TETRA® LP BlockTM

Technical Data Sheet

1.0 Summary of Dual Parallel Lateral Theory

The TETRA® LP BlockTM underdrain is a method of creating a false floor in a filter using dual parallel laterals.
The key component of any filter system is this floor. This serves to both support the media and provide the
distribution through the media for successful operation.

There are several different flow regimes that have to be distributed over the full area of the filter media.
Filters have several operations that need even distribution through the filter media. These are:

• Filtration
• Air Scour
• Backwash
• Combined Air Scour and Backwash

Not all filtration systems have all these stages, but the dual parallel lateral can be utilized with any/all of
these as required for the specific application.

The TETRA LP Block consists of two central feeder channels with two compensating laterals. These channels
are parallel to each other and run the full length of the lateral. Control orifices open from the feeder laterals
directly in to the compensating laterals.

Figure 1 - Channel Identification

Flow is admitted through the feed channels and moves through the control orifices to the compensating
laterals. Any unbalanced pressure in the feed channel creates an opposing flow to forming the compensating
lateral giving a uniform hydraulic pressure condition throughout its length. This uniform pressure means the
flow from the distribution orifices during a backwash will be even over the whole floor area.
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2.0 Design Envelope
2.1 Typical Filtration Rate
• Typical design rate 2 to 8 gpm/sf (5 to 19.5 m/hr); can go higher

2.2 Typical Backwash and Air Scour Rates

Backwash frequency is usually set based on head loss but can be based on time for ‘clean’
water.

• Typical backwash water only rate 15 to 20 gpm/sf (36.7 to 48.9 m/hr)

• Backwash water range up to 30 gpm/sf (73 m/hr)
• Typical Air Scour rate 4 cfm/sf (75m3/m2 hr)
• Air Only Scour range 2.5 to 5 cfm/sf (46 to 91.4 m/hr)
• Typical Combined rate 5 gpm/sf water and 4 cfm/sf air (12.2 m/hr water
and 73 m/hr air)
3.0 TETRA® LP BlockTM
The TETRA LP Block is the major component and when connected together they form the filter laterals and
the floor on to which the filter media is situated. They are designed to collect filtered flow and distribute
both air and water during the backwash.

• LP Block Design Criteria
• Material
• Manufacturing Method
• Weight Bearing Capacity
• Overall Dimensions
• Block Installed length
• Nominal Weight
• Special LP Blocks
Dual parallel lateral compensating flow pattern to minimise
maldistribution.
Lightweight and easy assembly are other important design
features.
HDPE
Injection Moulded
0.67 Bar (1400 psi) downward loading spread evenly over surface
0.36 Bar (5 psi) internal loading
37 11/16" x 16 1/2" x 8" (957 mm x 419 mm x 203 mm)
36 1/16" (916 mm)
24.7 lb (11.2 kg) each (approximately)
Flume Block is used for spanning the flume and has suitable
openings in the bottom of the block.

Make-up Block is used where part blocks are needed to make a lateral
length the required size to fit in to a cell and maximize the actual
usable floor area.

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4.0 TETRA® LP BlockTM Components
4.1 End Plates
These are used to seal the end of a lateral to stop grout getting in during the installation.
• Materials HDPE sheet
• Thickness 1/16" (1.6 mm) thick sheet before forming
• Construction Pressed to fit end profile of the LP Block and give good seal
when heat welded on.
4.2 H.I.P.S Bridges
These are used to prevent grout from falling in to the flume during installation.
• Materials High Impact Polystyrene sheet
• Thickness 1/8" (3 mm) thick before forming
• Construction Pressed to a shape to fit between the flume blocks and pre
vent grout falling in to the flume.
4.3 Sealing O-rings
The O-rings are:
• Material Nitrile rubber
• Hardness 50 -55 Shore A
• Diameter 1/4" (6.3 mm)
• Cut length 43.5" (1105 mm)

5.0 TETRA® LP BlockTM Media Retention Plates (MRP)

The Media Retention Plates (MRP) are located on top of the TETRA LP Blocks and held in place by either
appropriate screws or plastic weld material. The purpose of these plates is to support the media, preventing
any media getting in to the laterals – similar to the purpose of support gravels in traditional RGF type filters.
There are two MRP alternatives:
5.1 S PlateTM
This is a single porous layer with an effective pore size of 500 micron.
• Material HPDE (UV resistant)
• Construction Single layer of beads to give 500micron +/- 25% void size
• Dimensions 3/4" x 15 7/8" x 33 9/16" (19 mm x 403 mm x 858 mm)
• Weight 9.25 lb (4.2 kg) each (approximately)
• Bulk Density 38 to 40 lb/cf (0.6 kg/l to 0.65 kg/l)
• Pore Volume 40% to 55%
5.2 B Plate®
This is a two layer (or bi-layer) porous plate with an effective pore size of 300micron for the
top layer.
• Material HDPE (UV resistant)
• Construction Each plate has two distinct layers. The bottom layer will be 500
micron +/- 25% pore size and the top layer will be 300 micron
+/- 20%
• Dimensions 3/4" x 15 7/8" x 33 9/16" (19 mm x 403 mm x 858 mm)
• Weight 9.25 lb (4.2 kg) each (approximately)
• Bulk Density 38 to 40 lb/cf (0.6 kg/l to 0.65 kg/l)
• Pore Volume 40% to 55%

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Design improvements may be made without notice.
Represented by:

Severn Trent Services

Park West 1, Ste. 600, Cliff Mine Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15275
Tel +1 412 788 8300
Toll +1 800 364 1600
Fax +1 412 788 8303
Web: www.severntrentservices.com
Email: info@severntrentservices.com

JUL/10 Copyright 2010 Severn Trent Services

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