Lamella Clarifier Sizing
Sizing the Lamella Pack and Vessel
A lamella clarifier is sized on the same projected-area principle as any plate settler, with additional attention to sludge storage volume, inlet distribution and freeboard.
Lamella Clarifier Sizing
Lamella clarifiers use closely spaced inclined plates (lamellae) to multiply settling area. Sizing begins with the required projected area from A = Q / SLR, then determines plate count, pack dimensions and vessel geometry.
Beyond the plate pack, the vessel must provide adequate sludge storage in the hopper, a quiescent inlet zone, and clear overflow weirs. Under-sizing any of these undermines the pack’s performance.
For continuous operation, the sludge removal system (hopper slope, scraper or pump-out) is sized to the expected solids mass loading so the sludge blanket never encroaches on the plates.
A = Q / SLR ; N = A / (L·W·cosθ)Projected area then plate count — the core lamella sizing steps.
Typical Design
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Key Considerations
Sludge Storage
Hopper volume sized to solids mass loading and desludge frequency.
Inlet Zone
A calm, well-distributed inlet prevents short-circuiting through the pack.
Freeboard
Adequate freeboard above weirs handles surges without loss of solids.
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