Curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Sludge drying/dehumidifying process for vibratory mills
2004
We run a small tool & die shop & would like to start doing our finishing in house.
What type of water condensing method or dehumidifier process (for sludge drying) could you recommend, for Vibratory mills & barrel type mills.
Thank you
Rob PriceMetal Stamping - Camarillo, California, USA
Hello Rob,
I have found that a steam sludge dryer is the cheapest way to dry sludge. If you have a gas boiler with extra capacity. The dryer was pricey to buy, but in my area of Illinois the difference between nat. gas and electrical power paid for the unit in 3 years in utility savings. Drying sludge is very energy intense. Try to base your decision at least partly on the power bill. You may also want to hire a consultant as there is probably a permitting issue with the drying of the waste. Our unit is classified as a "water treatment unit", as such falls under all the rules and regulations that this entails. As you are in CA, I imagine there could be an enormous amount of paperwork involved.
Good Luck and be cautious.
Trent Kaufman
electroplater - Galva, Illinois
2004
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