Sensitivity analysis of particle size distribution function during flocculation

ABSTRACT In this paper, the sensitivity of the continuous particle size distribution function (PSD) was evaluated, as flocculation occurs. To this end, six discrete configurations were investigated, subdivided into 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 15 classes. The distribution studied here differ in the particles presented by size range and behavior, whether monotonic or unimodal. The adjustment of the continuous function in linearized form to the discrete data was evaluated by means of R2. The power law coefficient (β) and the center of mass (C.M) were taken as representative of PSD during the sensitivity analysis, which was carried out by means of multiple correlation between the variables. Batch essays were performed in order to evaluate simulations. Results showed that β and C.M were both sensitive to PSD variations; however, the function adjustments for unimodal distributions need improvement.