Optimise sludge treatment and reduce operational costs
July 2025
Sensors & Transducers
The Endress+Hauser inline measuring devices, the Proline Teqwave MW 300 and the Proline Teqwave MW 500, determine the total solids content of wastewater directly through microwave transmission. This is considerably less time consuming than the process of determining total solids content in a laboratory. The continuously available measured values and short response times mean that the process from primary sludge to dewatered sludge can now be optimised and problematic operating conditions can be detected early.
One of the challenges wastewater plant managers face is controlling the ever-increasing operational costs. A key component of this is monitoring the total solids content in the different process steps within the wastewater plant. A continuously available total solids measurement makes it possible to optimise the separation of the solid and liquid components in the process. It also increases the operational compliance of the process. Here are some of the applications:
Primary clarifier
Primary sludge settles on the bottom of the primary clarifier and is pushed by a scraper into a collection chamber. It then gets pumped into the sludge treatment facility. This usually happens on a time-based control, during which the current total solids content of the sludge mixture is unknown. As a result, the water portion may be significantly increased due to excessive pumping cycles, making the later phase separation difficult.
With the Teqwave MW continuously determining the total solids content, pump operations can be optimised to avoid excess water being pumped to the sludge treatment plant. When a defined threshold value is reached, the pump is switched off. This optimises pump performance and saves energy. The polished measuring tube reduces buildup and, thanks to Endress+Hauser’s Heartbeat technology, the functional integrity of the device can be verified at all times. This means that the calibration intervals can be extended and thus the process availability increased.
Digester
Raw sludge coming from the primary clarifier and biological treatment reactor is concentrated into a thicker sludge product. To achieve this, flocculants are added to the process. This ensures that smaller particles are combined into larger flakes which can be separated more easily from the liquid portion of the mixture. The flocculant is dosed according to experience values and regular laboratory analyses of the total solids content. In the digester, the stabilisation and reduction of the sludge quantity takes place.
Dewatering
The dewatering process is designed to draw as much water as possible from the thickened, but still fluid, sludge before disposal. It is important to reduce weight-based transport costs before disposal. Flocculants are introduced before sludge enters the centrifuge or belt press to improve the clarity of the concentrate. At the same time, they also increase capacity and significantly increase the total solids content.
For more information contact Endress+Hauser South Africa, +27 11 262 8000, [email protected], www.endress.com
Further reading:
Technology and education are critical to advancing safety in the mining sector
Sensors & Transducers
As mining operations across Africa continue to evolve in scale, complexity and automation, the role of advanced safety technologies has become increasingly important in protecting people, equipment and productivity.
Read more...
Image processing cameras
Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The intelligent camera series from Vepac is an integrated camera module consisting of a camera and high speed processor. It offers a high-performance image sensing function at the edge device by embedding standard image processing software or the customer’s developed software.
Read more...
OMRON launches non-contact safety door switch
Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
OMRON has unveiled its latest innovation in non-contact safety door switches, designed to enhance workplace safety and streamline machinery operations.
Read more...
Conductivity sensing as a cornerstone of South Africa’s water smart industry
ifm - South Africa
Editor's Choice Sensors & Transducers
South Africa’s engineers operate at the intersection of resource constraint and industrial ambition. Few parameters illustrate this balancing act as clearly as water quality. Whether in municipal treatment works, food and beverage plants or mining operations, the ability to measure water quality accurately and continuously has become non-negotiable.
Read more...
Futureproofing pharma, one pixel at a time
Omron Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s no room for error. Omron’s FH-AI and FHV7-AI vision systems introduce AI-powered inspection that adapts to real-world variability, something conventional rule-based vision systems cannot easily achieve.
Read more...
Distance sensor for confined spaces
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
The O6D100 from ifm has been designed as a powerful all-rounder for typical applications in object detection, distance measurement and positioning.
Read more...
Long-range laser distance measuring sensor
Vepac Electronics
Sensors & Transducers
The MS-100A is a long-range laser distance measuring sensor with a range of 150 to 1000 mm. This sensor excels in applications requiring extended measurement capabilities, such as quality control and logistics.
Read more...
Listening for damage to wind turbines
Sensors & Transducers
The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, working in concert with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems, has developed a solution that can be used to identify cracks and breakage inside wind turbine blades remotely at an early stage.
Read more...
Verification using Heartbeat Technology is a breeze
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Sensors & Transducers
Heartbeat Technology reflects Endress+Hauser’s long-term commitment to enhancing measurement reliability and efficiency across a growing product portfolio.
Read more...
Enhancing efficiency and reliability in the energy sector
VEGA Controls SA
Sensors & Transducers
VEGA offers practical, reliable solutions through specialised measuring instruments and deep industry know-how, all tailored to help energy companies keep costs under control while meeting strict regulatory standards.
Read more...
printer friendly version