BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to dewatering apparatus, systems, methods, and associated components thereof.

Description of the Related Art

Dewatering equipment can involve drawbacks such as large footprints, complexity in design, and difficulty in visually inspecting portions of dewatering equipment during operation.

Therefore, there is a need for dewatering apparatus, systems, and methods that facilitate reduced footprints, reduced complexity in design, ease of inspecting dewatering equipment during operation.

SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure relate to dewatering apparatus, systems, methods, and associated components thereof.

In one implementation, a dewatering system includes a gravity section, the gravity section includes a plurality of plows and an inlet. The plurality of plows are disposed horizontally between a first side of the dewatering system and a second side of the dewatering system. The dewatering system includes a pressure section disposed above the gravity section. The pressure section includes a plurality of pressure rollers and an outlet. The plurality of pressure rollers are disposed horizontally between the first side and the second side of the dewatering system. The dewatering system also includes a transition section disposed at least partially vertically between the gravity section and the pressure section and adjacent the second side.

In one implementation, a dewatering system includes a gravity section, the gravity section including a plurality of plows, an inlet, and a gravity flow profile in a first horizontal direction. The dewatering system also includes a pressure section disposed above the gravity section, the pressure section including a plurality of pressure rollers, an outlet, and a pressure flow profile in a second horizontal direction that is opposite of the first horizontal direction. The dewatering system also includes a transition section disposed at least partially vertically between the gravity section and the pressure section. The transition section includes an elliptical grid, and a transition flow profile that transitions from the first horizontal direction to the second horizontal direction.

In one implementation, a method of operating a dewatering system includes flowing sludge in a first horizontal direction through an inlet and into a gravity section. The gravity section includes a plurality of plows. The method includes flowing the sludge through a transition section that transitions between the first horizontal direction and a second horizontal direction that is opposite of the first horizontal direction. The flowing the sludge through the transition section includes pressing the sludge between an inner press belt and an outer press belt. The method includes flowing the sludge through a pressure section that includes a plurality of pressure rollers. The flowing the sludge through the pressure section includes pressing the sludge using the plurality of pressure rollers. The method includes forming a cake composition using solids of the sludge, and discharging the cake composition in the second horizontal direction through an outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

Figure 1A is a schematic partial side view of a dewatering system during operation, according to one implementation. Figure 1B is a schematic partial side view of a gravity movement path of the gravity belt during operation of the dewatering system illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation.

Figure 1C is a schematic partial side view of an inner movement path of the inner press belt during operation of the dewatering system illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation.

Figure 1 D is a schematic partial side view of an outer movement path of the outer press belt during operation of the dewatering system illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation.

Figure 1 E is a schematic isometric front partial view of the dewatering system illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation.

Figure 1 F is a schematic isometric back partial view of the dewatering system illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one implementation may be beneficially utilized on other implementations without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to dewatering apparatus, systems, methods, and associated components thereof.

Figure 1A is a schematic partial side view of a dewatering system 101 during operation, according to one implementation. The dewatering system 101 includes a first side 103 and a second side 104 opposite of the first side 103 along a horizontal plane (such as an X-Z plane). The dewatering system 101 includes a gravity section 120, a pressure section 140 disposed vertically above the gravity section 120, and a transition section 160 disposed at least partially vertically between the gravity section 120 and the pressure section 140. The transition section 160 is disposed adjacent the second side 104. The gravity section 120 and the pressure section 140 are disposed horizontally between the first side 103 and the second side 104. The transition section 160 is disposed horizontally outside of the gravity section 120 and the pressure section 140.

The dewatering system 101 includes a gravity belt 121, an inner press belt 141, and an outer press belt 161. Each of the gravity belt 121, the inner press belt 141, and the outer press belt 161 is a perforated belt that allows liquid, such as water, to move therethrough. The gravity belt 121 is disposed at least partially along the gravity section 120. The inner press belt 141 is disposed at least partially along the pressure section 140 and at least partially along the transition section 160. The outer press belt 161 is disposed at least partially along the pressure section 140 and at least partially along the transition section 160.

The gravity section 120 includes an inlet 105, a pair of sludge walls 106, and a plurality of plows 107A-107E mounted between the pair of sludge walls 106 as rows of plows 107A-107E (Figure 1A illustrates five rows of plows 107A-107E). The pressure section 140 includes a plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K disposed horizontally between the first side 103 and the second side 104. The plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K include six or more pressure rollers (eleven are shown), such as twelve or more pressure rollers. The plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K includes a set of upper pressure rollers 142A-142F (six are shown) and a set of lower pressure rollers 142G-142K (five are shown). The pressure section 140 includes an outlet 143 disposed at least partially vertically above the inlet 105. In the implementation shown, the upper set of pressure rollers 142A-142F and the set of lower pressure rollers 142G-142K are disposed in an interleaving arrangement such that each lower pressure roller 142G-142K is aligned below and horizontally between two of the upper pressure rollers 142A-142F. The present disclosure also contemplates arrangements where each upper pressure roller 142A-142F may be aligned above and horizontally between two of the lower pressure rollers 142G-142K. The plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K includes a first end pressure roller 142A and a second end pressure roller 142F. The first end pressure roller 142A and the second end pressure roller 142F are the outermost pressure rollers of the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K along a horizontal direction, such as along an X-axis. The plurality of plows 107A-107E are aligned below and horizontally between the first end pressure roller 142A and the second end pressure roller 142F, as shown in Figure 1A. The plurality of plows 107A-107E includes a first end plow 107A and a second end plow 107E. The present disclosure contemplates that the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K may be aligned above and horizontally between the first end plow 107A and the second end plow 107E. The first end plow 107A and the second end plow 107E are the outermost plows of the plurality of plows 107A-107E along a horizontal direction, such as along the X- axis. The pressure section 140 that includes the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K has substantially the same horizontal footprint as the gravity section 120 that includes the plurality of plows 107A-107E. The first end plow 107A is disposed at a first horizontal distance D1 from the first end pressure roller 142A. The second end plow 107E is disposed at a second horizontal distance D2 from the inlet 105, such as from an innermost end of the inlet tray of the inlet 105. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the first horizontal distance D1 and the second horizontal distance D2 are less than 5.0 feet, such as less than 1.0 foot. The plurality of plows 107A-107E are disposed at a vertical distance V1 (shown in Figure 1B) between a bottom of the plows 107A-107E and an uppermost end of the upper pressure rollers 142A-142F. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the vertical distance V1 is less than 6.0 feet, such as less than 4.0 feet. The value of the vertical distance V1 is sufficient to facilitate an operator visually viewing and monitoring operation of the plurality of plows 107A-107E.

The transition section 160 includes an elliptical grid 162 and a rotatable wheel 164. In one example, the elliptical grid 162 is a fixed elliptical grid such that the elliptical grid 162 does not rotate about a central axis of the elliptical grid 162. In one example, the elliptical grid 162 is rotatable. The elliptical grid 162 includes a plurality of ribs 163 disposed radially about the elliptical grid 162. The ribs 163 include a polymeric material to facilitate moving the inner and outer press belts 141,161 about the elliptical grid 162 to join the inner and outer press belts 141,161 together and press the sludge 108 therebetween. The plurality of plows 107A-107E and the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K are disposed horizontally between the first side 103 and the second side 104. The plurality of plows 107A-107E and the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K are disposed horizontally between the elliptical grid 162 and the outlet 142.

During operation of the dewatering system 101, sludge 108 flows in a first horizontal direction HD1 through the inlet 105 and into the gravity section 120. The inlet 105 is an inlet tray, and the inlet tray includes a chute portion 110 and a seal portion 111. The sludge 108 includes solids and liquid, such as water. The sludge 108 flows through the gravity section 120 and to the transition section 160. The sludge 108 flows through the transition section 160 and to the pressure section 140. The transition section 160 transitions between the first horizontal direction HD1 and a second horizontal direction HD2 that is opposite of the first horizontal direction HD1. The first horizontal direction HD1 and the second horizontal direction HD2 are parallel to the X-axis. As the sludge 108 flows through the gravity section 120, the sludge 108 flows along a gravity flow profile 112 that is in the first horizontal direction HD1. The sludge 108 flows over and between the plows 107A-107E in the gravity section 120. As the sludge 108 flows through the gravity section 120 and along the gravity flow profile 112, gravitational forces facilitate separating liquid (such as water) from solids of the sludge 108. The plows 107A-107E disrupt the flow of sludge 108 to facilitate separating liquid from the solids of the sludge 108. In the gravity section 120, the liquid falls through perforations formed in the gravity belt 121. In the gravity section 120, the sludge 108 contacts a belt (the gravity belt 121) on one side of the sludge 108. The sludge 108 drops from the gravity belt 121 and onto the outer press belt 161 as the sludge 108 flows from the gravity section 120 and toward the transition section 160.

As the sludge 108 flows through the transition section 160, the sludge 108 flows along a transition flow profile 165. The transition flow profile 165 is U-shaped and includes a turn between the first horizontal direction HD1 and the second horizontal direction HD2, and the turn includes a turn angle. The turn angle is within a range of 135 degrees to 225 degrees, such as 150 degrees to 210 degrees. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the turn angle is 150 degrees. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the turn angle is 180 degrees. As the sludge 108 flows from the gravity section 120 and toward the transition section 160, and after the sludge 108 drops onto the outer press belt 161, the sludge 108 is pressed between the inner press belt 141 and the outer press belt 161. The inner press belt 141 and the outer press belt 161 join on opposing sides of the sludge 108 to press the sludge 108 in the transition section 160. The inner press belt 141, the outer press belt 161, and the sludge 108 pressed therebetween move about the elliptical grid 162 and along the plurality of ribs 163 in the transition section 160. The pressing of the sludge 108 between the inner press belt 141 and the outer press belt 161 in the transition section 160 facilitates separating liquid from the sludge 108. The pressing of the sludge 108 in the transition section 160 facilitates moving the liquid through perforations formed in the inner press belt 141 and perforations formed in the outer press belt 161.

As the sludge 108 flows through the pressure section 140, the sludge 108 flows along a pressure flow profile 146. The pressure flow profile 146 extends along outer surfaces of the pressure rollers 142A-142K and between the pressure rollers 142A-142K. The pressure flow profile 146 includes a serpentine pattern. The pressure flow profile 146 flows in the second horizontal direction HD2. As the sludge 108 flows through the pressure section 140, the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K are used to press the sludge 108 between the inner press belt 141 and the outer press belt 161. The inner press belt 141 and the outer press belt 161 press the sludge 108 as the inner press belt 141, the outer press belt 161, and the sludge 108 disposed therebetween move along outer surfaces of the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K and between the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K.

As the sludge 108 flows through the gravity section 120, the transition section 160, and the pressure section 140, a cake composition 193 is formed using the solids of the sludge 108. The cake composition 193 is formed by removing the liquid from the sludge 108 as the sludge 108 flows through the gravity section 120, the transition section 160, and the pressure section 140. In such an example, the solids of the sludge 108 remain, after the liquid is removed, to form the cake composition 193. The outlet 143 includes a scraper 144 that interfaces with the inner press belt 141 moving along the second end pressure roller 142F. The inner press belt 141 and the outer press belt 161 separate as the inner press belt 141 and the outer press belt 161 move along the second end pressure roller 142F such that the cake composition 193 falls onto the outlet tray 145 of the outlet 143. The dewatering system 101 includes a second scraper 170 that interfaces with the outer press belt 161 moving along the guide roller 167A. The cake composition 193 is discharged through the outlet 143 in the second horizontal direction HD2. The scraper 144 facilitates scraping the cake composition 193 off of the inner press belt 141 such that the cake composition 193 falls onto the outlet tray 145. Gravitational forces facilitate moving the cake composition 193 downward and along the outlet tray 145. The cake composition 193 may move from the outlet tray 145 to a cake container.

The outlet tray 145 is disposed at least partially vertically above the inlet tray of the inlet 105. The outlet tray 145 points at least partially downward and points at least partially outward from the first side 103 in the second horizontal direction HD2. The inlet tray of the inlet 105 points at least partially downward and points at least partially inward toward the first side 103 in the first horizontal direction HD1. The inlet 105 and the outlet 143 are disposed at substantially the same horizontal position along the X-axis. At least a portion of the inlet tray of the inlet 105, such as an innermost end of the inlet tray, is within a third horizontal distance D3 from at least a portion of the outlet tray 145, such as an innermost end of the outlet tray 145. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the third horizontal distance D3 is less than 3.0 feet, such as less than 1.0 foot.

In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the outlet 143 includes a screw conveyer in addition to or in place of the outlet tray 145. The screw conveyer includes an Archimedes screw that ejects the cake composition 193 out the first side 103. The screw conveyer may point at least partially upward and point at least partially outward from the first side 103 in the second horizontal direction HD2. The screw conveyer includes one or more of the aspects, features, components, and/or properties described herein for the outlet tray 145.

During operation of the dewatering system 101, the inlet tray of the inlet 105 is fluidly connected to a feed tank 114. The feed tank 114 is fluidly connected to a flange 115 that is coupled to a sludge delivery line. The sludge 108 is delivered through the flange 115, through the feed tank 114, and onto the inlet tray of the inlet 105. The sludge 108 slides along the chute portion 110, along the seal portion 111, and onto the gravity belt 121.

In one example, the sludge 108 includes sewage. In one example, the sludge 108 includes paper pulp. The present disclosure contemplates that the sludge 108 described herein is not limited to sewage or paper pulp and may include any sludge that includes solids and liquid. For example, the sludge 108 may include solids and liquids having food, wine, and/or materials used for oil and gas operations. The present disclosure contemplates that the dewatering system 101 may be used to separate any liquid from any solid material.

Figure 1B is a schematic partial side view of a gravity movement path 122 of the gravity belt 121 during operation of the dewatering system 101 illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation. During operation, the gravity belt 121 moves along the gravity movement path 122 and along a first set of guide rollers 123A-123C (three are shown) that guide the gravity belt 121 along the gravity movement path 122. The gravity belt 121 moves between the guide rollers 123A-123C in directions 124A-124C in a counter-clockwise fashion. As the gravity belt 121 moves along the gravity movement path 122, the gravity belt 121 moves along outer surfaces of the first set of guide rollers 123A-123C. Each guide roller 123A-123C rotates about a central axis of the respective guide roller 123A-123C as the gravity belt 121 moves along the guide rollers 123A-123C. Each guide roller 123A-123C rotates in a counter-clockwise direction as the gravity belt 121 moves along the guide rollers 123A-123C. The gravity belt 121 is disposed at least partially along the gravity flow profile 112 during operation.

Figure 1C is a schematic partial side view of an inner movement path 147 of the inner press belt 141 during operation of the dewatering system 101 illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation. During operation, the inner press belt 141 moves along the inner movement path 147. The inner press belt 141 moves along the elliptical grid 162, the rotatable wheel 164, along the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K, and along a second set of guide rollers 148A-148D (four are shown) that guide the inner press belt 141 along the inner movement path 147. The inner press belt 141 moves between the elliptical grid 162, the rotatable wheel 164, the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K, and the second set of guide rollers 148A-148D in directions 149A-149F in a clockwise fashion. As the inner press belt 141 moves along the inner movement path 147, the inner press belt 141 moves along outer surfaces of the second set of guide rollers 148A-148D. Each guide roller 148A-148D rotates about a central axis of the respective guide roller 148A-148D as the inner press belt 141 moves along the guide rollers 148A-148D. A first guide roller 148A and a fourth guide roller 148D rotate in a clockwise direction, and a second guide roller 148B and a third guide roller 148C rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as the inner press belt 141 moves along the guide rollers 148A-148D. The inner press belt 141 is disposed at least partially along the transition flow profile 165 and at least partially along the pressure flow profile 146 during operation of the dewatering system 101.

During operation, the inner press belt 141 joins with the outer press belt 161 to press the sludge 108 as the inner press belt 141 moves from the fourth guide roller 148D and toward the elliptical grid 162. During the operation, the inner press belt 141 separates from the outer press belt 161 to discharge the cake composition 193 as the inner press belt 141 moves from the second end pressure roller 142F and toward the first guide roller 148A.

Figure 1D is a schematic partial side view of an outer movement path 166 of the outer press belt 161 during operation of the dewatering system 101 illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation. During operation, the outer press belt 161 moves along the outer movement path 166. The outer press belt 161 moves along the elliptical grid 162, the rotatable wheel 164, along the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K, and along a third set of guide rollers 167A-167E (five are shown) that guide the outer press belt 161 along the outer movement path 166. The outer press belt 161 moves between the elliptical grid 162, the rotatable wheel 164, the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K, and the third set of guide rollers 167A-167E in directions 168A-168F in a counter-clockwise fashion. As the outer press belt 161 moves along the outer movement path 166, the outer press belt 161 moves along outer surfaces of the third set of guide rollers 167A-167E. Each guide roller 167A-167E rotates about a central axis of the respective guide roller 167A-167E as the outer press belt 161 moves along the guide rollers 167A-167E. Each of the guide rollers 167A-167E rotate in a counter-clockwise direction as the outer press belt 161 moves along the guide rollers 167A-167E. The outer press belt 161 is disposed at least partially along the transition flow profile 165 and at least partially along the pressure flow profile 146 during operation of the dewatering system 101.

The present disclosure contemplates that two or more of the gravity belt 121, the inner press belt 141, and/or the outer press belt 161 may be combined into a single belt. In one example, the gravity belt 121 and the outer press belt 161 are combined into a single belt that is disposed at least partially along the gravity flow profile 112, at least partially along the transition flow profile 165 and at least partially along the pressure flow profile 146 during operation of the dewatering system 101.

During operation, the outer press belt 161 joins with the inner press belt 141 to press the sludge 108 as the outer press belt 161 moves from a fifth guide roller 167E and toward the elliptical grid 162. During operation, the outer press belt 161 separates from the inner press belt 141 to discharge the cake composition 193 as the outer press belt 161 moves from the second end pressure roller 142F and toward a guide roller 167A.

Figure 1 E is a schematic isometric front partial view of the dewatering system 101 illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation. Figure 1F is a schematic isometric back partial view of the dewatering system 101 illustrated in Figure 1A, according to one implementation.

The dewatering system 101 includes a third side 190 and a fourth side 191 extending between the first side 103 and the second side 104. The gravity section 120 includes a spreader 172 disposed between the second end plow 107E and the inlet tray of the inlet 105. The dewatering system 101 includes a plurality of vertical columns 171A-171F (six are shown) and a pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B supported on the plurality of vertical columns 171A-171F. The dewatering system 101 also includes a second plurality of vertical columns 174A, 174B (two are shown) supported on the pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B, and a second pair of horizontal bars 175A, 175B. The plurality of vertical columns 171 A— 171 F, the pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B, the second plurality of vertical columns 174A, 174B, and the second pair of horizontal bars 175A, 175B are disposed on the third side 190 and the fourth side 191 of the dewatering system 101.

Bearing housings are used to mount one or more of the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K, one or more of the first set of guide rollers 123A-123C, one or more of the second set of guide rollers 148A-148D, and/or one or more of the third set of guide rollers 167A-167E to the plurality of vertical columns 171 A- 171F, the pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B, the second plurality of vertical columns 174A, 174B, and/or the second pair of horizontal bars 175A, 175B. The set of upper pressure rollers 142A-142F are mounted to upper surfaces of the pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B using upper bearing housings 176A-176F coupled to the upper surfaces of the pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B. The set of lower pressure rollers 142G-142K are mounted to lower surfaces of the pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B using lower bearing housings 176G-176K coupled to the lower surfaces of the pair of horizontal bars 173A, 173B.

The present disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include welding, interference fitting, and/or fastening such as by using bolts, nuts, pins, threaded connections, and/or screws. The present disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include integrally forming. The present disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include direct coupling and/or indirect coupling.

The dewatering system 101 includes one or more liquid trays fluidly connected to one or more liquid drains. In one example, the dewatering system 101 includes a first liquid tray 177 and a second liquid tray 178 fluidly coupled to a first liquid drain 180, and a third liquid tray 181 fluidly connected to a second liquid drain 182. The dewatering system 101 also includes a fourth liquid tray below the elliptical grid 162 that is fluidly connected to a third liquid drain. The rotatable wheel 164 includes an outer surface and a plurality of openings 183 formed in the outer surface. The elliptical grid 162 includes a plurality of vertical bulkheads 184 and the plurality of ribs 163 coupled to the plurality of vertical bulkheads 184. The plurality of ribs 163 extend horizontally through and between the vertical bulkheads 184. A plurality of openings 186 are disposed between the vertical bulkheads 184. The elliptical grid 162 includes one or more support beams 187 disposed in the plurality of openings 186 and extending through and between the vertical bulkheads 184.

The dewatering system 101 includes one or more power sources 189A-189C (three are shown) operably coupled to one or more of the plurality of pressure rollers 142A-142K, one or more of the first set of guide rollers 123A-123C, one or more of the second set of guide rollers 148A-148D, and/or one or more of the third set of guide rollers 167A-167E. The power sources 189A-189C include torque engines that generate torque to turn the respective rollers and rotate the respective rollers. A first power source 189A is operably coupled to turn and rotate one of the lower pressure rollers 142K and a second power source 189B is operably coupled to turn and rotate one of the upper pressure rollers 142E. A third power source 189C is operable coupled to turn and rotate one of the first set of guide rollers 123C. In one example the power sources 189A-189C are coupled to the respective rollers through at least the respective bearing housings (such as the bearing housings 176A-176K and a bearing housing 176L).

The dewatering system 101 may include one or more position actuators to facilitate adjusting positions of the rollers and/or one or more tension actuators to facilitate adjusting tension of the inner and outer belts 141 , 161 and/or the gravity belt 121. The dewatering system 101 may include one or more position actuators and/or one or more tension actuators coupled to one or more of the first set of guide rollers 123A-123C, one or more of the second set of guide rollers 148A- 148D, and/or one or more of the third set of guide rollers 167A-167E. In one example, one or more tension actuators 195A, 195B (two are shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1F) are coupled to the guide roller 167A to facilitate adjusting tension of the outer press belt 161. In one example, one or more tension actuators 188A, 188B (two are shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1F) are coupled to the guide roller 123A to facilitate adjusting tension of the gravity belt 121. The tension actuators 195A, 195B are coupled to the guide roller 167A and respectively coupled to the horizontal bars 173A, 173B. The tension actuators 195A, 195B extend and retract to adjust the tension of the outer press belt 161. In one example, one or more pivot adjustment actuators 196A, 196B (two are shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1E) are coupled to the guide roller 167B and the second guide roller 148B, respectively, to facilitate pivotably adjusting the guide roller 167B and the second guide roller 148B. The pivot adjustment actuator 196A is coupled to the horizontal bar 173A through the vertical column 174A. In one embodiment, which can be combined with other embodiments, the pivot adjustment actuator 196B is coupled to the horizontal column 175A through a vertical column. The pivot adjustment actuators 196A, 196B pivot, turn, or rotate to pivotably adjust the positions of the guide roller 167B and the second guide roller 148B.

In one example, one or more pivot adjustment actuators 1001 A (one is shown in Figure 1E) are coupled to the guide roller 123C to facilitate pivotably adjusting positions of the the guide roller 123C. The pivot adjustment actuator 1001 A coupled to the guide roller 123C may be coupled to a vertical column that is coupled to the horizontal bar 175B.

Benefits of the present disclosure include reduced horizontal footprints; a pressure section having substantially the same horizontal footprint as a gravity section; modularity in placing a dewatering system within a building; simplicity in design and modularity in adding pressure rollers; reduced vertical footprints; and ease of visually inspecting the gravity section.

Aspects of the present disclosure include but are not limited to the pressure section 140 disposed above the gravity section 120; the inlet 105 and the outlet 143 being disposed on the same side (the first side 103) of the dewatering system 101; the elliptical grid 162 disposed adjacent the second side 104; the inlet 105 and the outlet 143 being disposed at substantially the same horizontal location along the dewatering system 101; the outlet 143 being at least partially disposed above the inlet 105; the pressure flow profile 146 being in the second horizontal direction HD2 and including a serpentine pattern; the transition flow profile 165 being U-shaped and including a turn at a turn angle that is within a range of 135 degrees to 225 degrees; the plows 107A-107E being disposed horizontally between the pressure rollers 142A-142K; and the pressure rollers 142A-142K being disposed horizontally between the plows 107A-107E. It is contemplated that one or more of the aspects disclosed herein may be combined. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or more of the aspects disclosed herein may include some or all of the aforementioned benefits.

As an example, the inlet 105 and the outlet 143 being on the same side of the dewatering system, and the pressure section 140 and the gravity section 120 having the same horizontal footprint facilitate less space taken up by the dewatering system 101 in a building, and the ability to place the dewatering system 101 up against a wall in a building. For example, the second side 104 of the dewatering system 101 may be placed against a wall in a building during operation of the dewatering system, 101 facilitating modularity in placement of the dewatering system 101 and less space taken up by the dewatering system 101. As an example, the gravity section 120 being disposed below the pressure section 140 facilitates ease of visual inspection of the gravity section 120 while facilitating simplicity in design of the dewatering system 101 by reducing the use of components such as ladders, stairs, and/or catwalks. As an example, the pressure flow profile 146 being in the second horizontal direction HD2 and including a serpentine pattern facilitates a simple pressure flow profile 146 that overall flows in the second horizontal direction HD2 while sufficiently pressing the sludge 108 in the pressure section 140 to dewater the sludge 108 and form the cake composition 193. The pressure flow profile 146 being in the second horizontal direction HD2 and including a serpentine pattern also facilitates a simple pressure flow profile 146 where additional pressure rollers may be added to press the sludge 108 without significantly increasing the vertical footprint and horizontal footprints of the dewatering system 101.

As an example, the pressure section 140 being disposed above the gravity section 120 also facilitates using gravitational forces to effectively discharge the cake composition 193 through the outlet 143 without running the inner and outer press belts 141, 161 (and the sludge 108 disposed therebetween) upward above the upper pressure rollers 142A-142F in the pressure section 140.

Aspects of the present disclosure facilitate achieving aspects (such as the inlet 105 and the outlet 143 being on the same side) and benefits described herein without using longer belt lengths and/or adding additional rollers and additional structures. Reducing the use of longer belt lengths facilitates reduced belt stretching and reduced belt misalignment during dewatering operations to facilitate increased belt life and efficient and effective dewatering operations. Reducing the use of additional rollers or additional structures facilitates design simplicity and modularity, and facilitates reduced footprints for dewatering systems.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that all modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims may include all such modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements. The present disclosure also contemplates that one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein may be substituted in for one or more of the other aspects described. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.

In the present context, the gravity section is also known in the art as thickening section.