Abstract One-dimensional modelling of continuous sedimentation process is considered in this paper. The process is described by a scalar conservation law in the form of a partial differential equation. A new way of modelling the feed section of the continuous settler is proposed. Unlike other models, the proposed model upon discretisation incorporates a greater number of layers in the feed section of the settler. The results obtained with the proposed model are presented and a comparison is made between the proposed distributed source model and the traditional (and widely accepted) point source model that includes only one discretisation layer in the feed zone. It is shown that the obtained values of steady-state effluent and underflow concentrations are identical. The differences in transient states and in steady-state solutions are shown and discussed.