This calculator determines the Settling Velocity using Stokes' Law, which is crucial for analyzing how particles settle in a fluid.
It is widely used in water treatment, environmental studies, and industrial separation processes to optimize sedimentation and filtration systems.
What is Stokes Law
Stokes' Law describes the force of viscosity acting on a small spherical object moving through a fluid.
Why Environment-Sector
It helps analyze sedimentation and particle settling in fluids, which is crucial for water treatment, wastewater management, river sedimentation studies, and pollution control
Explanation of Parameters:
Particle Density (ρₚ): The density of the settling particle, measured in kg/m³.
Fluid Density (ρf): The density of the fluid in which the particle is settling, measured in kg/m³.
Particle Diameter (d): The size of the particle, measured in meters.
Fluid Viscosity (μ): The resistance of the fluid to flow, measured in Pa·s.
Settling Velocity (vₜ): The speed at which the particle settles in the fluid, measured in m/s.
Why Settling Velocity is Important?
Settling velocity helps in **designing sedimentation tanks**, **predicting sediment transport**, and **optimizing industrial separation processes**.
Validations:
Applicability: This formula applies to small, spherical particles in a low-turbulence fluid.
Particle Density > Fluid Density: The particle must be denser than the fluid to settle.
Positive Values Only: All input parameters must be positive for a valid calculation.
Limitations: This formula assumes laminar flow and does not apply to turbulent or irregularly shaped particles.
Real-life Applications:
Water Treatment: Designing sedimentation basins for effective filtration.
Environmental Studies: Analyzing sediment transport in rivers and lakes.
Industrial Processes: Separating particles in mining, oil refining, and food industries.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Understanding particle behavior in liquid suspensions.
Geology & Soil Science: Studying how soil particles settle in different environments.
Conclusion:
The Settling Velocity calculation is a **key tool in fluid-particle interaction analysis**. Understanding it allows engineers and scientists to **improve separation efficiency, optimize designs, and enhance environmental assessments**.