South West Water explores new approach to sludge dewatering in UK-first municipal trial

The trial took place at Newham Sludge Treatment Centre in Truro, Cornwall, in October as part of the company's work to find solutions capable of meeting future Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) requirements.

Under the programme, biosolids recycled to land will need to achieve a minimum final product dry solids content of 25% by 2030.

Following a review of available dewatering technologies, the Fournier Rotary Press was identified as a promising solution due to its potential to reduce energy consumption, optimise polymer use, and improve dewatering performance.

The technology is designed to remove more water from wastewater sludge, producing a drier end product.

Sludge is mixed with polymer before passing through a series of rotating filter elements, which separate water from the solids. By removing more water during the treatment process, the technology can reduce the volume of material that needs to be transported and processed.

Newham was selected for the trial because of the diverse range of sludge streams processed at the site, including indigenous and imported sludges from across the region.

The trial was completed over five days, and the press was commissioned and producing cake within hours of it being installed.

Early results from the trial were encouraging with on-site monitoring recording untreated cake dry solids of between 28% and 32%, which exceeds the future industry requirements.

The full results are being reviewed and will be shared over the coming months.

The technology also has the potential to reduce odour, noise, chemical use and vibration, while greater water removal could reduce sludge volumes, transportation requirements and associated costs.

Sue Hind, Biosolids Manager at South West Water said: “We were delighted to have been chosen by Fournier to be first UK company to try the Rotary Press.

"Early results from the trial have been extremely encouraging and demonstrate the potential for technologies such as this to help us meet future environmental requirements while improving operational efficiency."

Kim Falby, Global Sales Director at Fournier, said: “The whole experience of working with the team at South West Water was extremely collaborative and easy. The team was open and willing to try out our technology at the Truro location.

“From the onsite on onboarding and throughout the piloting, the trial was flawless and extremely successful for both parties.”

The trial forms part of South West Water's wider strategy to identify sustainable and cost-effective solutions that support future environmental standards while delivering long-term value for customers.

For more information about South West Water’s innovation projects visit Innovation | Improving your service | South West Water