Wastewater treatment screens remove solids from influent before treatment, protecting pumps, pipes and downstream equipment. Screens range from coarse bar screens to fine screens, selected by the required opening size and the solids in the influent.
Types of wastewater screens
| Type | Typical opening | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bar screen (coarse) | 15-50 mm | Removes large debris at the inlet |
| Fine screen | 1-6 mm | Removes smaller solids and fibrous material |
| Drum / step / screw screen | 1-10 mm | Fine screening with continuous operation |
How screening works
- Inlet – Raw wastewater flows through the screen chamber.
- Retention – Solids larger than the opening are retained on the screen surface.
- Removal – Rakes, brushes or screw conveyors remove the retained solids.
- Disposal – Screened solids are washed, compacted and disposed of or processed.
Typical applications
- Municipal sewage treatment plant inlets;
- Industrial wastewater pretreatment;
- Pump station and lift station screens;
- Protection for MBR, DAF and biological processes.
Frequently asked questions
What are screens in wastewater treatment?
Screens are mechanical or manual devices that remove solids from wastewater influent before treatment, protecting downstream pumps, pipes and processes.
What are fine screens for wastewater treatment?
Fine screens have openings of about 1-6 mm and remove smaller solids and fibrous material, commonly used before MBR or secondary treatment.
What is a bar screen in a sewage treatment plant?
A bar screen is a coarse screen (15-50 mm opening) installed at the inlet to remove large debris such as rags, plastics and other coarse solids.
What is the difference between coarse and fine screens?
Coarse screens remove large debris at the inlet; fine screens remove smaller solids and are installed after or in place of coarse screening depending on the process.
What is a fine screen used for?
Fine screens protect sensitive downstream processes such as MBR, membrane and biological treatment by removing small solids and fibrous material.
How do I select a wastewater screen?
Selection is based on flow, solids loading, opening size, screening method (manual or mechanical) and head loss requirements.
How much does a wastewater screen cost?
Cost depends on screen type, size, materials and automation. Send your flow and solids data for a preliminary budget estimate.
Do you supply wastewater treatment screens?
Yes. PollutionCtrl supplies coarse bar screens and fine screens for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, integrated with pretreatment systems.
Request a project evaluation
Send your influent flow, solids loading and opening requirement for a screening recommendation.
What is screening in a sewage treatment plant?
Screening in a sewage treatment plant removes solids from influent using bar screens, fine screens or drum screens, protecting downstream pumps and processes, including bar screens for sewage treatment plants.