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Bed Expansion

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
9 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~60 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Bed Expansion — solve for expanded bed depth — Bed Expansion

bed expansion during backwash of a rapid sand filter Given unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.6800 m; backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0185 m/s; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0560 m/s, determine the expanded bed depth (L_e) in m.

Given

  • unexpandedbeddepth(L)=0.6800munexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.6800 m
  • backwashvelocity(vb)=0.0185m/sbackwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0185 m/s
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.0560m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0560 m/s

Find

expanded bed depth (L_e), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except L_e is given, so isolate L_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L_e:

    Le=L(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = L\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.6800 m, backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0185 m/s, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0560 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Le=0.6800(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = 0.6800\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Le=0.5329 mL_{e} = 0.5329\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_e = 0.5329 m to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Le=0.5329 mL_{e} = 0.5329\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 1.0659 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.2665 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.5862 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 2
Bed Expansion — solve for unexpanded bed depth — Bed Expansion (2)

bed expansion percentage calculated from backwash velocity Given backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0075 m/s; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1020 m/s; expanded bed depth (L_e) = 0.4700 m, determine the unexpanded bed depth (L) in m.

Given

  • backwashvelocity(vb)=0.0075m/sbackwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0075 m/s
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.1020m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1020 m/s
  • expandedbeddepth(Le)=0.4700mexpanded bed depth (L_e) = 0.4700 m

Find

unexpanded bed depth (L), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except L is given, so isolate L symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L:

    L=Le(vb/vs)0.22L = \dfrac{L_e}{\left(v_b/v_s\right)^{0.22}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0075 m/s, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1020 m/s, expanded bed depth (L_e) = 0.4700 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L=Le(vb/vs)0.22L = \dfrac{L_e}{\left(v_b/v_s\right)^{0.22}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L=0.8346 mL = 0.8346\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L = 0.8346 m to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L=0.8346 mL = 0.8346\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 1.6692 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.4173 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.9181 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 3
Bed Expansion — solve for backwash velocity — Bed Expansion (3)

filter bed expansion required to fluidize the media during backwash Given unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.3300 m; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0430 m/s; expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.2000 m, determine the backwash velocity (v_b) in m/s.

Given

  • unexpandedbeddepth(L)=0.3300munexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.3300 m
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.0430m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0430 m/s
  • expandedbeddepth(Le)=1.2000mexpanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.2000 m

Find

backwash velocity (v_b), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except v_b is given, so isolate v_b symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for v_b:

    vb=vs(LeL)1/0.22v_{b} = v_s\left(\dfrac{L_e}{L}\right)^{1/0.22}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.3300 m, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0430 m/s, expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.2000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    vb=vs(Le0.3300)1/0.22v_{b} = v_s\left(\dfrac{L_e}{0.3300}\right)^{1/0.22}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    vb=15.2039 m/sv_{b} = 15.2039\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning v_b = 15.2039 m/s to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
vb=15.2039 m/sv_{b} = 15.2039\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 30.4079 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 7.6020 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 16.7243 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 4
Bed Expansion — solve for expanded bed depth (case 2) — Bed Expansion (4)

bed expansion during backwash of a rapid sand filter Given unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.3500 m; backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0190 m/s; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0560 m/s, determine the expanded bed depth (L_e) in m.

Given

  • unexpandedbeddepth(L)=0.3500munexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.3500 m
  • backwashvelocity(vb)=0.0190m/sbackwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0190 m/s
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.0560m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0560 m/s

Find

expanded bed depth (L_e), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except L_e is given, so isolate L_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L_e:

    Le=L(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = L\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.3500 m, backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0190 m/s, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0560 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Le=0.3500(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = 0.3500\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Le=0.2759 mL_{e} = 0.2759\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_e = 0.2759 m to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Le=0.2759 mL_{e} = 0.2759\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 0.5519 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.1380 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.3035 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 5
Bed Expansion — solve for unexpanded bed depth (case 2) — Bed Expansion (5)

bed expansion percentage calculated from backwash velocity Given backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0110 m/s; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1480 m/s; expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.1500 m, determine the unexpanded bed depth (L) in m.

Given

  • backwashvelocity(vb)=0.0110m/sbackwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0110 m/s
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.1480m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1480 m/s
  • expandedbeddepth(Le)=1.1500mexpanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.1500 m

Find

unexpanded bed depth (L), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except L is given, so isolate L symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L:

    L=Le(vb/vs)0.22L = \dfrac{L_e}{\left(v_b/v_s\right)^{0.22}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0110 m/s, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1480 m/s, expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.1500 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L=Le(vb/vs)0.22L = \dfrac{L_e}{\left(v_b/v_s\right)^{0.22}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L=2.0373 mL = 2.0373\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L = 2.0373 m to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L=2.0373 mL = 2.0373\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 4.0745 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1.0186 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 2.2410 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 6
Bed Expansion — solve for backwash velocity (case 2) — Bed Expansion (6)

filter bed expansion required to fluidize the media during backwash Given unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.5900 m; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1230 m/s; expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.1700 m, determine the backwash velocity (v_b) in m/s.

Given

  • unexpandedbeddepth(L)=0.5900munexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.5900 m
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.1230m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1230 m/s
  • expandedbeddepth(Le)=1.1700mexpanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.1700 m

Find

backwash velocity (v_b), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except v_b is given, so isolate v_b symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for v_b:

    vb=vs(LeL)1/0.22v_{b} = v_s\left(\dfrac{L_e}{L}\right)^{1/0.22}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.5900 m, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1230 m/s, expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.1700 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    vb=vs(Le0.5900)1/0.22v_{b} = v_s\left(\dfrac{L_e}{0.5900}\right)^{1/0.22}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    vb=2.7633 m/sv_{b} = 2.7633\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning v_b = 2.7633 m/s to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
vb=2.7633 m/sv_{b} = 2.7633\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 5.5265 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1.3816 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 3.0396 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 7
Bed Expansion — solve for expanded bed depth (case 3) — Bed Expansion (7)

bed expansion during backwash of a rapid sand filter Given unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.6800 m; backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0090 m/s; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0410 m/s, determine the expanded bed depth (L_e) in m.

Given

  • unexpandedbeddepth(L)=0.6800munexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.6800 m
  • backwashvelocity(vb)=0.0090m/sbackwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0090 m/s
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.0410m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0410 m/s

Find

expanded bed depth (L_e), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except L_e is given, so isolate L_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L_e:

    Le=L(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = L\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: unexpanded bed depth (L) = 0.6800 m, backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0090 m/s, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0410 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Le=0.6800(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = 0.6800\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Le=0.4871 mL_{e} = 0.4871\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_e = 0.4871 m to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Le=0.4871 mL_{e} = 0.4871\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 0.9742 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.2436 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.5358 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 8
Bed Expansion — solve for unexpanded bed depth (case 3) — Bed Expansion (8)

bed expansion percentage calculated from backwash velocity Given backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0165 m/s; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0330 m/s; expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.5800 m, determine the unexpanded bed depth (L) in m.

Given

  • backwashvelocity(vb)=0.0165m/sbackwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0165 m/s
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.0330m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0330 m/s
  • expandedbeddepth(Le)=1.5800mexpanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.5800 m

Find

unexpanded bed depth (L), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except L is given, so isolate L symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L:

    L=Le(vb/vs)0.22L = \dfrac{L_e}{\left(v_b/v_s\right)^{0.22}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0165 m/s, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0330 m/s, expanded bed depth (L_e) = 1.5800 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    L=Le(vb/vs)0.22L = \dfrac{L_e}{\left(v_b/v_s\right)^{0.22}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    L=1.8403 mL = 1.8403\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L = 1.8403 m to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
L=1.8403 mL = 1.8403\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 3.6806 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.9201 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 2.0243 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 9
Bed Expansion — solve for backwash velocity (case 3) — Bed Expansion (9)

filter bed expansion required to fluidize the media during backwash Given unexpanded bed depth (L) = 1.4000 m; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1040 m/s; expanded bed depth (L_e) = 0.8800 m, determine the backwash velocity (v_b) in m/s.

Given

  • unexpandedbeddepth(L)=1.4000munexpanded bed depth (L) = 1.4000 m
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.1040m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1040 m/s
  • expandedbeddepth(Le)=0.8800mexpanded bed depth (L_e) = 0.8800 m

Find

backwash velocity (v_b), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except v_b is given, so isolate v_b symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for v_b:

    vb=vs(LeL)1/0.22v_{b} = v_s\left(\dfrac{L_e}{L}\right)^{1/0.22}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: unexpanded bed depth (L) = 1.4000 m, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.1040 m/s, expanded bed depth (L_e) = 0.8800 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    vb=vs(Le1.4000)1/0.22v_{b} = v_s\left(\dfrac{L_e}{1.4000}\right)^{1/0.22}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    vb=0.0126 m/sv_{b} = 0.0126\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning v_b = 0.0126 m/s to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
vb=0.0126 m/sv_{b} = 0.0126\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 0.0252 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.0063 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.0139 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

Example 10
Bed Expansion — solve for expanded bed depth (case 4) — Bed Expansion (10)

bed expansion during backwash of a rapid sand filter Given unexpanded bed depth (L) = 1.4000 m; backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0055 m/s; particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0610 m/s, determine the expanded bed depth (L_e) in m.

Given

  • unexpandedbeddepth(L)=1.4000munexpanded bed depth (L) = 1.4000 m
  • backwashvelocity(vb)=0.0055m/sbackwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0055 m/s
  • particlesettlingvelocity(vs)=0.0610m/sparticle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0610 m/s

Find

expanded bed depth (L_e), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Bed Expansion.
  • Everything except L_e is given, so isolate L_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Bed expansion during filter backwashing relates the expanded bed depth to the backwash and particle settling velocities.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for L_e:

    Le=L(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = L\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: unexpanded bed depth (L) = 1.4000 m, backwash velocity (v_b) = 0.0055 m/s, particle settling velocity (v_s) = 0.0610 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Le=1.4000(vbvs)0.22L_{e} = 1.4000\left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Le=0.8246 mL_{e} = 0.8246\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_e = 0.8246 m to

    LeL=(vbvs)0.22\dfrac{L_e}{L} = \left(\dfrac{v_b}{v_s}\right)^{0.22}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Le=0.8246 mL_{e} = 0.8246\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 1.6492 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.4123 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.9070 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Bed Expansion (backwash)

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