Settling the debate- an analysis on coalescing/lamella media

A key contributor to the efficiency of any settlement tank, lamella clarifier or water treatment system is the integral media used to aid settlement. Here we explore the various types of media, their characteristics and suitability to evaluate which media yields the best results, ultimately helping you to choose the best solution.

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What is coalescing/lamella media?

Coalescing and lamella media are separation technologies, usually plates or packs, designed to extract various substances from liquids, like removing oil from water or separating suspended solids from wastewater.

Both coalescing and lamella media are typically composed of PVC plastic or stainless steel . At Kelly Tanks we opt for PVC plastic as it is more adaptable as well as being easier to handle, install/remove and clean.

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How is this media configured?

Typically there are two types of settler's that these media types can be configured in, a tube settler or a plate settler. This is what separates us from the competition. Whilst most alternatives are using a plate configuration, at Kelly Tanks we have opted for a tube settler, and here's why..

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The science of settlement

The key scientific process in the settlement of suspended solids is sedimentation. This is the process in which suspended solids are settled out of waste water by gravity. However, the speed in which this process takes place is determined by the distance of the suspended solid particles settling path. To decrease the settling path of suspended solid particles, multiple layers need to be added, and these layers must be inclined. This is to prevent solid build-up and clogging by allowing the solids to slide to the bottom of the tank where the sludge can be discharged.

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So what is the perfect angle?

If the layer slope is too small, solids don't slide down which, as aforementioned, leads to clogging and solid build-up. However, if the layer slope is too large, the suspended solids particles settling path is increased, and the clarifier has a loss of capacity as less solids will settle out. The ideal angle of the layer slopes is from 55-60°.

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So what makes tubes better than plates?

Any clarifier, settlement tank or water treatment system needs a consistent flow to avoid the flow short-circuiting. At Kelly Tanks, our coalescing/lamella media is configured into tubes as this, as well as our chevron shaping, creates an equal flow distribution, so that flow rate is consistent. Tube settlers are better at equally distributing flow as it consists of a higher number of smaller channels, with water being split between each channel resulting in similar flow velocities. This is further enhanced by the chevron shaping of our media which has been designed to create an equidistant flow.

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Our secret to supporting your silt settlement when things get cagey

Our media is placed inside a stainless steel cage, this means the whole set of media can be easily lifted out of the WTS system. This is hugely beneficial as it means that the media can be flipped, this is used when the system is being operated at the high end of its flow rate capacity to reduce agitation and therefore reducing turbulence inside the system. In addition to this, the removal of the media cage from the tank allows for easier cleaning and maintenance of the media.

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The science behind the media, broken down by Kelly Tanks as part of our mission to make water treatment on construction sites simpler. With our huge range of innovations and bespoke systems, we are sure to have the solution for your water treatment issues.

Get in touch today to see how we can help.