Development of a vibration-dynamic dewatering system for sludges. Final report. Vol. 2

Application of vibrations over the range up to 3 kHz to the sedimentation and dewatering of two-phase mixtures. The purpose of the study was the development of a new dewatering process on the basis of impulse hydraulics which offers more efficiency and flexibility than existing processes. Changing the dispersion status of a disperse system requires the existance of an additional field of forces. In this case, such field of forces is generated via directional vibrations whereby the vibration parameters -amplitude/frequency/phase angle/energy density - are continuously adjustable. Important factors to influence sedimentation by means of vibrations were found (and/or confirmed) to be the type of sludge and its dry residue. In the case of digested and water sludges, the sedimentation rate could not be increased by the introduction of vibrations; in the case of lead sludge, a certain increase was achieved. On the basis of all results as a whole, the efficiency of the process seems questionable. (orig.)