could accelerate the corrosion of the plates. new developments one variation on the standard design of a lamella clarifier being developed is the way the effluent is collected at the top of the inclined plates. rather than the effluent flowing over the top of the inclined plates to the outlet channel it flows through orifices at the top of the plates. this design allows for more consistent back pressure in the channels between the plates and hence a more consistent flow profile develops. obviously this design only works for relatively clean effluent streams as the orifices would quickly become blocked with deposits which would severely reduce the efficiency of the unit. another new design includes an adjustable upper portion of the vessel so that vessel height can be changed. this height adjustment is relative to a deflector, which directs the inlet stream. this design intended to be used for decanting storm water. another design variation, which improves the efficiency of the separation unit is the way the effluent enters the lamella clarifier. standard clarifier design has the effluent entering at the bottom of the inclined plates, colliding with the sludge sliding down the plates. this mixing region renders the bottom 20% of the inclined plates unusable for settling. by designing the lamella clarifier so that the effluent enters the inclined plates without interfering with the downward slurry flow the capacity of the lamella clarifier can be improved by 25%.