h1. Inlet Channel Design Program
The purpose of this function is to determine the dimensions of the channel. The channel will run along the inlet end of the sedimentation tanks, such that its length will be equal to the widths of the three sedimenation tanks. The dimensions of the width and depth of the channel depend on the water level in the sedtank, which should be about the same as in the channel and the flocculator, and the length of the flocculator, since water runs from the end of the flocculator through the channel.
h2. Inlet Channel Design Algorithm
[Inlet Channel Program Inputs|Inlet Channel Design Program Inputs]
[Inlet Channel Program Outputs|Inlet Channel Design Program Outputs]
[Inlet Channel AutoCAD Drawing|AutoCAD Channel Program]
h3. Algorithm
The primary constraint for designing the channel connecting flocculation and sedimentation tanks is the depth of the channel. The channel must be designed to make sure that the transition between the two tanks does not break up the flocs formed in the flocculation tank.
The height of water in the channel is set to be equal to the ledge the lamella are sitting on.
{latex}
\large
$$
HW_{InletChannel} = HW_{Sed} - Z_{SedSlopes} - T_{ChannelWall} - H_{SedBetween}
$$
{latex}
The length of the channel is a function of the number of sedimentation tanks, and the thickness of the walls between the sedimentation tanks.
{latex}
\large
$$
L_{Channel} = N_{SedTanks} (W_{Sed} + T_{PlantWall} )
$$
{latex}
The width of the channel is a function of the Gcell average we want to maintain the losses from 90 degree turns and the energy dissipation zone.
{latex}
\large
$$
W_{ChannelG} = \left( {{{Q_{Plant} } \over {HW_{InletChannel} }}} \right)^{{3 \over 4}} \left( {{{K_{El90} } \over {2ED_{Slope} Pi_{FlocDissipation} }}} \right)^{{1 \over 4}}
$$
{latex}
Next the size of the channels that take the flocculated water down into the sedimentation slopes is calculated: | 