Views: 888 Author: Yosun Publish Time: 2025-07-30 Origin: Site
An inclined plate clarifier is a specialized device used in primary wastewater treatment to separate suspended solids from water efficiently. Also known as a lamella clarifier, this equipment uses inclined plates to promote rapid and compact sedimentation. Compared to traditional settling tanks, inclined plate clarifiers provide significantly more settling surface area in a smaller footprint.
Our company designs and manufactures high-performance inclined plate clarifiers for industrial and municipal clients. These systems are ideal for reducing total suspended solids (TSS) in raw influent or chemically treated wastewater prior to biological or tertiary processes.
Suspended solids are particles that remain undissolved in water. They include silt, clay, organic debris, microplastics, metal hydroxides, and biological flocs. These solids reduce water clarity, interfere with disinfection, and increase the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of effluent. High levels of suspended solids can also cause:
Clogging in downstream filtration systems
Damage to pumps and valves
Reduced efficiency in activated sludge systems
Environmental impact when discharged into natural water bodies
Removing suspended solids at the primary stage is crucial for ensuring smooth operation and compliance with wastewater discharge standards.
The inclined plate clarifier is based on Stokes’ Law of particle settling, enhanced by the use of multiple inclined surfaces. The process involves:
Influent distribution: Wastewater enters the clarifier and flows upward through a stack of closely spaced inclined plates.
Sedimentation: As water moves slowly between plates, suspended particles settle onto the plate surfaces.
Sludge collection: Settled particles slide down the plates due to gravity and are collected in a bottom hopper.
Effluent removal: Clarified water exits through the top collection weir or channel.
By reducing the vertical settling distance, the inclined plates increase sedimentation speed and allow for a much smaller tank size compared to horizontal clarifiers.
Our clarifiers are engineered to maximize suspended solids removal while maintaining ease of operation and minimal maintenance. Features include:
Stainless steel or epoxy-coated carbon steel construction
Plate angle of 55° for optimal solids sliding
Customizable plate spacing based on solids load
Compact rectangular design for easy retrofitting
Adjustable inlet and outlet flow settings
Modular construction for expansion or relocation
These features ensure that each system performs reliably in various wastewater treatment scenarios.
Inclined plate clarifiers are used across multiple industries for removing suspended solids, especially in:
Municipal wastewater treatment: Primary clarification before biological treatment.
Food and beverage processing: Removal of fats, proteins, and organic solids.
Metal plating and surface finishing: Separation of metal hydroxides after chemical precipitation.
Paper and pulp industry: Efficient removal of fibrous particles and fillers.
Oil refining and petrochemical plants: Sedimentation of sludge generated during pH neutralization or chemical dosing.
These clarifiers are often installed as standalone primary units or in combination with coagulation-flocculation systems.
Our inclined plate clarifiers are available in several materials to suit different wastewater conditions:
304 or 316 stainless steel: High resistance to corrosion and temperature variations.
FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic): Lightweight and chemical-resistant for specific industrial use.
PP or PVC plate packs: Suitable for non-aggressive water conditions and temporary setups.
Selection of construction material depends on factors like pH, temperature, and chemical usage in the treatment process.
Compared with traditional sedimentation tanks, inclined plate clarifiers offer clear advantages for suspended solids removal:
Higher surface area per unit volume: More settling happens in less space.
Shorter settling time: Faster removal of particles.
Lower construction and operational cost: Smaller tank, lower power usage.
Easier maintenance: Fewer moving parts and less sludge buildup.
Scalability: Modular systems allow future expansion.
These advantages make them an excellent choice for upgrading existing plants or building new compact treatment systems.
Inclined plate clarifiers can be easily integrated into the overall treatment process. They function effectively as:
Pre-settlers before DAF or MBBR systems
Post-chemical sedimentation units after pH adjustment or flocculation
Sludge thickening units before dewatering equipment
Our engineering team provides full design support to ensure seamless integration into new or existing treatment lines.
We are a professional manufacturer of inclined plate clarifier systems, with years of experience delivering efficient solids separation solutions. Our services include:
Custom design based on wastewater characteristics
Pilot testing and flow simulations
On-site installation and commissioning
After-sales support and maintenance training
Spare parts and retrofitting services
We understand that every wastewater challenge is unique. That is why our clarifiers are built with flexibility, durability, and performance in mind.
