Preprint 2013-18
Fernando Betancourt, Raimund Bürger, Stefan Diehl, Sebastian Farås:
A model of clarifier-thickener control with time-dependent feed properties
Abstract:
A one-dimensional model of the process of continuous sedimentation in a clarifier-thickener unit is presented. The model is expressed as a system of two nonlinear partial di fferential equations describing the solids volume fraction and the varying settling velocity of the solids as functions of depth and time. The governing model extends the well-known model for the dynamics of a flocculated suspension in a clarifyer-thickener advanced by Bürger, Karlsen and Towers [SIAM J. Appl. Math. 65 (2005) 882{940]. Operating charts are calculated to be used for the control of steady states, in particular, to keep the sediment level and the underflow volume fraction at desired values. A numerical scheme and a simple regulator are proposed and numerical simulations are performed.
This preprint gave rise to the following definitive publication(s):
Fernando BETANCOURT, Raimund BüRGER, Stefan DIEHL, Sebastian FARåS: Modelling and controlling clarifier-thickeners fed by suspensions with time-dependent properties. Minerals Engineering, vol. 62, pp. 91-101, (2014).