Plate clarifier CoMag®

high-speedcircular

Overview
The CoMag® System is a magnetite ballasted flocculation and separation system designed to intensify primary or tertiary wastewater and water treatment. Using high-density magnetite as ballast and targeted coagulants, the system produces dense ballasted flocs that settle rapidly, improving solids separation without the need for filtration.

Process description
The high-density magnetite-ballasted floc is transferred to a modified compact high-rate clarifier equipped with baffle plates and a sludge rake. Approximately 80% of the clarifier underflow is recirculated to the reaction tank. In the recirculation loop, an inline high-speed shear mixer separates magnetite from the sheared sludge. The two-part slurry passes beneath a magnetic recovery drum where permanent magnets capture >99% of the magnetite and return it to the process; the de-magnetized sludge proceeds to dewatering.

Key capabilities

• Effectively reduces TSS, total phosphorus (TP), turbidity, color, pathogens and metals to levels below conventional treatment without filters.
• Enables reduced tank volumes for reaction and solids separation with moderate chemical demand and low power consumption.
• Integrates into existing coagulation/flocculation and tankage with minimal civil work.

Features

• Compatible with circular, rectangular, squircle and inclined plate/tube clarifiers; retrofit-friendly.
• Unique internal underflow recycle from clarifier to process tanks that reduces net chemical use.
• Recirculation promotes sludge densification and enhanced particle capture via improved solids contact and sweeping action.
• Magnetite properties: ~2× density of silica sand; inert commodity iron ore; NSF certified for drinking water; non-abrasive (40–50 µm); magnetically recoverable with high recovery rates.
• Packaged plug-and-play units available up to 300,000 gpd (pilot units offered for scale-up).
• Rapid startup, automated control and suitability for frequent shutdown/restart cycles.

Benefits

• Continuous recovery and reuse of >99% injected magnetite reduces operating expenditure and improves sustainability.
• Robust performance under hydraulic and load shocks without choking or plugging.
• High transmissivity of CoMag® effluent lowers energy and operating costs for downstream purification.
• Fully automated operation with minimal operator attention; core equipment proven in industrial and municipal use.
• Available as packaged plants for municipal and industrial applications.

Certifications
Components and materials comply with NSF certification for drinking water applications.

Technical specifications

• Treatment type: Activated sludge intensification with magnetite ballasted separation
• Clarifier: Modified compact high-rate clarifier with baffle plates and sludge rake
• Underflow recirculation: ~80% of clarifier underflow recirculated
• Magnetite recovery: >99% via magnetic recovery drum
• Magnetite particle size: ~40–50 microns
• Packaged capacity: up to 300,000 gpd (plug-and-play)