Particle sedimentation: particle-matrix interaction

A major problem in the chemical industries is the separation of waste material produced in the chemical processes. There has been a number of attempts to find a solution to this problem. One of these methods is sedimentation; however, the major drawback of this method is the low velocity of natural sedimentation. By adding particles with larger mass to this system, waste material could be absorbed on their surface and thus increasing the removing rate of the waste material. For this purpose, surface of massive material should be modified for adsorption of the waste material. However, sedimentation velocity is a function of hydrodynamic forces, particle-matrix interaction and particle-particle interaction so that change in surface properties can affect the sedimentation velocity. In this study, a model is developed to predict the effect of particle matrix interaction on sedimentation velocity. A method is also devised to measure sedimentation velocity and to obtain an estimate of particle size distribution. From this study, it is concluded that particle-matrix interaction could be used to increase sedimentation velocity.