EIMCO FlexKlear Inclined Plate Settlers Inclined Plate Settlers have a long-standing reputation as efficient water clarification tools with two unfort

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1 EIMCO FlexKlearTM Inclined Plate Settler Self-Cleaning Laminar Flow Settlers for New and Existing Clarifiers

2 EIMCO FlexKlear Inclined Plate Settlers Inclined Plate Settlers have a long-standing reputation as efficient water clarification tools with two unfortunate flaws. Fixed plates often don't shed accumulating solids, and their inability to control overflow velocity frequently results in high solids levels in the effluent. Now, however, there is an inclined plate settler that combines the high flow advantages of earlier designs with proven solutions to their shortcomings. The EIMCO FlexKlear flexible plate settler advances, laminar sedimentation technology in two important areas... FlexKlear Plates are Self-Cleaning A unique flexible construction allows FlexKlear plates to be easily moved from an inclined operating attitude to a vertical cleaning position, shedding accumulated solids to the tank floor. FlexKlear Plates Distribute Flow Evenly Irregular velocities are evenly distributed by a patented flow control deck, formed by overlapping flaps at the top edge of each plate. By imposing a uniform head loss on upward flow, the control deck ensures even flow distribution and enforces full utilization of the available plate area. 2

3 Principles of Plate Sedimentation Because a falling particle now travels a shorter distance to reach a resting-place, production of clear water and flow through the basin are greatly accelerated. Conventional Clarifiers and their Capacities A conventional clarifier is simply a hydraulically quiet basin where suspended solids are gradually removed from water by the action of gravity. Regardless of its volume, a conventional clarifier produces clear water at a rate proportional to its surface area. For the sake of illustration, imagine a clarifier where the slowest settling particle descends a distance of one foot each hour (see figure 1). The volume of clear water produced per hour will equal one foot multiplied by the surface area of the tank. Capacity is proportional to surface area. Each plate provides an effective settling area equal to that of its horizontal projection (see figure 2), and it will produce an upflow identical to the area of basin floor covered by this projection. By using a large number of settling plates (see figure 3), a basin can be made to contain an effective settling area five to ten times that of its own surface area, and its productivity will increase proportionally (see figure 4). Increasing Capacity with Inclined Plates Inclined Plate Settlers are clarification devices designed to compress the capacity of a large conventional clarifier into a compact, economical footprint. Surface area for settling is provided by arrays of metal or plastic plates, commonly installed at an angle of 55 to 60 degrees. Accumulating solids settle, agglomerate and flow down the sloped plate surfaces while clear water is conducted upward. 3

4 The Self-Cleaning Solution Problems with Existing Settler Designs Until now, inclined plate settling devices have been either fixed plate or tube type designs. While these employ different kinds of settling surfaces, they share serious functional shortcomings. Because the settling surfaces are immobile, removing built-up floc frequently involves dewatering and cleaning with high-pressure hoses. Inadequate cleaning leads not only to frequent service interruptions, but also to clogged channels that accelerate high velocity flow, pulling settled solids into the effluent stream. FlexKlear Plates are Self-Cleaning FlexKlear settling plates are fabricated from lightweight stainless steel that is corrosion resistant. Another EIMCO design incorporates a unique woven sheet of thin stainless steel strips that are impervious to ultraviolet light. (For more on our stainless steel plates with axial stiffening ribs, please see page 9.) During operation, any settling angle between 50 and 90 degrees can be selected. When fully loaded, plates can be easily lowered to a vertical position, shedding any accumulated solids to the tank floor. Plastic plates are also available where even lower cost is desired. 4

5 Flow Control Deck Keeps Solids Where They Belong At its top edge, each FlexKlear plate carries an acute angle fold. Installed, these folds overlap to form a springloaded dampening system that imposes a uniform head loss on upward flow. Irregular velocities that can cause short circulating in clarifiers are evenly distributed, ensuring consistent solids loading and preventing carryover into the effluent stream. Downstream filters run longer between backwash cycles. The flow control deck also blocks sunlight from plate surfaces below, preventing algae growth. Auto-Cleaning Doesn't Stop at the Plates Trac-Vac pneumatically driven suction sludge collectors are a natural complement to FlexKlear Plate Settlers. Installed beneath a plate array they can provide both efficient, economical sludge removal and vigorous air sparge plate cleaning. The Trac-Vac system consists of a tractor unit, header pipe, guide rail, sludge removal and air umbilical hoses, and a control panel. All components are constructed from stainless steel and corrosion-resistant plastics for long life and economical operation. A control system with programmable electronic controller allows complete process automation. 5

6 FlexKlear Settlers Adapt to any Basin Stainless Steel Supports are Durable and Versatile Plates and effluent launders are suspended from a rugged stainless steel frame that is easily adapted to any combination of basin configuration and mechanism. Electric and pneumatic mechanisms are available to position plates, and all connecting linkages are stainless steel. Installation is Quick and Economical All FlexKlear components are light enough to be carried by one man. No heavy machinery is required and installation takes only a fraction of the time required for competitive plate settlers 6

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8 FlexKlear Inclined Plate Settlers Self-cleaning laminar flow settlers for new and existing clarifiers Inclined plate settlers have a long-standing reputation as efficient water clarification tools with one unfortunate shortcoming: fixed plate and tube packs often don't shed accumulated solids. In fact clogged plate packs are a frequent contributor to high overflow solids as narrow channels accelerate fluid velocities, carrying previously settled solids into the effluent stream. EIMCO FlexKlear settlers effectively solve this maintenance headache with a hinged design that allows the entire plate stack to be easily lowered to a 90 vertical altitude, effectively shedding solids to the basin floor for removal. Organized, Even-Flow Through a unique arrangement of baffles, flow is forced into the plates from the side near the bottom. Unlike other plate settlers, flow is more organized and less likely to re-entrain solids. Plates extend above the water surface, which evenly distributes and isolates the flow as it exits into the launder through one of the two submerged orifices per plate. Plate angle of operation can be adjusted from 40 to 90 Hinged plates can be shifted to shed accumulated solids Plates operating at 45 have 20% more clarification area than plates operating at 55 Baffles are arranged to ensure flow is side fed into plates Lightweight, corrugated stainless steel plates Plates extend above the water surface, evenly distributing and isolating flow between individual plates Adapts easily to basins of any configuration Submerged orifices induce a uniform headloss, further optimizing flow distribution Combines readily with Trac-Vac sludge collectors Computer Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modeling available 8

9 FlexKlear Inclined Plate Settlers Stainless steel plates combine light-weight durability FlexKlear settling plates are fabricated from lightweight stainless steel for long term corrosion resistance, with axial stiffening ribs for rigidity. Hinged rods support the top plate of each plate in an UHMW polyethylene-bearing block and connect the bottom to a stainless steel positioning frame. A winch and cable arrangement mounted at the basin edge moves the plate pack between the vertical attitude between 45 and 60. The entire assembly is supported in a versatile tubular stainless steel framing system that adapts easily to any basin size and geometry. Customized CFD modeling Controlled influent side feed Auto cleaning doesn't stop at the plates FlexKlear Plate Settlers team naturally with Trac-Vac suction sludge collectors in total solids removal systems that can be easily and fully automated. Installed beneath a plate module, a Trac-Vac collector can provide both efficient solids removal and vigorous air-sparge plate cleaning. Pneumatically driven Trac-Vac collectors feature manual or PLC-controlled operation for complete process automation. Pilot Plant Available A complete, self-contained pilot plant unit is available for on-site testing and data acquisition, providing reliable sizing and performance information. 9 Modular Inclined Plate Settlers We can custom design stainless steel modular plate packs to meet specified horizontal projected area requirements. Modular plate packs are shipped completely assembled and arrive ready for installation. Plates operate at a fixed angle of 55. Isolated effluent flow

10 The Proven Leader Work with Liquid-Solids Separation Experts FlexKlear Plate Settler installed in existing square clarifier basin Dorr-Oliver Eimco has been a leader in, municipal and industrial sedimentation equipment for more than half a century. We have the process expertise, the design experience and the manufacturing capabilities to supply efficient, cost-effective solutions to any liquid solid separation challenge. FlexKlear Plate Settler Benefits High overflow rate High solids capture Self-cleaning plates Easy installation in any basin; rectangular, square or circular Performance boost for downstream filters Available with Trac-Vac sludge collection system U.S Canada Copyright 2004 GL&V. DOE 3151 AC. Printed in U.S.A.