Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning F

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

flotation

(1) The stress or forces on a pipeline or manhole structure located below a water table that tend to lift or float the pipeline or manhole structure. (2) The process of raising suspended matter to the surface of the liquid in a tank where it forms a scum layer that can be removed by skimming. The suspended matter is raised by aeration, the evolution of gas, the use of chemicals, electrolysis, heat, or bacterial decomposition.