A method for the separation, concentration and desiccation of solid matter capable of being dispersed in a liquid, by providing a delayed reactivity partly prehydrated quicklime (DRQL), which is composed of two essential components, CaO and Ca(OH)2 and is associated with at least one metal salt, wherein said metal salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of FeC3, Al2SO4)3 and an Al3+salt, the DRQL is arranged in such a way that, in the presence of water, a reaction (1) between the water and the quicklime (CaO):
- CaO+H2O→Ca(OH)2 (1)
- is temporarily delayed by hydrated lime Ca(OH)2, wherein the hydrated lime of the DRQL flocculates or concentrates the solid matter before separation, and the quicklime of said DRQL desiccates said solid matter during or after said separation.