Multi-Disc Screw Press Dehydrators
A sludge dewatering solution that offers high efficiency, real savings and the lowest maintenance.
Multi-disc dehydrators dewater organic sludge by combining mechanical compression with gravity drainage. A screw conveyor squeezes flocculated sludge, wringing the water out through a shell of fixed and moving discs, and delivers a dry, manageable cake that is easier to transport and dispose of, while the separated water can be reused.
Self-cleaning by design
The widening taper of the screw compresses the solids formed in the flocculation tank from sludge or slurry and polymer. The sloped cylinder lets the released liquid run out of the chamber into basins or piping.
Unlike a traditional screw press, the ‘discs’ of a multi-disc dehydrator are moving and stationary metal rings. Together with a replaceable polyurethane scraper they make the machine effectively self-cleaning, which extends its life.
Multi-disc dehydrators serve the food, petroleum, pharmaceutical and wastewater industries, making them a fit for a broad range of dewatering duties. Archer Separation supplies this equipment in partnership with industry-leading manufacturers like HAUS Centrifuge Technologies, and applies decades of experience to optimizing multi-disc dehydrators and other systems for your facility.
Multi-Disc Dehydrator Benefits
Compress sludge into a manageable cake
The multi-disc dehydrator is a screw conveyor inside a shell of fixed and moving discs. The diameter of the screw shaft increases from the feed zone to the solids discharge zone.
Flocculate
Sludge and polymer are mixed in the flocculation tank to form a flocculated sludge.
Drain
Free water drains by gravity between the moving and the fixed discs.
Thicken
As the flights carry the solids forward, the growing shaft diameter reduces the volume and presses out more water.
Press
At the discharge, a pneumatically loaded disc keeps constant pressure on the solids, so only dewatered cake leaves the unit.
The moving discs follow a cycloidal path, riding on the outer edge of the screw flights, which creates a cleaning action between the fixed and moving discs. The machine therefore runs without using much wash water. The result is a thick, manageable cake and clear pressed water.
Dewaters oil and inorganic content
Multi-disc dehydrators handle sludge with high oil content or inorganic substances. Because they rely on a constant mechanical action with little extra processing, most types, concentrations and compositions of sludge are manageable.
Continuous processing
Thanks to the self-cleaning discs, operation is effectively continuous. Low speed, controlled flow and close disc tolerances give a steady output of dewatered cake without constant maintenance, breakdowns or labour. Archer Separation is always ready to help tune these systems, including services performed remotely.
Discs drain the pressed water
The discs fit closely together for effective compression. The gaps between the layered discs let the pressed water drain away into holding basins and beyond, while the cake moves on to discharge.
Wide tolerance of sludge varieties
Constant compression and rotation, with solids and water each leaving by gravity, make the discs very resistant to clogging. This extends the dehydrator to dissolved-air flotation (“DAF”) float, mixed or coagulated sludges and excess sludge from biological processes.
Low power requirements
The screw turns at a low, steady speed, so the unit is quiet and easy to maintain. It is compact and durable, and with just a few small motors it uses less power than comparable equipment, for long-term savings.
Cost savings
Lower energy use, plus a dewatered cake that is cheaper to haul and dispose of than wet sludge, which can bring high disposal fees and penalties. Multi-disc dehydrators address both while supporting sustainable practice, and are a growing choice in industrial dewatering.
Is a multi-disc dehydrator right for you?
If you are looking for a low-cost, low-maintenance way to dewater organic sludge or DAF float (or more), contact Archer Separation about a multi-disc dehydration system. We will help you optimize the equipment for maximum benefit.
How a multi-disc dewatering line fits together
A multi-disc screw press does not need a thickener in front of it. Thin sludge, from waste activated sludge to DAF float, goes from a holding tank to a flocculation tank, where polymer builds a strong floc. The flocculated sludge overflows into the press, free water drains between the rings, and the screw presses the rest into a cake that drops into a bin. Pressed water returns to the headworks, and a short spray keeps the rings clean. Archer supplies the press with the feed pump, polymer system and controls as one package.
Generic flowsheet for illustration. Every Archer system is designed to its own basis; ask us for one drawn for your plant.
Related pages
Sludge Dewatering
Choosing the right dewatering technology for your sludge.
Decanter Centrifuges
Continuous dewatering for larger and harder sludges.
Polymer Systems
Polymer make-down and dosing for flocculation.
Screw Conveyors
Moving dewatered cake to bins, trucks and storage.
ESMIL Group
Disc and screw presses for sludge treatment.
Remote Monitoring
Our engineers watch your equipment and step in early.