Reduced costs for digestor cleaning
Case study: WWTP Copero in Sevilla

Problem

High effort and costs for complete emptying of the digester

Solution

VOGELSANG BioCut VX186-130Q/RC10000

The customer and the problem

The operator faced recurring issues when trying to completely empty and clean the digesters. While the existing pumping equipment was able to remove most of the sludge, the final portion – characterized by high dry matter content and fibrous material – proved difficult to handle. As a result, additional measures were often required, such as using a slurry tanker and having workers manually clean the remaining sludge inside the digester by regularly change the position of the suction hose. These steps were time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly, while also posing potential safety risks for the personnel involved.

The solution

The BioCut solves this problem with ease. First, the sludge from the digestion tower is circulated through the BioCut, where the fibers are chop down by the RotaCut®, reducing the viscosity of the sludge. The BioCut's rotary lobe pump then conveys it without any problems. It is no longer necessary for an employee to enter the digestion tower. The costs for emptying the digestion tower are significantly reduced, meaning that the investment in the BioCut pays for itself after just two uses. 
Additional advantage for the operator: The system is mobile and can be installed on other digestion towers in the sewage treatment plant or used across different companies in just a few simple steps.

Advantages

  • Reduction of sludge viscosity due to fibers trituration
  • Effective pumping of high viscosity sludge

Benefits for the user

  • Significantly reduced effort and costs for emptying the digestion tower Compact system
  • Easy to transport and use at other installations