Density and viscosity of the fluid affecting settling velocity

Comparing the settling velocity of particles in both tap water and salt water,
our experiment show that particles of the same type and size settle faster in
tap water when compare to salt water. For instance in experiment, Acrylic
took 7.05 second to settle to the bottom of the tap water but when in salt
water need take 8.98 second to settle down to the bottom. This shows that the
density of the fluid affect the settling velocity of the particles. Salt water has a
higher density than tap water. This can be explained using stoke’s law, that is,
If the particles are falling in the viscous fluid by their own weight due to
gravity, then a terminal velocity, also known as the settling velocity, is reached
when this frictional force combined with the buoyant force exactly balance the
gravitational force. The resulting settling velocity (or terminal velocity) is given
by: 2/9 x R^2 x (D-d) x g / n where: R = the radius of the spherical particle,
"D" and "d" are the density of the particle and surrounding fluid respectively, g
= gravitational constant (this value may be very different if the particles are in
a centrifuge), and "n" is the viscosity of the fluid.
When comparing particles of same size and type, produces different terminal
velocity speed in tap water and salt water according to stoke’s law. Assume
radius, gravity constant, the stoke’s equation become (D-d) / n. Viscosity of
tap water is lower that salt water, Assume viscosity of water is 1 and salt
water is 1.5.When calculated, as u can see, Acrylic settling velocity in tap
water is (1842.67-1000)/ 1=842.67 while in salt water is (1842.67-
1043.43)/1.5=799.24. (Some values are assumed just for comparing
purposes.) This shows that the acrylic settling velocity is higher in tap water
that in salt water, which also means the density and viscosity of the fluid, will
affect the settling velocity of the particles.

Shape, size, density of the object that affect settling velocity

In the experiment, in both tap water and salt water, sand has the highest
settlement rate, carbon is the second and acrylic has the lowest settlement
rate. This happen because of their density, size and shape. Sand has
relatively large density that carbon and acrylic, so it has the highest settlement
velocity. For carbon and acrylic, although acrylic has a slightly higher density
than carbon, carbon settles faster because carbon is spherical shape and
smaller in size than acrylic that settles more rapidly because their smaller
surface area causes less frictional drag force. Acrylic is cubic-like in shape,
larger in size than carbon thus have a larger surface area, experiences
greater frictional forces, and therefore slowing its fall more.
In Oil Medium
In oil medium the object will settle even slower. This is because oil medium
has very high density and viscosity, which will greatly reduce the settlement
velocity of the object according to stoke’s equation.

11

Example of sedimentation process application

Primary sedimentation

With the screening completed and the grit removed, wastewater still
contains dissolved organic
and inorganic constituents along with suspended solids. The suspended
solids consist of minute particles of matter that can be removed from the
wastewater with further treatment such as sedimentation or gravity
settling, chemical coagulation, or filtration. Pollutants that are dissolved
or are very fine and remain suspended in the wastewater are not
removed effectively by gravity settling.

When the wastewater enters a sedimentation tank, it slows down and the
suspended solids gradually sink to the bottom. This mass of solids is
called primary sludge. Various methods have been devised to remove
primary sludge from the tanks.

In municipal wastewater treatment, sedimentation is the main process in

primary treatment, where it is responsible for removing 50 to 70% of the
suspended solids (containing 25-40 per cent of the BOD) from the
wastewater. After biological treatment, sedimentation is used to remove the
biological floc produced by microorganisms in these processes, so that
effluent quality will approach a standard suitable for discharge into inland
waterways. The removal of grit in the preliminary stage of treatment is
commonly carried out by means of a differential sedimentation process in
which heavy grit is permitted to settle while lighter organic matter is retained in
suspension. Further sedimentation after coagulation may be used in tertiary
treatment.

Problem:
1st part the water density I dunno so I assume is 1000…might need to correct
3rd part..maybe need add mre
Last part stat from in municipal there,intro hav already so juz cut off in the
intro one.and I dunno last part gt the point or not help check!