Sludge Screw Press
A sludge screw press is a device consisting of a screw conveyor inside a chamber. In this machine, the axial rotation speed is very low, and by compressing the sludge between the screw shaft and the outer screen, water is separated from the sludge. Essentially, a screw press is used for thickening and dewatering liquid sludge that is discharged from municipal and industrial wastewater treatment processes.
What is a Sludge Dewatering Screw Press?
A screw press for dewatering, in its simplest form, separates liquids from solids. It dewaters the sludge through a gravitational process using a slowly moving screw. The screw press features a filtration system that segregates the liquid from the solid. As the liquid passes through the screen or filter, it is collected and can then be reused.
Purpose of Sludge Dewatering Screw Press in Water Treatment
This machine has diverse applications across various industries, including food and beverages, chemical plants, and manufacturing. In the paper industry, it is used to remove water from cellulose fibers. Screw presses are also employed in the food industry to extract alcohol from food products. Additionally, they are used to separate water from waste materials, allowing the waste to be repurposed as animal feed. Focusing on environmental sustainability and efficient use of natural resources, especially in regions with low rainfall, maximizing wastewater utilization is essential. The screw press, by reducing sludge volume through its dewatering process, enhances the efficiency of waste disposal. When installed in a wastewater treatment plant, a dewatering screw press eliminates the need for sedimentation tanks, as it effectively thickens secondary sludge.
How Does the Screw Press Work?
The sludge initially enters a watertight cylinder where a slow-rotating screw, operating at just 5 RPM, is enclosed in a screen with apertures less than 0.5 millimeters, tailored to the type of sludge and the desired dewatering level. The machine’s base is inclined at approximately 20 degrees, which aids in the dewatering process. The quality of the sludge, the screw’s speed, and the filter aperture size collectively determine the final concentration of the dewatered product.
Advantages of Using a Sludge Screw Press:
Very Low Noise and Clean Work Environment
Ability to Concentrate Sludge to 20-25% Solids Content
Very Low Maintenance Costs
Minimal Water Consumption
Equipped with Automatic On-the-Fly Cleaning System
Replaceable Filters to Match Sludge Type
It can be used directly after aeration basins, eliminating the need for thickening and stabilization systems, and leading to overall cost savings in dewatering.
