Tube Settlers
Vorex Water PP tube settlers are manufactured from virgin polypropylene with UV stabilizers, offering superior chemical resistance and impact strength compared to standard PVC media. They are designed for the sedimentation stage of water and wastewater treatment — commonly installed in primary and secondary clarifiers, power plant wastewater systems, and industrial effluent treatment plants.
The 60° inclined tube design is based on the shallow sedimentation theory: by reducing the settling distance to just a few inches, the effective settling area is multiplied, allowing for a compact footprint without sacrificing treatment performance.
What Is a Tube Settler?
A tube settler (also called lamella settler media or inclined tube clarifier media) is a modular block of small-diameter inclined tubes installed in a sedimentation tank or clarifier. Each tube acts as a miniature settling basin: as water flows upward through the inclined channel, suspended solids settle onto the lower tube wall and slide back down into the sludge hopper under gravity. The clarified effluent exits from the top.
The principle is based on the shallow sedimentation theory — reducing the vertical settling distance from meters (in a conventional clarifier) to just a few centimeters (the tube diameter) dramatically reduces the time required for particles to reach a settling surface. This allows the same clarifier to handle 2–4× the hydraulic loading rate, or achieve better effluent quality at the same flow.
Typical performance: Tube settlers can achieve 70–90% TSS removal in properly designed systems, with hydraulic loading rates of 0.5–2.5 m³/m²·h depending on influent characteristics and tube geometry.
Where they fit in the treatment process:
- Primary treatment: Pre-settling before biological stages — removes grit and coarse solids
- Secondary clarification: Post-biological separation of biomass from treated effluent
- Tertiary / polishing: Final TSS removal before discharge or reuse
- Raw water clarification: Pre-treatment for surface water intake in industrial process water
Product Range & Specifications
| Model | A (mm) | B (mm) | C (mm) | D — Inner Ø (mm) | Material | Service Life | Surface Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VX-TS-25PP | 30 | 20 | <20 | ø25 | PP + UV | 5–10 years | >95 m²/m³ |
| VX-TS-35PP | 40 | 20 | <20 | ø35 | PP + UV | 5–10 years | >95 m²/m³ |
| VX-TS-50PP | 60 | 28 | <30 | ø50 | PP + UV | 5–10 years | >95 m²/m³ |
| VX-TS-80PP | 80 | 35 | <45 | ø80 | PP + UV | 5–10 years | >95 m²/m³ |
Standard specifications:
- Inclination angle: 60° (standard for self-cleaning sludge sliding)
- Gravity: 0.92 g/cm³
- Length: 1000 mm (standard) / 1500 mm available on request
- Color: White, black (UV-stabilized)
- Packaging: Strapped bundles or shrink-wrapped pallets for export
PP vs PVC — When to Choose Polypropylene
| Property | PP (Polypropylene) | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Operating Temperature | 80°C | 60°C |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent — resists acids, alkalis, solvents | Good — susceptible to some solvents |
| Impact Resistance | Higher — less brittle under shock loading | Moderate — can crack under impact in cold weather |
| UV Stability (with stabilizer) | Good | Good |
| Density | 0.90–0.92 g/cm³ | 1.30–1.45 g/cm³ |
| Relative Cost | $$ | $ |
| Best For | Industrial wastewater, high-temperature effluent, chemical processing, power plants | Municipal water & wastewater, standard temperature applications |
PP vs PVC — When to Choose Polypropylene
| Property | PP (Polypropylene) | PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Operating Temperature | 80°C | 60°C |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent — resists acids, alkalis, solvents | Good — susceptible to some solvents |
| Impact Resistance | Higher — less brittle under shock loading | Moderate — can crack under impact in cold weather |
| UV Stability (with stabilizer) | Good | Good |
| Density | 0.90–0.92 g/cm³ | 1.30–1.45 g/cm³ |
| Relative Cost | $$ | $ |
| Best For | Industrial wastewater, high-temperature effluent, chemical processing, power plants | Municipal water & wastewater, standard temperature applications |
Categories
Need PP Tube Settlers for Your Project?
Tell us your clarifier dimensions, target flow rate, and water characteristics. We’ll recommend the right model and configuration, with a quote within 24 hours.
FAQ: Common Questions About Tube Settlers
What is the standard length?
Standard is 1000 mm per block. 1500 mm is available on request for deeper basins.
How are the blocks installed?
Tube blocks are lowered into the basin and placed onto the support structure starting from the lowest point, working upward. Adjacent blocks are butted tightly; no mechanical fastening is typically required as the weight of the blocks holds them in place once submerged.
How often do they need cleaning?
Cleaning frequency depends on influent TSS and biological activity. Typical intervals range from 6 months to 2 years. Cleaning is done by lowering the water level and rinsing with a low-pressure hose.
What is the MOQ?
Standard models typically ship within 2–4 weeks. Contact us with your quantity and we’ll confirm lead time and pricing.