What is the function of a clarifier in a wastewater treatment system?

The function of a clarifier in a wastewater treatment system is to allow suspended solids to settle out of the wastewater. In the treatment process, wastewater often contains a variety of particles, including grit, organic matter, and other solids. The clarifier is designed to create a quiescent environment where these solids can settle by gravity, effectively separating them from the liquid phase.

As the wastewater enters the clarifier, it moves slowly, giving the solids time to sink to the bottom, where they form a layer known as sludge. This sludge can then be removed for further treatment or disposal. The clarified water, having had the majority of its solids removed, exits the clarifier for further processing or discharge, depending on the treatment system's design.

In summary, the clarifier plays a crucial role in reducing the suspended solids concentration in wastewater, which is an essential step in achieving treated water that meets discharge standards or can undergo further biological treatment.