Versatile Pre-Digester Sludge Thickening Process for Tanilba Bay STP

The Tanilba Bay Wastewater Treatment Works has been upgraded to improve the performance of the plant to ensure desired environmental outcomes are met and is able to cater for the projected local population on growth to 2040.

Two HUBER S-DRUM thickeners were installed as part of the upgrade and can be used in a versatile configuration as required by operations with three different thickening modes as follows:

• Mode 1:  Thicken waste activated sludge (WAS) from the bioreactors at 0.3% and thicken up to 5% to be sent to the aerobic digester. Sludge wasting is undertaken during the aeration phase as to ensure solids concentration on is constant for effective polymer dosing and thickening performance.
• Mode 2: Thickening of digested waste activated sludge (DWAS) from 1.5% up to 5% for storage in the sludge holding tanks meaning the timing for tankering of sludge off site is extended as the volume of sludge is reduced significantly.
• Mode 3: Recuperative mode where thickened sludge (1.2-4% %DS) is drawn from the process tank (either digester or sludge tank) and thickened to 5%.

HUBER’s S-DRUM is a mechanical sludge thickening technology that is used to thickened sludge prior to digestion or dewatering. It can be used on primary and secondary sludges to produce a thickened solids concertation of greater than 5%DS.

The use of an internal screw results a high degree of thickening and hence, volume reduction. Being a slow speed device, the unit is very energy efficient with low maintenance requirements. Washwater usage is intermittent and only a fraction of the water demand as compared to other mechanical thickener types.

To learn more about the HUBER S-DRUM please Click Here or call us on 09 352 2052.

About the Hydroflux Group

The Hydroflux Group aims to deliver the highest level of engineering and scientific know-how to the emerging issues of sustainability, climate adaptation and environmental protection with a specific focus on water and wastewater.

As part of its vision and mission, Hydroflux has always taken its climate responsibility seriously. In 2022, Hydroflux became Australia’s first water treatment and technology company to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification for its organisation and products. It knows that partnering with customers and clients is the most significant impact it can have in its journey. The Group employs over 100 staff and operates throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with office locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland, Suva and Portsmouth.