Transport Processes and Separation Process Principles (Includes Unit Operations) Fourth Edition

14.3. SETTLING AND SEDIMENTATION IN PARTICLE–FLUID SEPARATION

14.3A. Introduction

In filtration, the solid particles are removed from the slurry by forcing the fluid through a filter medium, which blocks the passage of the solid particles and allows the filtrate to pass through. In settling and sedimentation, the particles are separated from the fluid by gravitational forces acting on the particles.

Applications of settling and sedimentation include removal of solids from liquid sewage wastes, settling of crystals from the mother liquor, separation of liquid–liquid mixture from a solvent-extraction stage in a settler, settling of solid food particles from a liquid food, and settling of a slurry from a soybean leaching process. The particles can ...