Yorkshire Water is trialling new sludge screen technology at its Woodhouse Mill wastewater treatment works – an industry first in the UK.

The Beast will be trialled at Woodhouse Mill and, if successful, will be installed at other treatment works around the region.

Known as ‘The Beast’, the new screen enables tankers to connect and pump sludge into it, rather than offloading sludge to a holding tank that is then fed into traditional screens by gravity

The technology has been used successfully in the US and will be introduced to the treatment process at Woodhouse Mill. ‘The Beast’ is fully-automated and can quickly remove debris, plastics and other solids from sludge.

Ed Sutherland, project sponsor at Yorkshire Water, said:

“We’re always looking at innovative ways to improve the operations of our wastewater treatment works. The Beast has been tried and tested in the US and will deliver significant benefits to the operation of Woodhouse Mill.

“Ultimately, it enables sludge to be pumped directly into the screen, rather than the traditional method of using an upstream storage tank that feeds sludge through screens via gravity. Removing the need for an upstream feed tank will result in significant capital savings, which ultimately leads to a reduction in costs and benefits for our customers.”

Manufactured by SAVECO Environmental, a member of the global market leader in materials and bulk handling WAMGROUP, the Beast’ is equipped with an integrated perforated plate VSA Drum Screen which washes, conveys, and dewaters wastewater screenings, as well as a self-cleaning screen basket and self-cleaning dewatering zone to deliver maximum efficiency.

Comprising a dual motor drive powered by independent drum and auger speeds, max flow rates of up to 200 m3/h, a drum screen 5 to 6mm perforation and incline angle of 25 degrees designed to increase solids capacity, the “Beast” can also be connected through a Perrot joint to tankers or pipes. Designed without a lower drum support arm, the Beast can be used to eliminate rag accumulation.

Rotating around its axis, the cylindrical filter conveys the screenings into a loading hopper placed in the centre. A set of spray nozzles washes the filter during operation. A screw placed inside the conveying pipe (with its top inside the discharge hopper), conveys the screenings towards the next treatment stage where organic substances are washed out.

Subsequently, solids are compacted and dewatered in the compacting and drainage area and finally, solids are discharged through a discharge chute.

Saveco’s municipal wastewater sector Manager Craig Webb said:

“Achieving unprecedented success in the US market, the Beast is a game changer for how we will treat sludge going forward in the UK.

“We are delighted to have earned Yorkshire Water’s trust and confidence to remedy the complex challenge of sludge treatment.”