Sludge Dewatering Processes for Different Wastewater Treatment Applications2194080
Sludge dewatering is the process of removing water from sludge. After wastewater treatment, the remaining material generally has a high water content. This final step in the treatment procedure reclaims much of the liquid.
The sludge handling and disposal procedure is a significant price for wastewater facilities. Improvements to older methods as nicely as revolutionary options are now accessible for treatment plants. Some of these options include:
Belt Filter Presses
This type of equipment has been around for many years and is still considered one of the industry requirements. These systems are simple to operate and familiar to most facility employees but are not the best alternative for containing odors.
Centrifuges
Centrifuges have been significantly enhanced over the lengthy period of time that they have been used in the sludge dewatering process. They are known to be quick (about 3000 rpm), which indicates they require regular maintenance. Still, they are constructed to be extremely dependable and easy to operate. Centrifuges usually produce the driest cake, meaning the most water feasible has been removed. Simply because they are self-contained, the odor control is not a big issue. This flexible piece of equipment handles altering conditions and does well in all kinds of treatment applications.
Rotary Disc Press
This is a relatively new method that entails feeding flocculated material between gradually rotating screens inside each disc assembly. The gear might include from one to six discs per unit. Users like the slow rotation (usually between one and three rpm) and how the entire system is self-contained.
Inclined Screw Press
Similar to the rotary disc press, this system feeds flocculated material into an inclined screw that rotates inside a stainless still wedge wire screen. It also operates at a very slow speed and is self-contained. It uses minimal horsepower compared to other techniques, resulting in lower operation costs.
Horizontal Screw Press
This system is similar to the inclined screw press, but the flocculated material is fed into a horizontal rotating screen. It functions well when higher quantities are anticipated. They have been used traditionally in the pulp and paper industry, and much more recently with wastewater treatment plants.
The correct sludge dewatering gear for a treatment facility depends on a variety of elements such as:
- Sludge quantity and composition - How a lot space is accessible for equipment - How quickly the sludge dewatering must take place - Operator experience and preferences - Odor control preferences - How the sludge cake may be used, such as land applications, landfill disposal, alternative fuels, or extra processing for some other purpose
A professional service should be consulted to assist evaluate the facility's needs to make sure the very best, most efficient system is being used for its particular applications.
