Particle Filtration Flotation Sedimentation

Clarification Also called sedimentation (Spellman, 2003), 476. In water treatment, the removal of suspended particles from water through settling, flotation, and/or filtration. 

The most straightforward means of physical treatment involves phase separation of the components of a mixture that are already in two different phases. Sedimentation and decanting are easily accomplished with simple equipment. In many cases, the separation must be aided by mechanical means, particularly filtration or centrifugation. Flotation is used to bring suspended organic matter or finely divided particles to the surface of a suspension. In the process of dissolved air flotation (DAF), air is dissolved in the suspending medium under pressure and comes out of solution when... 

Wastewater can be treated by several physical processes. In some cases, simple density separation and sedimentation can be used to remove water-immiscible liquids and solids. Filtration is frequently required, and flotation by gas bubbles generated on particle surfaces may be useful. Wastewater solutes can be concentrated by evaporation, distillation, and membrane processes, including reverse osmosis, hyperfiltration, and ultrafiltration. Organic constituents can be removed by solvent extraction, air stripping, or steam stripping. 

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