There are typically different options to consider in the removal of suspended solids from any type of wastewater in a facility. One that is commonly used in large, industrial types of applications as well as in smaller systems is an inclined plate clarifier or IPC. These systems are ideal for removing suspended solids, precipitated iron and materials from a variety of processes.
The Basic Operation and Process
As the name implies, the inclined plate clarifier is designed to remove the solids using the surface of the inclined plate. The wastewater moves through the interior of a tank and over the plates, and during this process, the plates create a surface for the suspended solids to settle.
The incline of the plates causes the accumulation of the solids on the surface to move down and to slide into collection location, typically a hopper. The nature of this process is highly efficient and also prevents the solids from redistributing through the water, allowing for better wastewater treatment with a single process.
What to Look For
In most operations, a small footprint is important for any piece of equipment or system. Some companies offer a collection of incline plates that are stacked, allowing for more surface area for the suspended solids to settle but no need for additional physical space.
When choosing a particular model of plate clarifier, pay particular attention to how the incoming water is distributed across the plates. The more evenly the water is distributed, the more efficiently the IPC operates.
The material used to construct the tank should be a consideration as well. Welded steel that is epoxy lined is an effective way to reduce corrosion, even with aggressive types of wastewater. Additionally, easy access to cleaning and attention to creating non-clogging inlets to the tank decreases the requirement of downtime for maintenance.