A dewatering system removes solids from liquids, such as those in a water treatment plant, and collects them in containers to be recycled, disposed of, or used. Dewaterers are commonly used in milling industries to separate waste products and solids like pulp, or in mining and construction fields to sort slurry. Waste water equipment and industrial kitchens also often contain dewater separation.

There are many types of detwatering systems available, but most work in a similar way. Coarse material settles or is sorted to the bottom where it's then pumped or vacuumed and sorted according to particle size or its intended use. Before using a dewaterer, consider this:

1. Decide whether you want your dewatering equipment to recycle water. Some systems re-use the same water each time. This may not be appropriate for all industries, but the practice can save you money.

2. Check the area you plan to use your dewaterer in for permit and license regulations. Most areas require you to apply for permits to use detwatering equipment.

3. Know the environmental regulations of the water source you're using for your dewatering system. Certain liquids should not be washed down the drain or combined with the local water supply.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick the type of dewatering system that suits your needs

There are a variety of dewatering system types available, from spiral dewatering systems to detwaring pumps and water filtration equipment. Depending on what you plan to use your dewatering systems for, you may need a specific type of dewaterer.

I recommend: Sperry manufactures dewatering equipment for both chemical processing and wastewater treatment. Bright Technologies offers equipment for both dewatering and package separation applications. Or, buy a Hydro-Flow Deckle system from Papermachine Service Industries.

Hire a company to design a custom dewatering system for you

If you've got a unique job, or one that requires specialized equipment in an unusual environment, you may want to consider a custom design. This allows you to specify the load sizes, container number and sizes, and grade variants used in your line of work to create the perfect dewatering system for your needs.

I recommend: You can work closely with the Witte Company to develop just the right custom dewatering equipment for your application. Or, contact Alar; its engineers have been designing filtration systems since 1970.

Sign a contract with dewatering contractors for specific jobs

If you'll only use a dewatering system for part of a job or a short span of time, consider hiring a dewatering contractor instead of buying dewatering filtration equipment. These professionals will often provide the equipment and trained man-power needed to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This saves you the hassle of renting or buying dewatering equipment, applying for permits and training workers.

I recommend: Rent a pump from the WBK Dewatering Group, or hire Mersino Dewatering to coordinate your project.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Bagged detwatering materials are available to clean up chemical and oil spills, as well as stabilize large amounts of sludge for transportation or disposal. Using these materials along with a detwatering system can reduce solid disposal costs and improve liquid absorption from solids.