A generalized settling approach in the numerical modeling of sedimentation tanks

Numerical models for the prediction of turbulent flow field and suspended solid distribution in sedimentation tanks are characterized by refined modeling of hydrodynamics, but apparently weak modeling of settling properties of suspensions. It is known that sedimentation tanks typically treat highly heterodisperse suspensions, whose concentrations range from relatively high to low values. However, settling is modeled either by considering one or more particle classes of different settling velocity, without accounting for hindered settling conditions, or by treating the suspension as monodisperse, even in regions of low concentration. A new generalized settling model is proposed to account for both discrete settling conditions in low concentration regions of the tanks and hindered settling conditions in high concentration regions. Settling velocities of heterodisperse suspensions are then determined as a function of particle velocities in isolation and their total concentration. The settling model is used in the framework of a transport model for the simulation of hydrodynamics and solid distribution in a rectangular sedimentation tank. Results show that solid distribution is mainly affected by particle interactions in the inlet region and by settling properties of individual particles in the outlet region. Comparison of the proposed settling model with other settling models suggests that a generalized approach of the modeling of settling properties of suspensions is a primary concern to obtain reliable predictions of the removal rate.