Yorkshire Water trials new sludge screen

Yorkshire Water has sourced a novel sludge screen for use at its wastewater treatment works in Woodhouse Mill, which will be the first of its kind in the UK.

Called ‘The Beast’, the new system will allow tankers to connect and pump sewage directly into it rather than via a holding tank that is then fed through traditional screens using gravity. The technology was developed and used in the US as a fully automated way to remove debris, plastics and other solids from sludge.

Project sponsor at Yorkshire Water, Ed Sutherland, explained the Beast will deliver significant operational benefits.

“Ultimately, it enables sludge to be pumped directly into the screen, rather than the traditional method of using an upstream storage tank that feeds sludge through screens via gravity,” Sutherland said. “Removing the need for an upstream feed tank will result in significant capital savings, which ultimately leads to a reduction in costs and benefits for our customers.”

The screen features an integrated perforated plate drum screen that washes, conveys, and dewaters wastewater screenings, as well as a self-cleaning screen basket and self-cleaning dewatering zone to deliver maximum efficiency.

Yorkshire said the dual motor drive will allow max flow rates of up to 200 m3/h and can be used to eliminate rag accumulation.

Rotating around its axis, the cylindrical filter conveys the screenings into a loading hopper placed in the centre. A set of spray nozzles washes the filter during operation. A screw placed inside the conveying pipe (with its top inside the discharge hopper), transfers the screenings towards the next treatment stage where organic substances are washed out. Subsequently, solids are compacted and dewatered in the compacting and drainage area and finally, solids are discharged through a discharge chute.

Yorkshire said the Beast will be installed at other treatment works if the trial at Woodhouse Mill with partner Saveco is successful.