Why are some sludges so difficult to dewater?

Oil separator sludges in particular place special demands on sludge dewatering due to their composition. They often contain surfactants, mineral oil hydrocarbons (MHC) and a high proportion of very fine particles.

In these sludges, up to 95% of the particles can be smaller than 63 µm. Due to the fine particle structure, microscopic capillary structures form within the sludge, retaining water.

As a result, the water cannot be sufficiently separated through simple static dewatering alone.

One option is pressure dewatering, for example using a chamber filter press. For suitable applications, the OKO-ewcs offers a different approach:

Vibration instead of high pressure.

The optional vibration mechanism sets the vibrating-mounted screen basket in motion. This helps break up the capillary structures within the sludge and supports the release of retained water.

The result:

A robust and comparatively simple solution for the economical dewatering of suitable, difficult-to-dewater sludges.

How the OKO-ewcs dewatering container works

The OKO-ewcs is based on a standardized skip-loader container system according to DIN 30720 and features a vibrating-mounted screen basket.

The operator fills the sludge directly into the integrated screen basket. The water initially drains through the filter surfaces and then collects in the space between the screen basket and the container.

In the version equipped with a vibration module, the system additionally sets the screen basket in motion. The vibrations support the release of capillary-bound water from the sludge.

The separated water is then discharged through the drainage connections for further treatment or disposal.

Once dewatering is complete, the operator simply tips the container to empty the dewatered sludge.

Dewatering that pays off

Economical sludge dewatering starts by reducing the water content.

The less water remains in the sludge, the lower the mass that needs to be transported and disposed of. The OKO-ewcs provides a compact, mobile and robust solution for this purpose.

Less sludge volume: Separating water reduces the volume of the dewatered sludge.

Potential to reduce disposal costs: Less water means less mass that needs to be transported and disposed of. This can create significant savings potential for transportation and disposal costs.

Enhanced dewatering performance: The optional vibration module supports water release and can offer advantages over purely static dewatering, particularly for suitable difficult-to-dewater sludges.

Mobile and flexible: The OKO-ewcs is designed as a skip-loader container and can be transported, deployed and subsequently emptied by tipping.

Robust construction: The galvanized container body, stainless steel basket frame and robust PE filter fabric are designed for long-term use.

Buy or rent the OKO-ewcs

Not every company wants to make an immediate investment in its own sludge dewatering solution.

That is why OKO-tech also offers the OKO-ewcs for rental.

This allows the technology to be used under real operating conditions and the potential savings in sludge dewatering to be evaluated before making a long-term investment decision.

Advantages of the rental option

• No high initial investment
• Predictable operating costs
• Practical testing under real operating conditions
• Flexible solution for seasonal or temporary requirements
• Opportunity to evaluate the potential savings for your specific application

Or purchase directly

For permanent use, the OKO-ewcs can be configured to suit the specific application and purchased as a dedicated solution.

5, 7 or 10 m³ usable volume

We support you in selecting the appropriate version and equipment for your application.

Configurable to suit your application

Depending on the requirements of the specific application, the OKO-ewcs can be equipped with various options.

Vibration module: For enhanced dewatering performance with suitable difficult-to-dewater sludges.

Cover sheet: To protect the container contents from rain and external influences.

Level measurement: For demand-based monitoring of the filling level.

Filling supports: For safe guidance and controlled filling of the container.

Robustly built for long-term use

The OKO-ewcs was developed for demanding practical applications.

The container body is galvanized both inside and outside. The galvanization protects the steel structure against corrosion and thereby supports a long service life.

The stainless steel basket frame and robust PE filter fabric complement the durable construction of the dewatering system.

Robust. Mobile. Easy to operate.

Which applications is the OKO-ewcs suitable for?

The OKO-ewcs is particularly suitable for applications where sludges have a high water content and economical reduction of sludge volume is required.

Typical applications include:

• Oil separator sludges
• Sludges from sewer and road cleaning
• Difficult-to-dewater sludges
• Sludges with a high proportion of fine solids
• Other suitable industrial sludges

Whether the OKO-ewcs is suitable for your sludge depends, among other factors, on its composition, solids content and dewatering characteristics.

We assess your application and advise you on the appropriate configuration.