Plate Settler Capacity
What Determines Treatable Flow
The capacity of a plate settler is the flow it can clarify to a target effluent quality — set by the total projected settling area and the achievable surface loading rate.
Plate Settler Capacity
A plate settler’s capacity is not fixed by tank volume but by the projected (horizontal) settling area created by its inclined plates. Because each plate adds effective settling area within a small footprint, a compact unit can clarify flows that would require a very large conventional tank.
Treatable flow is the product of total projected area and the surface loading rate the application can tolerate. Denser, well-flocculated solids settle faster and allow higher loading rates; light or poorly conditioned solids require conservative rates.
Capacity is always stated against an effluent target — a unit rated at a given flow for 30 mg/L TSS may handle more flow if the target is relaxed, or less if polishing to very low turbidity is required.
Q_max = A_projected × SLRQ_max = maximum treatable flow [m³/h]; A_projected = total projected settling area [m²]; SLR = surface loading rate [m/h].
Series Flow Ranges
Free Sizing Check
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
Solids Loading
High influent TSS reduces usable capacity as sludge storage and removal become limiting.
Coagulation
Upstream coagulation/flocculation increases floc size and settling velocity, raising capacity.
Temperature
Lower water temperature increases viscosity and reduces settling velocity, lowering capacity.
Related Pages
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