2 models · Lamella Clarifiers
Lamella Clarifiers
A lamella clarifier is a settling tank fitted with inclined plates or tubes that greatly increase the effective settling area within a small footprint. It is used in industrial wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, mining and metal finishing wherever suspended solids must be separated by gravity in limited space.
Lamella Clarifiers: available models
How it works
How lamella clarifiers work
Wastewater, often pre-treated with coagulant and flocculant, enters the clarifier and flows upward between closely spaced plates or tubes set at a steep angle, typically around 55 to 60 degrees. Particles only need to settle a short distance before reaching a plate surface. The settled solids then slide down the inclined surfaces into a sludge hopper at the base, from where they are removed for thickening or dewatering. Clarified water rises above the plate pack and leaves through overflow weirs or launders. Because the projected settling area of all plates adds together, the clarifier achieves high capacity in a compact tank.
Selection guide
How to choose the right model
- 01
Flow rate and surface loading
Size the unit on design flow and the projected plate area needed for the settling velocity of the particles. Settling tests on the actual wastewater give the most reliable basis.
- 02
Solids characteristics
Floc size, density and concentration affect plate spacing and hopper design. Sticky or fibrous solids may need wider spacing to avoid blockage.
- 03
Chemical pretreatment
Many applications need coagulation and flocculation ahead of the clarifier. An integrated flash mix and flocculation tank simplifies installation.
- 04
Plates or tubes
Inclined plates are robust and easy to clean, while tube settlers are lightweight and often used to upgrade existing tanks.
- 05
Sludge handling
Consider hopper volume, sludge withdrawal method and whether a thickener or dewatering machine will follow.
Typical applications
- Industrial wastewater clarification
- Drinking and process water treatment
- Metal finishing and electroplating effluent
- Mining and quarry wash water
- Stone cutting and ceramic wastewater
- Upgrading existing sedimentation tanks
- Filter backwash water recovery
Learn more
Related projects & guides
Hospital Wastewater Treatment with On-Site Disinfection
- Capacity
- 50–1,000 m³/day
- Process
- A/O + lamella clarifier + NaOCl disinfection
Ceramic Disc Vacuum Filter for Iron Ore & Tailings
- Capacity
- 10–100 t/h dry solids
- Process
- Thickener underflow + ceramic disc vacuum filter
Lamella Clarifier Design Basics: Plates, Angles and Loading
How inclined plate and tube settlers work, how projected area and surface loading set capacity, why 55–60° plates are used, and key design checks.
FAQ
Lamella Clarifiers: FAQ
Why is a lamella clarifier smaller than a conventional clarifier?
The inclined plates stack many settling surfaces in one tank, so the effective settling area is much larger than the tank's floor area. This allows the same separation in a smaller footprint.
What angle are lamella plates set at?
Plates or tubes are typically inclined at around 55 to 60 degrees. This angle is steep enough for settled solids to slide down by gravity into the hopper.
Do lamella clarifiers need chemicals?
Many applications use coagulant and flocculant to form larger, faster-settling flocs. Wastewater with heavy, granular solids may settle without chemicals.
How are lamella plates cleaned?
Plates are usually cleaned periodically with a water spray or by draining the tank. Proper chemical dosing and regular sludge withdrawal help reduce buildup.
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Need lamella clarifiers for your site?
Tell us the flow, the water or sludge you are treating and the result you need. A process engineer sizes the equipment and replies within one business day.