Solar Drying

Sludge Solar Drying

Thermo-System is a pioneering company in the field of solar and solar-thermal sludge drying. With over 200 drying plants installed worldwide, Thermo-System has a proven track record of providing reliable and efficient solutions for sludge and substrate drying.

Our key products include the SolarBatch and SolarFlow systems, each tailored to different operational needs and facility sizes. These systems leverage solar energy to efficiently reduce sludge volume, thereby lowering disposal costs and carbon emissions.

Our comprehensive solutions are flexible, adaptable, and designed to meet various drying conditions and plant configurations, providing a reliable and sustainable approach to waste management.

Sludge Logistics for THERMO-SYSTEM SolarBatch Concepts

Sludge Logistics for THERMO-SYSTEM SolarFlow Concepts

Principle of Operation

The Thermo-System Solar Sludge Dryer operates within a fully enclosed drying chamber, equipped with circulation and exhaust fans to manage air flow. An automatic sludge turning device and a PLC-based control system, featuring internal and external climatic sensors, ensure optimal drying conditions.

Key Steps

Loading the Dryer

Sludge is placed into the drying chamber, which is designed with a transparent cover and a galvanized steel frame.

Initial Airflow Setup

Fresh air enters the chamber through air louvers located on one side of the chamber.

Exhaust Fans Activation

Exhaust fans on the opposite side of the air louvers pull the air through the chamber and expel evaporated moisture.

PLC-Based Control System Initiation

The control system activates, utilizing internal and external climatic sensors to monitor conditions within the chamber.

Proprietary Drying Algorithm

The algorithm assesses the internal and external climates, adjusting the operation of fans and other equipment to optimize drying conditions.

Automatic Sludge Turning Device

This device periodically turns the sludge to ensure even exposure to the air flow and uniform drying.

Monitoring and Adjustments

The PLC system continuously monitors sludge dryness levels and environmental conditions, making real-time adjustments to fan speeds and airflow to maintain optimal drying.

Exhaust Fan Speed Adjustment

Depending on the detected environmental conditions, the exhaust fans adjust their speed to optimize air exchange, ensuring efficient moisture removal.

Continuous Drying Process

The process continues with regular monitoring and adjustments until the sludge reaches the desired dryness level.

Completion

Once the sludge is adequately dried, it is removed from the drying chamber for further processing or disposal.

Design Options & Variations

We provide advanced sludge turner products designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the drying process. We offer the following products based on your solar drying requirements:

Variation Image

SolarBatch

  • Process – The Batch-wise process is for drying sewage sludge, digestate and various other substrates.
  • Electric Mole – Our turning device, the Electric Mole is a fully automatic sludge turning robot designed for batch processing systems like the SolarBatch and StorageDryer concepts. It features minimal moving parts and robust stainless-steel construction, ensuring durability and low maintenance. The Electric Mole evenly distributes, turns, mixes, and aerates the sludge within the drying chamber. Its flexible design allows it to adapt to varying hall dimensions and ground conditions, and it can be easily removed for maintenance. The inclusion of a 3D laser scanning system (LiDAR) further enhances its performance and ease of operation.
Variation Image

SolarFlow

  • Process – The Continuous process for drying sludge and other substrates.
  • SludgeTiller – The SludgeTiller was developed for standard system concepts with hall widths of up to 12.2 m. The machine has a turning drum that extends across the entire width of the hall and enables efficient distribution, mixing and turning of the sludge.

 

Features and Benefits

Energy-Efficient Drying

Utilizes solar energy for drying sludge, significantly reducing energy consumption compared to conventional methods.

Automated Control System

Equipped with a PLC and climatic sensors, the system automatically adjusts to internal and external conditions.

Flexible Design Options

Available in both closed and open configurations to suit different climatic and operational needs.

Robust Construction

Features a transparent covering, galvanized steel frame, and concrete walls and floors.

Efficient Airflow Management

Includes circulation and exhaust fans to manage air movement and humidity.

Environmental Monitoring

Utilizes a proprietary drying algorithm to monitor and adjust for optimal climatic conditions.

Versatile Application

Suitable for various types of sludge and can be integrated into different wastewater treatment setups.

Low Maintenance

The drying system's robust design and automated controls minimize the need for frequent maintenance.

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