Model development and application design of fiber mat used for turbid runoff treatment

Abstract

Performance of a synthetic-fibre mat was investigated for the treatment of high-turbidity runoff. The impact of different operating parameters, such as hydraulics (flow rate and exchange rate), density current due to temperature and turbidity differences, mat conditions (thickness and number) and particle size were studied. The experimental results showed that increasing the mat thickness and number enhanced turbidity removal. The density current showed significant inverse effect on mat performance. Turbidity removal decreased with the increasing flow rate and exchange rate. Particle size also indicated an influence on removal efficiency. Predictive correlations for turbidity removal efficiency and mat design were established using dimensionless groups based on the experiment. The simulation results indicated that the predicted values correlated with the experimental ones significantly. Finally, the application design process was demonstrated.