Tube Settler VS Plate Settler

Both tube settlers and plate settlers are sedimentation equipment developed as practical applications of shallow pool theory. There are some differences in their structure, working principle and application.

1. Structural differences

Tube settlers:

Usually consist of closely spaced pipes that are suspended in the pool at a certain inclination angle (usually between 45° and 60°).

The pipes are provided in modular form for easy installation and removal.

Plate settlers:

It consists of stacked offset trays or thin plates with various geometric shapes.

These thin plates are also set in the pool at appropriate inclination angles to enhance the sedimentation effect.

2. Working principle

Tube settlers:

When wastewater passes through the pipe, due to the shape and inclination angle of the pipe, suspended particles are more likely to settle on the inner wall of the pipe under the action of gravity.

As the particles accumulate, they slide down the slope of the pipe and eventually join the sludge layer.

Plate Settlers:

When wastewater flows through the thin plate, suspended particles are also deposited on the thin plate under the action of gravity.

The deposited particles will gradually accumulate and slide into the sludge area.

3. Application Advantages

Tube settlers:

High solid removal efficiency and low clarified water turbidity. Clarified water turbidity is less than 10NTU

The modular design makes installation and removal simple and quick.

Suitable for occasions where efficient removal of suspended particles is required.

The treatment capacity of the water treatment plant can be increased

Plate settlers:

Compact design, space saving, helps to reduce costs.

No moving parts, low maintenance costs.

Simple installation, can be started at full load immediately.

Easy to operate, each thin plate can be removed individually for inspection and maintenance.

4. Potential Problems

Tube settlers:

The tubular module may not be easy to clean and needs to be flushed regularly with a high-pressure hose.

If the pipe is tilted at an improper angle, the sedimentation efficiency may be affected.

Plate settlers:

Although the sheet-shaped modules are easy to clean, solid particles may accumulate if the tilt angle is too small.

After long-term use, algae may grow on the thin plates, causing maintenance and odor problems.

When treating wastewater with a large amount of suspended particles, tube settlers may be more suitable due to their high solid removal efficiency. Plate settlers may be more advantageous in situations where space is limited or costs need to be reduced.

Choosing between Tube Settlers and Plate Settlers:

The choice between tube settlers and plate settlers depends on various factors, including:

Flow rate: Tube settlers are often preferred for higher flow rates due to their better flow distribution.   
Particle size and concentration: Plate settlers may be more suitable for handling smaller particles and higher concentrations.
Available space: Tube settlers can be more compact and may require less space.   
Budget: Tube settlers are generally less expensive.