The AltaFlo Ultra High Rate Thickener is a rakeless thickener that provides mixing, flocculation, internal dilution followed by clarification and positive sludge collection and removal in a single tank. The principles of flocculation have been further adapted to a new design that will thicken slurries at an even higher rate than a typical high rate thickener. The AltaFlo Ultra High Rate Thickener uses unique internal geometry, a deep sidewall and steep conical bottom to achieve an underflow concentration comparable or better than a traditional raked thickener.  As mentioned above the thickener uses internal dilution to help optimize flocculation. In addition, a deep free settling zone and conical feed well results in optimum flocculation. Therefore even with the small diameter, the amount of flocculent required is typically no more than a typical high rate thickener.

Advantages include:

• Rakeless design with no moving parts or wear items

• Internal automatic dilution circuit, which lowers flocculant consumption and improves settling rate

• Small footprint – lower cost of site works

• Generally shorter delivery and commissioning times

• Simple maintenance and process control