What metric is crucial to verify the performance of a centrifuge in a wastewater treatment facility?

The performance of a centrifuge in a wastewater treatment facility is crucially measured by solids concentration. This metric reflects how effectively the centrifuge separates solid particles from liquids during the treatment process. A higher solids concentration indicates that the centrifuge is efficiently removing solids from the liquid phase, which is a primary function of this equipment.

Monitoring solids concentration allows operators to assess the centrifuge's effectiveness in thickening or dewatering sludge. It provides insights into the operational effectiveness and can help identify when adjustments are needed, such as changes in flow rates or maintenance of mechanical components to ensure optimal functioning.

Other metrics like suction pressure, flow rate, or filtration area may provide useful information about the system's operation or ancillary processes, but they do not directly reflect how well the centrifuge is accomplishing its primary task of concentrating solids.