Optimizing Floating Surface Skimmer Flowrates Through Experimental Testing

Marketing Paragraph: Statement of Purpose: This study explores various flowrates tested across eight floating surface skimmer sizes provided by J.W. Faircloth & Son, Inc. Skimmers are devices designed to regulate dewatering in a sediment basin; skimmers decant from the top of the water column to maximize capture of total suspended solids (TSS) within the basin. Each skimmer was evaluated with four orifice openings in a controlled experimental setting. Using an enhanced version of ASTM Standard D8107, 96 configurations were tested to collect comprehensive flowrate data. Flow rate models informed the development of an interactive and user-friendly skimmer sizing tool for designers. Results demonstrate the flow characteristics of skimmers across a wide range of conditions and provide actionable guidance for selecting and sizing skimmers tailored to site-specific requirements.

Full Abstract: Complete Proposal for Your Session: A floating surface skimmer is a device designed to regulate dewatering in a sediment basin. Compared to traditional dewatering mechanisms, skimmers decant from the top of the water column, allowing for greater capture of total suspended solids (TSS) within the basin. Engineers select skimmer size based on sediment basin dimensions and target retention times. The flowrate on some skimmers can be adjusted by modifying the orifice size. The objective of this research is to evaluate the discharge rates of eight J.W. Faircloth & Son, Inc. skimmers of varying sizes across different orifice openings. Flowrate data will be used to develop design guidance for engineers to apply when sizing skimmers. Experiment procedures followed an enhanced version of the ASTM Standard D8107 to enable greater apparatus depth and more comprehensive data collection. Testing was conducted in a 1,053 ft^3 (29.82 m^3) evaluation tank at the Auburn University-Stormwater Research Facility. The following skimmer sizes were assessed: 1.5 in (3.81 cm), 2 in (5.08 cm), 2.5 in (6.35 cm), 3 in (7.62 cm), 4 in (10.16 cm), 5 in (12.7 cm), 6 in (15.24), and 8 in (20.32 cm). Each skimmer was paired with a properly sized barrel in length and diameter. In addition, each skimmer was evaluated across four orifice openings: 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. Each configuration was triplicated for a total of 96 experiments. A Solinst Levelogger® was used to continuously record water levels at 15 second intervals throughout testing. Collected data was used to model flow characteristics. Results indicate J.W. Faircloth & Son, Inc. skimmers can achieve flow rates ranging as high as 92,692 ft^3/d (2,625 m^3/d) to low as 1,728 ft^3/d (48.93 m^3/d) across all sizes. Flow rate models were used to develop an interactive and user-friendly skimmer sizing tool for designers to select and appropriately size skimmers. This research advances understanding of floating surface skimmer behavior, improving selection guidance, and resulting in enhanced overall sediment basin functionality.