When it comes to wastewater and groundwater treatment, sludge thickening is an important part of the process. A sludge centrifuge can be used to maximize the concentration of solids, freeing excess water from the biosolids present at the site. This not only helps expedite the dewatering process, but helps provide a more positive impact to water treatment solutions.
Keep reading to learn more about how sludge thickening works, why sludge centrifuges are important, and where to find dewatering services.
Sludge thickening options
Depending on the various needs of the wastewater and downstream process, sludge thickening can occur in a few different ways.
Wastewater sludge centrifuges are one of the more common methods for sludge thickening as they are useful for a variety of scenarios. They are also one of the more compact methods, so many wastewater and dewatering projects prefer sludge centrifuges for their convenience. Although this is typically a quick and easy sludge thickening method due to the use of biosolid separation by centrifugal force, some sludge centrifuges are not an effective solution for removing primary sedimentation.
Instead of utilizing centrifugal force, some sludge thickeners let gravity do the work. Large circular thickening tanks with vertical paddles slowly sift thin solids through denser sludge. Any excess water or thin sludge is eventually removed when the heavier solids collect at the bottom of the tank. There are some limitations to this sludge thickener, as well. Mainly, gravity thickeners are slow and perform better with already activated sludge processes.
Some other sludge thickeners include dissolved-air flotation devices and rotary-drum thickeners. With dissolved-air flotation, sludge is suspended above the water as small air particles attach themselves to the solid materials. Sludge can then be collected from the device and treated for other uses. Rotary-drum thickeners include large, stainless-steel drums with spirals that thicken the sludge into a solid mass. Both the water that flows out and the sludge left behind can then be treated for reuse.
The importance of sludge thickening
Sludge thickeners are important in the treatment of solid waste. They are not only a helpful tool in the treatment of biosolid waste, but they help keep our waterways safe by minimizing the contamination of water waste. Sludge thickening processes are used in municipal wastewater treatment, reservoir and lake dredging, water treatment plans, waste haul-off and disposal, and even mechanical dewatering.
It’s also essential to dispose of or treat biosolid material correctly after thickening. A professional consultant with custom dredging and dewatering solutions can help you recycle or treat biosolid and wastewater safely and appropriately. Skipping the important process of sludge thickening can have lasting effects to the surrounding environment, waterways, and communities.
Contact your local professionals at Diamond T Services for assistance in sludge dredging and dewatering services.