Lamella clarifiers are valued for their simplicity, low maintenance, and ability to handle high flow rates with relatively low energy use. However, they primarily address solid-liquid separation and do not provide biological treatment, making them best suited as a primary or tertiary treatment component when paired with other systems.

Bead filters, by contrast, are a more compact and modular treatment solution that combines mechanical and biological filtration. AST filters use small plastic beads that serve both as physical filtration media and as surfaces for microbial biofilm growth. As water passes through the tightly packed beads, suspended solids are trapped, and biofilm on the beads helps degrade dissolved organic matter. Bead filters offer a compact, efficient solution where space is limited and integrated mechanical-biological treatment is beneficial. The result is a simpler, lower cost solution with a smaller footprint.