Which device is designed to trap debris that is too large for downstream equipment?

• A. Inlet screen
• B. Bar screen
• C. Diffuser
• D. Grinder

Answer: (B)

Bar screens act as a barrier across the flow, using vertical bars spaced just far enough apart to let water through but catch large objects. This upfront trapping protects downstream equipment like pumps and grinders from clogs, jams, and damage caused by huge debris. Debris collected on the screen is removed periodically, keeping the system flowing smoothly. The other devices have different roles: an inlet screen can protect downstream components but isn’t specifically designed for the largest solids; a diffuser slows and distributes flow rather than screening debris; a grinder is intended to break up solids rather than serve as a primary trap. So the bar screen is the device designed to trap debris that’s too large for downstream equipment.