Tennessee Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What device is specifically used to measure settleable solids in wastewater?

1. Ultrasonic flow meter

2. Settleometer

3. pH meter

4. Continuous flow analyzer

The correct answer is: Settleometer

The device specifically used to measure settleable solids in wastewater is a settleometer. A settleometer operates by allowing a known volume of wastewater to settle over a specific period. The solids that settle to the bottom are measured to determine the concentration of settleable solids in the sample. This measurement is critical for assessing the performance of sedimentation processes in wastewater treatment, as well as for regulatory compliance. The other devices mentioned serve different purposes. An ultrasonic flow meter is designed to measure the flow rate of liquids and does not provide data on solid concentration. A pH meter is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, which is important for monitoring water chemistry but does not measure solid content. A continuous flow analyzer is utilized for analyzing various chemical parameters in wastewater, but it is not equipped to measure settleable solids specifically. Thus, settleometer is the only instrument among those listed that directly measures settleable solids in wastewater.