A Model of Continuous Sedimentation of Flocculated Suspensions in Clarifier-Thickener Units

Abstract

The chief purpose of this paper is to formulate and partly analyze a new mathematical model for continuous sedimentation-consolidation processes of flocculated suspensions in clarifier-thickener units. This model appears in two variants for cylindrical and variable cross-sectional area units, respectively (Models 1 and 2). In both cases, the governing equation is a scalar, strongly degenerate parabolic equation in which both the convective and diffusion fluxes depend on parameters that are discontinuous functions of the depth variable. The initial value problem for this equation is analyzed for Model 1. We introduce a simple finite difference scheme and prove its convergence to a weak solution that satisfies an entropy condition. A limited analysis of steady states as desired stationary modes of operation is performed. Numerical examples illustrate that the model realistically describes the dynamics of flocculated suspensions in clarifier-thickeners.