which is clear liquid, region A. if the original slurry is closely sized with respect to the
smallest particles, the line between A and B is sharp.
As sedimentation continues, the heights of each zone vary as indicated in Figure 22.b,c,d. Note that both A and D grow larger at the expense of B. Eventually, a point is
reached where B and C disappear and all the solids appear in D; this is referred to as
the critical settling point (Figure 2-2.c) that is, the point at which a single interface
forms between clear liquid and sediment and the height of this sediment is called the
critical height. The sedimentation process from this point consists of a low
compression of the solids, with the liquid from the boundary layer of each particle
being forced upward through the solids into the clear zone. Settling rates are very
slow in this dense slurry and it will take a very long time to attain the ultimate height,
Z of the sediments. The final is an extreme case of hindered settling.
The rate of settling (sedimentation rate) of solid particles in a graduated cylinder can
be expressed in terms of height z. In free settling zone (zone B), the terminal velocity,
u, of a is by
Ut= (Zo-Zc)/c
Where: Zo = initial height of the slurry; Zc = height of the interface between clear
liquid and slurry when Zone B disappears; c = time when the solid particles reach
Zc from Zo.
Procedure:
1. Screen approximately 1 kg of Kaolin in a Ro Tap sieve shaker to obtain minus 100
mesh particle size and plus 60 mesh particle size CaCO.
2. Label the 5 cylinders in the sedimentation study apparatus as cylinder A, B, C, D,
and E.
3. Prepare approximately the following mixture:
Mixture A: 900 of 5% wt CaCO (minus 100 mesh particle size)
Mixture B: 900 of 5% wt CaCO (plus 60 mesh particle size)
Mixture C: 900 of 10% wt CaCO (plus 60 mesh particle size)
Mixture D: 600 of 5% wt CaCO (plus 60 mesh particle size)
Mixture E: 600 of 5% wt CaCO (minus 100 mesh particle size)
Make sure that all the solid particles are uniformly dispersed by carefully mixing the
suspension. Avoid too much agitation to prevent break up of some solids into smaller
particles.
4. With careful agitation, pour the mixture into the cylinders in the sedimentation
studies apparatus. Mixture A in cylinder A, mixture B in cylinder B, and so on.
5. Record the initial height and temperature of the mixture and the inside diameter of
the cylinders.
6. Monitor and record the height of the clear liquid, height of slurry, and the height of
the sediments every given time interval (say every 2 minutes) until the readings
become practically constant.
7. Carefully stir again the mixture then repeat procedure 6 for trial 2.
8. After trial, allow the mixture to stand overnight to determine the final height
(infinite height) of sediments and clear liquid.