What is the primary objective of a clarifier in wastewater treatment?

The primary objective of a clarifier in wastewater treatment is to separate solids from liquids. This is an essential function in the treatment process, as it allows for the settling of suspended solids, including organic and inorganic materials. Once the wastewater is fed into the clarifier, gravity plays a crucial role; the heavier solids settle to the bottom, forming a sludge layer, while clearer liquid, known as supernatant, rises to the top. This separation is vital for removing particulates and ensuring that the water proceeding to the next stages of treatment is as clean as possible.

By effectively separating these substances, clarifiers not only reduce the total suspended solids in the effluent but also improve the overall efficiency of subsequent treatment processes, such as biological treatment or disinfection.