Local water and wastewater EPC contractor, WEC Water, has successfully completed a contract for the design, manufacturing, installation and commissioning of a 2 MLD lamella clarifier for a water treatment plant in Eswatini. 

The contract forms part of an upgrade project for the existing water treatment plant which aims to improve water access and quality to the surrounding communities. The clarifier not only enables the plant to increase its throughput but also produces a better quality of treated water. 

The 12 m lamella clarifier complete with an integrated flocculation zone was installed upstream of the plant’s existing sand filters. It clarifies up to 2 MLD of raw river water prior to being fed to the existing sand filters for a further reduction in total suspended solids. The coagulant is dosed upfront to enhance the settling characteristics of the suspended particles.  The clarifier is desludged daily, based on a timer, by opening the automated desludge valve for a suitable duration of time. 

The lamella packing installed inside the clarifier increases the available surface area, resulting in a smaller required footprint compared to conventional clarifiers.  The smaller footprint makes it easier to integrate into existing plants. 

The inclined plate design of the clarifier prevents sludge build up. Its simple operational requirements require minimal operator intervention, reducing costs and enhancing reliability. 

The project took a total of 14 weeks to complete from design to plant handover, meeting the proviso from the client that the project was to be completed before the three-week contractors’ break over Christmas. 

Says Ashly Forster, Project Manager at WEC Water, “A team of 20 worked tirelessly to meet the deadline. Factory acceptance testing and commissioning were completed a week ahead of our schedule, which is testimony of the collaboration of the execution team.” 

Adds Forster, “WEC Water has worked with this client on several water and wastewater treatment projects across Eswatini. The strong partnership has fostered trust from the Kingdom’s water authority in our ability to deliver tailored, high-quality solutions for every application.”