Work out sludge dewatering output instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Dewatering concentrates solids and rejects water as filtrate or centrate. Cake wet weight is captured dry solids divided by cake solids content — belt presses reach 16-22%, centrifuges 20-28% and filter presses 30-40%. The rejected water returns to the works carrying the solids not captured, which recirculates load.
Cake production
Cake wet weight = dry feed x capture efficiency / cake solids fraction
Filtrate
Filtrate volume = feed volume - cake volume
Solids that escape return in the filtrate and must be treated again, raising the effective load on the works. A 90% capture on a large plant recirculates a substantial hidden load.
Strongly. Correct conditioning is the single biggest determinant of both capture and cake dryness. Over-dosing wastes polymer and can worsen release; under-dosing loses solids to the filtrate.