OPTIMIZING DEWATERING PERFORMANCE USING STREAMING CURRENT MONITORS

Streaming Current Technology has a wide array of applications in liquid-solid separation processes using coagulants and/or polymers. Streaming Current Monitors allow the user to optimize chemical dosing which results in better process performance at a lower cost by eliminating the tendency to overfeed chemicals. Previous demonstrations and studies have shown that on-line Streaming Current Measurements can be used to automate and optimize polymer dosage to thickening and dewatering devices. Charge measurements have been proven to have an excellent correlation to both changes in solids concentration / characteristics and polymer dosing. Streaming Current technology is capable of detecting and relatively quantifying several different variables that affect dewatering performance, thus providing the information needed to properly and accurately adjust the chemical dosage to contend with these unpredictable process changes.With increasing pressure being placed upon municipal plants to operate more efficiently, available technologies like the SCM are being closely evaluated by many waste treatment facilities. Through proper installation techniques and operator training, the SCM can be implemented into most operations and produce significant savings through reduction in polymer cost and a higher, more consistent level of cake solids.