What is an Inclined Plate Clarifier or IPC?

Westlake Environmental Inclined Plate Clarifier

The Westlake Environmental Inclined Plate Clarifier (IPC) is the ideal tool to quickly remove suspended solids from a waste stream. Unlike conventional clarifiers Westlake Environmental uses a series of inclined plates creating a large settling area within a comparative small footprint. The inlet stream is stilled upon entry into the clarifier. Solid particles settle on the plates and rapidly descend into a collection hopper at the bottom of the clarifier. The sludge is drawn off at the bottom of the hoppers and the clean water exits the unit at the top over a weir. By altering the plate spacing (to allow for different solids loading ratios, settling rates, etc.), the Westlake Environmental IPC is able to solve a wide variety of water treatment issues.

Construction of a Westlake Environmental IPC is offered in A36 carbon, 304 and 316 stainless steel materials. Plate pack is offered in polypropylene, 304 and 316 stainless steel materials. Plate spacing ranges from 1” to 2”, 1” is standard.

The Westlake Environmental IPC performance can be improved by the addition of flocculants and coagulants. These additives optimize the settling process which results in a higher purity effluent due to the capture of smaller micron solids. A further advantage of the Westlake Environmental IPC is its distinct absence of mechanical moving parts. The system therefore requires no energy input so there is no opportunity for mechanical failure, which is paramount from a service and maintenance standpoint. This advantage extends to safety considerations when choosing the right equipment.