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Types of Sedimentation

Sedimentation is the accumulation of particles at the bottom of a fluid, which settle as a result of gravity. Think of it as the gravitational process by which liquids and solids separate. Sedimentation is an issue primarily tackled in water-treatment facilities through the use of various types of settling tanks and basins to speed the process along to remove the collected sludge. Four types of sedimentation exist: discrete settling, flocculant settling, hindered settling and compression.
  1. Discrete Settling

    • In discrete-settling sentiment, particles in water settle individually without interacting with other neighboring particles. This type of sedimentation occurs with the presence of a relatively low concentration of solid particles present in the water.

    Flocculant Settling

    • This kind of sedimentation occurs when solid particles in the water bond together, creating clump-like masses called flocs, which form as a result of biological or chemical reactions that cause the solid particles within the water to bond more easily. Since the particles bond, thereby increasing in size, they tend to settle more quickly. Flocculant settling takes place when the water has a relatively high concentration of solid particles but not at high enough concentrations to restrict water movement.

    Hindered Settling

    • This form of sedimentation occurs when the solid particle concentration in the water becomes high enough to inhibit water movement. In these conditions, water is forced to move in the small spaces between particles. Hindered settling includes no particle bonding; rather, the mass of particles settles together as one big unit, with each individual particle remaining separate from the others.

    Compression

    • Compression can only occur when the concentration of solid particles in the water is so high that the particles must compress and compact those below them to settle properly.


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