Optimizing Clarifier Performance, 1996 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Optimizing secondary clarifier performance is an activity that involves a consideration of the design, the maintenance, and the operation of the clarifier. Although the basic shape of the unit certainly has a great influence on its performance, the internal details also play a major role in determining a clarifier’s capacity. The ability to recognize and analyze the impact of these internal details, along with the effects of certain operational and maintenance practices, is critical to improving its performance. This paper presents, through the use of actual examples, a series of techniques and modifications that have been found useful in enhancing the performance of different aspects of clarifier operation. These include a discussion of some of the hydraulic and operational considerations that are peculiar to each common clarifier configuration. Along with the identification of the major factors limiting the performance of a clarifier, the effects of other significant factors are considered. These effects include: the impact of other parts of the treatment system, the impact of weir configuration and placement, various maintenance considerations, and how operational practices can impact performance. Finally, this paper addresses the various steps in analyzing clarifier performance as well as proven methods for improving clarifier performance.