Sedimentation
Definition: Sedimentation is the process of removal of suspended particles by gravitational settling.
It occurs when particles are heavier than water.This process takes place in a tank known as sedimentation tank.
Types Of Sedimentation:
- Plain Sedimentation: When impurities are separated from the suspended fluid by gravitation & natural aggregation, the operation is called Plain Sedimentation.
- Sedimentation added with coagulation: When chemical or other substances are added to increase aggregation and settling of finely divided suspended matter and colloidal substances, the operation is called Sedimentation with coagulation.
Advantages of plain Sedimentation:
- It is primary process which lightens the load on the subsequent processes.
- It gives less variable quality of water & so the operation of subsequent purification process is done in a better way.
- Cleaning cost of chemical coagulation basins is reduced.
- No chemical is lost with the sludge discharged from the plain settling tanks.
- Less quantity of chemicals are needed in the subsequent treatment processes.