Abwasservorklärbecken

Abwasservorklärbecken, also known as primary settling tanks or clarifiers, are a crucial component of wastewater treatment plants. Their primary function is to remove settleable solids from raw sewage before it undergoes further treatment processes. This initial stage of treatment is essential for reducing the organic load and suspended solids that could otherwise interfere with subsequent biological or chemical treatment steps.

In an Abwasservorklärbecken, wastewater flows into a large tank, typically rectangular or circular. As the flow velocity decreases within the tank, heavier solid particles, such as grit and sludge, settle to the bottom due to gravity. This settled material, known as primary sludge, is then periodically removed from the tank for further processing. Lighter materials, like grease and oils, may float to the surface and are skimmed off.

The water that remains at the surface, now partially clarified, overflows or is drawn off and directed to the next stage of wastewater treatment, which often involves secondary treatment processes like biological degradation. The efficiency of an Abwasservorklärbecken in removing solids is measured by its surface overflow rate and the detention time of the wastewater within the tank. Effective operation of these tanks significantly contributes to the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of a wastewater treatment facility.