Sometimes, simple is better. That is one main selling point behind the latest innovation of Trident Processes: the Trident KDS Separator showcased at the 2016 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show.
Along with simple engineering and efficient use of space come significant energy savings. The device is an alternative to conventional solid/liquid separation. It is used in industries including wastewater treatment, food processing and metal processing. Kerry Doyle, company president, says the potential applications are endless.
“We see a lot of opportunity anywhere there’s solid/liquid separation required,” he says. “Wherever belt presses are used, there is a very valid use for this product. We’re finding new applications every day.” The 36-inch tabletop screen design uses rotating discs to slowly move a mixture from one end of the unit to the other. As the oval discs rotate and arc, liquids pass through the spaces and the solids remain on top.
Fully adjustable
“Because the disc is oval in shape, when it turns, it has a low initial entry through the screen,” Doyle says. “As it rotates, it gets higher and higher in the screen. Every time a column moves that material forward, it gets drier and drier.”
The separator is completely adjustable by application. For instance, a wastewater treatment plant might start with a waste stream of 1.5 percent solids coming out of a clarifier and need to thicken it to 6 to 8 percent before it enters the digester. However, another application might require 10 percent solids.
“You can actually tune the machine so it can be at 7 percent or 10 percent and it won’t ever change,” Doyle says. The unit’s maximum capacity is 10 to 12 percent solids. Because the process requires no grinding, pressing or screening, the stainless steel separator experiences little wear. It also solves problems related to clogging or plugged screens and offers immediate energy savings.
“The power savings alone would pay for the equipment,” Doyle says. “It has a very high capacity in a very small footprint, and it has a very low horsepower requirement.”
This makes it well suited for mobile applications: “You can put it on a trailer and move it from site to site.”
High curiosity
The separator garnered substantial interest at the WWETT Show. “I had so many customers that I asked distributors to stay in the booth and answer questions because we were overrun,” Doyle says. “Even when the lights went down and people were breaking down booths, we still had people in our booth talking to us.”
Like many exhibitors, Doyle was surprised at the variety of attendees. He spoke to representatives of pumpers, corporations, a big appliance company, people from wastewater treatment plants and more: “The show experience was fabulous. It seemed to be a good mix.” 800/799-3740; www.tridentprocesses.com.
