Automatic clarification control in water treatment

The function of the clarification stage is to remove suspended solids, colour and a whole range of micro-organisms from the raw water through the addition of a coagulant and the use of some form of filtration. Controlling the clarification process has traditionally been performed manually, based on the experience of the plant operators. The authors outline some of their experiences in implementing automatic clarification control systems at two of the Sunderland and South Shields Water Company´s treatment works