Sedimentation, Decantation, and Filtration - Definition

Sedimentation, Decantation, and Filtration are the separating techniques used in our day to day life. We can find a mixture of components and to obtain a pure component we need to adopt a few techniques for purification and separation. Let us know more about these methods.

Sedimentation

It is defined as the separation process in which solids are separated from the liquid. All the solids settle down at the bottom of a beaker and on top, a clear layer of liquid is obtained. Sedimentation is a process by which heavier impurities present in liquid normally water settle down at the bottom of the container containing the mixture. The process takes some amount of time.

Example

Water treatment plants use the method of sedimentation to filter out unwanted particles from unclean water.

Decantation

It is defined as the separation process in which two immiscible liquids are separated. This is done by pouring out the clear upper layer of liquid. Separation of a mixture of oil from water is an example of decantation.

Example

This process can also be used to separate two liquids that do not mix e.g., oil and water. When we leave the mixture of oil and water, two separate layers are formed, with water at the bottom and oil, being lighter, at the top. We can remove the oil layer from the top by pouring it into another vessel, which leaves us with the water layer at the bottom.

Filtration

It is defined as the separation process in which insoluble impurities are separated from the solution. Filtration is done with the help of filter paper. Filtering mud from muddy water is an example of filtration.

Example

The mixture of sand and water. Filtration is used here to remove solid particles from the liquid. Various filtering agents are normally used like filtering paper or other materials.