Sludge Handling
Presenting serious dangers to both humans and the environment, sludge — the residual semisolids left over from industrial wastewater and energy production — must be dealt with safely and efficiently. Sludge handling allows for cost-effective disposal, allowing many of the discarded resources to be recycled.
Some of the most common sludge removal methods include:
- Centrifugation — The separating of liquids by material density; heat is used to evaporate water and reduce moisture content of materials through conduction, convection, or radiation
- Direct drying — Removing moisture from the material via evaporation, which is brought about when the material comes into contact with hot gases; this method involves the use of rotary dryers or fluidized bed dryers
- Indirect drying — Removing moisture from the material through contact with a heated metal surface; this is achieved via paddle, disc, or hollow flight dryers
Cranes and Hoist Systems for Sludge Handling
Employing high-quality, reliable biomass cranes and hoists will help ensure safe and efficient sludge handling while keeping down costs. Specifically designed for handling waste, garbage, sludge, and other hazardous materials across a wide range of industries, these hoists and lifts are especially important in the waste-to-energy industry.
Below are some of the most common types of biomass cranes:
- Automatic waste handling cranes — Designed for continuous operation and controlled via a monitor in a central control room, these units generally have a capacity ranging from 3.2 to 10 tons, and can lift to heights of 15 meters or more over a span of 7.5 to 25.5 meters. Automatic waste handling cranes are used for a wide range of activities, such as mixing, stacking, handling, and stirring of waste in incinerators.
- Slag handling cranes — Slag handling cranes are used to continuously distribute slag under combustion lines to other areas of the slag bunker. Also employed to load slag onto trucks, these cranes can lift 5 to 10 tons over a span of 7.5 to 10.5 meters.
- Biomass handling cranes — Crafted with optimal versatility in mind, these compact cranes offer excellent performance and reliability, with lifting capacities up to 20 tons and the ability to span up to 28 meters.
- Sludge handling cranes — Built specifically to help transfer semi-fluid sludge from trucks into storage and through the process line, these cranes are designed to withstand harsh sludge handling station environments — which typically involve extremely sticky materials. Sludge handling cranes can lift between 5 and 16 tons, with a span of up to 16.5 meters.
- Straw bale handling cranes — Used for unloading and feeding straw bales from trucks, these cranes are built to withstand dusty, high-humidity environments and can perform continuously with ease. Able to handle 10 to 20 tons, straw bale handling cranes span 15 to 31.5 meters.
Automated Sludge Handling Solutions From American Crane
American Crane can provide the waste-to-energy sector with high-quality, reliable sludge handling cranes. Designed for optimal safety and longevity, our cranes are crafted to meet and exceed industry-specific guidelines. Offering load management solutions ranging from ¼-ton hoists to 1,000-ton heavy-duty overhead machines, we also work to meet service classifications A through F.
Every unit is backed by our comprehensive in-house quality assurance program, and is fully assembled and tested before it leaves our shop. Reach out today to learn more about our waste management solutions and sludge removal equipment or discuss how we can help with your next project.
