Industrial Thickeners: Types, Working Principle, Applications, and How to Choose the Right One

Industries like mining, wastewater treatment, chemical, food, etc., require dependable solutions that can easily separate solids from liquids. This is done with the help of industrial thickeners. 

This guide will talk about industrial thickeners—their functioning, types, applications, etc. Our aim is to let you make an informed choice by the end of this blog.

What Is an Industrial Thickener?

A mechanical device that is used to increase liquid concentration of solids while settling due to gravity is known as an industrial thickener. The remaining liquid rises to the top, and the solid gets settled down. They work differently than filters, as they rely on gravitational settling. This makes them perfect for continuous and high-volume industrial operations. 

Working Principle of Industrial Thickeners

A simple working principle of industrial thickeners is as follows:

The first step involves the entry of slurry into the thickener tank. The next step is purely the work of gravity. Heavier particles get settled down. The mixture then gets separated, and liquid rises at the top, after which it comes out through overflow launders. After that, the rake arms move, and slowly the solid reaches the discharge point. After that the thickened solid that remains at the bottom is taken out either for processing or disposal, and the liquid gets collected. 

Types of Industrial Thickeners

Different industrial applications require different thickener designs. Below is a table outlining the common types of industrial thickeners and their uses.

Types of Industrial Thickeners and Applications

Key Applications of Industrial Thickeners

Industrial thickeners are used across a wide range of sectors:

1. Mining and Mineral Processing

Industrial thickeners are very useful in processes like water recovery and ore beneficiation. They can also recycle the water with ease. 

2. Wastewater Treatment Plants

In wastewater plants, thickeners thicken the sludge before dewatering, considerably reducing the disposal costs. 

3. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries

Thickeners used in chemical industries are used to separate chemical mixtures, which helps in recovering valuable solids and clear process liquids. 

4. Food and Beverage Industry

Thickeners used in food industries are known as food-grade thickeners. They help in starch processing, sugar refining, etc. They are highly beneficial in such industries, as they help in maintaining hygiene and consistency. 

5. Power Plants

In power plants that are coal-based, thickeners are used for slurry dewatering.

Benefits of Using Industrial Thickeners

Whereas the basic nature of industrial thickeners is already talked about, here are some other advantages. 

• Easy solid-liquid separation
• High rates of water recovery 
• Low operating costs
• Undisturbed automated operations
• Sustainable process

All these benefits make industrial thickeners a must in modern industrial operations. 

How to Choose the Right Industrial Thickener?

Here are some of the factors that you must keep in mind while selecting the right industrial thickener:

1. Slurry Characteristics

Think about all the features of a slurry—particle size, density, concentration of solids, and its settling nature. 

2. Required Underflow Density

Not all solids are good for a single process. Different processes require different solid concentrations.

3. Throughput Capacity

The thickener should be efficient enough to handle high flow rates without compromising on the output efficiency. 

4. Space Availability

Consider space limitations. For instance, for smaller spaces, use deep cone thickeners. 

5. Flocculant Compatibility

The thickeners sometimes need flocculents or chemical additives. They are necessary for clumping of solids and are used in processes like wastewater treatment. 

6. Maintenance and Operating Costs

Always look for thickeners that are easy to maintain and give a good ROI. 

Industrial Thickeners vs Other Solid–Liquid Separation Equipment

Here is a quick comparison between industrial thickeners and other similar equipment.

• Industrial thickeners can easily handle large volumes of water. 
• Industrial thickeners consume less energy as compared to the other types.
• They are simpler to operate. 
• They offer greater cost-effective solutions.
   

Tip: For better results, they can also be used with dewatering equipment. 

Future Trends in Industrial Thickener Technology

The increasing environmental regulations and sustainability have led modern thickeners in the direction of: 

• Higher density thickening
• Better rake designs
• Increased flocculency

FAQs on Industrial Thickeners

1. What is the main purpose of an industrial thickener?

The main purpose is to separate solids from liquids and increase the solids concentration of a slurry while recovering clear liquid.

2. Are industrial thickeners suitable for continuous operation?

Yes, industrial thickeners are designed for continuous, high-volume industrial processes.

3. What industries use industrial thickeners the most?

Mining, wastewater treatment, chemical processing, food and beverage, and power generation industries are the major users.

4. Do industrial thickeners require chemicals?

Some types use flocculants to improve settling speed and efficiency, depending on slurry characteristics.

5. How long do industrial thickeners last?

With proper maintenance, industrial thickeners can operate efficiently for 20–30 years or more.

Conclusion

When it comes to industrial thickeners, special attention should be paid towards understanding everything about them if you want an excellent ROI. With a plethora of industrial thickener manufacturers, it becomes vital to choose the one that is compatible with your industrial requirements. Ore Tech industries is one such platform that offers you excellent industrial solutions, including thickeners, snd washers, vibrating screens, etc.

Contact us today for more info. We would love to hear from you.