Clearmake Waste Water Treatment and Recycling Solutions  offers different types of clarification processes to suit diverse requirements in the water treatment industry.  

The water clarification process improves the clarity of water by way of chemical, gravitational or electrical means.  

Simply put, the clarification process creates clear water by sending some contaminants, specifically suspended solids to the top or bottom of the clarification tank.  

The clear water is then taken for re-use or further treatment, while the contaminants are discharged as a sludge, which can be dried using a Clearmake Filter Press or periodically removed by trade waste contractors.  

Types of Clarification Processes

  • Gravity Clarification
  • Electroflocculation
  • Dissolved Air Floatation

Each of the three methods of clarification has their advantages and disadvantages. This article will explore the functions and features of gravity clarification.  

Gravity Clarification  

The process of clarifying water by using gravity to settle contaminants at the bottom of a tank is known as gravity clarification.  

Gravity clarification uses a chemical additive called a flocculant, which effectively coagulates the suspended solids into heavier particles. These particles then settle at the bottom of the clarifier over a given time and clean water is taken from the top of the clarifier by overflowing into a centralised collection pipe.  

In this process, it is important for the water to spend as much time as possible in the clarifier. This time is referred to as resident time.  

Less resident time means that the lighter particles are less likely to have settled out before overflowing out of the clarifier.  

Clarifiers are designed to suit specific flow rates and factor in parameters such as volume and surface area.  

Advantages of gravity clarification:

  • Clarifies under continuous flow conditions
  • Can treat relatively high volumes of lightly contaminated water
  • Very few moving parts
  • Performs best when contaminants readily settle
Disadvantages of gravity clarification:
  • Relies on the addition of chemicals (flocculant)
  • Physically larger than most other options
  • Does not work when contaminants float
  • Creates a very ‘wet’ sludge

Each type of clarification process has its place in the water treatment industry for its own good reasons.  

Clearmake offers all three types as a solution to suit the varying needs of their clients.