Groundwater can be a big obstacle for construction and mining sites, in terms of safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness for excavation. The dewatering process deals with the removal of groundwater to create safer working conditions. When using the proper techniques, the removal process can be a seamless experience. However, your success depends on utilizing a well-thought-out plan, otherwise, you could end up with a wet excavation sire for several days. Here are a few methods you can choose from to remove groundwater from your worksite.
Centrifuge
A centrifuge works more or less the same way as a front-loading washer. Using spinning movements, the machine separates water from solid materials. Centrifuges usually require a large power input and added polymers in order for the process to go smoothly. The best results consist of a slurry or feed sludge, which produces a dewatered product between 16 to 35% solids.
Belt Press
Compared to a wringer on an old-time washing machine, in which clothes were filtered through a system of rollers, a belt press works much of the same way. The system separates the sludge or slurry in a filtrate system, where the dewatered product is between 12 to 35% solids.
Geotextile
Slurry fills up high strength permeable fabric bags for the dewatering process. Water passes through the pores of the geotextile dewatering bag, resulting in an effective volume reduction of the solid material contained within. While it’s a slower process than other dewatering methods mentioned, geotextile is a great option, as it’s more cost-effective and requires less energy to function. This technique can produce dewatered material that’s 15 to 45% solids.
Rotary Vacuum
Using a rotary vacuum as a dewatering method involves sucking the liquid through a filter. The filter itself can be changed out depending on what the project requires, allowing for a very high rate of solids to be captured. Materials down to 0.5 microns can be filtered out, but the process is slower than the other dewatering methods mentioned. It also provides dewatering materials with 20 to 45% solids.
Are you looking to obtain dewatering equipment for your next project? Then look no further than Taber Solids Control! We offer our customers effective water treatment solutions in a short amount of time. With a team of experts that have a combined 100 years of experience in water treatment solutions, our Edmonton waste water treatment company is the best around to get the job done right. Specializing in the selling, manufacturing, renting, and servicing of dewatering centrifuges, dredges, and related equipment, we’re the people to call! To learn more about waste water management and the dewatering process, be sure to give our experts a call or visit our website.