Experiment No: 11

To find out Total Settleable Solids of the

given sample.
Principle:
The particles in suspension whose specific gravity greater than that of water
will settle under quiescent conditions.

Apparatus:
1. Imhoff Cone
2. Holding Device

Procedure:
1. Gently fill the Imhoff cone with the thoroughly well mixed sample usually
one litre and allow it to settle.
2. After 45 minutes, gently rotate the cone between hands to ensure that all
solids adhering to the sides are loosened.
3. Allow the solids to settle for 15 minutes more, to make up for a total period
of 1 hour.
4. Read the volume of the sludge, which has settled in the apex.
5. Express the results in ml setteable solids per litre of sample per hour.

Calculations:
ml of solids x 1000
Total Settleable Solids (ml/l) = --------------------------
ml of sample
 Observations and Results:
Sample Detail Volume of Sample Total Settleable
Taken(ml) Solids(ml/hour)

Application of Data

1. The settle-able solids determination is used

extensively in the analysis of industrial waste to
determine the need for and design of plain settling tanks
in plants employing biological treatment processes.
2. It is also widely used in waste water treatment plant
operation to determine the efficiency of sedimentation
units.