FLOCCULATION
Sludge is pumped to a stainless steel flocculation tank by a variable capacity pump. Prepared polymer is simultaneously injected to the inlet of the flocculation tank by a variable speed chemical dosing pump. Here thorough mixing occurs aided by a variable speed flocculator fitted in the tank. Speed adjustments are manual.

GRAVITY DRAINAGE AREA
Flocculated sludge flows from the flocculator down a sludge feed chute. This chute provides gentle, even distribution of the sludge over the gravity drainage section and a uniform thickness on the dewatering belt. The drainage area allows for the separation of the free water contained within the sludge and its consequent discharge into the drainage tray. A series of adjustable dewatering plows also aid the dewatering process. The drainage area is sealed by polypropylene skirting that is bolted to the top trays and rests on the filter cloth.

SQUEEZING ZONE
From the gravity zone the sludge travels to the squeezing zone. Here further liquid removal is achieved as the two dewatering belts are gradually brought together and the sludge is pressed between them.

HIGH PRESSURE DEWATERING ZONE
The high pressure dewatering zone consists of a series of rubber covered rollers. The sludge is pressed between the two belts as it travels through this zone. The gradual decrease in the diameter of these squeezing rollers ensures good dewatering and high final cake solids.

SLUDGE DISCHARGE
Dewatered sludge is continuously removed by fixed scraper blades acting against the final rollers and allowed to fall into a horizontal stainless steel conveyor. The conveyor can transport the sludge cake to the outside of the building. Sludge cake can also be elevated with a stainless steel inclined screw auger for discharge to a waste hauling vehicle for off site removal. A dry cake pump can be used as an alternative to the conveyor or auger.

FILTER BELT WASHING
The filter belts are continually washed by pump generated high pressure water sprayed through fine nozzles. Belt wash water and filtrate are collected in a stainless steel drainage tray. In most cases, the filtrate is acceptable as reuse for wash water, as is the final effluent of the W.W.T.P.