Wedge Wire Screens in Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment plants face constant challenges in removing solids, protecting downstream equipment, and ensuring efficient water recovery. Among the many filtration solutions available, wedge wire screenshave become a preferred choice for municipal and industrial facilities due to their durability, precision, and low maintenance needs.

What Are Wedge Wire Screens?

Wedge wire screens, also known as V-wire or profile wire screens, are made from stainless steel wires shaped into a "V" profile and welded onto support rods. This design creates a continuous slot that allows water to pass through while retaining solid particles. The result is a strong, self-supporting structure that resists clogging and delivers consistent performance even under high loads.

Why Wedge Wire Screens Are Essential in Wastewater Treatment

▪ Efficient Solids Removal

The precise slot sizes (ranging from 0.1 mm to several millimeters) allow operators to tailor screens to specific applications, from coarse screening to fine filtration. This prevents unwanted solids from entering pumps, membranes, and other critical equipment.

▪ High Mechanical Strength

Made from stainless steel grades such as 304 or 316L, wedge wire screens withstand corrosion, abrasion, and heavy loads, making them suitable for both municipal and industrial wastewater systems.

▪ Non-Clogging Design

The V-shaped profile ensures that particles are pushed away from the screening surface, reducing the risk of clogging and minimizing downtime for cleaning.

▪ Long Service Life

Compared to perforated plates or mesh screens, wedge wire screens offer a longer lifespan thanks to their welded construction and robust materials. This reduces operating costs and improves system reliability.

▪ Versatility Across Applications

Wedge wire screens are used in a variety of wastewater treatment processes, including:

Primary screening of influent water

Protection of membranes and filters

Sludge dewatering

Grit removal

Tertiary treatment polishing

Types of Wedge Wire Screens for Wastewater

We supply various wedge wire screen filter strainers used in wastewater treatment industries. 

1. Filter Nozzle - Precision Filtration at the Final Stage

Application: Tertiary filtration, media retention in sand and activated carbon filters

Filter nozzles are compact wedge wire elements mounted at the base of filter vessels. In wastewater treatment, they prevent media loss and ensure even flow distribution during both filtration and backwash cycles. 

2. Wedge Wire Water Distributor - Uniform Flow for High Efficiency

Application: Flow regulation in trickling filters, aeration basins, and clarifiers

Water distributors made from wedge wire offer uniform flow distribution across the entire treatment surface. In processes like biological treatment or sedimentation, uneven flow can lead to process inefficiencies and reduced performance.

3. Resin Trap - Protection Against Resin and Media Loss

Application: Safeguarding downstream equipment in ion exchange and tertiary polishing

Resin traps are vital in preventing costly media loss from ion exchange systems or polishing filters. 

4. Intake Screen - The First Line of Defense in Water Inlet Systems

Application: Surface water intake for municipal and industrial wastewater facilities

Wedge wire intake screens are positioned at the point where water enters the treatment plant, filtering out large debris such as leaves, sticks, and aquatic life. Designed for high-capacity, low-maintenance operation, these screens protect treatment systems and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including fish protection standards.

5. Sieve Bend Screen - Gravity-Driven Solids Separation

Application: Pre-treatment and primary screening in municipal wastewater

Sieve bend screens, also known as curved screens, are gravity-fed systems used to remove fine solids before biological treatment stages. Wastewater flows over a curved wedge wire panel, and solids are separated by gravity as water passes through the screen. This simple yet efficient method reduces load on secondary treatment systems and lowers energy usage.

6. Wedge Wire Panel - Modular Screening Versatility

Application: Custom screening in channels, tanks, and overflow systems

Flat wedge wire panels are used as modular screening elements in various parts of a wastewater facility.

7. Coanda Screen - High-Capacity Screening Under Open Channel Flow

Application: Stormwater overflow, high-volume screening stations

Coanda screens are engineered to utilize the Coanda effect, allowing water to adhere to a curved wedge wire surface while solids slide off. They are ideal for handling variable flow rates and large debris loads, especially in overflow systems and stormwater treatment applications.

8. Rotary Drum Screen - Continuous Automatic Screening

Application: Fine solids removal in primary and secondary treatment

Rotary drum screens are rotating cylindrical wedge wire filters that remove fine particles from wastewater. As water enters the drum, solids are trapped on the screen surface and removed by a cleaning mechanism. Common in municipal and industrial plants, rotary drum screens offer continuous, automated filtration with minimal operator intervention, enhancing overall system efficiency.

Wedge wire screen products have become indispensable in modern wastewater treatment systems, offering unmatched performance, longevity, and customization. Whether you're designing a new facility or upgrading an existing one, integrating wedge wire components such as filter nozzles, water distributors, baskets, resin traps, and rotary drum screens will enhance reliability and efficiency.

Contact Information

Email: sales@uboscreen.com

WhatsApp: 86 13653285589

Advantages for Operators and Engineers

For plant operators, wedge wire screens provide peace of mind by offering:

▪ Lower maintenance costs

▪ Higher system uptime

▪ Consistent filtration efficiency

▪ Resistance to chemicals commonly found in wastewater

For engineers and designers, they provide flexible design options and can be manufactured to meet precise specifications, including diameter, slot size, and material grade.

As the demand for reliable and sustainable water treatment grows, wedge wire screens continue to prove their value in wastewater applications. Their combination of durability, efficiency, and adaptability makes them an indispensable part of modern treatment plants.

By investing in wedge wire screening technology, facilities can achieve better solids separation, protect downstream equipment, and improve overall process efficiency - key goals in meeting today's environmental and regulatory standards.