CLARIFIER TANK
The clarifier is a system for carrying out the sedimentation process using the flocculation and coagulation methods. The clarifier tank combines chemical processes (coagulation, flocculation) and physical processes (sedimentation) in one tank unit. This joining process requires a material that regulates the flow rate called Lamela.
Clarifier is Clarification required wherever suspended solids in raw/waste water are higher in concentration. Almost all treatment plant sedimentation tanks (clarifiers) are circular or sometimes rectangular in design.
The working principle of the clarifier tank is gravity settling. Solutions that carry solid elements will be suspended more heavily and eventually precipitate. Then these precipitated solids will collect in the "sludge" tub which must be regularly cleaned or discharged outside the clarifier tank.
The deposition process can be improved by adding coagulants & polyelectrolyte. Coagulants neutralize charge & agglomerate suspended solids to form micro flocs. Polyelectrolyte then holds these micro-flocs together which bind them with long chains to make heavy flocs that settle easily.
Most wastewater contains some waste material which does not settle & needs to be collected at the surface of the clarifier. A simple tank clarifier is depicted in the sketch below.
To facilitate the injection of chemical use, as well as ensure proper flocculation, the clarifier tank is also equipped with a flocculator bath. The flocculator bath can be made separately or as part of the clarifier tank.
The clarifier tank design can be made of steel or FRP. Selection of construction materials with FRP because it requires a lighter weight. The weight consideration is usually because it is easy to move. Another consideration is because it will be applied to corrosive water sources, for example brackish water or sea water. Or it could be a more acidic waste liquid. In general, the use of FRP materials only uses smaller capacities, for example 1 – 10 M³/Hour.
Tank Clarifier function
The clarifier tank functions to reduce the content of TSS (total suspended solids) in water. Using this clarifier tank can produce water with a good level of clarity and turbidity, both used in WTP (clarifier tank in water treatment) systems and in WWTP (clarifier tank in waste water treatment).
In a seawater reverse osmosis system, brackish water has a function to reduce turbidity levels and reduce the number of particles carried in the water. This is because in seawater sources from "open surface" particles and materials with small sizes are often found.
