Modeling of Rectangular Settling Tanks

Abstract

A mathematical model for predicting the velocity field and suspended solids transport in secondary rectangular settling tanks is presented. The model is applied to investigate the effects of density stratification on the hydrodynamics in the settling tank, such as the behavior of the bottom current and surface return flow and solids concentration distribution. The model can be used to simulate the so‐called density waterfall phenomenon at the front end of the settling tank. With the application of a double exponential relationship to describe the settling process of suspended solids with nonuniform particle sizes, the simulations of the solids concentration distribution in the low‐concentration environment can be significantly improved. By comparing the predictions with field measurements, this model is verified and generally good agreement is obtained.