Sludge Dryer

Sludge Dryers manufactured by Met-Chem are designed for small, medium and large quantity sludge generators. These dryers can fit under the filter press for direct loading or can be located elsewhere in the plant. The sludge is dried by the heated liner of our unit while it is broken-up and circulated by our spiral blade system. The dryer liner uses indirect heat sources from steam, electric strips or gas fire. Our preheated airflow system draws the moisture off the top of the internal dryer and out through our wet scrubber system. After typically 4-6 hours of drying time (depending upon the type and wetness of the sludge) the dried material is removed by simply opening our discharge panel underneath our units for gravity discharge into a container. Another option is to include a conveyor auger to move the sludge to an elevated container. You have options depending upon your particular space requirements or restrictions.

Our use of and indirect heat provides an even heating surface and allows for tighter temperature control making it less likely to cause the sludge to burn or smolder. It also eliminates the danger associated with an open flame.

Typical payback on a Met-Chem Sludge Dryer varies from about 1-2 years depending upon the specific application and existing hauling costs. A sludge dryer can reduce hauling costs by 50-75%.

Sludge Dryer

Build to Your Specifications

Sludge Dryer Overview and Operation Video

Sludge Dryer Cycles and Stages

Step 1

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Sludge enters the top of the dryer from a Filter Press or Sludge Conveyor. After the Sludge Dryer is filled, the top lid will close.

Step 2

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Heat is applied to dry the sludge, while the augers constantly toss and tumble the sludge for efficient drying. Fumes and small dust particles are processed by the wet scrubber.

Step 3

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The sludge is emptied out the bottom of the sludge dryer with the help of the augers. After the dried sludge has been emptied, the process is repeated.

Sludge Dryer Features and Benefits

Uses low cost steam, hot water, gas fire or electric for indirect heat source
1-6 cubic feet sludge capacities available in our Mini-Series with capacity up to 100 cubic feet in our Max Series
Internal parts are all made of grade 304 stainless steel (316SS is available as an option)
Simple control panel allows for easy operation and maintenance
Externally mounted pillow block bearings, to keep bearings out of harm’s way.
Temperature is controlled for over temperature protection
Stainless steel wet fume scrubber is available as optional equipment (Grade 304)
Sludge reduction savings offers an easy pay back on equipment purchase and operating costs
Unit dimensions can be altered to fit each individual installation
Up to 4 to 1 reduction of sludge volume can be expected

Sludge Dryer Auger

Automatic Outlet

Sludge Dryer Options

Wet Scrubber: The means by which the heated moist air is drawn out of the dryer and out to exhaust. We use a scrubber instead of just a blower is to scrub any airborne particulate prior to exhaust.
Automatic Sludge Outlet Control: Operator initiates control on panel to initiate the mechanical opening of the sludge door.
Automatic Lid Control: Much like the automatic sludge control outlet, the operator initiates a device on control panel enabling the lid to slide open automatically. Dryers also come with a limit switch as a safety measure which locks out the dryer operation until the lid is securely closed.
Centralized Grease System:There are many points on a sludge dryer that will require regular greasing. It is critical that each of these points are greased as outlined in the service manual as part of the regular preventative maintenance (PM) function. Ensuring that each point has been greased can be time consuming and it is not uncommon to inadvertently miss a grease point without know it. Missing a step in the PM can void the warranty and cause damage to the equipment and system shutdown. The Met-Chem Centralized Grease System has a grease line each of these critical points. The operator simply pumps grease at the central location. The system includes a grease reservoir, and the hand pump. The number of pumps will vary pending the size of the unit and the number of grease points in the system. This will save time, save money, and possibly save your equipment.
Risers to Elevate Unit: Dryers can be elevated to release dried sludge into a larger container for disposal.
Discharge Conveyor System: This can be used convey the sludge that is discharged from the dryer to a dumpster for final disposal.
Installation: Installation is available for all of our equipment and systems. Call a Met-Chem sales executive for details.

Met-Chem Wet Scrubber

A Met-Chem Wet Scrubber is specially designed for our sludge dryers. The air from the sludge dryer is combined with water and additional air. This will create a humid moist air chamber. When particles from the sludge dryer air collide with the water droplets, they will gravitate and fall to the bottom of the scrubber. The clean air is then exhausted. The wet scrubber will eliminate most of the particles and odors created from the drying process.