The technology consists of a set of chambers in which the dewatering and drying of slurry occurs. The additional component of the system is the energy conversion module. This supplies heated water for the pressurization of the chambers and includes a vacuum system used during the drying stage of the cycle.
During the first stage, slurry is pumped into the chambers where the initial dewatering takes place and much of the free liquid is removed. Since cake density is not a critical factor, short feed cycle times can reduce the total cycle.
After the initial filtration cycle, the vacuum/drying cycle begins. The chambers are pressurized with 180°F water and a vacuum is pulled. This causes the water remaining in the cake to evaporate at a lower boiling point.
The drying time can be adjusted to achieve the desired solids output. Virtually all the water in the cake can be removed. The same level of cake solids is easily duplicated during subsequent cycles.
Once the drying cycle is complete, the press is opened, the chambers are separated and the dried cakes are discharged. The low moisture content provides excellent cake release; in most cases the solids literally fall from the chambers as they are opened. Cake removal from the system is clean and efficient.
See diagram here.