Clarifier Sizing Calculator
A clarifier is sized by loading, and two different loadings apply: the surface overflow rate that sets the plan area, and the solids loading that sets how much of that area the settled sludge can occupy. Either can govern, and which one does depends on the solids in the water. Both figures come from the design standard you are working to, so both are your inputs here. Give the overflow rate and you get the area; add the solids and their load capacity and the result reports which criterion actually governs.
Design parameters
The surface overflow rate and the settling depth are required. Everything about the solids load is optional and, without a stated load capacity, is reported without a verdict.
Basis and limits
- Surface overflow rate and solids load capacity are both design-standard figures. Neither is built in, because a built-in value would be one standard's number presented as everyone's.
- Detention time is reported as a consequence of the area and the depth, not as a criterion. A shallow wide basin can meet an overflow rate and still settle poorly.
- No solids removal is predicted. Removal follows from the settling velocity of the floc, which comes from the jar or pilot work, not from the geometry.
- The equivalent diameter is given for a circular basin. A rectangular basin of the same area settles differently at the corners.
Workspace
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