In this work, a new numerical analytical model was derived similar to Kynch’s continuity equation in that negligible compression effect and constant solid volume concentration øs are assumed at the thickened sludge (compression) phase. However, this new model differs as it includes new expressions for forces due to inertia and accelerated fluid eddies. Pressure drop during flow through the particle-bed is also defined by a new expression equivalent to single particle fluid drag plus an additional term for particle-bed porosity function. Furthermore, the model was employed in analyzing dynamics of particles during sedimentation thereby making it useful in assessing dispersion stability as well as predicting sedimentation profiles if variation of øs with time can be accurately measured.weiterlesen