LAUSR

Abstract The settling curve is commonly used for studying the sedimentation process of a suspension. This paper introduces a mathematical equation (S-model) to simulate the settling curve of a suspension and offers new approaches to calculate the settling velocity, solid volume fraction, and flocs size of suspended particles in dilute range during sedimentation. The proposed S-model was evaluated by both experimental data and literature test data which is shown to accurately represent different types of settling behaviors and provide closer simulation than the previous published models. The proposed S-model also enhanced the representation of the hindered settling and consolidation portions of a settling curve through the introduction of two model parameters that controlling the deflection points of the sedimentation and consolidation. In addition, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was conducted which indicated that the proposed S-model is a robust tool in modeling and characterizing the sedimentation behaviors of batch sedimentation. The findings from this research may provide new approach in modeling the sedimentation behavior of clay suspensions and bring broad impacts to engineering applications, such as biological secondary treatment process, mineral processing, water purification, sedimentation, soil modification, and ground improvement.