What is a High Rate Solid Contact Clarifier?

A High Rate Solid Contact Clarifier (HRSCC) is a water-treatment system that combines mixing, coagulation, flocculation, sludge recirculation, and sedimentation in one compact vessel. It uses recirculated sludge to improve floc formation and settling, making it suitable for many industrial water-treatment applications.

How does an HRSCC improve water clarification?

An HRSCC continuously brings incoming water and treatment chemicals into contact with previously formed sludge. The existing solids act as seed particles, helping suspended particles form larger and denser flocs. These flocs settle more efficiently, improving clarification performance.

Where is an HRSCC used?

HRSCC systems are commonly considered for surface-water clarification, industrial water treatment, lime softening, RO pretreatment, DM plant pretreatment, and water treatment applications in sectors such as power, chemicals, food and beverage, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between an HRSCC and a conventional clarifier?

A conventional clarification system may use separate tanks for rapid mixing, flocculation, and sedimentation. An HRSCC integrates these processes into one vessel and continuously recirculates sludge through the contact zone. This can provide a more compact plant layout and promote faster, denser floc formation.

Can an HRSCC be used before an RO plant?

Yes. An HRSCC can be used as part of an RO pretreatment system to reduce turbidity and suspended solids before downstream filtration and membrane processes. The complete pretreatment train should be designed according to the raw-water quality and the RO manufacturer's feed-water requirements.

High Rate Solid Contact Clarifier (HRSCC) for Industrial Water Treatment