Clarifier

This article is about concrete and metal sedimentation tanks including continuous mechanized removal of solids. For a description of simpler settling ponds without solids removal machinery, see Settling basin.

Three wastewater/sewage clarifiers at the ʻAikahi wastewater treatment plant in Hawaii. They appear to have a floating cover[dubious – discuss] to reduce the odor because the plant is very close to a residential area.
Circular clarifier with surface skimmer visible in the lower right. As the skimmer slowly rotates around the clarifier, skimmed floating material is pushed into the trap visible above the fenced enclosure at the lower left.

Clarifiers are settling tanks built with mechanical means for continuous removal of solids being deposited by sedimentation.[1] A clarifier is generally used to remove solid particulates or suspended solids from liquid for clarification and/or thickening. Inside the clarifier, solid contaminants will settle down to the bottom of the tank where it is collected by a scraper mechanism.[2] Concentrated impurities, discharged from the bottom of the tank, are known as sludge, while the particles that float to the surface of the liquid are called scum.[3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference b2 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Smith, Aaron (April 5, 2020). "Clarifier basics: How do clarifiers work I Clarifier design". aqua-equip.com.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Metcalf was invoked but never defined (see the help page).