The Glens Falls WWTP was previously using a dissolved air flotation thickener to thicken the waste activated sludge at its plant. The DAF thickener provided only limited odor containment, was energy intensive and had been showing its age with increased maintenance costs. The plant decided to start looking at new technologies to meet its thickening needs. It ultimately decided on an Enclosed Gravity Belt Thickener from BDP Industries.

Excellent performance

The EGBT is totally enclosed from the top to the bottom. The top of the machine features stainless steel hoods with clear Lexan sliding windows that are easily removed without any tools. The hoods allow operators a clear view of the process, for quick and easy optimization of the machine. The bottom of the machine features a plate frame and bottom filtrate pan that ensures all process materials are contained in the unit. The filtrate lines are all piped directly into the floor drain.

This thickener provides significant solids containment while also providing excellent performance. The EGBT at the Glens Falls plant produces TWAS at 6-7% solids with minimal energy and polymer usage. The EGBT also includes an automatic plow lift feature and an automatic washdown system. The EGBT is able to perform its own washdown, without the need of an operator or a water hose. The automatic plow lift raises each plow to clean off any solids that might have collected on them. The plow lift is then lowered back to the operating position. The self-cleaning showers can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times. The showers can also be programmed to turn on when the plow lifts are raised to completely clean all components.