BELT THICKENER

1 PURPOSE

Thickening is performed to remove significant amount of water from sludge. For example, Sludge at 1%
solids if thickened to 5% solids, has been reduced in volume by approx. 80%. This increases the SRT in a
subsequent digester by a factor of 5 to digestion without thickening. Thickening, therefore, reduces the
overall costs of sludge processing and handling. Belt thickener works on the principle of separating liquid
from solids by gravity drainage through a porous filter belt.

2 DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The thickener process begins with a sludge polymer mixing valve which ensure polymer is evenly
distributed in the sludge before it enters the distribution box. From distribution box, Sludge is evenly spread
over a continuously moving porous belt over an area called gravity deck. Several rows of plows on the
surface of the gravity deck repeatedly split the flow which speeds up the release of water from the sludge
water drain through the belt into the pan below the belt.
Sludge at the end of the gravity deck is forced up an inclined ramp causing it to roll back onto itself thus
giving it a more retention time and to release further water. Thickened sludge exits into collection trough
and is transported to its destination.
Doctor blades scrape the surface to remove remaining solids. A high pressure spray bar completes the
cleaning to ensure water flows freely through.
The belt thickener is very easy to use and has low power and maintenance requirements it can be fully
enclosed for odor control and for outside installation.

3 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

 No spill design

 Minimum operator input

 Low power consumption

 Low polymer usage

 Low internal volume to minimize costs of odour control equipment

 Cost effective thickening

 Suitable for outdoor operation

 No additional flocculator and mixer requirement

 Higher percentage thickened dry solids

 Higher throughput

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