Sizing & Calculation

Plate Settler Calculation

A Worked Example

This worked example walks through a complete plate settler calculation for a typical industrial flow, from design data to plate count.

Step 1 — Establish the design flow. Assume a peak flow of 100 m³/h with a safety factor already applied.

Step 2 — Select a surface loading rate. For a well-flocculated industrial stream, choose SLR = 2.5 m/h.

Step 3 — Required projected area: A = Q / SLR = 100 / 2.5 = 40 m².

Step 4 — Projected area per plate for 2.0 m × 1.0 m plates at 55°: A_plate = 2.0 × 1.0 × cos(55°) ≈ 1.15 m².

Step 5 — Plate count: N = 40 / 1.15 ≈ 35 plates. Round up and apply engineering margin.

Step 6 — Match to a series: at 100 m³/h an R+F PSH High-Rate or PSX Containerized unit fits. Confirm with an engineering review.

A = Q/SLR = 100/2.5 = 40 m²

Required projected settling area.

N = 40 / (2.0×1.0×cos55°) ≈ 35 plates

Plate count for the chosen geometry.

Design Flow100 m³/h

SLR2.5 m/h

Required Area40 m²

Plate Count~35

Try the interactive Plate Settler Sizing Calculator, or send us your flow and water-quality data for a preliminary sizing at no cost.

Key Considerations

Reproduce this example — and your own — in the interactive calculator.

Always round up plate count and apply a safety factor.

A worked estimate is a starting point; R+F validates every design.

Our engineers will review your application, flow rates, and water quality data to recommend the optimal plate settler configuration.