Sedimentation Principles and

Design of Facilities Part 1

SUDIPTA SARKAR
PRADEEP KUMAR

INTRODUCTION
Sedimentation, or clarification, is the process of separation of suspended
particles heavier than water by using the force of gravity.
Suspended materials may be of different types and specific gravities, may or
may not be biodegradable or can be of different shapes and sizes.
The basic principles of sedimentation is applied to design many different units
in a wastewater treatment plant:
a) Grit Removal Facilities
b) Primary Sedimentation or Settling Tanks

c) Secondary Sedimentation tank

d) Sludge Thickeners
e) Chemical Precipitation Tanks.

The most prevalent use is as clarification or settling tanks to produce a clarified

effluent. Another use can be for solids concentration to produce a sludge with
high solids content for easy handling and removal of sludge

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SETTLING UNITS

CIRCULAR

RECTANGULAR

PLATE
SLUDGE
SETTLER
THICKENER
OR
LAMELLA
CLARIFIER

Particle Settling Basic Principles

W = force of gravity
= weight of the particle

D
B

Drag Force
Force of Buoyancy

sVg
4
s ( r 3 ) g
3 3
4 d
3
s ( ) g s ( d ) g
3 8
6
B = Force of Buoyancy
= Weight of displaced water

Vg
4 d3
3
( )g ( d )g
3 8
6

D = Frictional Drag Force on moving sphere

1
CD Av 2
2

W Force of Gravity

Vertical momentum of spheres,

from Newtons Law

D
B

Drag Force
Force of Buoyancy

v
s ( d ) W B D
6
t
3

Mass

Net Forces

Acceleration

W Force of Gravity
The particle accelerates for a short while, until it reaches a
terminal velocity and then it maintains the velocity through out
the time it falls through the liquid media

v
s ( d ) W B D
6
t
3

When Terminal Velocity is attained, there is no acceleration.

Thus,

v
0
t

W BD 0

1
s ( d 3 ) g ( d 3 ) g CD Av 2 0
6
6
2
4 g ( s )d
v

3
C

2
t

4 g ( s )d
vt

3
C

1
2

N Re

vt d vt d

CD

24
N Re

= viscosity of water, = kinematic viscosity of water =

24
3
CD

0.34
N Re
N Re

CD 0.4

In laminar zone,

4
vt
3
2

CD

24
N Re

vt d vt d
N Re

g ( s )d 4 g ( s )d g ( s )d

24

CD 3
18

vt d
N Re

g ( s )d 2
vt

18

Find out the terminal velocity of a sand particle of size 10 m and density of
2.6 g/cc. Consider the dynamic viscosity of water to 10-3 kg/m.s and density to
be 1g/cc.
Assume that it is in the laminar zone

g ( s )d 2 9.81* (2600 1000)(10 X 106 ) 2 8.72 X 105 m / s

vt

18
X
10

18

v d
Check: Whether in laminar zone
N Re t

1000kg / m3 X 8.72 X 105 m / sX 10 X 106 m

N Re
8.72 X 104
3
10 kg /( m.s)
< 1, so in the laminar zone. Hence, ok.

If the diameter of the particle is 1 mm what will be the terminal velocity?

First, consider that the system is in laminar zone,
g ( s )d 2
9.81* (2600 1000)(103 ) 2
3
vt

8
.
72
X
10
m/ s

3
18
18 X 10

1000kg / m3 X 8.72 X 103 m / sX 103 m

N Re
103 kg /( m.s)

8.72
>1, Not in the laminar zone.

It is not in the turbulent zone as well. It is then in the intermittent zone

CD

24
3
24
3

0.34

0.34 4.107
N Re
8.72
N Re
8.72

4 g ( s )d
vt

3
C

CD

1/ 2

24
3
24
3

0.34

0.34 1.03
N Re
71
N Re
71

4 g ( s )d
vt

3
C

CD

1/ 2

0.14m / s

1000kg / m3 X 0.14m / sX 103 m

N Re
103 kg /( m.s)

140

24
3
24
3

0.34

0.34 0.76
N Re
140
N Re
140

4 g ( s )d
vt

3 CD

CD

0.071m / s

1000kg / m3 X 0.071m / sX 10 3 m
N Re
10 3 kg /( m.s)

1/ 2

0.165m / s

1000kg / m3 X 0.165m / sX 10 3 m
N Re
103 kg /( m.s)

165

24
3
24
3

0.34

0.34 0.72
N Re
165
N Re
165
1/ 2

4 g ( s )d
vt

3
C

0.17m / s

1000kg / m3 X 0.165m / sX 103 m

N Re
103 kg /( m.s)

170

71

GRIT CHAMBERS
Grit chambers are designed to remove mostly inorganic solids > 0.2 mm and
specific gravity of about 2.5 to 2.65
Removal is commonly effected using:
Settlement
Separation using a vortex
Settlement in the presence of aeration (to keep the lighter organic particles in
suspension)
Three Types of Grit Chambers:
a) Horizontal constant velocity grit chamber
b) Vortex Type
c) Aerated Grit chamber

Horizontal Constant Velocity Grit chamber

This is basically an open channel with a detention time sufficient to allow design
particles to settle
Additionally, the velocity must be high enough to scour organic materials
Organic materials should pass through the grit chamber for subsequent biological
treatment
Bottom scour is an important consideration affecting Grit chambers efficiency. The
grit chamber geometry and sizes have to be optimum so that inorganic particles settle
down but the organic smaller particles scour back to the flow. The velocity which
promotes such a characteristic is called a critical scour velocity.

Kc is normally considered to be 3.5 to 4.5

For grit particles of size about 0.2 mm the critical scour velocity is 0.15 to 0.3 m/sec. In
practice, peak flow rate of about 0.15 to 0.3 m/sec is considered as design flow through
velocity. Design recommendation is 0.3 m/sec.

For this type of weir, the curved portion is

defined by the equation:

And the head-discharge relationship is:

(a) Rectangular channel section and

Proportional weir

Section A-A

A
(b) Parabolic channel section and Parshall flume
Velocity control sections for horizontal grit channels

Vt

The particle will travel vertically from A to B in the same time as it takes to travel
horizontally from A to B
This is the detention time and is given by

Also, from continuity,

Q
AS

Q
vh
BH

H L
td

vt vh

H Q
Q
Q
H

vt vh .
L BH BL AS
L
is known as surface loading rate or overflow rate

Detention time is about 30-90 seconds for a tank of depth 1 to 1.8 m.

Example: Will a grit particle with a diameter of 0.2 mm and a specific gravity of 2.65 be
collected in a horizontal grit chamber that is 13.5 m in the length if the average flow in the
grit chamber is 0.15 cum/sec, the width of the chamber is 0.56 m and the horizontal velocity
is 0.25 m/s. WW temperature is 22 deg C. Viscosity is 0.993 X 10-3 Pa.s at 22 deg C. Density
of water at 22 deg C is 997.77 kg/ m3
Q = 0.15 cum/s; L = 13.5 m; W= 0.56 m; vh=0.25 m/s; d=0.2 mm

g ( s )d 2 9.81(2650 997.77)(0.2 X 10 3 ) 2
3.61X 10 2 m / s
vs

18
18 X 0.000993

997.77 kg / m 3 X 0.0361m / sX 0.2 X 10 3 m

N Re
7.25
3
0.993 X 10 kg /(m.s )

>1, NOT IN LAMINAR

ZONE
1/ 2

4 g ( s )d
vt
0.03m / s
3
C

After another iteration the terminal velocity converges to vt 0.0274m / s

0.15
0.6
2

0
.
6
m
h

1.07 m
Ac = C/S area of the tank =
0.25
0.56
13.5m
1.07
54 s
Time to reach at the bottom =
Detention time =
39 s
0.25m / s
0.0274
24
3
24
3
CD

0.34

0.34 4.76
N Re
7
.
25
N Re
7.2 5

CAPTURED

Volume provided for grit storage depends on cleaning frequency and grit
quantities

TYPICAL DESIGN GUIDELINE: HORIZONTAL GRIT CHANNEL

0.3

Vortex Type Grit Chamber

Flow is introduced into the Grit Chamber via a
tangentially positioned inlet causing a rotational
flow path around the dip plate.
The flow spirals down the wall of the chamber
as solids settle out by gravitational and
rotational forces. (red arrow)

The grit collects in the grit pot as the center cone directs flow away from the base, up
and around the center shaft into the inside of the dip plate. (blue arrow)
The upward flow rotates at a slower velocity than the outer downward flow. The
resulting shear zone scrubs out the finer particles.

The concentrated grit underflow is pumped or gravity fed to a grit classifier for
dewatering. (brown arrow)

 Units are usually compact

Design is usually proprietary
Adjustable rotating paddles maintain the proper circulation within the unit for all
flows
These paddles may collect rags
Highly energy efficient
Grit sump can become compacted and clogged
May require high-pressure agitation water or air to clean the collected grit

Aerated Grit Chamber

-Sewage is freshened by air, leading to odor

reduction
- Chamber can be used also for chemical
addition, mixing, and flocculation ahead of
primary treatment if desired
-Grease removal may be achieved with a
skimmer

-Commonly used in medium to large plants

- The introduction of air through a diffuser
induces a spiral flow pattern in the sewage as it
moves through the tank
-The roll velocity is sufficient:
To maintain organic particles in suspension
while allowing heavier grit particles to settle
-Air supply is adjustable to provide optimum roll
velocity for different conditions

AERATED GRIT CHAMBERS

TYPICAL DESIGN GUIDELINE: AERATED GRIT CHANNEL

DESIGN OF A RECTANGULAR GRIT CHANNEL

A grit chamber is to be designed for removing particles with a diameter of 0.2 mm, specific
gravity 2.65. The wastewater flow rate in the plant is 40,000 cum/day, and has a TSS content
of 300 ppm out of which 70% particles have size above 0.2 mm. Also, find out the amount
of solid that is separated from the wastewater per day at this facility.

STEP 1. Find out the terminal velocity

Consider that the flow is in laminar zone,

g ( s )d 2 9.81* (2650 1000)(0.2 X 103 ) 2

vt
0.036 m/sec

3
18
18 X 10

1000kg / m3 X 0.036m / sX 0.2 X 103 m

N Re
7.2
3
10 kg /( m.s)
CD

24
3

N Re
N Re

>1 and hence, not in laminar zone

4 g ( s )d
24
3
v

0.34

0.34 4.79 t

3
C

7.2
D

7.2

1/ 2

0.03m / s

After another iteration the terminal velocity converges to vt 0.0278m / s

100% of the particles of size equal or above size 0.2 mm will be settled in the grit chamber

STEP 2. SIZING

vt v p

Q
As

40000m3 / d
3600 sec/ hr * 24hr / day
0.0278m / sec
As

As 16.64m2
Depth of a grit tank is generally kept at 1.5 m.
Time of detention required = t d

H
1.5m

54s
vt 0.0278m / s

Recommended horizontal velocity is 0.3 m/s

The length of the channel required = 0.3m/s *54 s = 16.2 m

Take 25% more length in account of providing of inlet and outlet zones = 20.25 m (21 m)

Width of the channel =

As 16.64m 2

0.8m
L
21

So, the dimensions are 21 m L X 0.8 m B X 1.5m D

Amount of solid to be removed per day = 40,000 m3/d *300 mg/L *0.7=8400 kg

Rectangular Sedimentation Tank

Functionally, a rectangular sedimentation
tank is similar to a grit chamber.
However, in primary settling tank we
intend to remove particles with size
in the range of 0.05 mm or higher.
PST is used to reduce the load on the
downstream biological treatment
facilities

Vt

The detention time for a primary settling tank usually ranges between 1 to 2 hours.
The settling velocity of the particles with size 0.05mm are in the range of 0.3 mm/s
or 1.2 m/hr . Hence, a detention time of 2 hrs (2.4 m depth) is adequate
The particle will travel vertically from A to B in the same time as it takes to travel
horizontally from A to B

H L

This is the detention time and is given by t d

vt vh

Also, from continuity,

Q
AS

vh

Q
BH

H Q
Q
Q
H

vt vh
L BH BL AS
L

Efficiently designed PSTs

can reduce 50-70% of
influent suspended
solids and 25-40%
influent BOD loading

is known as surface loading rate or overflow rate

D1

Analysis of a Circular Sedimentation Tank

R1

Wastewater is introduced
through the central shaft
and then it spreads
H horizontally. Radial
velocity changes as the
liquid spreads out
towards the periphery.

vr

vs
dh
r

D2
At radius r, vr

vs 2H
dh

0
Q

Q
2rH
R2

rdr

R1

dr

R2
dh vs vs * 2rH
Slope of the curve =

dr

vr

vs 2H
.rdr
Q
vs 2H 1 2
vs H . ( R22 R12 ) vs H . As
2
H
. .( R2 R1 )

Q
2
Q
Q
dh

In case of circular settling tank also, the settling

efficiency depend on the surface area and flow
rate through the settling tank
Circular settling tanks are generally called clarifiers

vs

Q
AS

H vs t d

Where td is the detention

time of the tank

Design Parameters for a

Primary Settling Basin
Detention time lower
than the optimum time
shall lead to less
effective removal of
suspended solids.
Higher detention time
shall induce septic
situation and therefore
may cause foul odors.

Item

Value
Range

Typical

1.5 -2.5

2.0

Primary Settling tank followed by

secondary treatment
- Residence or detention time, hr
- Overflow rate, m3/m2/d
- average flow

33- 50

- peak hourly flow

80-120

100

125-500

250

- Depth, m

3-4.5

3.6

- Length, m

15-100 m

25-40

- Width, m

3 -24

5-10

- scraper speed, m/min

0.6-1.2

1.0

- Depth, m

3 4.5

3.6

- Diameter, m

3 60

12-45

- Bottom slope, mm/m

65-165

85

- Weir Loading Rate, m3/m/d

Rectangular Tanks

Circular

Scour Velocity

In sewers scour forces were intentionally induced in the wastewater by

maintaining high enough velocity so that no particles settle down.
In case of primary settling tanks, horizontal velocity should be kept very low so
that the settled particles are not scoured from the bottom of the basin. The
critical velocity is given as:
Constant, for inorganic
sand like material k= 0.04;
k=0.06 for organic matter

Specific gravity of the particle Size /diameter

of the particle

Horizontal velocity that

will just produce scour

8k(Ss 1 )gd
vh

1/ 2

Darcy-Weisbach friction
factor 0.02-0.03

Settling Zone
Outlet Channel
Overflow weir

Short-circuiting in a Sedimentation tank

For efficient removal of sediment in the settling tanks, it is
required that the flow is uniformly distributed through out
the cross-section of the tank.
If a situation arises when the particles along with a stream of
flow do not get uniformly distributed, rather directly goes to
the outlet, it tends to stay for shorter duration inside the tank
compared to the uniformly distributed flow. This is called
short-circuiting. Short-circuiting decreases the efficiency of
the tank for the solids removal.
Short-circuiting is caused by improper design of inlet and
outlet arrangements inside a settling basin. Properly
designed inlet and outlet arrangements help to distribute
the flows evenly within the tank, causing less shortcircuiting.

V1

V2
V1<1 m/s

V2<0.3 m/s
Baffle Type Inlet

Channel Type Inlet

Rectangular Basins: Different

Types of Inlet Arrangements

OUTLET ARRANGEMENTS OF A
RECTANGULAR SETTLING TANK

Baffle

Weir

Outlet
Channel
LONG-SECTION

SELECTION OF BASIN
Rectangular Basins
Rectangular basins are commonly found in large-scale water treatment
plants. Rectangular tanks are popular as they tend to have:
High tolerance to shock overload
Predictable performance
Cost effectiveness due to lower construction cost
Lower maintenance
Minimal short circuiting
Circular and Square Basins
Circular basins are frequently referred to as clarifiers.
Requires much smaller area.
These basins share some of the performance advantages of the
rectangular basins, but are generally more prone to short circuiting and
particle removal problems. RAT HOLING Problem may occur
For square tanks the design engineer must be certain that some type of
sludge removal equipment for the corners is installed.