The Open Hydrology Journal

2010, 4 : 14-18
Published online 2010 January 11. DOI: 10.2174/1874378101004010014
Publisher ID: TOHYDJ-4-14

Study of the Flocculated Particles Sedimentation Assisted by Microcomputer

D. Benouali , S. Kacha , S. Kherici and N. Benabadji
Laboratoire des Matériaux et systèmes Réactifs (LMSR), Université de Sidi-bel-Abbes (Algeria).

ABSTRACT

Sludge known as waste products, collected during various stages of water treatment, are fluids containing suspended solid particles in water. Sedimentation velocity of these particles is generally determined using batch settling tests. This velocity is a determining parameter in dimensioning and controlling the thickeners. Realization and contribution to the automation of a simple tool for such tests is the subject of this work. The used column (H: 2.30 m, D: 0.20 m) was provided with infra-red sensors, to quantify the total suspended solid particles (TSS) in water. The automated experimental device avoids the recourse to the slow and limited conventional gravimetric method. The study of the settled particles becomes faster and furthermore by automation of the TSS measurements, it is possible to carry out the data acquisition directly on PC via an adequate interface.