Floc Size Estimation of Fine Sediment Particles Using Sedimentation Test Data

The present work deals with the estimation of the average floc size of fine sediment particles using sedimentation data. Through particle size distribution tests of sediment under dispersion and flocculation situation, the criticle flocculation particle size was determined as 15μm. By theoretical analysis, floc sedimentation velocity formula was built based on the zero density flux at any cross section of the sedimention column. Through static sedimentation test data of pure fine particles, the sedimentation velocity of mud-water interface can be taken as floc sedimentation velocity. By substitute the test velocity into the theoretical sedimentation formula, the average floc size of fine sediment particles can be calculated and an empirical equation between fine particle volume concentration and floc size was built.