Sludge dewatering and thickening
The liquid content of sludge from municipal water / wastewater and industrial wastewater treatment has a high impact on treatment and disposal costs. Alfa Laval supplies a variety of thickening and dewatering technology options, as well as advanced control systems, that are designed for optimizing plant performance and reducing total cost of ownership and maintenance.
Why thicken or dewater wastewater sludge?
You can significantly reduce the amount of waste for disposal and improve treatment standards.
On-site thickening and dewatering is a fundamental part of all current wastewater treatment options to reduce waste volume. This can drastically reduce the costs for transportation, effluent disposal, storage, and drying. Thickened sludge can also be used as digester feed for biogas production or thermal processes.
Mechanical thickening of sludge from primary or secondary clarifiers has replaced gravity tanks as the industry norm prior to digestion or dewatering. Alfa Laval’s sludge thickeners are all available in enclosed designs and have very low maintenance.
To meet every need, Alfa Laval offers a complete range of robust, well-proven technologies that effectively remove liquid from sludge and achieve a high level of dry solids content.
Which thickening or dewatering technology is right for you?
Because not every plant has the same situation or needs, we offer several options for sludge thickening and dewatering. See how each technology compares in the charts below.
Compare sludge thickening options
Note: General comparison only – each sludge is unique and should be evaluated by an Alfa Laval expert to recommend best technology for your process.
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Gravity belt thickener |
Rotary drum thickener |
Decanter centrifuge |
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Footprint |
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Power consumption |
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Maintenance |
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Polymer use |
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Wash water |
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Noise |
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Compare sludge dewatering options
Note: General comparison only – each sludge is unique and should be evaluated by an Alfa Laval expert to recommend best technology for your process.
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Decanter centrifuge |
Belt filter press |
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Capacity |
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Cake Dryness |
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Footprint |
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Power consumption |
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Maintenance |
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Polymer use |
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Wash water |
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Operator need |
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Noise |
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Lab and pilot testing for municipal and industrial water and wastewater
Alfa Laval has a full testing lab to determine the best solution for achieving the sludge thickening and dewatering results you need. Pilot testing also available.
Decades of experience in sludge dewatering and thickening to deliver the process results you need
A trusted partner, every step of the way
Alfa Laval's biosolids dewatering and thickening equipment is rooted in the rich history of Ashbrook Simon-Hartley. The knowledge and experience Alfa Laval has developed in these applications is unmatched and we will be here to help you achieve optimum process results. Thousands of installations around the world provides a database of knowledge on processes that ensures all options are considered when recommending equipment to solve your challenge.
Reviewing your process: Discuss the variety of technology options available and be confident in the final selection for your specific application. We’ll will work closely with you to ensure that the equipment you choose meets your current and future needs, and your process specifications.
Testing your Sludge (if needed): Test a sample of your sludge to determine the best technology and calculate process performance at our fully outfitted separations testing laboratory in Houston, TX.
Supporting your plan: Ensure success in the design, installation, and start-up of your equipment. From providing a budget quote, to discussing a complete turnkey installation, we will partner with you as needed every step of the way.
Servicing your equipment: Partner with our team to ensure that once your equipment is installed, it continues to reliably serve your application. Whether it is routine maintenance, or a complete overhaul or upgrade of a machine, our team of experts will be there to assist.
How can we help?
With industry-leading wastewater technology and expertise based on the experience of thousands of installations, we can help analyze your unique situation and select the optimal equipment model, configuration, and services for your needs and budget. Get in touch by submitting a general inquiry using the contact form below.
Local contacts
Midwest
Chuck Shaw
Regional Sales Manager – Water Separation Sales – Midwest
Email: chuck.shaw@alfalaval.com
Phone: (317) 345-5512
Coverage area: IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, TN, WI
Northeast
Jose Carpio
Director of Sales – Water & Wastewater
Email: jose.carpio@alfalaval.com
Phone: (804) 852-9340
Coverage Area: CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV
Northwest
Roger McKinney
Regional Sales Manager – Water Separation Sales – Northwest
Email: roger.mckinney@alfalaval.com
Phone: (559) 317-8551
Coverage area: WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, CO, NM
South
Marc Arquit
Regional Sales Manager – Water Separation Sales – South
Email: marc.arquit@alfalaval.com
Phone: (713) 882-1286
Coverage area: AR, LA, MS, TX, OK
Southeast
Mark Schlitzkus
Regional Sales Manager – Water Separation Sales – Southeast
Email: mark.schlitzkus@alfalaval.com
Phone: (713) 906-0505
Coverage area: AL, DC, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA
Southwest
Marc Perratore
Regional Sales Manager – Water Separation Sales – Southwest
Email: marc.perratore@alfalaval.com
Phone: (201) 388-8393
Coverage area: CA, NV, AZ, UT
