Automated scraper strainers combined with macerators efficiently remove large suspended solids from slurries, providing a hassle-free, continuous filtration solution.
Advancing Filtration in Asphalt Transloading with Automated Scraper Strainers
In the asphalt industry, industrial strainers play a crucial role in removing unwanted suspended solids from liquids and slurries to ensure smooth transloading. This process involves heating asphalt to a liquid state and transferring it between tank cars and trucks at rail facilities. However, conventional strainer systems often struggle with reliability, leading to high maintenance demands—especially when dealing with large debris and heavy solid loads.
To address these challenges, automated scraper strainers provide a continuous, high-efficiency solution for removing both large and fine suspended solids from asphalt slurries.
Innovative Wastewater Technology for Efficient Solid Removal
A new combination of industrial wastewater treatment technologies now enables the efficient filtration of solids without excessive manual labor, worker exposure to hazardous materials, or frequent maintenance. This system integrates two key components:
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Macerators: Break down large solids into smaller, more manageable pieces.
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Automated Scraper Strainers: Effectively filter out both sizable debris and fine particles while maintaining high efficiency without clogging.
This integrated approach is already proving effective in some of the most demanding filtration applications, including asphalt transloading, wastewater treatment, power plant slag removal, and meat processing waste filtration.
Overcoming the Limitations of Traditional Strainers
Duplex strainers are commonly used in continuous flow systems where shutting down for cleaning is not an option. These strainers operate with two independent chambers, allowing flow to be redirected while one chamber is cleaned. However, this manual cleaning process is time-consuming, messy, and labor-intensive, involving pressure equalization, basket removal, and reassembly.
Failure to clean basket strainers in a timely manner can lead to blockages, disrupting filtration and causing unexpected downtime. Many operations lack sufficient personnel to keep up with these demands, leading to inefficiencies and potential quality issues.
“As an alternative, combining a macerator with an automated scraper strainer provides a highly effective solution for handling large solids and heavy solid loads in an automated way,” says Robert Presser, Vice President of Acme Engineering Prod., Inc. His company, a North American manufacturer of industrial self-cleaning strainers, specializes in advanced filtration solutions.
How the System Works
In this setup, a macerator is installed upstream to reduce oversized solids. The automated scraper strainer then filters out both large and fine particles while managing high solids loading.
“The macerator processes the largest solids, but the strainer still needs to handle a variety of particle sizes without becoming obstructed,” Presser explains.
Acme’s automated scraper strainers are designed for continuous solid removal, using a spring-loaded blade and brush system controlled by a fully automated system. These strainers feature four rotating brushes operating at 8 RPM, achieving 32 cleaning strokes per minute. This mechanism effectively dislodges debris and prevents clogging, even when dealing with substantial solid loads.
Additional features include:
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Minimal Liquid Loss: Blowdown occurs at the end of the scraping cycle, removing solids while keeping liquid loss below 1% of total flow.
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Optional Trash Pump Assistance: If extra pressure is needed for cleaning, a trash pump can be added to enhance blowdown efficiency.
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Automated Waste Disposal: A cylinder with gate valves can replace the sump, allowing solids to be discharged into a receptacle without manual handling.
“By automating the cleaning process, operators no longer need to monitor and manually clean basket strainers, significantly reducing labor and downtime,” Presser adds.
Tailored Solutions for Asphalt Transloading and Beyond
Acme Engineering has collaborated with operators at rail facility intermodal terminals to develop customized filtration systems for challenging applications. One such project involved straining asphalt slurries to meet precise specifications for rail-to-truck and truck-to-rail transloading.
“For specialized applications, some design adjustments may be needed, such as modifying cleaning frequency or screen slot size. Each scenario has unique variables that require fine-tuning,” Presser explains.
By integrating macerators with automated scraper strainers, this innovative solution is transforming industrial filtration, making solid removal more efficient, reducing labor costs, and minimizing equipment downtime across multiple industries.
