Inline Plate Settlers (IPS)
Compact, high-efficiency solid–liquid separation using inclined lamella design for fine-particulate clarification
Under construction
Overview
Cube Consolidating Inline Plate Settlers (IPS) are advanced lamella-type clarifiers that use a compact array of inclined plates to significantly increase settling area for particulate removal. By slowing the inlet flow and promoting laminar conditions, these systems enable enhanced solids deposition while occupying only 20–35% of the footprint of conventional clarifiers.
Technical Highlights
- Ideal overflow rates: 5–12 m³/m²/h (conventional) or up to 25 m³/m²/h for lamella units
- Typical detention times: 60–120 min for gravity units; shorter cycles with plate settlers
- Sludge underflow solids: dependent on feed solids concentration and coagulation dosing regime
- Lamella plate spacing: 50–80 mm; plate pitch: ~50–70° for self-cleaning effectiveness.
How IPS Work
Clarified feed is introduced into the settler and directed through a packed array of inclined plates tilted between 50° and 60°. As water flows upward between the plates, particles settle by gravity onto the plate surfaces and then slide down into hoppers. Clean water exits via weirs at the top. This setup reduces vertical travel distance and promotes higher throughput and better clarity.
Plate spacing is typically 50–80 mm, and precise flow distribution across the plate bank ensures even loading and prevents short-circuiting.
Key Benefits
- Space-Efficient and Compact: Achieves same settling capacity in less than one-third the area of traditional clarifiers.
- High Clarification Efficiency: Suitable for fine particles and variable solids loads; achieves turbidity reduction of 90–95% at loading rates of 5–12 m³/m²/h.
- Low Maintenance & No Moving Parts: With stainless steel construction, plate settlers offer long life with minimal upkeep.
- Flocculation Enhancement: Integration with coagulation and flocculant dosing improves settling and reduces chemical use downstream.
Applications & Industries
Cube Consolidating IPS systems are deployed in:
- Mining & Mineral Processing – for tailwater clarification and solids separation
- Food & Beverage – upstream of membranes or filtration polishes
- Municipal & Industrial Wastewater – tertiary clarity and solids removal
- Pulp & Paper & Materials Handling – process effluent conditioning
- Petrochemical & Chemical Plants – membrane pre-treatment or bulk solids settling
Customization & Integration
Cube Consolidating designs IPS systems to client specifications with:
- Plate angle: 50°–60° to support self-cleaning and gravity drainage
- Overflow rate: typically 5–12 m³/m²/h, outperforming conventional basins
- Effective settling area: up to 8–10× larger than horizontal basins with the same footprint
- Why Choose Cube Consolidating for Inline Plate Settlers
- Engineered solutions for high-rate clarification and minimal land use
- Clean, modular plate designs for reliable performance and low maintenance
- Support across multiple sectors with local manufacturing in South Africa matched to global standards