Methods
Capture velocity is presumed to be a robust parameter for optimizing sedimentation efficiency because it is dependent on tube settler geometry, flow rate through the tubes, and the angle of tilt. To begin to test the validity of this presumption, we will hold capture velocity constant while varying the inner diameter of the tube settlers. To maintain a constant capture velocity, we will hold the flow rate through the tubes constant and vary the tube length accordingly.
This experiment is expected to reveal the importance of the inner tube diameter of the tube settlers relative to capture velocity. It is possible that while the system is running at a certain capture velocity, the effluent turbidity will still vary as the inner diameter of the tubes vary. This would indicate that sedimentation efficiency is more dependent on diameter than capture velocity.
We will test the capture velocity that facilitates optimum sedimentation efficiency based on the results from the first experiment detailed on the previous page. We will choose the optimum capture velocity so that the impact of inner tube diameter will be significantly tested. We will run experiments at both the low and high floc blanket depths.
Results
Work in Progress