Solids Processing
Solids that have settled throughout the treatment process contain too much water to be immediately disposed of. They must be processed further, using a method called dewatering, where water is removed from the sludge.
Before removing water from the sludge, polymer is added to it. Polymer aids in dewatering; it causes the solids to "stick" together, making it easier to for the water to be removed. The sludge enters the screw press (one of many means of separating sludge), and water is squeezed out using an auger. The water leaves the machine via the screen and is returned back to the treatment process. The solids are hauled off-site for disposal.
Fats, oil, and grease buildup can cause serious issues when dewatering sludge. Grease interferes with the polymer and the solids won't "stick" together like it should. Grease also coats the inside of the screw press, blocking the holes in the screen where the separated water leaves the machine. So instead of the water leaving the machine separately, the water is discharged with the solids, driving up removal costs, which is based on weight.
Before removing water from the sludge, polymer is added to it. Polymer aids in dewatering; it causes the solids to "stick" together, making it easier to for the water to be removed. The sludge enters the screw press (one of many means of separating sludge), and water is squeezed out using an auger. The water leaves the machine via the screen and is returned back to the treatment process. The solids are hauled off-site for disposal.
Fats, oil, and grease buildup can cause serious issues when dewatering sludge. Grease interferes with the polymer and the solids won't "stick" together like it should. Grease also coats the inside of the screw press, blocking the holes in the screen where the separated water leaves the machine. So instead of the water leaving the machine separately, the water is discharged with the solids, driving up removal costs, which is based on weight.
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