A sedimentation basin is a structure designed to remove sediment from water through gravity. It varies in size and is used by mining companies, fish farms, and waste treatment plants. It has an inflow and outflow point, divided into zones, and must be monitored and cleaned regularly. It is used in waste treatment, aquaculture, and mining systems.
A sedimentation basin is a type of structure, usually a reservoir or man-made pond that is designed for the purpose of removing sediment and other particulates from water, through the action of gravity. They can vary greatly in size depending on the amount of sediment in the water, the average particle size, the volume of water being treated, and the rate at which the water is flowing through the system. Settlement ponds are used by many types of facilities, including mining companies, fish farms, and waste treatment plants.
Scientists and engineers use a specific set of equations to design a sedimentation basin, taking into account variables such as particle size, flow rate and concentration of foreign material. Each tailing pond has some characteristics common to all these structures. Some of these features perform a specific function while others are basic structural elements.
Each tailing pond must have an inflow and outflow point. Water enters the basin at the inflow point, and clean water leaves the system at the outlet. The basin itself is divided into zones. The inlet zone is close to the inflow and is usually an area of turbulence. The outlet zone is the area next to the outflow and is usually a long dam, or dike, just below the standard surface level of the basin itself.
Between the inlet and outlet zones, and which make up most of the basin, are the sedimentation zone and the sludge zone. Both occupy the same horizontal area, but the sludge zone is below and the sedimentation zone is above it. Sediments and other particles settle out of the water and accumulate in these areas. The sludge zone must be closely monitored and the basin closed and cleaned when the sludge builds up to a certain level, which depends on the size and design of the individual basin. Sediment treatment and removal in settlement ponds is usually only one step of water treatment as no settlement pond can completely remove 100% of all foreign matter.
Removing sediment and other particles from water is a common need in many operations. Waste treatment, aquaculture and mine tracking systems are just some of the places where a sedimentation basin can be found. In a small aquaculture system, the basin may be as small as a large bathtub, but in mine sewage or waste treatment plants it can be very large with basins the size of Olympic swimming pools not uncommon. Some may be even bigger.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
