Lamella Separator FAQs

We have taken some of your most popular questions about Lamella Separators and our experts have answered them below. We will continue to update this page as innovation continues within clarifier technologies. The go-to place for all your Lamella Separator queries. If you have a question that we have not yet covered, please feel free to let us know by emailing [email protected].

 

 

What is a Lamella Separator?

Lamella Separators, (also known as Lamella Clarifiers or Settlers) are settling tanks incorporating Lamella packs and like most clarifiers, they are used for the continuous removal of solids and (or) thickening.

 

How does a Lamella Separator work?

The Lamella Separator consists of a series of closely spaced flat plates inclined at an angle. Preconditioned water with entrained solids enters the plate pack and flows between the plates.

The path length, plate spacing, and angle of the plate are the usual engineering variables. As the water flows between pairs of plates, the heavy solids with a specific gravity higher than the surrounding water will settle onto the top surface of the lower plate and slide down the inclined surface to be collected in the sludge hopper. Clear, near solids-free water, then exits the top of the plate area and flows over an adjustable weir.

Watch our Lamella Separator how does it work video to find out more about how this system performs.

 

What are the advantages of a Lamella Separator?

One of the main advantages of Lamella Separators over other clarifying systems is the large effective settling area caused by the use of inclined plates, which improves the operating conditions of the clarifiers in a number of ways.

  • They can be designed in a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit each project.
  • Reduced footprint designs with large treatment capacity.
  • Minimal civil requirements
  • Quick on-site installation time.
  • High solid-liquid separation efficiency
  • Low energy system that can work with or without chemicals
  • Few mechanical, moving parts which offers lower chance of mechanical failure and in turn, offers a safer working environment.

 

What is the purpose of a Lamella Separator?

The primary purpose of a Lamella Separator in water and wastewater treatment is the removal of solids or particulates. Lamella Separators are used where the water that needs treatment has a high concentration of suspended solids. During the production of water for human consumption, this product is to be used before the polishing stage. Basically, all solids that sediment in a given time, can be separated easily and economically with the Lamella Separator.

 

 

What industries could use a Lamella Separator?

The treatment units can be used in a range of applications and industries, as either a standalone unit or as a component of a complete plant. Project applications that can be delivered are primary and secondary settling, tertiary treatment, sludge thickening and pre-water treatment. Industries that may benefit from this technology are; potable water clarification, gravel and sand industry, recycling and paper industry, food processing industry, glass, ceramics and stone industries, chemical industry, steel and metal processing industry, construction sites/ tunnelling, energy industry, waste and landfill industry.

 

What routine maintenance is required for a Lamella system?

As there are few moving parts, the routine maintenance for a Lamella Separator system is minimal. They are easy to use and provide an inexpensive platform for improving your central water treatment plant. However, there are a few periodical checks that you should follow and stay closely in line with the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the system.

 

What are the different types of Lamella packs available?

There are many styles of Lamella packs (or Lamella): flat sheets, corrugated sheets, round tubes, square tubes, herringbone elements, hexagonal modules.

 

How do you choose the right type of Lamella pack?

In order to build an efficient system for your project, there are several different factors you need to consider before you choose the type of your Lamella packs. It is important to bear in mind that there are three possible types of lamellar settling available: backflow, cross current and co-current.

  • Shape and Flow

The shape of the lamella you choose for your system is important as it needs to ensure that flow and settling are not hindered. The correct Lamella will work to reduce turbulence from the inlet zone into the main body of the system, the Lamella packs.

  • Spacing

In order to prevent clarified sludge build-up and optimum cleaning, the Lamella will need to have the appropriate separation.

  • Structural Loading

The weight of the Lamella packs combined with sludge accumulation needs to be calculated to avoid a system collapse. Another factor to consider is the distribution of water flow to guarantee a successful settling process. High speeds may occur if all cells do not receive the same flow.

  • Settling Area

An increased settling surface area is normally advised for better clarification; however, this does not mean that you must choose the largest possible. Assess each Lamella pack available along with your project scope and parameters to build a reliable and fully operating system.

 

Do you need to replace plate packs on a Lamella Separator?

Normally the plate packs will only be damaged when someone attempts to walk on them and physically breaks them.  Over time and depending on the chemistry involved, it may become brittle, but should not break unless abused.

 

What is the difference between a thickener and a clarifier?

Both thickeners and clarifiers are used to separate solids and liquid. Thickeners focus on the settled solids and are used to concentrate them, whereas clarifiers focus on the clear overflow liquid and purifying it.

 

How does a secondary clarifier work?

During secondary clarifying, microbes, germs, and smaller particles are removed from the wastewater, usually using chemicals and other treatments that make the water safer. If there are still large particles or solids within the wastewater, this is an indication that the primary phase is not operating effectively.

 

Colloide’s Lamella Separator Packages

Colloide Engineering Systems are one of a few Lamella Separator Package suppliers that are in the list of Approved Products and Processes for use in Public Water Supply published by the DWI.

Our systems can be designed in a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit the individual needs of each of our clients. The clarifier can be used as a standalone system, taking the full plant flow, with or without additional equipment such as sand filters, screens, etc.

1. The lamella separator tank consists of a number of lamella separator packs in a stainless steel tank. The number of packs and configuration is determined by the customer requirements. The customer has an option of installing a Flocculation tank before the Lamella tank. An optional sludge thickening tank or hopper is also available.

2. The lamella separator basin consists of a number of lamella separator packs in a concrete basin. The lamella separator packs are supported on a stainless steel structure. The number and configuration of the lamella separator packs is determined by the customer requirements.

Similar Projects/Posts

Do you have any questions about the technical details?

Colloide are here to help. Simply get in touch through the methods listed below.