![Screw Sludge Presses: Key for Sustainable Bioeconomy Waste Management and Resource Recovery The image illustrates a wastewater treatment process including steps such as bar screening, grit removal, primary and secondary clarification, aeration, and chlorination.](/sites/default/files/styles/banner_image/public/paragraph_image_100/Obr%C3%A1zok1.png?itok=3fFhSQtq)
Screw Sludge Presses: Key for Sustainable Bioeconomy Waste Management and Resource Recovery
![Country flag flag](/themes/custom/interreg/images/flags/sk.png)
About this good practice
Wastewater treatment plants ensure clean water by removing contaminants. A key byproduct is sludge, a semi-solid residue rich in organic matter and pathogens, which can cause pollution and disease if untreated. Sludge dewatering equipment is essential for managing this waste, following steps like thickening, stabilization, dewatering, and disposal or reuse.
Sludge dewatering equipment removes water from sludge, a semi-solid residue from wastewater treatment. Using techniques like centrifugation, filtration, and gravity separation, it creates a solid residue for safe disposal, reducing sludge volume and easing management. Essential for efficient, eco-friendly wastewater treatment, screw sludge presses are versatile for both municipal and industrial applications.
In municipal wastewater treatment, screw presses dewater waste activated sludge (WAS) and digested sludge from aerobic and anaerobic processes, handling primary and secondary stages effectively. In industrial wastewater treatment, they serve industries like food processing, chemical manufacturing, and pulp and paper, managing sludge from dissolved air flotation (DAF) and other challenging types.
Benefits of Screw Sludge Presses in Bioeconomy
• Efficient Dewatering: Handles various sludge types, crucial for managing byproducts in bioeconomy applications.
• Resource Recovery: biogas or nutrient recovery
• Low Energy Consumption
• Versatility: Suitable for municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste management
Resources needed
EU funded project with an NFP amount of EUR 351,270 aimed to introduce automation and electronic data systems in production. Additionally, the Support of Innovations project, with an NFP amount of EUR 697,620, aimed to innovate production processes and optimize production capacities.
Evidence of success
The IEA PRESS screw press is highly effective for sludge dewatering, with 40 machine types producing 10-2000 kg of dry matter per hour. In August 2023, tests at three wastewater treatment plants showed dry matter content of 21.5%-26.9%, demonstrating its efficiency. With over 1000 satisfied references, IEA screw filter presses have been delivered to 23 countries, including 17 in Europe, confirming their global success and high performance.
Potential for learning or transfer
Screw sludge presses are highly adaptable for both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, handling diverse sludge types effectively. In municipal plants, they dewater waste activated sludge (WAS) and digested sludge from aerobic or anaerobic processes. In industrial settings, they serve food processing, chemical manufacturing, and pulp and paper industries, dewatering sludge from processes like dissolved air flotation (DAF).
Key Success Factors
• Versatility: Suitable for multiple sludge types and treatment scenarios.
• Efficiency: Enhances overall wastewater treatment efficiency.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Reduces storage and transportation costs by lowering sludge volume.
• Environmental Protection: Produces solid residue for safe disposal, mitigating environmental risks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet sludge disposal regulations.