Sewage Treatment Terminology Explained A-Z Part 3; C to E; Clarifier to Eutrophication

Introduction

Welcome to our education blog explaining terms used in sewage treatment from A-Z. Part 3 is from Clarifier to Eutrophication.

In this third part of our A-Z series, we’ll explain sewage treatment terms starting with C to E, focusing on frequently used terminology in the industry. These explanations are designed to clarify technical jargon for both professionals and newcomers.

14. Clarifier:

  • See Humus Tank.

  • A settling tank used to remove solids from wastewater as part of the treatment process.

15. COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand):

  • Measures the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidise organic matter in sewage using an oxidising agent like Potassium Dichromate.

  • COD is typically higher than BOD, as it includes both biologically and chemically oxidisable compounds.

16. Combined System:

  • A sewerage system where both foul water (sewage) and surface water (rainwater) are conveyed in the same sewer.

  • Key Consideration: Combined systems deliver large flows to sewage treatment plants during wet conditions, which must be accounted for in plant design.

17. Denitrification:

  • A process where Nitrate (NO₃) is converted into Nitrogen (N₂) and Oxygen (O₂) gases in an anoxic zone.

  • Importance: The only method to reduce Total Nitrogen (TN) in wastewater.

18. Dry Weather Flow (DWF):

  • The average daily sewage flow entering a plant after 7 days without rain (excluding holidays or anomalies).

  • Rainfall in the preceding 7 days must not exceed 25 mm on any day.

19. Effluent:

  • The discharge from a sewerage system into a treatment plant (see Influent).

  • Also refers to the treated water discharged from a sewage treatment plant (see Final Effluent).

  • Commonly used to describe wastewater products from premises or processes.

20. Effluent Treatment Plant/System:

  • Synonym for Sewage Treatment Plant/System.

21. Eutrophication:

  • A process where water becomes excessively enriched with organic nutrients, leading to:

    • Overgrowth of aquatic plants and algae.

    • Transformation of water bodies into marshland, and eventually dry land.

Additional Resources

For more detailed explanations of sewage treatment parameters, visit the BMS Education Blog/Customer Questions section, which covers:

Coming Up Next

The next article will cover terms starting with F to K, including Ferric Sulphate and Kjeldahl Nitrogen.

Questions?

If you have any questions of would like information on package wastewater treatment products, feel free to contact us.

About BMS

BMS is a quality manufacturer of package products for wastewater and stormwater treatment:

  • Established: 1986

  • Global Reach: Exported to over 50 countries.

  • Family Business: A third-generation company with deep expertise.

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BMS provides a wide array of surface water and wastewater treatment products, including:

View the full product catalogue here

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Previous

Sewage Treatment Terminology Explained A-Z Part 2; Balance Tank to BOD

Next
Next

Sewage Treatment Terminology Explained A-Z Part 4; F to K; Ferric Sulphate to Kjeldahl Nitrogen