Preconditioning (flocculation): Most applications require the addition of polymers to the slurry prior to dewatering. This results in the agglomeration of solids, releasing free moisture. An inline mixer is provided for properly dispersing polymer into the feed.
Feed distribution: The slurry is fed to a specially designed head box, where the material is evenly distributed for more efficient use of the filtering area.
Gravity drainage: Free moisture is separated from the solids by drainage through the moving filter belt.
Wedge pressure: Material advancing from the drainage zone is deposited into the wedge zone. Pressure is gradually applied as the upper and lower belts converge to form a cake sandwich.
Compression/shear: The belts then follow an 'S' path through a series of compression rollers. The surface pressure created by belt tension squeezes additional moisture from the solids. Simultaneous shearing of the material opens additional voids for moisture release. The belts part, leaving a dry cake.
Solids discharge: The cake is separated from the belts by doctor blades and discharged.
