Gravity and high-rate settling for suspended-solids and coagulated-floc removal — from classical clarifier theory to inclined-plate lamella units — engineered to the surface overflow rate your solids demand.
Engineered removal of grit, sand, silt and colloidal solids across the full particle-size spectrum.
High-rate inclined-plate settling for a large effective area in a compact footprint.
Protecting downstream plant from abrasive grit and sand.
Four settling regimes govern clarifier behaviour and sizing
Type I (discrete) and Type II (flocculent) settling describe dilute suspensions where particles settle independently or coalesce as they fall.
Type III (hindered/zone) and Type IV (compression) settling govern concentrated sludges where particles interact and consolidate.
The governing design variable is the surface overflow rate (q = Q/A); a particle is captured only if its settling velocity exceeds q, independent of tank depth.
Ideal-basin (Hazen) theory shows that removal efficiency depends on the ratio of particle settling velocity to surface overflow rate, vs/q, and is independent of tank depth. This is the principle exploited by lamella clarifiers: stacking inclined plates multiplies the projected settling area A within a fixed footprint, so the effective overflow rate falls and fine particles are captured — delivering up to a 10-fold area increase versus an open tank.
Matched to solids concentration, floc character and footprint
Circular and rectangular gravity clarifiers handle high flows and high-solids primary and secondary duties.
Inclined-plate packs at 55–60° provide a large settling area in a compact unit; sludge slides to the hopper while clarified water rises.
Ballasted and solids-contact systems accelerate settling for difficult, slow-settling floc.
Fine and colloidal solids must be coagulated and flocculated before settling to form a settleable floc.
Spacing (50–100 mm) and angle (55–60°) balance capture, blinding risk and self-cleaning sludge slide.
Reliable sludge collection and withdrawal prevent re-suspension and maintain clarified-water quality.
Reynolds & Bauhm engineers sediment-removal trains from grit chambers to colloidal polishing, matched to your particle-size distribution and discharge consent.
Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.