutants and required treatment measures

QUANTITY OF WATER
1. Design period
2. Total population to be served

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A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

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 Quality of Water in River Ganga
Sampling Station: Ganga at Garden Reach, West Bengal
Sample Date and Time: 06/01/2021 at 2PM
Test Results Standard for Drinking Water (IS:10500)
Parameter (As per Permissible Limit in Absence
WBPCB) Acceptable Limit
of Alternative Source
Turbidity (NTU unit) 18 1 5

Odour Agreeable Agreeable Agreeable

pH 7.7 6.5-8.5 No relaxation

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS,

356 500 2000
mg/L)

Total Hardness (mg/L as

145.09 200 600
CaCO3)

Chloride (mg/L as Cl) 22 250 1000

Total Alkalinity (mg/L) 146 200 600

10
Total Coliform (MPN/100mL) 130000 Not detectable Not detectable

E. coli (MPN/100mL) 22000 Not detectable Not detectable

 FLOW DIAGRAM OF WTP

PLAIN HIGH
SEDIMENTATION LIFT
TANK FILTRATION PUMP OHR
INTAKE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
LOW DISINFECTION
LIFT COAGULANT
PUMP MIXING DISTRIBUTION
NETWORK
CLARIFLOCCULATOR
POLLUTED
STREAM

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 TYPES OF SEDIMENTATION

• Type I (Plain sedimentation): Discrete particle in dilute suspension

• Type II (Sedimentation with coagulation): Flocculent particles in
dilute suspension
• Type III (Hindered or zone settling): Flocculent particles in
moderately concentrated suspension
• Type IV (Compression settling): Flocculent particles in highly
concentrated suspension

• Discrete particle doesn’t change shape, size, specific

gravity with time
• Flocculent particle does change shape, size, specific
gravity with time 12
 TYPE I : PLAIN SEDIMENTATION

Function: Water is retained for gravity settling of suspended solids

Type of suspended solids removed:
• Inorganic solids: sand, gravel, cinders etc. (specific gravity ~ 2.65)
• Organic solids: carbohydrate, protein etc. (specific gravity ~ 1.0 - 1.4)

Factors affecting settling of a particle:

• Specific gravity, shape and size of particles
• Viscosity of water
• Flow velocity

• Although particles have very irregular shapes, their size may be described by an equivalent
diameter that is determined by comparing them with spheres having the same settling velocity.
• The equivalent diameter is the hydrodynamic diameter when we speak of particles settling in 13

water, and aerodynamic diameter for particles settling in air.

 SETTLING VELOCITY
When a discrete particle reaches its terminal velocity, the gravitational force
(FG) pulling it down is balanced by a drag force (FD) and a buoyancy force
(FB):
FG = FD + FB …..Eq1
FG = mpg = Vp ρp g
FB = mwg = Vp ρw g Where
2
ρw = density of water
v ρp = density of particle
FD = CDApρw
2
Vp = Volume of particle
Substituting the values in Eqn 1 we get g= gravitational acceleration
v2
Vp ρp g = CDApρw + Vp ρw g CD = Newton’s drag coefficient
2
Ap= c/s area of particle perpendicular to the direction of flow
v2 v = terminal settling velocity of the particle
(ρp - ρw) Vp g = CDApρw
2

1
2(ρp − ρw) Vp g2
v= ….Eq2
CDApρw 14

This is the general equation for settling velocity of any particle

 SETTLING VELOCITY
When the discrete particle is considered to be spherical with dia d
Vp 2
= d
Ap 3
Substituting in Eq2 we get
1
4gd (ρp − ρw)2
v= ….Eq3
3CD ρw
This is the equation for settling velocity of a spherical discrete particle in
terms of CD
Variation of CD with Reynold’s Number Re:
24 3 Reynold’s Number is expressed as:
CD= + + 0.34 for transitional flow
Re Re v ρw d v d
Re = =
µ ν
24
CD= for laminar flow
Re Where
CD= 0.4 for turbulent flow ν = Kinematic viscosity of water = µ/ρw
Substituting Re for laminar flow we get µ = dynamic viscosity of water
24ν 15

CD= ….Eq4
vd
 SETTLING VELOCITY
From Eq 3 and 4 we get
1
4gd×vd (ρp − ρw) 2
v= ….Eq3
3×24ν ρw
Where
gd v ρp
2
ρ
v2 = −1 SS = p = Specific gravity of particle
18ν ρw ρw

gd2
v= SS − 1
18ν

This is the Stoke’s equation for settling velocity of a spherical discrete particle with SS>1 in
laminar flow

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Problem1: Determine the terminal settling velocity of a discrete particle having a diameter of 0.05
mm and specific gravity of 2.62. Assume that the settling is type I and the temperature of the
water is 20°C. ν = 0.8975 centistoke
Solution:

Assuming Laminar flow and using Stoke’s eqn. we get

gd2 981×0.0052 × 2.62−1
Settling velocity, v = SS − 1 = = 0.246 cm/s
18ν 18×0.8975×10−2

Check for Reynold’s Number : Where

v d 0.246×0.005 ν = 0.8975 centistoke = 0.8975× 10−2 cm2/s
Re = = = 0.14 < 1 (Hence ok)
ν 0.8975×10−2 d = 0.05 mm = 0.005 cm
g = 981 cm/s2
Ss = 2.62

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Problem2: Determine the terminal settling velocity of a spherical particle having a diameter of 1mm and
specific gravity of 2.65. Assume that the settling is type I and ν = 1.01 centistoke. Show detail calculation
upto 3 iterations.
Solution:
Assuming Laminar flow and using Stoke’s eqn. we get
gd2 981×0.12 × 2.65−1
Settling velocity, v = SS − 1 = = 89 cm/s
18ν 18×1.01×10−2

Check for Reynold’s Number :

vd 89×0.1 Where
Re = ν = 1.01×10−2 = 881 > 1 (Not ok)
ν = 1.01 centistoke = 1.01 × 10−2 cm2/s
Therefore assuming transitional flow
24 3 24 3 d = 1 mm = 0.1 cm
CD= R + + 0.34 = 881 + 881 + 0.34 = 0.47 g = 981 cm/s2
E RE 1
4gd 2 Ss = 2.65
v = 3C SS − 1 = 21.43 cm/s
D

v d 21.43×0.1
Re = ν = 1.01×10−2 = 212.2 > 1 (hence ok) ……Iteration 1

Cont. 2 more iterations 18

 SETTLING VELOCITY (vs)

Table : Equations for settling velocity of discrete particle

Sl. No Law and Equation Application for range of

Reynolds Number (Re) Particle size (mm)
1 Hazen’s (Transition flow)

𝟎.𝟓
𝟒𝒈𝒅
𝑽𝒔 = S −𝟏 1 to 104 0.1< d <1
𝟑𝑪𝑫 S

𝟐𝟒 𝟑
𝑪𝑫 = + +0.34
𝑹𝒆 𝑹𝒆

2 Newton’s (Turbulent flow)

𝟎.𝟓 > 104 d >1
𝑽𝒔 = 𝟏. 𝟖 𝒈𝒅 SS − 𝟏
𝑪𝑫 =0.4

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SEDIMENTATION TANK

Shape Flow
Direction
Circular Upflow

Rectangular Horizontal

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 CIRCULAR UPFLOW SEDIMENTATION TANK

If vs > vo,
Effluent
vo weir Particle removal =100%
outflow
If vs < vo,

vs Particle removal = 0%

Sludge Hopper

Inflow

𝑄
Surface loading rate or overflow rate, vo = 𝐴
𝑠
Where,
Q= Rate of inflow, m3/d
As = Surface area of Tank, m2 21
RECTANGULAR HORIZONTAL FLOW SEDIMENTATION TANK

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 IDEAL SETTLING TANK
Inlet Outlet

1 2 3

1. Inlet Zone 3. Outlet Zone

2. Settling Zone 4. Sludge Zone

i. Particles have uniform velocity while entering settling zone

ii. Particles have uniform concentration throughout the settling zone
iii. Particles touching sludge zone are completely removed 23
 EFFICIENCY OF IDEAL SETTLING TANK

Horizontal flow velocity, v = Q/BH

Detention time = θ

For particle ‘a’ to be removed: For particle ‘b’ to be removed:

H H H.Q H.Q vx/v = Hx/L

Settling Velocity, vs = = = =
θ V/Q V L.B.H vx = (Hx/H) (Q/BL) = (Hx/H) vo
Q 𝑄
If vx < vo,
vs = = = Overflow velocity (vo)
L.B 𝐴𝑠
Percentage Particle removal = (vx /vo )×100%
Thus, If vs ≥ vo, 24

Particle removal =100%

 OVERALL REMOVAL EFFICIENCY OF DISCRETE PARTICLES IN IDEAL
SETTLING TANK
For actual suspensions of particles with a considerable variety of sizes and densities, prediction of the
efficiency of a basin requires either a particle size distribution or a settling column analysis. From either
technique a settling velocity distribution curve as shown in fig may be obtained.
All particles with vs greater than vo will be removed.
The removal efficiency will be
1 𝑝𝑜
R = (1-po) + v dp
vo ‫׬‬0 s
In which (1-po) is the fraction of particles with vs ≥ vo
and the integral is the fraction of particles with vs < vo
which are removed basin.
1 𝑝
‫׬‬ 𝑜
v dp can be calculated graphically
vo 0 s

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• PROBLEM 3: A settling column analysis is done for discrete particles in dilute suspension. The column is 1.8m deep and data
is given below. What will be the theoretical removal efficiency in an ideal horizontal flow settling basin operating at
surface loading rate of 25 m3/d. m2 ?
Time 0 60 80 100 130 200 240 420
(min)
Conentrati 300 189 180 168 156 111 78 27
on (mg/L)

• SOLUTION: We shall calculate the mass fraction remaining (p) and corresponding vs
Time (min) 60 80 100 130 200 240 420

Fraction 189/300 = 180/300 168/300 156/300 111/300 78/300 27/300

remaining 0.63 = 0.6 = 0.56 = 0.52 = 0.37 = 0.26 = 0.09
(pi) = ci/co
vs = h/t 1.8/60 = 1.8/80 = 1.8/100 = 1.8/130 = 1.8/200 = 1.8/240 1.8/420
(m/min) 3x10-2 2.25x10-2 1.8x10-2 1.4x10-2 0.9x10-2 = 0.75x10-2 = 0.43x10-2

vs x102 3 2.25 1.8 1.4 0.9 0.75 0.43

(m/min)

vo = 25/1440 = 1.736x10-2 m/min

From the plotted graph of p vs. vs we can find out po against vo
po = 0.56
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CONTD.
𝑝
Now we determine ‫׬‬0 𝑜 vsdp from the graph

We take each dp as 0.1 for simplification

p dp vs x102 (m/min) from vs .dp x102
graph against centre
of dp element
0 to 0.1 0.1 0.28 0.028

0.1 to 0.2 0.1 0.56 0.056

0.2 to 0.3 0.1 0.74 0.074

0.3 to 0.4 0.1 0.88 0.088

0.4 to 0.5 0.1 1.1 0.11

0.5 to 0.56 0.06 1.46 0.088

∑= 0.444

𝑝
‫׬‬0 𝑜 vsdp = 0.444x10-2
1 𝑝 27
Removal efficiency, R = (1-po) + ‫׬‬0 𝑜 vsdp
vo
= (1-0.56) + (0.444x10 / 1.4x10-2 ) = 0.72
-2
DESIGN CRITERIA FOR PST

• Detention time : 4 - 8 h
• Overflow velocity : 12 - 18 m3/day/m2

For Rectangular PST

• Width : 10 - 12 m
• Length : 3 - 5 times width

For Circular PST

• Diameter : 30 - 60 m

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SEDIMENTATION AIDED WITH
COAGULATION

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 Type II Settling
• In Type II Settling i.e. flocculent type, as
particles coalesce, mass increases and
particles settle faster with time.
• The curvilinear particles trajectory is
shown in Figure.
• Mathematical equations have been
well developed for discrete settling
(Type I).
• However, no mathematical model has
been developed because of unknown
settling behavior of flocculent particles.
• Design parameters (surface overflow
rate at a detention time and water
depth) are developed either by a batch- Fig.: Settling trajectory of flocculent particle in a
type settling column test or through sedimentation basin
experience with existing plants treating
similar water. AM@JU 30
 Batch Settling Column Test Procedure
• The batch flocculent settling column tests are performed in the
laboratory.
• The settling column is 15–20 cm in diameter and 2–5m tall.
• Sampling ports are provided at uniform depths from top.
• The column details are shown in Figure.
• Ideally, the height should be equal to the proposed side water
depth of the basin.
• The suspension is thoroughly mixed, then placed into the
column to the desired depth.
• Samples are withdrawn usually at initial intervals of 5–10 min
simultaneously from all ports. Later the frequency of sampling is
increased.
• A test with duration of 1–3 h should yield sufficient data to
develop the design parameters.
• The total suspended solids (TSS) concentration is determined for
each sample, preferably in duplicate.

AM@JU 31
 Batch Settling Column Results
• The TSS results are obtained to yield percent removals.
• A summary table with obtained results is generated, and a grid showing percent hypothetical removal of TSS at each port
and at different time intervals is plotted.
• Lines or contours of equal percentage removal or isoremoval are drawn
• These lines also trace the maximum trajectories of particles’ settling paths for specific concentrations in a flocculent
suspension.
• The overall percent removal of solids at a given detention time and depth of the column is calculated from Equation

• The theoretical detention time and surface overflow rate are obtained from the percent particle removal efficiency curves.
To account for less than optimum conditions encountered in the field, the design values are typically obtained by
multiplying the theoretical values of surface overflow rate by a factor 0.65–0.85, and detention time by a factor 1.25–1.5.

AM@JU 32
Problem1: A settling column study was
conducted on a wastewater sample. The
column depth was 4.5 m, and initial TSS
concentration of the sample was 300 mg/L.
The particle isoremoval graph is shown in
Figure. Determine
(a) overall percent TSS removal at 50-min
detention time and desired water depth of
4.5 m
(b) surface overflow rate (m3/m2·d)
corresponding to 50min detention time and
desired water depth of 4.5 m
(c) percent removal of particles at a water
depth of 3m and 62 min detention time,
(d) detention time for 30% removal of
particles at a water depth of 2 m, and
(e) side water depth for 70% removal of
particles at a detention time of 80 min.

AM@JU 33
Solution: (a) The desire water depth (from top) is equal to the
column depth, h0 =4.5 m.
Draw a vertical line from detention time of 50 min in Figure. A
37% removal of particles is obtained on the vertical line at the
desire water depth of 4.5 m.
Read the midpoint depths (from top) between two consecutive
isoremoval curves on the vertical line at 50-min detention time
in Figure.
h1 = (0m+0.5 m)/2 = 0.25m (between 80% and 100%)
h2 = (0.5m+0.7 m)/2 = 0.6m (between 70% and 80%)
h3 = (0.7m+1.1 m)/2 = 0.9m (between 60% and 70%)
h4 = (1.1m+1.8 m)/2 = 1.45m (between 50% and 60%)
h5 = (1.8m+3.5 m)/2 = 2.65 m (between 40% and 50%)
h6 = (3.5m+4.5 m)/2 = 4m (between 37% and 40%)

AM@JU 34
(b) Surface overflow rate (SOR) for a depth of fall of 4.5 m in 50 min
4.5m
SOR = = 0.09m/min = 0.09×(60 × 24)= 130 m3/m2.d
50 min
(c) Percent removal of particles at a water depth of 3m and 62 min detention
time from Figure is around 50%
(d) Detention time for 30% removal of particles at a water depth of 2 m from
Figure is around 32 mins
(e) Side water depth for 70% removal of particles at a detention time of 80 min
from Figure is around 2m

AM@JU 35