What device is installed in a sedimentation basin to prevent floating solids?

In a sedimentation basin, baffles are utilized to enhance the separation of solids from the water. Their primary function is to disrupt the flow patterns within the basin, which allows solids to settle more effectively. By creating a series of barriers, baffles help ensure that floating solids, such as oils and grease, do not escape the sedimentation process. This containment allows for clearer effluent to exit the basin while also capturing more of the suspended particles that have settled.

In terms of functionality, baffles lead to a more organized flow and prevent turbulence that could result in resuspension of solids already settled at the bottom. This makes them essential in the sedimentation process.

While skimmers also play a role in removing floating solids, they work differently by actively collecting and removing these contaminants from the surface after they have been identified. Baffles, on the other hand, prevent floating solids from reaching the effluent stage, enhancing the overall efficiency of the sedimentation basin. Gravel and chambers serve different functions in water treatment processes and are not designed specifically for controlling floating solids in sedimentation basins.