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Components of a clarifier - Baffles clarifiers need to know (ntk) Oct 08, 2025

Baffles are structures within clarifiers that disrupt short-circuiting and slow currents to improve settling performance. In circular clarifiers, mid-tank baffles (Crosby cylindrical) and angled baffl...

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Components of a clarifier - Energy-dissipating inlet clarifiers need to know (ntk) Oct 01, 2025

An Energy-dissipating inlet (EDI) is a device placed inside the feedwell.  It helps dissipate the energy (velocity) of incoming influent to promote flocculation. EDIs eliminate flow currents from occu...

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Components of a clarifier - Feedwell clarifiers need to know (ntk) Sep 24, 2025

The feedwell in circular clarifiers is a cylindrical structure around the center feed column that aids in flocculation and flow distribution. It should be large enough to prevent concentrated downward...

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Components of a clarifier - Scum collection clarifiers need to know (ntk) Sep 17, 2025

Scum-collection systems in clarifiers remove floating material from the surface and typically include a scum baffle, skimmer arm, and scum trough. Circular clarifiers use skimmer-arm squeegees and dee...

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Components of a clarifier - Solids collectors clarifiers need to know (ntk) Sep 10, 2025

Solids collectors collect and help remove settled biomass from the bottom of clarifiers. Circular clarifiers use devices like scrapers, suction headers, and withdrawal tubes, while rectangular ones ty...

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Components of a clarifier - Effluent weirs clarifiers need to know (ntk) Sep 03, 2025

A weir is a plate used to control flow from a clarifier.  Specifically, it makes sure the flow is evenly applied across the whole tank. Clarifier weirs often have v-shape notches.  Proper leveling and...

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The purpose of secondary clarifiers activated sludge clarifiers need to know (ntk) Aug 27, 2025

Secondary clarification is essential in biological wastewater treatment, especially in suspended growth systems. Its main purpose is to separate the biological floc (biomass) from the treated liquid. ...

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Activated sludge design values vs reality activated sludge need to know (ntk) wasting Aug 20, 2025

The O&M manual and/or design drawings for a wastewater treatment facility should include a basis of design documenting the design SRT, MLSS concentration, and F:M ratio, along with Raw influent flows ...

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Key design parameters activated sludge need to know (ntk) wasting Aug 13, 2025

There are three key biological design variables for the activated sludge process: Solids Retention Time (SRT), mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) concentration, Food to Mass Ratio (F:M). Either can ...

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Selecting the right SRT activated sludge need to know (ntk) wasting Aug 06, 2025

The target or operating solids retention time (SRT) depends on treatment goals and water temperature.  Nitrifying bacteria are especially sensitive to water temperatures; growth rates slow as temperat...

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Washout SRT and Using SRT as a wasting control strategy activated sludge wasting Jul 30, 2025

Solids Retention Time (SRT) is directly related the growth rate of the biology we are relying on for treatment.  Different microorganisms grow at different rates.  Nitrifiers in particular are known t...

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Defining SRT activated sludge need to know (ntk) wasting Jul 23, 2025

Solids Retention Time (SRT) is the average time the biomass stays in the activated sludge system…the time in days a particle moves around in the aeration basin and clarifier before being wasted out of...

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