Particle size distribution and wastewater filter performance

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iris Kaminski ◽  
Nicolae Vescan ◽  
Avner Adin

Particle size distribution (PSD) allows more accurate simulations of filtration models and better understanding of filter performance. PSD in municipal activated sludge effluent filtration is determined, varying filtration rate, grain size, flocculant type and dosage and function parameters are examined in this work. Results show, that removal efficiency varies for different size groups: small particles in the range of 5-10 μm in initialization stage, with no chemical aids, are poorly removed. Higher rate filters were more sensitive to the particle size than lower rate filters. Filtration with chemical aids is more sensitive to filtration conditions than filtration with no chemical additions. Particle size distribution in filtrate generally fits power law function behavior better than in raw effluent. The treatment smoothens the function somewhat. In a similar manner to the effect of settling in tanks or in natural lakes. Degree of correlation to power law function may indicate the mode of filter operation: high - working stage, low - breakthrough stage. β may also reflect on filters performance: high values - initial filtration stages. Decrease in β values - cycle progress towards breakthrough. Low β values, with low PSD correlation to power law function, may indicate low filtration efficiency or breakthrough.

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 779-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. G. DeVore

Abstract This paper describes a simple relationship between the slope of particulate optical depth as a function of wavelength and the size distribution of spherical particles. It is based on approximating extinction using a truncated geometric optics relationship and is applicable when optical depth decreases with wavelength. The new relationship suggests that extinction versus wavelength measurements are most sensitive to particles that are comparable in size to the wavelength. When optical depth is expressed as a power-law function of wavelength, the resulting particle size distribution is also a power-law function of size, with the two exponents reproducing the well-known relationship between the Ångström and Junge exponents. Examples of applying the new relationship are shown using both numerical calculations based on Mie theory and measurements from the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) sun photometer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). Since the truncated geometric approximation makes no assumptions per se concerning the form of the particle size distribution, it may find application in supplementing solar aureole profile measurements in retrieving the size distributions of particles in thin clouds—for example, cirrus—or when they are present.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 4295-4340 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. S. Kostadinov ◽  
D. A. Siegel ◽  
S. Maritorena

Abstract. A new method of retrieving the parameters of a power-law particle size distribution (PSD) from ocean color remote sensing data was used to assess the global distribution and dynamics of phytoplankton functional types (PFT's). The method retrieves the power-law slope, ξ, and the abundance at a reference diameter, N0, based upon the shape and magnitude of the particulate backscattering coefficient spectrum. Relating the PSD to PFT's on global scales assumes that the open ocean particulate assemblage is biogenic. The retrieved PSD's can be integrated to define three size-based PFT's by the percent volume concentration contribution of three phytoplankton size classes – picoplankton (0.5–2 μm in equivalent spherical diameter), nanoplankton (2–20 μm) and microplankton (20–50 μm). Validation with in-situ HPLC diagnostic pigments results in satisfactory match-ups for the pico- and micro-phytoplankton size classes. Global climatologies derived from SeaWiFS monthly data reveal PFT and particle abundance spatial patterns that are consistent with current understanding. Oligotrophic gyres are characterized by lower particle abundance and higher contribution by picoplankton-sized particles than transitional or eutrophic regions. Seasonal succession patterns for size-based PFT's reveal good correspondence between increasing chl and percent contribution by microplankton, as well as increasing particle abundance. Long-term trends in particle abundances are generally inconclusive yet are well correlated with the MEI index indicating increased oligotrophy (i.e. lower particle abundance and increased contribution of picoplankton-sized particles) during the warm phase of an El Niño event. This work demonstrates the utility and future potential of assessing phytoplankton functional types using remote characterization of the particle size distribution.


2007 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 219-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Naddeo ◽  
V. Belgiorno

Tertiary filtration can be proposed in small wastewater treatment plants with impact on protected water bodies. Rotating disk filters may be adopted, in respect to conventional sand filters, when low availability of space and low investment costs are the prevailing conditions. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the filtration efficiency of rotating disk filters; to compare effectiveness with traditional sand filters; to analyse thoroughly the importance of particle size distribution in wastewater tertiary filtration. In the experimental activity, conventional wastewater quality parameters were investigated and particle size distribution (PSD) was characterized to discuss the filter effectiveness. The effect of design and operation parameters of tertiary filters were discussed related to particle removal curves derived from particles counts. Analysis of particle size distribution can be very useful to help comprehension of filtration processes, design of filtration treatments and to decide the best measures to improve filter performance.


Author(s):  
Michael Parsons ◽  
Kristina Hogancamp ◽  
Steven Alderman ◽  
Charles Waggoner

This study involved challenging nuclear grade high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters under a variety of conditions that can arise in Department of Energy (DOE) applications such as: low or high RH, controlled and uncontrolled challenge, and filters with physically damaged media or seals (i.e., leaks). Reported findings correlate filter function as measured by traditional differential pressure techniques in comparison with simultaneous instrumental determination of up and down stream PM concentrations. Additionally, emission rates and failure signatures will be discussed for filters that have either failed or exceeded their usable lifetime. Significant findings from this effort include the use of thermocouples up and down stream of the filter housing to detect the presence of moisture. Also demonstrated in the moisture challenge series of tests is the effect of repeated wetting of the filter. This produces a phenomenon referred to as transient failure before the tensile strength of the media weakens to the point of physical failure. An evaluation of the effect of particle size distribution of the challenge aerosol on loading capacity of filters is also included. Results for soot and two size distributions of KCl are reported. Loading capacities for filters ranged from approximately 70 g of soot to nearly 900 g for the larger particle size distribution of KCl.


1976 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 73-73
Author(s):  
C.L. Ross

Observations to determine the radiance of forward scattered sunlight from particles in lunar libration regions have been attempted with the white light coronagraph on Skylab. The libration regions could not be distinguished against the solar K + F coronal background; the upper limit to the libration cloud radiance is determined to be 2.5 × 10−11 Bo, where Bo is the radiance of the mean solar disk. Employing models of the particle type and size distribution in the libration clouds, density enhancements have been calculated on the basis of the upper limit of the forward scattered radiance presented herein, and on the basis of earlier observations of the libration region backscattered radiance. The cases where the power law particle size distribution exponent K and complex index of refraction m are 2.5, 1.33-0.051 and 2.5, 1.50-0.051, respectively, are inconsistent with the forward and backscatter observations. Finally, the brightness contrast of remaining possible models of the libration clouds with respect to the K- and F-coronal background is calculated, and is shown to be a maximum in the vicinity of elongation angle ~30°.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 3239-3257 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. S. Kostadinov ◽  
D. A. Siegel ◽  
S. Maritorena

Abstract. A new method of retrieving the parameters of a power-law particle size distribution (PSD) from ocean color remote sensing data was used to assess the global distribution and dynamics of phytoplankton functional types (PFT's). The method retrieves the power-law slope, ξ, and the abundance at a reference diameter, N0, based upon the shape and magnitude of the particulate backscattering coefficient spectrum. Relating the PSD to PFT's on global scales assumes that the open ocean particulate assemblage is biogenic. The retrieved PSD's can be integrated to define three size-based PFT's by the percent volume concentration contribution of three phytoplankton size classes – picoplankton (0.5–2 μm in equivalent spherical diameter), nanoplankton (2–20 μm) and microplankton (20–50 μm). Validation with in-situ HPLC diagnostic pigments resulted in better match-ups for the pico- and micro-phytoplankton size classes as compared to nanoplankton. Global decadal averages derived from SeaWiFS monthly data reveal PFT and particle abundance spatial patterns that are consistent with current understanding. Oligotrophic gyres are characterized by lower particle abundance and higher contribution by picoplankton-sized particles than transitional or eutrophic regions. Seasonal succession patterns for size-based PFT's reveal good correspondence between increasing chlorophyll concentration and percent contribution by microplankton, as well as increasing particle abundance. Long-term trends in particle abundances are generally well correlated with the MEI index indicating increased oligotrophy (i.e. lower particle abundance and increased contribution of picoplankton-sized particles) during the warm phase of an El Niño event. This work demonstrates the utility and future potential of assessing phytoplankton functional types using remote characterization of the particle size distribution.


2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 103-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. B. Shin ◽  
H. S. Yoon ◽  
Y. D. Lee ◽  
Y. S. Pae ◽  
S. W. Hong ◽  
...  

Over the past decades, flocculation and/or sedimentation processes have been adopted to remove pollutants from CSOs. It has been learned that major factors affecting settlement of pollutants are the particle size distribution, their settling velocities and their specific gravity. It is, therefore, a good idea to analyze the particle size distribution and settleability of CSOs pollutants in order to develop details in designing a process. Discussed in this study are pollutant characteristics of CSOs such as particle size distribution and settleability of pollutants. The power law function is applied and is found to be an effective and reliable index for expressing the particle size distribution of pollutants in CSOs. Based on the particle size spectrum analysis, the tendency toward settling and simultaneous flocculation-settling phenomenon of CSOs pollutants is described. Based on the regression analysis it is observed that the derived constants of curves representing settling velocity profile are proportional to the initial concentration of particles and to the β-values of power law distributions. It is also revealed that the simultaneous flocculation-settling processes are effectively described by the changes of the average particle diameter and of the β-values of power law distributions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (16) ◽  
pp. 2581
Author(s):  
Yanxia Liu ◽  
Haijun Huang ◽  
Liwen Yan ◽  
Xiguang Yang ◽  
Haibo Bi ◽  
...  

The power law particle size distribution (PSD) slope parameter is commonly used to characterize sediment fluxes, resuspension, aggregates, and settling rates in coastal and estuarine waters. However, particle size distribution metrics are also very useful for understanding sediment source and dynamic processes. In this study, a method was proposed to employ the particle size parameters commonly used in sedimentary geology (average particle size (ø), sorting, skewness, and kurtosis) as indicators of changes in sediment dynamic processes, and MODIS images were used to estimate these parameters. The particle size parameters were estimated using a Mie scattering model, Quasi-Analytical Algorithm (QAA) analysis algorithm, and least squares QR decomposition (LSQR) solution method based on the relationship between the power law distribution of the suspended particles and their optical scattering properties. The estimates were verified by field measurements in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea regions of China. This method provided good estimates of the average particle size (ø), sorting, and kurtosis. A greater number of wavebands (39) was associated with more accurate particle size distribution curves. Furthermore, the method was used to monitor changes in suspended particulate matter in the vicinity of the Heini Bay of China before and after the passage of a strong storm in August 2011. The particle size parameters represented the influence of a strong typhoon on the distribution of the near-shore sediment and, together with the PSD slope, comprehensively reflected the changes in the near-shore suspended particulate matter. This method not only established the relationship between remote sensing monitoring and the historical sediment record, it also extends the power law model to the application of sediment source and dynamic processes in coastal waters.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gui Yang ◽  
Yang Jiang ◽  
Sanjay Nimbalkar ◽  
Yifei Sun ◽  
Nenghui Li

In order to study the effect of particle size distribution on the critical state of rockfill, a series of large-scale triaxial tests on rockfill with different maximum particle sizes were performed. It was observed that the intercept and gradient of the critical state line in the e−p′ plane decreased as the grading broadened with the increase in particle size while the gradient of the critical state line in the p′−q plane increased as the particle size increased. A power law function is found to appropriately describe the relationship between the critical state parameters and maximum particle size of rockfill.


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