Step 1: Sludge Feed & Flocculation. Liquid sludge (typically 98-99% moisture) is pumped from the clarifier or thickener into the screw press flocculation tank. A precisely calibrated dose of Polyacrylamide (PAM) polymer is injected and mixed. This chemical reaction binds the microscopic solid particles into larger "flocs", separating free water from the solid mass.
Step 2: Gravity Thickening Zone. The flocculated sludge overflows into the main cylinder of the industrial sludge dewatering machine. The initial section of the cylinder is the thickening zone, where the gaps between the rings are wider. As the screw rotates, gravity causes the bulk of the free water (filtrate) to drain out immediately.
Step 3: High-Pressure Extrusion. As the central screw shaft slowly pushes the sludge forward, the pitch of the screw narrows and the gaps between the rings tighten. This creates immense internal pressure. The moving and fixed stainless steel rings constantly slide against each other, allowing water to escape while simultaneously self-cleaning the gaps, completely preventing the blinding/clogging commonly seen in belt presses—even with highly oily sludge.
Step 4: Cake Discharge. At the end of the cylinder, an adjustable back-pressure plate provides final resistance, squeezing the last remaining drops of water out. The final dewatered sludge cake (typically 75-80% moisture) drops into a collection bin or shaftless screw conveyor, reducing the original waste volume by over 90% and slashing haulage fees.
