High Rate Solid contact clarifiers (HRSCC)

Accelerated Clarifier is a high rate treating clarifier, which produces treated water of highest quality with minimum time, space and chemicals. A High Rate solid Contact Clarifier (HRSCC) is an advanced type of water treatment equipment designed to efficiently remove suspended solids and other impurities from water. It combines coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation processes in a single unit, enhancing the overall treatment efficiency and reducing the footprint of the system

The High rate Solid Contact Clarifier (HRSCC) helps to remove suspended solids and brings several benefits compare to conventional systems, which includes low chemical, less sludge generation and low footprint. In Process chemicals and large quantities of recalculating sludge’s are thoroughly mixed and are retained in close contact with each other for a prolonged period of time in the draft and cone sections of the solids clarifier.

The intimate contact between the effluents, coagulant, polymer and previously formed sludge causes the chemical reactions to proceed at rapid rate with minimum use of chemicals.

Furthermore, by contacting the water with the great volumes of sludge in circulation, maximum clarification of the water can be obtained by the adsorptive properties of the sludge or floccules which is formed. This type of clarifier increases settling efficiency due to the increased surface area. Also smaller area is required for installation of such types.

What are the Components and Working Principle of High Rate Solid Contact Clarifiers (HRSCC):

- Influent Well: The raw water enters the clarifier through the influent well, which helps distribute the water evenly across the clarifier.

- Rapid Mix Zone: In this zone, chemicals like coagulants (e.g., alum or ferric chloride) and flocculants are added to the water. Rapid mixing ensures that these chemicals are thoroughly dispersed throughout the water, initiating the coagulation process where fine particles start to clump together.

-Flocculation Zone: The water then moves into the flocculation zone, where gentle mixing promotes the aggregation of smaller particles into larger, more settleable flocs. The design of this zone ensures adequate contact time for the flocs to grow.

-Solids Contact Zone: The water, now containing flocculated particles, enters the solids contact zone. Here, recycled sludge from the clarifier’s sludge bed is mixed with the incoming water. This recirculation of settled sludge improves the efficiency of the flocculation process, as the incoming water is exposed to a high concentration of settling particles, enhancing the agglomeration of impurities.

- Clarification Zone: In the clarification zone, the flocculated particles settle to the bottom of the clarifier due to gravity. This zone is designed to allow maximum settling time and minimal turbulence, promoting efficient solids separation

- Sludge Removal: The settled sludge at the bottom of the clarifier is periodically removed and either disposed of or processed further, depending on the treatment plant’s design and requirements.

- Effluent Weirs: The clarified water, now free of most suspended solids, flows over the effluent weirs and is collected for further treatment or distribution.

Advantage of High Rate Solid Contact Clarifiers (HRSCC):

- High Treatment Efficiency: The combination of coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation in a single unit allows for efficient removal of suspended solids and other impurities.

- Compact Design: High rate solid contact clarifiers require less space compared to conventional treatment systems, making them ideal for facilities with limited space.

- Reduced Chemical Usage: The recirculation of sludge improves the flocculation process, often reducing the amount of chemicals needed for coagulation.

- Improved Sludge Handling: The design allows for effective sludge removal, minimizing operational challenges associated with sludge management.

- Flexibility: These clarifiers can handle varying influent water qualities and are suitable for a wide range of applications, including drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and industrial water treatment.

Application usage / Industry Type for High Rate Solid Contact Clarifiers (HRSCC):

- Drinking Water Treatment: Used in municipal water treatment plants to produce potable water by removing turbidity and other contaminants.

- Wastewater Treatment: Applied in sewage and industrial wastewater treatment plants to clarify wastewater before further treatment processes.

- Industrial Water Treatment: Utilized in industries such as pulp and paper, textiles, and chemical manufacturing to treat process water and wastewater.

High rate solid contact clarifiers are essential components in modern water and wastewater treatment systems. Their ability to combine multiple treatment processes in a single unit results in efficient removal of impurities, reduced chemical usage, and compact design, making them highly effective and versatile for various applications.