SEDIMENTATION OF PARTICLES FORM JETS DISCHARGED BY OCEAN OUTFALLS - ATHEORETICAL AND LABORATORY STUDY

Usually, ocean outfalls dispose of wastewater, by means of jets discha rged by multiport diffusers. Although depending on the process of pre- treatment, the effluent contains particles that may settle in the vici nity of the diffuser, originating banks of sediments with undesirable environmental impacts. This paper reports a study with theoretical and experimental components, on the sedimentation of particles from verti cal round jets. It might be considered fundamental research, because i t is expected to contribute for a better understanding of two-phase fl ows, but many practical applications can be referred, for instance, de sign of ocean outfalls, industrial chimneys, studies of sedimentation in lakes, volcanoes, etc. The study provides practical criteria to pre dict the distance that particles will travel before settling, as well as their concentration on the ground.