Short circuiting in a clarifier is prevented by ___

• A. Screens
• B. Baffles
• C. Weirs
• D. Valves

Answer: (B)

Short-circuiting happens when water takes a direct, fast path from inlet to outlet, bypassing the settled zone and reducing the time solids have to settle. Internal barriers called baffles force the flow to take a longer, more tortuous route through the tank. This increases the residence time, spreads the flow more evenly, slows velocity, and helps solids settle before the clarified water exits.

Screens mainly remove debris without changing the flow path to prevent bypass. Weirs control how the clarified water is drawn off at the surface, rather than altering internal flow through the tank. Valves can regulate flow, but they don’t create the internal hydraulic path needed to prevent short circuits.