When it’s time to replace dewatering equipment, the options can seem endless, with newer designs claiming increased performance and reduced O&M. Although larger plants traditionally choose centrifuge technology to achieve high-end dewatering at high loading rates, the three-belt filter press has become a viable option. By using an independent gravity belt in conjunction with a heavy-duty pressure section, the three-belt filter press has proven it’s in a different league than traditional two-belt units.    

Natural disaster reveals capability

In May 2010, Tennessee was hit with 1,000-year flooding. At Nashville Metro’s Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, many buildings flooded, including the dewatering building that housed four 2.2-meter belt filter presses. Emergency dewatering services were provided with belt presses on mobile trailers. BDP provided a 1-meter three-belt unit on a trailer and then a 1.5-meter 3DP trailer-mounted belt press, which operated at the facility until September 2011. 

Initially the 1-meter BDP unit processed 200 gpm and produced better results and a drier discharge consistency than the existing four units combined. When the 1.5-meter 3DP arrived on site, it processed 300 gpm while still providing drier discharge solids. Because of the success of the mobile units over almost 18 months, the Dry Creek plant purchased a 1.5-meter press to operate permanently.   


BDP Industries is a leading supplier of dewatering, thickening and composting equipment with hundreds of installations throughout the world. The company’s main products include belt filter presses, screw presses, gravity belt thickeners, rotary drum thickeners, and in-vessel composting systems. 518/695-6851 • dan@bdpindustries.com • www.bdpindustries.com



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