Hydraulic classification vocabulary: Separation of solid particles based on differences in their settling/flow velocities through a fluid is called

Introduction / Context:
When particles move through a fluid, their terminal velocities differ according to size, density, and shape. Industrial equipment exploits these differences to split feeds into fine and coarse fractions for closed-circuit grinding and sizing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Hindered settling or free settling regimes may apply depending on solids concentration.
• Fluid can be water or air in hydraulic or pneumatic classifiers.
• Goal is to obtain products of different size/density ranges based on velocity differences.

Concept / Approach:

Classification is the general term for separating solids according to settling/flow velocities in a fluid (e.g., hydrocyclones, rake/spiral classifiers). Elutriation is a specific upward-flow method that preferentially removes fines. Clarification removes suspended solids to produce a clear overflow; sedimentation refers to the broad settling phenomenon, not necessarily the selective sizing split aimed in classifiers.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Mineral processing texts describe hydrocyclones and classifiers as velocity-based separators producing overflow/underflow cuts characterized by size distributions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Elutriation: Specific counter-current upflow technique; not the generic term. Clarification: Produces clear liquid rather than a precise size split. Sedimentation: General settling without classification intent.

Common Pitfalls:

Using “sedimentation” interchangeably with “classification”; forgetting that classification aims for controlled cut size (d50).

Final Answer:

Classification