Pharmaceutical Industry - Sludge Treatment
Industry Background
Pharmaceutical manufacturing generates sludge rich in organic substances, fine particles, and chemically complex residues. Such sludge typically exhibits:
- Very fine particle size and strong hydrophilicity, making separation difficult
- High organic load with fluctuating polymer demand
- Strong viscosity that easily causes filter cloth clogging or incomplete dewatering
These characteristics require dewatering equipment capable of stable and continuous operation. For production-oriented facilities with consistent discharge volumes, a reliable and efficient dewatering process is essential.
Technical Approach
To address the fine particle size, high viscosity, and strong compressibility of pharmaceutical sludge, Haibar adopts a 2-metre belt filter press to establish a stable solid-liquid separation process:
Multi-stage gravity drainage section
Spreads and stabilises the sludge layer, enabling rapid release of free water and improving subsequent pressing efficiency.
Progressively pressurised mechanical dewatering zone
Multiple roller pairs apply gradual pressure, ensuring thorough squeezing of highly viscous sludge under controlled shear conditions.
Optimised tensioning and automatic tracking system
Maintains uniform sludge distribution and prevents sludge overflow or filter cloth contamination, even under demanding loads.
Automatic cloth washing system
Ensures long-term permeability and reduces clogging issues common in pharmaceutical sludge.
The system is adaptable to different pharmaceutical production processes, meeting requirements for efficiency, operating cost control, and maintenance stability.
On-site Photos
The photos were taken at the wastewater treatment station of a pharmaceutical plant in Guizhou. The 2-metre Haibar belt filter press, commissioned in 2023, is operating reliably on site and continuously handling high-viscosity pharmaceutical sludge, producing uniform and compact filter cakes. The filter cloth is visibly in good condition, with the automatic tensioning and tracking systems running steadily, ensuring the unit maintains high dewatering efficiency even under prolonged loading. Since its commissioning, the line has helped the client significantly reduce downstream transport and disposal costs while improving the overall stability of sludge treatment at the facility.
Share to:
