Volute Sludge Dewatering
5th generation clog-free sludge dewatering — 24/7 fully automatic operation handling 2,000–70,000 mg/L influent solids at the lowest energy consumption in its class
Overview
What is Volute Sludge Dewatering?
Volute sludge dewatering units represent the fifth generation of continuous screw-press-evolved technology, designed to overcome the primary limitations of conventional dewatering equipment — clogging, high energy demand, and the need for frequent operator intervention. The core innovation is a self-cleaning volute mechanism: the dewatering channel is formed by fixed and moving rings that continuously clean themselves as the screw rotates, preventing solids accumulation and channel blockage even with highly variable sludge feeds.
The system handles incoming sludge concentrations from 2,000 mg/L to 70,000 mg/L without preconditioning changes, making it exceptionally versatile across biological sludge, chemical sludge, oily sludge, and mixed sludge streams. Polymer conditioning is applied in an integrated flocculation tank prior to the dewatering channel. The complete machine is constructed in stainless steel 304, providing corrosion resistance for long-term service in aggressive sludge environments.
Capacity ranges from 1.0 kg/hr to 1,250 kg/hr of dry solids output, with energy consumption as low as 0.8 kWh per 100 kg of dry solids produced — among the lowest of any mechanical sludge dewatering technology. The fully automatic operation, including polymer dosing control and cake discharge, requires minimal operator attention and eliminates the need for shift-based manual adjustments.
Process
How Volute Dewatering Works
Polymer Conditioning
Liquid sludge enters an integrated flocculation tank where polymer flocculant is added and mixed. Polymer causes fine sludge particles to aggregate into larger flocs that can be mechanically dewatered.
Gravity Drainage Zone
Conditioned sludge enters the inlet of the dewatering channel formed by the stacked fixed and moving rings around the rotating screw. In the gravity drainage zone, free water drains through the gaps between rings under gravity, increasing the solids concentration.
Self-Cleaning Volute Mechanism
The moving rings rotate slowly relative to the fixed rings, continuously wiping the filtration gaps clean and preventing solids from bridging or clogging — the fundamental difference from conventional screw presses that clog and require frequent washing.
Pressure Dewatering & Cake Discharge
Sludge progresses toward the discharge end where the pitch of the screw decreases, building pressure and squeezing additional moisture from the cake. The dewatered cake exits through an adjustable back-pressure plate, with cake dryness controlled by the plate position.
Benefits
Key Advantages
- 24/7 fully automatic, continuous operation — no operator intervention required
- Clog-free self-cleaning mechanism handles sludge variability without interruption
- Exceptionally low energy: 0.8 kWh per 100 kg dry solids — reduces operating costs significantly
- Handles 2,000 mg/L to 70,000 mg/L influent solids without equipment changes
- 1.0–1,250 kg/hr capacity range covers small to large treatment plants
- Complete stainless steel 304 construction for long-term corrosion resistance
- Very small footprint compared to belt presses and centrifuges of equivalent capacity
- Low noise and vibration — suitable for installation in occupied buildings
- Low wash water consumption versus belt filter presses
Applications
Industries & Use Cases
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