Performance Monitoring
KPIs & trends
Tracking a handful of key indicators tells you whether a plate settler is performing to design — and gives early warning when conditions drift.
Performance Monitoring
The most important indicator is effluent quality: TSS and turbidity leaving the unit. Both should stay within the design target across the full range of operating flows. A steady rise, even within limits, is an early sign of fouling, overloading or distribution problems.
Hydraulic loading matters too. Every plate settler is designed for a surface loading rate — typically 1.5–3.5 m/h based on projected plate area. Running above the design rate reduces settling efficiency and causes carryover. Monitoring flow against the design envelope keeps operation in the safe range.
Sludge blanket level, underflow solids concentration and coagulant/flocculant dose (where used) round out the picture. Together these show whether solids are being captured, thickened and removed at the right rate.
Where instrumentation is available, online turbidity and flow sensors allow continuous trending and alarms. For smaller installations, a simple daily log of grab-sample turbidity and flow is enough to spot problems early.
Recommended Frequency
Monitoring Workflow
Measure effluent TSS/turbidity
Sample the overflow and compare against the design target. Trend the values over time.
Track flow vs. design
Compare actual flow with the design surface loading rate. Flag sustained overloading.
Log sludge blanket
Record blanket level and underflow solids to confirm solids are being removed.
Review coagulant dose
Where chemical dosing is used, correlate dose with effluent quality to optimise performance.
Need service or spare parts?
R+F supplies spare plate packs, replacement components and scheduled maintenance support for plate settler and lamella clarifier systems.