Clarification
An enhanced sedimentation process can quickly and efficiently remove turbidity prior to the filtration process. Using enhanced sedimentation equipment such as plates settlers can drastically reduce the size of clarifiers, which can be up to eight times smaller than conventional clarifiers. With no energy consumption, no moving parts, improved effluent water quality, and a proven buffer to influent turbidity spikes, plate settlers are the go-to technology in clarification, sedimentation and pre-treatment processes.
Solids Removal
As solids settle to the floor in a clarifier, they need to be removed and can be done so by suction style and scraper style sludge collectors. Suction style collectors remove solids (usually by head pressure) by sucking them up as the unit moves across the basin floor like a vacuum. This is completed at a rate of around 150 GPM and 1.5%-2% solids concentration. Alternatively, a scraper style sludge collector will move sludge to a hopper where it is pumped out.
Flocculation
A low energy mixing process prior to clarification usually completed in three stages. The first stage has higher mixing and reduces in mixing energy per stage. This slow mixing process causes suspended solids to collide with each other, creating larger floc particles which are easier to settle out later. The three main types of flocculators are vertical paddle wheel, horizontal paddle wheel and vertical turbine. Each type is designed to deliver the proper mixing energy per stage to create exceptional floc.
Flow Management
An important and sometimes overlooked factor in the pre-treatment process. Flow velocities and entry locations between flocculation stages and the clarifiers make a difference in performance. MRI takes into consideration baffle wall locations, port sizes and velocities. Utilizing flow management equipment, specifically inlet diffusers, can further help reduce footprint by reducing the quiescent zone and improve plate settler performance.
Package Systems
Ideal for small flow applications, package units offer a complete pre-treatment solution which includes flocculation, plate settlers and sludge collection in one package. Quick “pipe and power” makes installation easy and reduces cost. Package units are custom built to meet the desired flow needs. One unit can be designed to handle up to 1 MGD, while multiple units can be run in parallel to increase flow.
Pilot Systems
Test a specific water source to optimize the full-scale design. MRI offers two pilot package unit sizes - 110 GPM and 20 GPM. They include flocculation, plate settlers and sludge collection. Plate loading rates can be field adjusted to dial in performance.