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.

Inlet Channel Design Algorithm

Inlet Channel Program Inputs
Inlet Channel Program Outputs
Inlet Channel AutoCAD Drawing

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. Therefore the average velocity gradient, (G.cell) was a key parameter in the design. G.cell is the average velocity gradient in the cell where the energy dissipation is assumed to be occurring. A G.cell of 15/s was used because it is the desired velocity gradient for the end of the flocculation tank. Anything higher could result in the breakup of flocs.

K.cell the loss coefficient for the channel transition and ¿.cell, energy dissipated were additional parameters. The factor b takes into account the flow rate of the plant, the average velocity gradient and energy dissipation.

The width and height is multiplied by 1.5 by convention. Opening of channel height determines the height for the entire channel. The width of the channel may also be based on construction constraints, such as the maximum space available between the flocculation and sedimentation tanks.

The length of the channel is a function of the number of sedimentation tanks, which is three in this design, and the thickness of the walls between the sedimentation tanks.