Many wastewater streams contain suspended solids that cannot be disposed of or cause problems in ‘downstream’ wastewater treatment systems. To remove these solids from the (waste)water Paques developed a compact settling system, the ASTRASEPARATOR^®. The settling system combines compactness with trouble free operation and minimum maintenance. It removes suspended solids in a simple and effective way. 



Advantages of the ASTRASEPERATOR^® 
· Compact installation;
· Small footprint;
· High efficiency;
· Process integrated mixing and flocculation (if necessary);
· Standardized components for all necessary capacities;
· Rigid polypropylene plate packs, resistant against corrosive media

Working principle
The water containing suspended solids is fed (1) into the inlet compartment (2) of the ASTRASEPARATOR^®. It flows downwards into the tank and enters the plate pack at both sides through the inlet slots (3). The plate pack (4) consists of a number of flat plates, which are positioned at an angle. The total settling area and the plate distance are determined by the sludge settling characteristics.
During the upward (laminar) transport of water (6), the sludge settles on the plates (5) and the clean water leaves the ASTRASEPARATOR^® through the outlet duct (7) and outlet nozzle (8). The special design of this duct promotes high settling efficiencies.
The sludge on the plates flows downwards (5) as counter current to the water flow (6). The water inlet at the sides of the plate pack promotes unhindered sludge flow, preventing the accumulation of sludge and possible plugging between the plates. The sludge is collected in the sludge hopper (9), where further thickening takes place. The configuration of the sludge hopper enables a homogeneous sludge discharge (10).


Applications
The ASTRASEPARATOR^® can be used in both industrial and municipal wastewater treatment plants and in drinking and process water schemes.
Some examples are:
· Pre settlement in wastewater treatment systems
· Post settlement of wastewater treatment schemes
· Settlement in physical/chemical plants
· Wash water treatment
· Surface water treatment

Pilot plants
Paques offers a wide choice of units in our ‘rental fleet’ that can be quickly deployed on a trial basis. These prove the suitability of the technology and allow the specific process conditions to be established. Please contact us for more information.