Author(s): Chaohuang Liang; Tiesheng Yang; Xiuling Zhan; Meiqing Yang

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Keywords: Gel-like network; Sedimentation; Cohesive sediment; Electrolyte

Abstract: This paper present preliminary research results on settling process of gel-like network formed in cohesive sediment suspension. Observations on experiments showed that the settling processes consist of fast settling and slow settling stages. During the fast settling stage the settling curves of the gel-like network were close to linear, and the light fluctuations of the setting velocity appeared continually. During the slow settling stages the settling curves were nonlinear, and no fluctuation of the setting velocity was observed. Experimental results showed that the sediment concentration, the valence of cation, and the electrolyte intensity added to the suspension have all similar effects on settling processes. The settling velocities will be decreased if anyone of them increased. However, the influence of electrolyte strength on settling velocity is much weaker than others. Based on the DLVO theory a brief explanation of settling behaviors is presented. Finally a method to estimate the critical condition for formation of initial gel-like networks was proposed, in which not only sediment concentration but also effects of electrolyte intensity and valence of cation were included.

DOI:

Year: 2004