Inclined Tube Thickener

Inclined Tube Thickener (Lamella Clarifier)

The Inclined Tube Thickener—widely known in the industry as a Lamella Clarifier or Inclined Plate Settler—is a high-efficiency gravity sedimentation and liquid-solid separation device. Developed based on "shallow depth sedimentation theory," it provides a massive effective settling area within a highly compact physical footprint.

By utilizing a honeycomb matrix of inclined tubes (or plates), this equipment accelerates the settling rate of fine particles by 3 to 5 times compared to conventional circular thickeners. Because the process relies entirely on gravity, it operates with zero power consumption.

This equipment is critical for water recovery, tailings dewatering, and the concentration of fine rare-metal ores such as tungsten and tin. Beyond mineral processing, it is an essential component for wastewater treatment in the chemical, metallurgical, and building material industries.

Core Advantages & Structural Benefits

• Ultra-Compact Design: A Lamella Clarifier takes up only 1/12th to 1/20th of the floor space of a traditional conventional thickener while offering the exact same settling capacity.
• Zero Energy Consumption: Operates entirely on gravity. There are no heavy motorized rakes or drive units, resulting in zero operational power costs and virtually no mechanical maintenance.
• Modular Assembly: The unit is pre-engineered and can be quickly assembled on-site, cutting construction and installation time by more than 50%.
• High Water Quality: Effectively separates ultra-fine particles, yielding a clear overflow that can be immediately recycled back into the plant's water circuit or safely discharged.

How a Lamella Clarifier Works

The machine separates the incoming slurry into three distinct operational zones:

1. Primary Settling Zone: The raw slurry is fed into the central feed well. Heavy, coarse particles immediately drop out of suspension and settle rapidly to the conical bottom hopper.
2. Inclined Tube Separation Area: The remaining fine particles rise upward with the water flow into the honeycomb matrix of inclined tubes (typically set at a 60° angle). The particles hit the tube walls, coagulate with other particles, and slide down the incline against the upward flow of water.
3. Clear Water Overflow Area: The purified water continues to rise out of the top of the inclined tubes, overflowing the v-notch weirs at the top of the tank for collection and recycling.

Primary Application Areas

• Concentrate Dewatering: Thickening fine, high-value concentrates (Tungsten, Tin, Gold) before filtration.
• Tailings Water Recovery: Rapidly settling mine tailings so the clear overflow water can be reused in the milling circuit.
• Industrial Wastewater: Chemical precipitation and solid-liquid separation in factories.
• Sand & Gravel Wash Plants: Thickening muddy sludge and clay water generated by aggregate washing.

Technical Parameters (TY Series)

Note: The angle and aperture size of the internal inclined tubes can be fully customized based on your specific slurry viscosity and settling requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)