The gravity-driven separation of solid particles from a suspension in tanks with inclined walls and the related fundamental phenomena are the object of this project. The previous model describing the accelerated settling process in the presence of inclined surfaces fails in low viscosity fluids. The reasons are the waves formed along the suspension-clear fluid interface. This aspect will be investigated both experimentally and theoretically. This proposal is a continuation of a previous research work sponsored by NSF, in which Dr. Acrivos has obtained significant scientific results on two-phase flow mechanisms, with application to suppersettlers in mineral processing and waste water treatment.
