What is sedimentation? The definition
In process engineering, sedimentation (from the Latin sedimentum = sediment) means the deposition of particles from liquids or gases under the influence of weight or centrifugal force. The layer of suspended matter that forms is called sediment, sediment, or loose sediment. In contrast to sedimentary rock, loose sediment is a loose rock.
During sedimentation, the deposited particles layer due to their different sedimentation speeds (sinking speeds) according to their density and size. The particles with the highest sedimentation speed settle first, so they are at the bottom. Since the sedimentation speed is essentially determined by the density, different substances can be deposited separately in layers, which can also be used to separate the different substances of a mixture. If only one material is deposited or materials of similar density, large particles deposit faster and lie first, while small particles are on top. So the greater the density, the faster the fabric sinks to the ground. In the case of foamed material, for example eruptive pumice stones, an inverse gradation can occur, smaller particles then have a higher sedimentation speed and are stored below, while larger ones are stored above.
Online source:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedimentation, retrieved: March 11th, 2020, 17:39 UTC
Particle deposition / sedimentation in process engineering