Dynamic dewatering system

Abstract

A system is provided for the dynamic dewatering of any of a variety of sludges, slurries, or water waters. A stream of material is treated in a series of distinct operations to release free water, draw off additional water through vacuum, and compress the resultant dewatered solids to result in a substantially dewatered material. One or more open cells are used in vacuum dewatering in continuous dynamic operation. The system may be integrated into a packaged unit that may be installed at a operation site, and maybe operated with multiple like units to increase treatment flowrates.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the dewatering of material streams. The present invention comprises an apparatus and an improved method for removing liquid (water) from sludge, slurry or suspension (commonly referred to collectively by the term "sludge"). Considering the specific apparatus, process and method of dewatering, sludge is also referred to herein as influent. Background technique [0002] In many industries, sludge is a by-product of industrial operations and processes. It is often beneficial to separate the liquid and solid components of sludge for reuse, better management or disposal of recovered material (solid or liquid). [0003] It is highly desirable in most industries to be able to dewater sludge economically, efficiently and effectively at high process rates. The dewatered solids need to be dried sufficiently to be able to be managed and meet landfill regulations or be beneficially reused. The effluent (discharged water) often ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Geobags are expensive, labor intensive, have large land requirements and take months to process

[0004] None of the existing devices, methods or technologies provide an efficient and economical solution to the dehydration needs

Images