In March, ESMIL specialists commissioned an MDQ-502 CS multi-disk screw press at an industrial facility in Knoxville, TN.
The client is a global leader in processing organic by-products into raw materials used in the production of feed, fertilizers, biofuels, food, and renewable energy. The scale of operations and variability of the incoming stream place high demands on the sludge dewatering process.
Challenge: Insufficient Dewatering Performance
The facility had previously used a screw press from another manufacturer, which no longer met process requirements. Insufficient dewatering performance directly translated into higher sludge handling costs – increased sludge volume for transport and disposal, and reduced efficiency of further utilization.
Operating parameters before implementation:
- capacity: 55 GPM of raw sludge at 1.2% DS inlet
- dry solids after dewatering: approx. 13%
Solution: Rapid Deployment of an MDQ Screw Press
In response, the client decided to implement an MDQ-502 multi-disk screw press equipped with two dewatering drums. The installation was carried out under a rental program, enabling rapid deployment and evaluation under real operating conditions without full capital investment.
Immediately after commissioning, the MDQ press delivered a significant improvement:
- capacity increased to 120 GPM, more than double the previous system,
- dry solids content in the cake reached 17–18%.
Importantly, the MDQ screw press dewaters sludge directly from the clarifier without the need for pre-thickening, simplifying the process layout and reducing operating costs.
Results of the ESMIL-Tsurumi Dewatering Press Implementation
Improved dewatering performance had a direct impact on plant operation:
- more than a twofold increase in process capacity,
- higher dry solids = lower sludge volume for transport and disposal,
- improved efficiency of further sludge utilization,
- simplified process layout (no thickening stage),
- reduced operating costs (OPEX),
- flexibility thanks to the rental program.
Summary
Since the commissioning of the MDQ multi-disk screw press, the industrial facility in Knoxville has achieved a clear improvement in dewatering performance despite variable sludge composition. Stable operation and the ability to dewater without a thickening stage resulted in a simpler process and better control.
For the client, this translated into direct operational benefits:
- higher capacity,
- improved dewatering performance,
- lower transport and sludge handling costs.
Additionally, the rental program enabled rapid implementation and on-site validation of the MDQ screw press without the need for full capital investment.
This is an example of a solution that delivers measurable improvements in plant performance – increasing efficiency, enhancing process control and sludge management, and supporting more effective use of resources.
