Detention Time Calculator

Formula

The formula to calculate Detention Time (DT) is:

\[ DT = \frac{V}{Q} \]

Where:

\( DT \) is the Detention Time (time units)
\( V \) is the Total Volume of the Reservoir (cubic units)
\( Q \) is the Flow Rate out of the Reservoir (cubic units per time)

What is Detention Time?

Detention time refers to the amount of time it takes for a specific volume of water to pass through a tank or reservoir at a given flow rate. It is a critical parameter in water treatment and management, helping to determine the effectiveness of processes such as sedimentation and chemical treatment. The longer the detention time, the more opportunity there is for sedimentation or other processes to occur.

Example Calculation

Let's consider an example:

Total Volume (V): 500 cubic units
Flow Rate (Q): 50 cubic units per time

Using the formula to calculate Detention Time:

\[ DT = \frac{500}{50} = 10 \, \text{time units} \]

This means that the detention time is 10 time units.