Axial-flow and radial-flow turbine impeller flocculators for compact, multi-stage, or higher-intensity flocculation. G-value 20–100 s−¹, VSD-controlled, suited to industrial wastewater, constrained plant rooms, and retrofit upgrades.
Turbine flocculators use axial-flow or radial-flow impeller geometries mounted on a vertical shaft to create controlled turbulence within a flocculation chamber. Compared to paddle wheels, turbine impellers achieve a given G-value in a smaller tank footprint and can be applied over a wider G-value range — from gentle helical agitation at 20 s−¹ to vigorous radial-flow mixing at 100 s−¹ for tough industrial streams.
Pitched-blade turbines (PBT) and hydrofoil impellers produce a downward axial discharge that sweeps the entire tank volume. Preferred for low-shear duty (G = 20–50 s−¹) and tanks with a high H/D ratio. Power number Np ≈ 1.2–1.5.
Rushton turbines and flat-blade disc impellers discharge radially, creating strong radial recirculation loops. Used for higher G-value duties (50–100 s−¹) where fast collision frequency is needed. Np ≈ 5–6.
Open helical screws spanning 80% of tank diameter provide the gentlest turbine-type mixing at G = 15–40 s−¹. Excellent for lamella pre-treatment and pharmaceutical or beverage streams where floc morphology is critical.
Circular or square tanks with D:H ratios of 1:1 to 1.5:1 enable turbine flocculators to fit within constrained plant-room footprints. Ideal for retrofit insertion into existing concrete chambers.
Multiple impellers on a single shaft — or staged tanks in series — allow tapered G-value profiles in a smaller plan area than equivalent multi-chamber paddle systems.
Impellers and shaft in SS316L as standard. Ceramic-coated options for abrasive mining streams. ATEX-rated motors available for solvent-bearing or landfill-leachate applications.
| Impeller Type | Flow Pattern | G Range (s−¹) | Np (approx) | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitched-blade turbine (PBT) | Axial-dominant | 20–60 | 1.2–1.5 | General flocculation, DAF pre-treatment |
| Hydrofoil (e.g. A310) | Axial, low-shear | 15–50 | 0.3–0.5 | Fragile or large-floc applications |
| Rushton / flat-blade disc | Radial | 50–100 | 5–6 | High-intensity industrial streams |
| Helical screw | Axial, very low shear | 15–40 | 0.4–0.6 | Lamella, pharmaceutical, beverage |
| Anchor / gate | Wall-following | 10–30 | 0.35–0.4 | High-viscosity or polymer-conditioning tanks |
| Criterion | Paddle Wheel | Turbine Impeller |
|---|---|---|
| Typical G-value range | 10–60 s−¹ | 20–100 s−¹ |
| Tank geometry | Rectangular, wide | Circular or square, compact |
| Power number (Np) | ~1.5 (flat blade) | 0.3–6 (geometry-dependent) |
| Footprint for equal GT | Larger | Smaller (25–40% reduction) |
| Shear sensitivity | Lower shear — better for fragile flocs | Moderate to high — select geometry carefully |
| Capital cost | Low–medium (simple fabrication) | Medium (precision impeller machining) |
| Retrofit into existing basin | Harder — shaft spans full width | Easier — single-point mount |
| Maintenance access | Drive above tank, blades accessible from walkway | Top-mounted motor, impeller in-tank inspection |
Slow-speed horizontal or vertical paddle wheels for gentle, sustained floc growth.
View PageAxial and radial turbine impellers for higher-intensity or multi-stage flocculation.
View PageChemical coagulant flash-mixing without moving parts using pipe-mounted static elements.
View PageCamp & Stein G-value calculations, GT product, tapered flocculation staging, and chamber sizing.
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