Biosolids Load Out System for Dillwyn Water Treatment Plant Buckingham County, VA

General Description

Buckingham County, Virginia is located at the exact geographical center of the state and was named after the Duke of Buckingham. It is home to more than 17,000 people, 5,600 households and many businesses. The county has been managing the economic growth to meet the needs of its citizens and businesses alike without losing the rural and historic feel.

The Dillwyn WWTP is located in Dillwyn, VA and services the entire county. The plant, while still capable of meeting the needs of the county was in need of an upgrade to meet increasingly stringent emission standards. Due to the small plant size and low flow (0.2 MGD), processed sludge was being spread in drying beds then transferred by truck and sent to landfill. New environmental regulations dictated that plants could not spread sludge onto frozen ground as it could escape into the water supply. During winter months, freezing weather would determine when or if the stored sludge could be spread in drying beds.

As part of an upgraded system, KWS Environmental provided a dewatered biosolids load out system to eliminate the need for the drying beds. The new system was able to mechanically dewater, convey and store the resulting biosolids cake in any weather condition and on the schedule of the owner. In addition to the reduction of the environmental risk, the plant gains the ability increase capacity at their discretion.

Design Parameters

KWS Advantages

KWS Environmental designed, manufactured, supplied and commissioned a load out system that included an integrated inclined shaftless screw conveyor and control system. Designed to fit in the limited space allowed by the belt filter press and dewatering building, the conveyor extended through the wall of the building to discharge to a dumpster. A custom inlet transition between the belt filter press and conveyor was designed to maximize the discharge of dewatered biosolids and prevent spillage. The drive unit for the conveyor was located on the inlet end to allow for ease of access and prevent exposure to the winter weather.

KWS Environmental provided a local control panel that was integrated to the belt filter press control station to allow for coordination of the conveyor with the belt filter press without the intervention of an operator. Complete with audible siren, flashing lights and multiple safety stop features, the conveyor control panel met all applicable OSHA standards.

Special Features

KWS Environmental provided a complete biosolids load out system including shaftless screw conveyor, structural supports, safety control devices and control panel. The shaftless screw conveyor wear liners provided were oil impregnated UHMW with a multi-color dual-layer for ease of replacement and maximum life. The dual color liner provides a clear visual indication of when the liner requires replacement. The integrated control panel gives the operator complete local control and the freedom of a fully integrated automatic cycle.