Wedge wire intake screen is a specially designed screening equipment, usually used for pre-filtration and impurity removal of liquids or gases, especially in industrial processes that need to handle large amounts of fluids, gases or dust. Its "wedge wire" refers to the shape of the metal wire used in the screen structure, which has a wedge-shaped cross-section and can effectively separate solids from liquids or solids from gases.
The Wedge Wire Intake Screen is a robust and high-performance filtration solution designed for reliable water intake in municipal, industrial, and marine environments. Constructed from precision-welded V-shaped wire and cylindrical support rods, this screen delivers a large open area, high flow capacity, excellent solids handling, and superior resistance to clogging. It is ideal for raw water intake systems from rivers, lakes, seawater, and wastewater channels, serving as a primary barrier against debris, sand, algae, and aquatic life. This protection extends to downstream equipment such as pumps, pipelines, and treatment systems.
Compared to perforated plates or woven mesh screens, wedge wire technology provides consistent slot openings, long-term durability, and minimal maintenance, making it the preferred choice for critical water intake applications worldwide.
High Open Area Ratio (Up to 45%)
Wedge wire intake screens offer an open area ranging from 30% to 45%, allowing maximum water flow with minimal pressure drop. This high open area reduces energy consumption and pump load, significantly outperforming traditional perforated plates, which typically offer only 15% to 25% open area.
Precise Slot Size and Non-Clogging Design
The V-shaped profile of the wedge wire ensures precise slot control, with sizes available from 0.1 mm to 3.0 mm. This design promotes self-cleaning properties, allowing solids to slide off easily under flow or during backwash cycles. The result is reduced fouling and long-term operational reliability.
Exceptional Mechanical Strength and Durability
Manufactured using high-grade materials such as stainless steel 304, 316L, duplex 2205, super duplex 2507, or titanium, the screen resists corrosion, erosion, and mechanical stress. Continuous orbital welding ensures structural integrity even under high flow velocities and turbulent conditions.
Low Maintenance and Long Service Life
With no moving parts and excellent resistance to biological growth, wedge wire intake screens require minimal maintenance. When properly designed, these screens can operate reliably for over 20 years, even in aggressive environments such as seawater and industrial effluents.
Fully Customizable for Any Intake System
We offer complete customization to meet project-specific requirements:
Diameter and length: from Ø100 mm to Ø3000 mm, with lengths up to 6 meters
Slot size: 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 mm (custom options available)
Material selection: 304, 316L, 2205 Duplex, 2507 Super Duplex, Titanium (for seawater applications)
Configuration: vertical, horizontal, drum, or basket-style designs
End connections: flanged, threaded, or welded ends (compatible with ANSI, DIN, JIS standards)
Optional epoxy coating for additional corrosion protection in harsh environments
Environmentally Friendly and Fish-Safe Design
Available with fish-safe slot profiles and low approach velocity configurations to comply with environmental regulations such as EPA 316B and the EU Water Framework Directive. These designs protect aquatic life while maintaining efficient water intake performance.
Municipal Water Treatment Plants
Used as raw water intake screens in rivers and reservoirs to prevent debris, leaves, and suspended solids from entering the treatment process.
Seawater Intake for Power and Desalination Plants
Critical for reverse osmosis (RO) pre-filtration in desalination facilities. Resists chloride-induced corrosion and marine biofouling, especially when constructed from 316L, super duplex 2507, or titanium.
Industrial Process Water Systems
Protects cooling towers, heat exchangers, and process pumps in industries such as petrochemicals, pulp and paper, and food processing.
Aquaculture and Fisheries
Provides clean water intake while preventing fish and larvae from being trapped, making it ideal for fish farm circulation and hatchery systems.
Irrigation and Agriculture
Installed in canal, river, and pond water intake systems for drip and sprinkler irrigation to block sand, weeds, and insects.
Wastewater and Stormwater Management
Used in combined sewer overflows (CSOs), lift stations, and storm drains to capture solids and prevent system blockages.
Precision orbital welding ensures uniform slot accuracy and long-term structural strength
ISO 9001 certified manufacturing with full material traceability and quality control
Fast delivery: standard sizes in stock; custom screens typically delivered within 3 to 5 weeks
Global engineering support for flow rate analysis, slot size selection, and material recommendations
Cost-effective solution with lower lifecycle costs compared to drum screens, traveling screens, or disposable filter bags
We offer a variety of configurations to suit different system requirements:
Vertical Pipe Screens: Suitable for deep well or reservoir intake applications
Horizontal Trough Screens: Designed for open channel installations
Drum Screens: Rotating self-cleaning design with integrated spray nozzles
Basket Screens: Removable cartridge style for easy inspection and maintenance
Modular Panels: Ideal for large intake structures or retrofit projects
All configurations can be integrated with level sensors, automatic backwash systems, or SCADA monitoring for smart operation.
What slot size is recommended for seawater intake?
A slot size between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm is typically recommended to block marine larvae and fine particulates. For optimal corrosion resistance, we suggest using super duplex 2507 or titanium materials.
Can the screen be cleaned automatically?
Yes. When configured as a drum or basket screen, the system can be equipped with automatic backwash nozzles that clean the surface without requiring system shutdown.
How is biofouling prevented?
Biofouling is minimized through a smooth surface finish, proper hydraulic design, and the use of anti-fouling materials such as copper-nickel alloys or protective coatings.
Do you provide hydraulic performance data?
Yes. Our engineering team can provide detailed flow rate calculations, head loss analysis, and approach velocity assessments to ensure optimal screen performance.
Can the screen be supplied with mounting hardware?
Yes. We offer complete mechanical integration, including flanges, brackets, and installation drawings, to ensure seamless field assembly.