Waterworks (12): the sludge press

Sounds of the sludge thickening press.

ZUW Rudawa also handles sludge generated in the water treatment process (sludge from sedimentation in post-coagulation settling tanks and backwash from filters). They are stored in liquid form in four chambers (settlers), where suspension precipitates from the water. From there the sludge is pumped into the equalisation tank. At this stage, it is watery and contains only 1% solids. By adding thickeners to the sludge and passing it through the press, the amount of water is reduced (up to 35% of dry matter). The concentrated sludge has a smaller volume and is easier to dispose of.

The recording was made at the Rudawa Water Treatment Plant, which is part of Krakow waterworks. The water intake is located on the Rudawa River, the left tributary of the Vistula. The raw water from the intake is subjected to a treatment process which consists of oxidation, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection. ZUW Rudawa is one of four treatment plants that provide drinking water for Krakow. Tap water in Krakow is of high quality and good for drinking. Its parameters are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Central Laboratory of Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Wodociągów i Kanalizacji in Krakow. ZUW Rudawa produces an average of 22,000 - 28,000 m3 of water per day and supplies about 200,000 inhabitants.

The information comes from: https://zuwrudawa.wkraj.pl/#/64541/0

Sound recording: Monika Widzicka
Photo: Piotr Żabicki