Steady state thickener modelling from the compressive yield stress and hindered settling function

In just minutes, this algorithm can produce tabulated and graphical results providing useful insights into the inter-relationship between solids throughput, bed height and underflow solids concentration. For steady state thickener operation, the outputs reveal three general modes of stable operation; permeability limited at high solids fluxes, compressibility and permeability dependant at intermediate solids fluxes and compressibility limited at very low solids fluxes. Knowledge of the conditions under which each of these modes is applicable enables process operators to understand the effect of variations in process conditions and assists in process optimisation.