Rotary Drum Screens
Automated rotary drum screening for efficient preliminary treatment and solids removal in wastewater applications
Overview
What is Rotary Drum Screens?
Rotary drum screens provide reliable, continuous screening of wastewater to remove coarse solids, debris, and suspended materials before downstream treatment processes. The rotating cylindrical screen design offers automatic, self-cleaning operation that handles variable flow rates while maintaining consistent screening efficiency.
These systems feature a perforated or wedge-wire drum that rotates partially submerged in the wastewater flow. As water passes through the screen openings, solids are retained on the outer surface and lifted above the water line. Internal or external spray systems continuously wash captured material into a collection trough for disposal, keeping the screen surface clean and preventing blinding.
Spans Envirotech's rotary drum screens are engineered with corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction, customizable screen apertures, and robust drive systems. Our designs minimize headloss, reduce maintenance requirements, and provide dependable solids removal protection for pumps, membranes, and biological treatment systems.
Process
Screening Process
Wastewater Entry
Influent wastewater flows into the rotating drum screen, either from the inside or outside depending on configuration. Screen openings range from 0.5mm to 6mm based on application.
Solids Capture
As the drum rotates, water passes through screen openings while solids, debris, and fibrous materials are retained on the screen surface.
Solid Elevation
Continuous rotation lifts captured solids above the water level. The rotation speed is optimized to balance screening efficiency with energy consumption.
Spray Washing
High-pressure spray nozzles wash retained solids from the screen surface into an internal collection trough, preventing screen blinding and maintaining flow capacity.
Screenings Discharge
Washed screenings are discharged via screw conveyor or chute for dewatering, compaction, or disposal. Screened water continues to downstream treatment.
Benefits
Key Advantages
- Continuous automatic operation with minimal operator intervention
- High removal efficiency for fine solids down to 0.5mm
- Self-cleaning design prevents screen blinding and maintains capacity
- Low headloss compared to static screens
- Compact installation footprint suitable for space-constrained sites
- Handles variable flow rates without performance degradation
- Reduces wear on downstream pumps and equipment
Applications
Industries & Use Cases
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