Glossary of Water and Wastewater Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z5 random terms from our glossary
switchgear
A variety of switching devices that act as a central apparatus for protecting, controlling, and switching a system’s circuits, fuses, and other components.collection system
See wastewater collection system.
Imhoff cone
A clear, cone-shaped container marked with graduations. The cone is used to measure the volume of settleable solids in a specific volume (usually 1 liter) of water or wastewater.
dip
A point in a wastewater collection pipe where a drain grade defect results in a puddle of standing water when there is no flow. If the grade defect is severe enough to cause the standing water to fill the pipe at any point (preventing passage of air through the pipe), it is called a trap dip, full dip, or filled dip.
combined chlorine
All the products from reactions between free chlorine and other compounds, especially ammonia and nitrogen-containing organic substances. Reactions with ammonia produce chloramines (monochloramine, dichloramine, and trichloramine, also known as nitrogen trichloride). Because of their lesser oxidative power, chloramines are less effective disinfectants than free chlorine, but persist in water longer. Reactions between free chlorine and organic compounds can produce toxic disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs).
