The Octopus biosolids dewatering centrifuge autopilot from Alfa Laval is custom designed to monitor, control and optimize all aspects of the dewatering process. Software controls material feed, polymer dosing, and internal decanter settings, providing real-time information on each process step. Infrared sensors analyze performance and automatically make necessary adjustments.
The PLC-based optimization system is integrated with Alfa Laval’s 2Touch centrifuge control system. It comes with communication components, remote-access capability, updates and support services.
The system takes its name from the central control unit and series of tentacle-like sensors. Its key benefit is 24/7 control of the dewatering process and polymer consumption for optimal operation and overall cost savings, says Ilya Yevilevich, business development manager. Exact savings depend on the desired dryness, plant size, amount of production, and level of automation, says Marty Davidson, Midwest regional sales manager, Environmental Market Unit.
“Octopus is going to optimize the centrifuge based on the lowest total cost of operation,” he says. Minimum boundaries for cake dryness, maximum allowable boundaries for polymer doses, and minimum boundaries for recovery are programmed into the software.
In California, where hauling costs are high, the system could be adjusted to use more polymer for a drier cake and reduced transportation cost, while in the Midwest, where dryness might be less important, the system could focus more on minimizing polymer consumption.
System maintenance varies depending on material flow and the comparison between instrument and lab sample readings. “Operators have to make sure they have flow to the system and that the sensors are accurate compared to the lab samples,” Davidson says. “If not, they’ll have to do some manual cleaning.” Wipers on the sensors and an automatic tank flushing system help keep maintenance to a minimum.
In addition to savings, the system gives management minute-to-minute information. “You can historically trend dollars per dry ton overall cost, polymer dose per dry ton power cost – you can trend anything you want to trend – daily or monthly,” Davidson says. 866/253-2528; www.alfalaval.us/wastewater.
