EVOLV/third_party/docs/settling-models.md

Sludge Settling & Clarifier Models

Used by: biological-process-engineer agent, settler node Validation: Verified against Takacs et al. (1991), Vesilind (1968), and Burger-Diehl framework publications

Vesilind Model — Zone Settling Velocity

Source: Vesilind, P.A. (1968). "Design of Prototype Thickeners from Batch Settling Tests." Water Sewage Works, 115, 302-307.

Equation

v_s = v_0 · exp(-k · X)

Where:

• v_s = settling velocity (m/h)
• v_0 = maximum initial settling velocity (m/h)
• k = settling parameter (m³/kg or L/g)
• X = suspended solids concentration (kg/m³ or g/L)

Typical Parameter Ranges for Municipal Wastewater

Parameter	Typical Range	Unit	Notes
v_0	4 – 12	m/h	~7.8 m/h is a commonly observed average
k	0.3 – 0.8	m³/kg	Correlates with SVI; higher SVI → higher k

SVI Correlation

The settling parameter k can be estimated from Sludge Volume Index:

• k ≈ 0.16 + 0.003 · SVI (for SVI in mL/g, k in m³/kg)
• Better correlations use SSVI (Stirred SVI) or DSVI (Diluted SVI)

Limitations

• Only describes zone settling (hindered settling of a blanket)
• Does not capture compression settling at high concentrations
• Does not model the clarification zone (low-concentration region above blanket)

Takacs Model — Double-Exponential Settling

Source: Takacs, I., Patry, G.G., Nolasco, D. (1991). "A dynamic model of the clarification-thickening process." Water Research, 25(10), 1263-1271.

Equation

v_s = v_0 · (exp(-r_h · (X - X_min)) - exp(-r_p · (X - X_min)))

Where:

• v_s = settling velocity (m/h)
• v_0 = maximum Vesilind settling velocity (m/h)
• r_h = hindered settling parameter (m³/kg)
• r_p = flocculent settling parameter (m³/kg)
• X = suspended solids concentration (kg/m³)
• X_min = non-settleable fraction (kg/m³)

Key Innovation

The double-exponential form captures both the clarification zone (low concentrations, dominated by the r_p term) and the thickening zone (high concentrations, dominated by the r_h term). This allows simulation of the complete solids profile from effluent to underflow.

Typical Parameter Values

Parameter	Typical Range	Default	Unit
v_0	4 – 12	7.5	m/h
r_h	0.3 – 0.8	0.576	m³/kg
r_p	2.0 – 6.0	2.86	m³/kg
X_min	0 – 0.1	0.01	kg/m³

Sensitivity

• r_p is the most sensitive parameter — it governs effluent suspended solids
• Takacs et al. recommend finding r_p by simulation/calibration
• v_0 and r_h primarily affect the sludge blanket position and underflow concentration

1D Layer Model Implementation

The settler is divided into N horizontal layers (typically 10-30). For each layer:

1. Calculate settling velocity from local concentration
2. Apply solids flux theory (gravity flux + bulk flux)
3. Update concentration via mass balance
4. Handle feed layer, overflow, and underflow boundary conditions

Burger-Diehl Framework — PDE-Based 1D Settler

Source: Burger, R., Diehl, S. and various co-authors (2011-present). Multiple publications developing the framework.

Key Characteristics

• Based on rigorous partial differential equation theory (hyperbolic-elliptic PDE)
• Accounts for hindered settling, compression settling, and inlet dispersion
• Every implementation detail is consistent with PDE theory (unlike ad-hoc layer models)
• More realistic prediction of underflow sludge concentration
• Essential for accurate wet-weather modelling

Advantages Over Takacs Layer Model

• Proper handling of compression settling (important at high MLSS)
• Mathematically rigorous — convergence guaranteed
• Better sludge blanket dynamics during storm events
• Can be extended with reactive terms (ASM1 biokinetics inside settler)

When to Use Which Model

Scenario	Recommended Model
Steady-state design	Vesilind + flux theory
Dynamic simulation (standard)	Takacs 1D layer model
Wet-weather / high-MLSS dynamics	Burger-Diehl PDE model
Quick estimation	Vesilind with SVI correlation

Flux Theory for Clarifier Design

The solids flux approach combines the gravity settling flux with the bulk (underflow) flux:

J_total = J_gravity + J_bulk = v_s(X) · X + Q_u/A · X

Where:

• J_total = total solids flux (kg/m²/h)
• v_s(X) = settling velocity at concentration X (from Vesilind or Takacs)
• Q_u = underflow rate (m³/h)
• A = clarifier surface area (m²)

The limiting flux determines the maximum solids loading rate — operating above this causes blanket rise and eventual washout.

Authoritative References

1. Vesilind, P.A. (1968). "Design of Prototype Thickeners from Batch Settling Tests." Water Sewage Works, 115, 302-307.
2. Takacs, I., Patry, G.G., Nolasco, D. (1991). "A dynamic model of the clarification-thickening process." Water Res. 25(10), 1263-1271.
3. Burger, R., Diehl, S., Nopens, I. (2011). "A consistent modelling methodology for secondary settling tanks in wastewater treatment." Water Res. 45(6), 2247-2260.
4. Torfs, E. (2015). "Different settling regimes in secondary settling tanks." PhD thesis, Ghent University.
5. Daigger, G.T. (1995). "Development of refined clarifier operating diagrams using an updated settling characteristics database." Water Environment Research, 67(1), 95-100.