The optimization of tube settling process should be confined within the optimization of whole water treatment plant design under the conditions of higher criteria on potable water.Tube settling process has a better suitability for the challenge of new regulation of drinking water quality. When optimizing tube settling process,the effects on which filtration and flocculation processes have been exerted should be considered.The design surface load of tube settling should be lower than that in existing design codes.The configuration of tube module can be selected as two-or multi-layer module to make full use of the separation capacity of tube module.The suitable cross-section type of tube is also needed to be selected carefully,adopting an excellent one which is knoumas square cross-section type of tube.The layout of tube settler,the arrangement of tube module,the connection between tube settler and flocculator,and the construction and operation management of tube settling process are also factors for the optimization of tube settling process.