[ Product listing ](/en/solutions/technologies " Product listing") #### For preliminary wastewater, stormwater and surface water treatment, perforated stainless steel screen panels are carried on heavy-duty chains and incorporate holes of 6 millimeters (mm) (¼ inches ('')) or 3 mm (⅛ '') diameter for fine screening processes in any direction. [Contact an expert](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact) [Overview](#1) [Applications](#2) [Services](#3) [Resources](#4) [Contact](#5) [Case Studies](#6) ## Overview Escalator addresses the critical challenge of effective suspended solids removal in the initial stages of [wastewater](/en/applications/municipal-wastewater "Municipal wastewater treatment"), [stormwater,](/en/applications/stormwater-management "Stormwater management") and surface water treatment. The screening process is the first step to remove large debris and suspended solids before they undergo further treatment. It prevents damage to equipment, reduces the load on downstream processes, and enhances the efficiency of subsequent treatment stages. ### How does Escalator work? Three key stages that underpin its effective suspended solids removal: **Screenings capture** The fine screening removal, using smaller openings of 6 millimeters (mm) (¼ inches ('')) or less gives fine screening in any direction and captures finer particles that might still be in the wastewater or stormwater, such as small pieces of paper, food particles, sand, fibrous, elongated material and other suspended solids. Fine screens reduce the need for further grit removal and reduce downstream equipment damage while allowing water to flow through. **Self-cleaning mechanisms** To prevent clogging of accumulated suspended solids, high-speed rotating brushes and a spray wash clean suspended solids from the perforated panels continuously, allowing smooth system operation and maintenance. **Collected material de-watering and removal** The fine screen directs the removed suspended solids material (known as screenings) to a discharge chute and dewatering compactor and is then disposed of. This minimizes the volume of waste, making disposal more manageable. [Do you have a question about this technology? Ask an expert.](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.com/en/contact) ![Escalator unit](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/media/public/image/2025/01/Escalator.png.webp?itok=dka7Y23i) ## Features and benefits Escalator offers durability and adaptability, with improved functionality and user-friendly maintenance. **Robust and versatile solution** - Versatile for wastewater, stormwater and surface water applications. - Heavy-duty, stainless steel, construction. - Intermediate internal grid supports. - Industry-leading tight-tolerance construction. **Enhanced performance and ease of maintenance** - Positive sealing at the foot via double full-width brushes and neoprene sealing flap. - Superior cleaning with a combined spray wash and mechanical high-speed brush. - All maintenance from the operating floor. **Innovative design and expert support** - Pivoting design available. - Comes with applications engineering, support and service, as standard. ## Applications [ ![Two workers wearing helmets, masks and gloves in a wastewater treatment plant. © Médiathèque VEOLIA - Jérôme Sevrette / ANDIA](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/05/VEOLIA_StJeanLaPoterie_JeromeSevrette_Andia_52.jpg.webp?itok=HYuWBupL) ](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") [Industrial wastewater treatment](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") Technologies, services and process expertise to meet environmental requirements, remove contaminants and transform wastewater into a resource. [Read more](/en/applications/industrial-wastewater-treatment "Industrial wastewater treatment") [ ![](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2023/04/Municipal-wastewater.jpg.webp?itok=Kq3O3Wjb) ](/en/applications/municipal-wastewater "Municipal wastewater treatment") [Municipal wastewater treatment](/en/applications/municipal-wastewater "Municipal wastewater treatment") Optimized management of effluents and wastewater. [Read more](/en/applications/municipal-wastewater "Municipal wastewater treatment") [ ![stormwater content push picture](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2022/06/RAMSES%2005%20copie.jpg.webp?itok=ZH4zM7md) ](/en/applications/stormwater-management "Stormwater management") [Stormwater management](/en/applications/stormwater-management "Stormwater management") Solutions for the control, interception and clarification of stormwater [Read more](/en/applications/stormwater-management "Stormwater management") [ ![](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2019/05/Drinking-Water-Push.jpg.webp?itok=xjZNQDap) ](/en/applications/drinking-water "Drinking Water") [Drinking Water](/en/applications/drinking-water "Drinking Water") Municipal drinking water systems and management of surface and ground water. [Learn more](/en/applications/drinking-water) ## Services [ ![Hubgrade make your ressources smarter banner ](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/content_push_teaser/public/image/2021/12/210394_VWT_CORPOC_HUBGRADE_web_banner_1542x528.jpg.webp?itok=WzQfipvd) ](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade digital solutions") [Hubgrade digital solutions](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions "Hubgrade digital solutions") A combination of digital tools and Veolia expertise that make all your water processes smarter, safer and more sustainable. [LEARN MORE](/en/hubgrade-digital-solutions) ## Resources [PDF Escalator™ - Fine Screen (585.62 KB) ](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/document/2025/01/BR%20Mun%20John%20Meunier%20Escalator%20EN.pdf) ## Contact By efficiently capturing debris ranging from large objects to fine particles, this technology not only enhances overall treatment efficiency but also contributes to ecological transformation by minimizing waste volume and improving the quality of treated water returned to the environment. ![Aurélien Pauléat picture](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/default/public/image/2025/01/Aur%C3%A9lien-Paul%C3%A9at.jpg.webp?itok=jnNg9AuZ) #### Aurélien Pauléat, P.Eng. Equipment Tender Director - VWT Canada **Contact Aurélien through his** [**LinkedIn account**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aur%c3%a9lien-paul%c3%a9at-0649b742/?originalSubdomain=ca) ## FAQ about Escalator™ ### Why is preliminary screening important in wastewater and stormwater treatment? Preliminary screening is vital in any wastewater and stormwater treatment as it removes large debris and suspended solids that can damage equipment, clog pipes and disrupt downstream processes. By intercepting these materials early, screening reduces maintenance needs, improves efficiency and system reliability, and protects more delicate secondary treatment stages like biological and chemical processes — extending the life of treatment infrastructure and ensuring proper operation and maintenance. Effective screening also minimizes the risk of harmful substances entering natural water bodies, supporting public health and environmental safety. ### What are Escalator's credentials over other brands operating in the market? The Escalator can readily be installed in new or existing channels with a minimum of civil alterations. With over 1,100 units in service around the world, the Escalator fine screen is a proven, reliable technology for suspended solids removal in wastewater and stormwater treatment. Sold since 2001 in North America, the Escalator screen and other manufacturers’ units were evaluated at the Chester-Le-Street STP, Co Durham UK. These tests demonstrated that for all inclined screens tested, the Escalator fine screen has the highest solids capture ratio (SCR) in the static mode (off-mode). Other tests also determined that Escalator is over 97% efficient in limiting solids carry over thus significantly reducing the amount of traceable solids in the effluent. ## Case Studies ![](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/show_case_card/public/image/2025/01/Cape-Breton-case-study.jpg.webp?itok=1T1eXuGF) Canada Cape Breton Regional Municipality - Wastewater treatment The Battery Point wastewater treatment plant in Sydney, Nova Scotia, was built after The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) created a Sydney Harbour clean-up program following concerns and studies showing very poor environmental quality in the harbour. One of the sources of contamination was due to untreated sewage run-off. Reducing and removing contaminants from the wastewater was the main purpose of this construction in 2004. The new equipment, including one Escalator, had to be completely retrofitted into the existing channel to replace the grinder and the screen as the existing equipment was resulting in frequent maintenance of downstream equipment. ![](/sites/g/files/dvc3601/files/styles/show_case_card/public/image/2025/01/Kitchener-case-study.jpg.webp?itok=enXsMbSP) Canada City of Kitchener - Wastewater treatment The City of Kitchener’s wastewater treatment plant, in Ontario, required a new headworks system, including four Escalator systems, as part of a general upgrade strategy. This was originally identified in the region’s 2007 wastewater master plan that provided strategic long-term planning for the region’s wastewater treatment services. This was to accommodate future population growth, meet the level of treatment needs, enhance operations and reduce energy use. The project was designed to reduce odours, further improve effluent quality and increase the efficiency and reliability of the wastewater treatment plant. ## Technologies related to Escalator™