Sieving and Filtration:

A sieve sets a threshold calibration through which all undersized materials pass
through. A filter separates materials with one quality from materials without that quality -
size, phase, reactivity, polarity, etc.

Decanting and Filtration:

Decantation is a process for the separation of mixtures,
carefully pouring a solution from a container, leaving the
precipitate (sediments) in the bottom of the container.
Decanting is allowing the undesirable portion to settle
(either by gravity or by centrifugation), and then pouring
off the top, desirable fraction.
Filtration is one type of separation.

Filtration is a mechanical or physical operation, which is used for the

separation of solids from fluids (liquids or gases) by interposing a medium
through which only the fluid can pass. Oversize solids in the fluid are retained, but the
separation is not complete; solids will be contaminated with some fluid and filtrate will
contain fine particles (depending on the pore size and filter thickness).

Objective of filter medium is to maximize the possibility of collision and the

subsequent retention of the suspended particles with fibrous structures
while minimizing the energy loss of the system. The efficiency of filtration in industrial
fabrics are affected by there porosity.
Terminology:
• Suspension to be
Slurry
filtered

Filter • Porous medium used

medium to retain solid

• Accumulated solids on
Filter cake
the filter

Filtrate