You are on page 1of 6

Sedimentation

The purpose of the sedimentation process is to remove suspended solids (particles) that are denser (heavier) than water and to reduce then load on the filters. 1 Factors affecting particle settling: 2 1. Particle size and distribution 2. Shape of particles 3. Density of particles 4. Temperature (viscosity and density) of water 5. Electrical charge on particles 6. Dissolved substances in water 7. Flocculation characteristics of the suspended material 8. Environmental characteristics (such as wind effects) 9. Sedimentation basin hydraulics and design characteristics (such as inlet condition and shape of basin) The shape of particles also influences particle settling. Smooth circular particles will settle faster than irregular particles with ragged edges. 3 Solids-contact units Also known as: 4 1. Solids-contact clarifiers 2. Upflow clarifiers 3. Reactivators 4. Precipitators Sludge produced by the solids-contact unit is recycled through the process, acting as a coagulant aid; increases the efficiency of the coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes. 4 Advantages: 1. Capital maintenance costs are greatly reduced, because all 3 processes are in the same tank. 2. The ability to regulate the volume of slurry (sludge blanket), which is needed to cope with certain problems. 4

Disadvantages: 1. Operation of the single-unit processes requires a higher level of operator knowledge and skill. 4 2. It is most unstable during rapid changes in the flow rate. 5 3. Sensitive to severe changes in the turbidity of incoming raw water. 5 4. Changes in the water temperature will cause changes in density of the water; changes in density influence the particle-settling rate. 5 The most serious limitation of solids-contact units, is their instability during rapid changes in flow, turbidity level and temperature. 4 When water temperature decreases, be prepared to reduce flows if problems develops. 7 Adjusting chemicals and chemical feed rates is the major means by which operators can control water treatment processes. 7 Once algal activities have been determined to be causing the problem (readily checked by pH and DO (dissolved oxygen)), the operator can increase the amount of slurry available during the good periods of the day and remove it during periods when the coagulation process is not functioning well. 4 For most solids-contact units, use the chemical dosages, which gives the lowest turbidity within a five-minute settling period, after stopping the jar tester. 6 Sedimentation basins Sedimentation basins can be divided into four zones: 1. Inlet zone The inlet zone to the sedimentation basin should provide a smooth transition from the flocculation basin and should distribute the flocculated water uniformly over the entire cross section of the basin. 11 2. Settling zone The settling zone is the largest portion of the sedimentation basin. This zone provides calm, undisturbed storage of the flocculated water for a sufficient period of time (3 hrs. or more), to permit effective settling of the suspended particles in the water being treated. 12 3. Sludge zone The sludge zone is located at the bottom of the sedimentation basin and is a temporary storage for the settled particles. It
2

is also used to allow for compression settling of the sludge; as sludge settles onto the zone, its weight further compresses the sludge below it.
13

4. Outlet zone The basin outlet should provide a smooth transition from the sedimentation basin to the settled water conduit or channel; can also control the water level in the basin. 14 Types of sedimentation basins 1. Rectangular These basins are popular for the following reasons: 15 a. High tolerance to shock loading (water quality changes) b. Predictable performance c. Cost effectiveness d. Low maintenance e. Minimal short-circuiting 2. Double-deck An adaptation of a rectangular basin. 16 Essentially one stacked on top of another. Designed to conserve land area. Unpopular due to higher operating and maintenance costs. Sludge removal equipment must operate on both decks and if one breaks down, the whole operation may have to be shut down. 3. Circular & square Often referred to as clarifiers. 17 These are more likely to experience short-circuiting and particle settling problems. One of the major problems with square basins is sludge removal from the corners. High-rate settlers High-rate or tube settlers were developed to increase the settling efficiency of conventional rectangular sedimentation basins; have also been installed in circular basins. 8 Water enters each tube and is directed upwards. Each tube serves as a shallow settling basin. Together they provide a high ratio of effective settling surface are per unit volume of water. 8 Parallel plate or tilted plate settlers, function in the same manner as tube settlers. 8 High-rate settlers are useful: 8 1. Where site area is limited. 2. In packaged type water treatment units.
3

3. To increase the capacity of existing sedimentation basins. High winds can have an adverse effect on the settlers. 8 Sludge In horizontal-flow sedimentation basins preceded by coagulation and flocculation, over 50% of the floc will settle out in the first third of the basin length. 9 In gravity flow sludge removal systems, the solids concentration should be limited to 3%. If sludge is to be pumped, solids concentration as high as 10% can be readily transported. 9 Sludge that accumulates on the bottom of a sedimentation basin must be periodically removed for the following reasons: 10 1. To prevent interference with the settling process (such as resuspension due to scouring). 2. To prevent the sludge from becoming septic or providing an environment for the growth of microorganisms that can create taste and odor problems. 3. To prevent excessive reduction in the cross-sectional area of the basin (reduction of detention time). In large-scale plants, sludge is removed with the aid of mechanical equipment, In smaller plants with low solids loading, manual removal may be more cost-effective. 10 Mechanical devices used for sludge removal: 10 1. Mechanical rakes 2. Drag-chain & flights 3. Traveling bridges Alum / Alkalinity Ratio For every mg/L of alum added, 0.45 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is required to complete the chemical reaction. 2:1 (1 alum to bicarbonate alkalinity) 6

Definitions: Absorption Taking in or soaking up of one substance into the body of another, by molecular or chemical action. 16 Adsorption The gathering of a gas, liquid or dissolved substance on the surface or interface zone of another material. 16 Launders Sedimentation basin and filter discharge channels, consisting of overflow weir plates (in sedimentation basins) and conveying troughs. 17 Nonpoint source Runoff or discharge from a field or similar source. 17 Point source Discharge from the end of a pipe. 17 Septic Condition produced by bacteria when all oxygen supplies are depleted. If severe, the bottom deposits produce hydrogen sulfide, the deposits and water turn black, give off foul odors and the water has a greatly increased chlorine demand. 17 Shock load Arrival at a water treatment plant of raw water containing unusual amounts of algae, colloidal matter, color, suspended solids, turbidity or other pollutants. 17

Footnotes: 1. I; 155; 5.00 2. I; 155; 5.10 3. I; 158-59; 5.11 4. I; 173; 5.240 5. I; 173-76; 5.240 6. I; 176; 5.241 7. I; 172; 5.23 8. I; 166; 5.214 9. I; 180; 5.250 10.I; 180; 5.251 11.I; 159; 5.200 12.I; 159; 5.201 13.I; 160; 5.202 14.I; 160; 5.203 15.I; 164; 5.211 16.I; 152 17.I; 153

You might also like