Problem

The Fernandina Beach wastewater facility was hauling 2.34 million gallons of wet sludge annually. As disposal costs were rising and landfilling availability was getting tight, the City had to start weighing its options. Dewatering the sludge would reduce its disposal by 75%, but which technology and vendor would be best?

Solution

The city organized an assessment framework to vet and rank potential technologies and vendors. The framework was based on a set of standard criteria to determine prospective vendors’ suitability and any risks they may pose to the plant’s operations. A sludge dewatering system comparison table was compiled with the following criteria: safety concerns, maintenance, complexity, space required, loading on head works, operator time required and surface area to clean.

Results

The evaluation determined the best system for the City of Fernandina Beach was the Fournier Rotary Press. In addition, wasting to the digesters could be increased, which improved the operation of all process trains. “This system, if installed and maintained properly by the City, should last well over 20 years and should pay for itself in about seven years of operation,” said John Mandrick, P.E., Utilities Director, in his report to the city’s manager.

For more information, call 800-463-6328 or visit www.fournierdewatering.com.