Biosolids Load Out System for Moffat Water Treatment Plant Lakewood, CO

General Description

The Moffat Water Treatment Plant is located in the city of Lakewood, CO and is part of the Denver water system. The plant has been in operation since 1937. Over the years periodic maintenance projects and upgrades have been performed with the latest project being the addition of a new solids load out building. The plant is capable of 185 MGD. The plant is fed by local ground water, reservoirs and wells, so the solids in the water are relatively low compared to a sewage plant. Nevertheless, water treatment plants also require removal of biologic and other solids from the water.

The new solids load out system is a state of the art centrifuge-to-conveyor loadout system with integrated controls and SCADA connections. Due to winter conditions, the load out building is heated and cooled to protect the equipment. The new conveyor system included four shaftless screw conveyors and two slide gates. By using the reversing capabilities of the shaftless conveyors, the system was simplified and the need for slide gates was minimized. The shaftless screw conveyors are supported by structural steel support frames independent from the building. KWS worked very closely with the Engineer, Contractor, and local operators to fit the equipment to the space.

Design Parameters

1. Product Type – Dewatered Biosolids
2. Material Density – 65 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
3. Capacity – 180 to 200 Cubic Feet per Hour
4. Duty – 5 Days a Week, 8 Hours per Day

KWS Advantages

KWS Environmental was selected to design and provide a load out system with multiple conveyors to load two roll-off containers. The new system fit in the limited space allowed by the dewatering building. Working with the Engineer and Contractor, KWS modified the design of the conveyor layout and structural supports until the system met the needs of all parties involved. KWS also quickly assisted the Contractor during the installation phase to make minor adjustments to the structural supports. The system effectively and evenly fills two dumpsters with only the use of two slide gates. The combination of various conveyance technologies has been one of the strengths of KWS Environmental. With any challenge that arose, KWS communicated and coordinated with all parties to ensure that the project was not impacted.

Special Features

The KWS shaftless screw conveyors were designed for many years of service with minimal maintenance and downtime. The KWS-350 shaftless spirals are the strongest and most long-lasting in the industry. KWS has shaftless spirals currently in service for over 15 years with almost no wear. Each flanged drive shaft is machined from solid bar stock, which KWS guarantees for the lifespan of the equipment.

KWS designed the structural supports to be bolt-together, requiring no welding or field modification. Each conveyor had under-speed sensors and emergency pull cord safety stop systems. To better protect the operators, each shaftless screw conveyor cover was secured with safety bolts that required a special tool to remove. The motors were designed to strict specifications for the elevation and electrical requirements.