What is the function of a sedimentation basin in water treatment?

The primary function of a sedimentation basin in water treatment is to allow sediments to settle out of the water. During the water treatment process, raw water often contains a variety of suspended solids, including dirt, silt, and organic materials. The design of the sedimentation basin provides a quiet environment where the flow rate is reduced, enabling heavy particles to descend to the bottom due to gravity. This settling process helps to clarify the water further down the treatment line, making it easier to filter and treat.

In contrast, floc formation is achieved in different stages of water treatment, typically involving the introduction of chemicals that promote the aggregation of fine particles, which then may be captured during sedimentation or subsequent processes. Chlorination refers to adding chlorine to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, while filtering involves passing water through physical barriers to remove remaining particles and impurities. Each of these processes plays a vital role in water treatment, but the specific purpose of the sedimentation basin is fundamentally focused on the removal of settled solids from the water stream.