Abstract: A process of separating a suspension of particulate solids dispersed in an aqueous liquid into a liquid portion and a solids portion by transferring the suspension by flowing it to a deposition area, subjecting the suspension to a treatment system during the transfer, and at the deposition area allowing the suspension to separate into the liquid portion and the solids portion, in which the treatment system contains (a) a water soluble polymer; and (b) a chemical agent selected from at least one of an oxidising agent, a reducing agent, and/or a free radical agent. The treatment system enables a solids portion to be deposited and formed by an initial rigidification of the solids accompanied by an initial release of fluid, followed by a further consolidation of the rigidified solids with the further release of liquid.