Appendix D

QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS
1. Why are sedimentation tanks and thickeners commonly employed in removing suspended
solids in water?
Sedimentation tanks and thickeners are commonly used to separate the liquid and solid
fractions of sludge. Settled solids are retained at the bottom of the tank, and
microorganisms’ floats on the surface. During the retention time, the heavier particles
settle out and thicken at the bottom of the tank as a result of gravitational forces. Lighter
particles, such as fats, oils and grease, float to the top of the tank.

2. Name chemical industries (at least 5) that employ sedimentation in treating water.
a. Municipal Waste Water Treatment Facilitates
b. Coal Fired Industries
c. Pharmaceutical Industries
d. Agriculture Industries
e. Mining Industries

3. When is the critical point of sedimentation said to be reached?

The critical point of sedimentation is reached when the rate section of the sludge starts to
compress.

4. Describe the effect of each of the following factors upon sedimentation rate:
a. Concentration of Slurry
The greater the concentration of the slurry the sedimentation rate would be slower.

b. Height of Slurry
The initial height of slurry does not directly affect the rate of sedimentation.

c. Wall of sedimentation tube

If a tube is used for sedimentation the wall has negligible effect provided that the
particle sizes and the tube diameter has a very small ratio.

5. What data are needed to design the area of sedimentation or thickeners for a certain
purpose?
The data needed to design the are of sedimentation tanks are the hydraulic flow rate in the
inlet, the retention time, diameters (for circular tanks), length, width and depth of the
tank.