Continuous sedimentation theory: Effects of density gradients and velocity profiles on sedimentation efficiency

A theory is presented on continuous sedimentation. In case the solids concentration is small and uniformly distributed over the inlet height, the theory predicts independent sedimentation efficiencies on velocity distributions in a longitudinal vertical plane. A velocity profile in a horizontal plane on the other hand will have a negative effect on the efficiency. Experiments, carried out on a laboratory-scale model, have shown that even smal density differences in the basin can have a significant effect on the velocity distribution. The measured efficiencies are in good agreement with the theory