1. What Is Settling Velocity?

Settling velocity (v_s) is the speed at which particles settle in a fluid under gravity. It's a critical parameter in sedimentation tank design for water and wastewater treatment processes.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the settling velocity formula:

Where:

• \( v_s \) — Settling velocity (m/s)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/s)
• \( A \) — Surface area (m²)

Explanation: The formula calculates the downward velocity of particles in a sedimentation tank based on the flow rate and surface area.

3. Importance Of Settling Velocity Calculation

Details: Accurate settling velocity calculation is essential for designing efficient sedimentation tanks that effectively remove suspended solids from water.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in m³/s and surface area in m². Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect settling velocity?
A: Particle size, density, fluid viscosity, and temperature all influence settling velocity.

Q2: How is this different from Stokes' law?
A: This formula calculates overflow rate, while Stokes' law calculates terminal velocity of spherical particles in laminar flow.

Q3: What are typical values for settling velocity?
A: Typical values range from 0.5 to 3.0 m/h (0.00014 to 0.00083 m/s) for water treatment applications.

Q4: How does temperature affect settling velocity?
A: Higher temperatures decrease water viscosity, which increases settling velocity for the same particles.

Q5: Can this formula be used for all particle types?
A: This simplified formula works well for design purposes, but actual particle settling may vary based on shape and concentration.