ClearFox® Thickener
Sludge Thickening
- High Capacity
- Long Life Filter Cloth
- Low Maintenance
- Plug and Play
Gallery
Description
The ClearFox® Thickeners are used in industrial and municipal wastewater applications to reduce volume and increase solids content. They are the ideal solution for achieving higher dry solids content before further sludge treatment. The ClearFox® Thickener can thicken sludge with a dry solids (DS) content of 0,5 to 3% up to values between 5 and 15% and is designed for volumes of up to 200 m³/h.
How It Works
- The sludge is first continuously fed into a cylindrical screen housing with an internal Archimedean screw. Optionally, a flocculant can be added to the sludge beforehand to bind fine particles into larger flocs. Inside the screen housing, the screw conveyor slowly moves the sludge toward the discharge end. Excess water is drained to the outside through a surrounding filter cloth. The solids remain inside and are compacted as they move through the unit. An automatic rinsing system keeps the durable filter cloth clean and permeable. The thickened sludge is collected at the end of the unit and transferred to the next treatment steps.
The system operates fully automatically, and all relevant parameters can be adjusted via a control display. Optional remote monitoring with remote access allows real-time status checks and convenient adjustments from a distance.
Advantages
- High-Efficiency Thickening
ClearFox® Thickener can increase the dry solids content of sludge from as low as 0.5–3 % up to 5–15 %. This represents up to a tenfold reduction in sludge volume before further processing. By removing excess water at an early stage, downstream equipment such as filter presses, decanters, or dryers can be smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient.
- Long Life Filter Cloth
The polyester filter cloth is securely fixed to the screw, meaning it experiences minimal mechanical wear. This results in a long service life and reduced replacement frequency. An automatic wash system keeps the filter clean and fully permeable, further reducing manual cleaning requirements and downtime.
- Adjustable Process Control
The integrated Archimedean screw inside teh rotating drum allows precise control over the thickening process. By adjusting the screw’s rotation speed, operators can optimise the retention time and achieve the desired solids concentration for different sludge types. This flexibility ensures stable operation and consistent output quality with varying feed conditions.
- Fully automated
ClearFox® Thickener is available with a control panel, integrated wash pump and optional protective covers, allowing for fully automated and safe operation. It can be integrated into both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes and serves as an ideal pretreatment stage before dewatering or stabilisation.
- Low CapEx and OpEx
Compared to the traditional thickening methods such as gravity thickeners, belt presses or decanter centrifuges, ClearFox® Thickener offers a modern, compact and economical alternative. Lower installation requirements, reduced footprint and lower energy consumption contribute to significant savings in both capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs.
Videos
Specifications
| ½ Lamella clarifier module | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions: (l, w, h) / ½ module (m) | 1,35 x 2,10 x 2,57 |
| Footprint: (m²) | 2,8 |
| max. transport weight: (kg) | 400 empty |
| Max. operating weight: (kg) | 8000 filled with water |
| Max. Flow rate | 9 m³/hr |
Downloads
Reference Projects
FAQs
1. What is a thickener and how does it work?
The ClearFox® Thickener is a sludge thickening system designed to reduce sludge volume and increase dry solids content. By removing excess water at an early stage, it reduces operating costs and makes downstream processes like dewatering, drying, or disposal more efficient.
2. For what applications is a thickener suitable?
It is suitable for:
- Municipal wastewater treatment plants
- Industrial treatment (e.g. food, textiles, paper, plastic recycling)
3. How does the ClearFox® Thickener work?
Sludge is fed into a cylindrical screen with an internal screw. The screw slowly conveys the sludge while excess water drains through a filter cloth. Solids are compacted as they move forward, and an automatic washing system keeps the filter cloth clean and permeable. The thickened sludge is collected at the end of the unit.
4. What sludge concentration can be achieved?
The system can thicken sludge with a dry solids content of 0.5–3% up to 5–15%.
5. What capacities can the system handle?
The ClearFox® Thickener is designed for sludge volumes of up to 200 m³/h, making it suitable for both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
6. What are the main advantages of the ClearFox® Thickener?
Significant volume reduction and higher dry solids content
Lower costs for sludge disposal and further treatment
Compact design and low energy consumption
Automatic cleaning system for low maintenance
Long service life due to durable filter cloth
7. Is the operation fully automatic?
Yes. The ClearFox® Thickener is available with a control panel, automatic wash pump, and optional protective covers. This allows for safe, fully automated operation with minimal operator intervention.
