The Paddle Sludge Dryer provides a reliable and efficient method for drying filter cakes and centrifuge concentrates. The Sludge Dryer is an indirect heat transfer device that utilizes mechanical agitation to enhance contact with the product being dried. Dual counter-rotating shafts with unique intermeshing wedge-shaped paddles produce intimate mixing, optimize heat transfer, and provide a self-cleaning effect.

A large heat transfer area to volume ratio is achieved by the use of heated hollow paddles and a jacketed trough, through which the heating medium flows. This results in a compact machine requiring less space and having lower installation cost than alternate drying technologies.

Indirect dryers have a metal wall that separates the process mass from the heat source. High thermal efficiency is obtained because the heat from the heating medium goes directly into the process mass. As the material comes into contact with the heated trough and agitators, the process mass is heated via conduction. The insulated dryer has very little heat loss.

The dryer easily accepts feeds with a wide range of feed solids concentrations. Pre-conditioning the feed by mixing with recycled dried product, to make it conveyable is not required.This results in a safer operation and lower capital, operating, and maintenance costs.

As material is added to the dryer, it is assimilated into the bed by the mixing action of the agitators. Hydraulic head pressure, combined with the action of the wedge-shaped paddles, pushes material around the paddles. As sludges dries it goes through a number of transitions in handling characteristics.