Consideration on the Sedimentation Process in a Settling Basin

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the study of the sediments deposition process in a settling basin by using a k-e turbulence model. The results obtained are than compared with the results obtained by using 1 and 2 D mathematical models and field measurements. In the first step, the settling basin is designed based on the formulae recommended by classical approach. The transition zone at the entrance of settling basin is then adjusted to satisfy more uniform flow at the beginning of the active zone. The flow velocity variation and bed shear stress distribution over the cross section area are furthermore analyzed and questions suggesting further development of mathematical models are identified. For the second step, a schematized settling basin is then modelled in three-dimensional laterally confined model for the purpose of dealing with turbulences that potentially bring more sediment to the side and to the end of settling basin. Finally, recommendations for the design of settling basin are given by analyzing the results obtained by both mathematical and empirical methods. By comparison of the results obtained and field measurements made in Indonesia, useful design recommendations are derived.