Thickener - NFT Series
The Nesans NFT Series Thickeners are engineered for high-efficiency solid-liquid separation, making them an essential component in modern wet processing circuits. Designed to handle a wide range of slurry consistencies, these thickeners accelerate the sedimentation process, allowing for the rapid settling of solids and the recovery of clear process water. Their compact footprint and large settling area ensure optimal performance in industries such as sand washing, mineral beneficiation, and construction waste recycling.
At the heart of the NFT Series is a robust rake mechanism that continuously stirs and compacts the settled sludge toward the underflow discharge. This ensures consistent dewatering performance, even with variable feed conditions. The carefully designed feedwell promotes efficient flocculation and even distribution of incoming slurry, reducing turbulence and enhancing clarity in the overflow water. These design optimizations contribute to faster thickening rates and lower chemical consumption.
Whether used as a standalone water recovery system or integrated into a closed-loop plant setup, the Nesans NFT Series helps operators minimize freshwater usage, reduce slurry disposal volumes, and meet environmental compliance.
Applications:
How It Works
The Nesans NFT Series Thickeners operate on the principle of gravity-assisted sedimentation, where solids in slurry are allowed to settle at the bottom of a large, open tank while clarified water overflows from the top. Slurry enters through a centrally located feedwell that slows down the velocity of incoming material, promoting uniform distribution and effective flocculation. This controlled flow minimizes turbulence and enhances the settling of fine particles.
As solids begin to settle, a slow-rotating rake mechanism moves continuously across the tank floor, gently pushing the concentrated sludge toward the central underflow discharge cone. This mechanical action prevents the buildup of solids, ensures even compaction, and improves the consistency of the discharged underflow.
Meanwhile, the clear supernatant liquid rises to the top and is collected through overflow launders positioned around the tank’s perimeter. This clarified water is then reused in the processing circuit, significantly reducing the plant’s freshwater requirement. The NFT Series is designed to handle varying slurry loads and densities, making it a reliable solution for efficient water recovery and solid concentration in a wide range of applications.
Features and Advantages
Specifications
| Model No. | Thickener Diameter (m) | Thickener Height (m) | Underflow Rate (TPH) | Slurry Loading Rate (m³/hr) | Input % Solids (%) | Underflow % Solids (%) | Total Power Required (kw) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFT-6X | 6 | 2 | 12 | 72 | <15% | 25-35% | 30 |
| NFT-10X | 10 | 3 | 30 | 180 | <15% | 25-35% | 40 |
| NFT-12X | 12 | 4 | 40 | 250 | <15% | 25-35% | 55 |
| NFT-15X | 15 | 5 | 50 | 300 | <15% | 25-35% | 60 |
| Model No. | Thickener Diameter (ft) | Thickener Height (ft) | Underflow Rate (STPH) | Slurry Loading Rate (gpm) | Input % Solids (%) | Underflow % Solids (%) | Total Power Required (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFT-6X | 20 | 6.5 | 13 | 317 | <15% | 25-35% | 40 |
| NFT-10X | 33 | 10 | 33 | 792 | <15% | 25-35% | 54 |
| NFT-12X | 39 | 13 | 44 | 1100 | <15% | 25-35% | 74 |
| NFT-15X | 49 | 16 | 55 | 1320 | <15% | 25-35% | 80 |
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FAQs
It works on the principle of gravity-assisted sedimentation. Slurry is fed into a centrally located feedwell, where its velocity is reduced for even distribution and effective flocculation. As solids settle at the bottom, clarified water rises to the top and overflows through launders for reuse.
It is typically placed after sand washing or classification systems. The overflow from washers or hydrocyclones is sent to the thickener for water recovery.
Flow: Washer/Classifier Overflow → Thickener
- Rake arms and drive unit.
- Feedwell liners.
- Underflow discharge valves and pumps.
- Recover up to 80–90% of process water.
- Reduce freshwater demand.
- Minimize settling pond size and maintenance.
- Concentrate slurry for easier handling or dewatering.
Yes. Thickeners are widely used in:
- Silica sand, quartz, and feldspar processing.
- Mineral beneficiation (iron ore, coal, base metals).
- Industrial waste treatment (fly ash, tailings).
The rake mechanism slowly rotates across the tank floor, gently moving settled solids toward the central discharge cone. This prevents solids buildup, ensures even compaction, and provides consistent sludge underflow.
- Feed density: Maintain steady slurry input.
- Flocculant dosage: Adjust based on fines content.
- Rake torque & speed: Prevents bogging and ensures uniform sludge movement.
The clarified water collected through the overflow launders is clean enough to be reused directly in washing and classification circuits, reducing both water consumption and pond dependency.
It produces a dense sludge (30–60% solids, depending on material), which is easier to handle, pump, or further dewater using a filter press.
The feedwell is designed to slow down the incoming slurry and promote proper mixing with flocculants. This controlled flow minimizes turbulence, helping fine particles settle faster and more uniformly.
No. The rake moves very slowly with a torque-controlled drive, designed to handle even heavy slurry loads while consuming minimal power.
Typically, 80–90% of process water is clarified and made available for reuse, greatly reducing the plant’s freshwater requirement.
The rake drive is torque-protected. If torque rises above the safe limit, the system automatically slows or stops to prevent damage.
- Regularly check rake torque and gearbox oil.
- Inspect feedwell for blockages.
- Clean overflow launders periodically.
With proper care, thickeners run for years with minimal intervention.
- Thickener: Faster settling, compact footprint, higher water recovery.
- Settling pond: Large area requirement, slow recovery, frequent desludging.
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