SIZING, INSTALLATION, STARTUP, AND OPTIMIZATION OF FOURNIER ROTARY PRESSES AT TWO FACILITIES IN CHARLESTON, SC

Charleston Commissioners of Public Works (CPW) selected the Fournier rotary press to replace a pair of 20 year-old, 2 meter, belt de-watering presses at its Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Facility, and to provide on-site residuals de-watering of waste activated sludge at its rapidly growing Daniel Island Facility. The Daniel Island installation was completed and started up in January, 2005. The Plum Island installation is scheduled for completion and startup in March of 2005. Selection of the Fournier Rotary Press was based on evaluation of a number of existing installations, and the results of pilot tests, which demonstrated high cake solids capability and favorable operating characteristics.This paper will present sizing considerations for the two Charleston, SC facilities, and discuss construction/installation issues. This will include startup results for the Daniel Island Facility. In addition, factors affecting rotary press performance and optimization opportunities will be discussed. Plum Island startup results will be presented at the 2005 Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference if project completion occurs as scheduled.