Sludge Management Need

Clarifiers, filters, and treatment processes generate dilute sludge 1-3% solids. High water content creates large volumes increasing disposal costs. Dewatering concentrates solids to 15-30% reducing hauling and disposal expenses.

Hopper Design

Sloped-bottom tank with steep walls preventing bridging. Typically 30-60 degree cone angle. Receives sludge from clarifier underflow, filter backwash, or DAF float. Provides surge storage between intermittent sludge production and continuous dewatering.

Material Construction

Carbon steel with protective coating or stainless steel resisting sludge chemistry. FRP construction for corrosive applications. Sloped design ensures complete drainage. Agitator option prevents settling in long-term storage.

Sludge Pumping

Positive displacement pumps handle thick viscous sludge. Progressive cavity or diaphragm pumps resist solids and abrasion. Variable speed controls feed rate to dewatering equipment. Materials resist sludge wear.

Filter Press Integration

Sludge pumps feed filter press chambers. Pressure 100-225 psig forces water through filter cloth leaving solids cake. Cycle time 2-4 hours depending on sludge characteristics. Automated sequence manages fill, press, and discharge.

Dewatering Performance

Achieves 15-30% solids content in filter cake depending on sludge type and conditioning. Chemical conditioning with polymer improves dewatering. Cake consistency suitable for landfill disposal or further treatment.

Capacity Sizing

Hopper volume provides 8-24 hours storage at average sludge production rate. Pump capacity matches filter press feed requirements. System sized for peak sludge generation periods.

Applications

Municipal water treatment plants, industrial wastewater facilities, clarifier underflow handling, filter backwash solids recovery, and any water treatment generating sludge requiring volume reduction.

Chemical Conditioning

Polymer addition flocculates sludge improving dewatering. Conditioning tank with mixer ensures uniform polymer distribution. Dosing optimized for sludge characteristics and dewatering equipment.

Automation

Level control in hopper manages sludge accumulation. Automated pump start feeds filter press when cycle ready. Press controls coordinate filling, pressing, and discharge. PLC integration enables unmanned operation.

Filtrate Handling

Water pressed from sludge returns to treatment plant head. Filtrate quality typically 50-200 mg/L suspended solids. Recycle reduces overall water consumption.

Performance Benefits

Reduces sludge volume 70-85% cutting disposal costs. Automated operation minimizes labor. Integrated system simplifies sludge handling. Proven dewatering technology.

Construction Standards

Hopper and tanks per applicable codes. Pumps per manufacturer standards. Filter press per equipment specifications. Electrical systems for wet locations. Complete documentation with capacity calculations.

ERGIL sludge hopper and dewatering skids provide integrated sludge collection and volume reduction cutting disposal costs in water treatment applications.