Use of the Weibull model on sizing thickeners—Part II: Methods of thickener sizing

Abstract

AbstractAmong several methods employed for sizing thickeners available in the literature, the Kynch, Biscaia Jr., Talmadge and Fitch, Roberts, Coe and Clevenger, and Oltmann methods use experimental data from sedimentation curves and graphical approaches. By using the Weibull distribution, it is possible to represent sedimentation curves with algebraic equations, which does not require the use of graphical approaches and provides more accuracy and speed for sizing calculations. In the present work, the main objective is the development of a set of equations for sizing continuous thickeners, for six conventional methods found in the literature, using the Weibull model. A comparative analysis of calculated and literature diameters for each graphical method presented variations between 0.73% and 8.93%. The use of the Weibull model presented the best accuracy for the Biscaia Jr. method, with a 0.73% average absolute error.