AltaFlo™ Ultra High-Rate Thickeners / Clarifiers
The PHOENIX AltaFlo™ Thickener is a rake-less thickener that provides ultra high-rate mixing, flocculation, and internal dilution followed by clarification and positive sludge collection and removal in a single tank. The Thickener's unique internal geometry, a deep sidewall and steep conical bottom provides underflow concentration comparable to or better than a traditional raked thickener. Internal dilution helps optimize flocculation and a deep free settling zone and conical feed well achieves maximize flocculation. In addition, the AltaFlo™ Thickener uses sedimentation technology to maximize the recovery rate of clean, clarified overflow water that can be recycled and reused in the process.
AltaFlo™ slurry thickeners are available in several sizes, general or seismic design, with options including local control panel, bed level sensor and pressure transmitter.
For complete elimination of the slurry pond, a PHOENIX Belt Filter Press or Filter Press may be added downstream of the AltaFlo™ Thickener to dewater the thickened slurry.
AltaFlo™ slurry thickeners are available in several sizes, general or seismic design, with options including local control panel, bed level sensor and pressure transmitter.
For complete elimination of the slurry pond, a PHOENIX Belt Filter Press or Filter Press may be added downstream of the AltaFlo™ Thickener to dewater the thickened slurry.
Features & Benefits
- Thickener design provides water clarification while thickening slurry from wash plants
- High underflow solids for reduced or eliminated slurry pond storage area
- Low installed cost for minimal capital investment
- Internal dilution and settling zone provides optimum, efficient flocculation
- Small footprint requires little space and provides lower installation cost
- Deep sidewall & steep conical bottom provides consistently thick underflow
- Rake-less design with no moving parts requires little to no mechanical maintenance
Feed Dilution
Solids flow down and consolidate while excess water is released.
Feed & Coagulant Mixing Zone
Slurry and coagulant are mixed.
Feed
Feed enters the annular feed well.
Free Settling Zone
Slurry sinks, solids settle out, water enters clear water zone, coarse conglomerates sink & smaller particles enter cone.
Hindered Settling Zone
Settling solids fluidized by displaced water. This water is removed by the dewatering cones.
Compaction Zone
Solids flow down, consolidate & compact, excess water is released.
Underflow
Underflow is consistently thick.
Floating Floc Bed
Clear water rises past the feed cone resulting in a floating floc bed to ensure clear overflow.

Process Technologies
- Thickening & Clarification
- Dewatering & Liquid-Solid Separation