Tube Clarification Process, Operating Experiences

Small diameter tubes are efficient sedimentation devices. Flow is passed longitudinally through the tubes with the shallow settling depths permitting substantial reductions in clarifier size and cost. By steeply inclining the tubes, settled solids do not accumulate in the tubes but continuously slide downward. Modules of steeply inclined tubes have been installed in existing basins to increase their capacity 2 to 4 times. Applications to date include raw water clarification, primary, secondary, and tertiary sewage treatment in plants as large as 45 mgd. The size and cost of new clarifiers can be reduced by integrating the tube clarifier concept in the original design.