Methodology

A. Effect of Initial Concentration on Sedimentation Characteristics

First, the chalk was pulverized into fine mesh using biko pulverizer or mortar and pestle. A chalk-

water slurry was prepared of different weight concentrations (% weight) using (a) constant volume of

water, (b) using constant volume of slurry. The mass of chalk and water needed was calculated to prepare

the require concentration of the slurries that was prepared. The chalk and water were mixed in a beaker

and stirred until it produced a homogeneous mixture or until no more chalk lumps are seen. The mixture

was transferred to the sedimentation tube and see to it that the rubber bungs were snugly in place to close

the ends of the tube. The initial height of the slurry was recorded. The sedimentation tube was shaked

with care for 20 minutes to produce a consistent suspension. After shaking, the tubes in the clips on the

supporting frame were replaced and at the same time interval, the height of the interface between the

clear liquid and the subsiding suspension were recorded. The ultimate height of the sludge-clear liquid

interface was recorded by allowing 24 hours to elapse.

The height of the interface as a function of time for all the different slurry concentrate was plotted.

Also, the height of the sludge as a function of time for all the different concentration was plotted. From the

gathered data, the following: (a) area of thickening, (b) area of clarification, (c) solids loading, and (d)

hydraulic rate, were determined to design a sedimentation tank/thickener. The concentration of slurry at

different sedimentation time and plotted the slurry concentration as a function of time. The curve prepared

shows the relationship between settling rate and solids concentration.

B. Effect of Initial Height (volume) on Sedimentation Characteristics

A single slurry concentration batch was prepared, a 5% chalk but with different slurry volumes.

The initial height of the slurry was recorded and at the same time interval, the height of the interface and

the height of the sludge. Again, 24 hours were allowed to elapse to determine the ultimate height.
 The interface as a function of time and the sludge height as a function of time were plotted. The

prepared curves show the relationship between settling rate and solids concentration.

Process flow for the experiment.

Calculate mass of chalk and

Pulverize the chalk Prepare the slurry
water needed

Mix the chalk and water in Stirr until it produces Transfer the mixture into
a beaker homegenous mixture the sedimentation tube

Shake the sedimentation Replace the tubes in the

Record the initial height of
tube with care for 20 clips on the supporting
the mixture
minutes frame

Allow 24 hours to elapse Record the ultimate height