What is the purpose of a clarifier in a wastewater treatment facility?

The purpose of a clarifier in a wastewater treatment facility is to separate solids from liquids by settling. During the treatment process, wastewater often contains a mixture of suspended solids, organic materials, and liquids. A clarifier provides a controlled environment where gravity can be utilized to encourage the heavier solids to settle at the bottom of the tank, forming sediment.

This process, known as sedimentation, allows the clear liquid (supernatant) to be collected from the top after the solids have settled. This separation is crucial because it prepares the wastewater for subsequent treatment stages, reducing the load on further treatment processes such as biological treatment or filtration. By effectively removing suspended solids, clarifiers play a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall wastewater treatment process.