The modified primary swirl sedimentation tanks in waste liquids treatment plant: Liquid viscosity effect

Abstract

This paper discusses design, evaluation, and application for the use of swirl/vortex technologies as liquid purification system. A study was performed using modified swirl sedimentation tanks. The vortex separators containing baffle have been studied under laboratory conditions at hydraulic load from 21 to 64 [m3/ (m2·h)]. Analyzed disperser phases were municipal water and glycerol solutions of varying concentration. The pressure drop and the efficiency of purification of liquid stream were analyzed. The suspended particles of different diameters were successfully removed from liquid with the application of swirl chambers of proposed constructions. It was found that damming of liquid in the tank increases alongside liquid stream at the inlet and depends on the tank construction. The efficiency of the sedimentation tanks increases alongside the diameters of solid particles and decrease in the liquid flow rate. The best construction proved to be the one where baffle is located in the middle of in- and outlet due to the highest efficiency of the purification liquid stream for solid particles of the smallest diameter. The proposed solution is an alternative to the constructions of heavy fraction separators.