In a two-compartment system, the first tank should contain how much of the required capacity?

In a two-compartment system, the first tank is designed to handle the initial treatment and solids separation of the wastewater before it moves to the second compartment. For optimal performance, it is essential that the first tank holds a capacity of 1/2 to 2/3 of the total system capacity. This proportion allows for sufficient retention time for the wastewater, enabling effective sedimentation and biological treatment processes to occur.

When the first tank is appropriately sized, it allows for the settling of solids, which is critical in preventing clogging and ensuring the efficient operation of the overall system. This retention time is crucial for the natural biological processes that contribute to the breakdown of organic materials in the wastewater.

In contrast, if the first tank is too small, the sedimentation and treatment processes may not be effective, leading to poor effluent quality and potential system failures. Therefore, maintaining the right proportion in the first compartment is vital for the proper functioning of the entire two-compartment system.