Continuous, real-time cake dryness measurement for smarter sludge dewatering

Auxiliary

OAE-SCOUT Cake Dryness Sensor
OLPAS

Manual sampling and retrospective lab analysis are no longer the standard. The OLPAS Cake Dryness Sensor brings Industry 4.0 automation directly to your dewatering plant. Designed specifically as an OEM solution for VOLUTE™ Dewatering Presses, this ultrasonic sensor provides continuous, real-time data on cake Dry Solids (DS%), enabling immediate process control. Unlike traditional microwave sensors which are prohibitively expensive for many applications, this ultrasonic solution offers high precision and reliability at a fraction of the cost, making total automation accessible for wastewater treatment plants of all sizes.

ADVANTAGES

Smart Dewatering Automation

The sensor transforms the dewatering press from a standalone machine into an intelligent system. Real-time feedback allows for integration with PID controllers to automatically adjust screw speed or end-plate pressure based on actual cake dryness. This ensures the machine always operates at its peak efficiency, regardless of sludge variations.

Additionally, it acts as a critical safety catch. It instantly detects sudden drops in dryness caused by empty polymer tanks or incorrect settings, allowing operators to intervene before performance is compromised.

For installations at plants with fluctuating sludge concentrations, we are able to operate a perfectly tuned dewatering system over the long term—in conjunction with measurements of influent sludge concentration—with minimal operating costs and consistent results.

Key Benefits

  • Process Optimization: Enables fully automated machine control based on real-time data.
  • Cost-Effective Precision: Ultrasonic technology offers high accuracy at a lower CAPEX than microwave sensors.
  • Operational Safety: Immediate detection of process failures (e.g., empty polymer tank).
  • Representative Measurement: Penetrates the full cake thickness, not just the surface.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Replaces manual logbooks with automatic 24/7 digital logging.
  • Maintenance Free: Non-contact internal measuring principle with no moving parts.

Technical details

The sensor is an OEM solution developed to fit seamlessly onto the VOLUTE™ architecture.

  • Measurement Principle: Ultrasonic Transmission (Direct Cake Measurement).
  • Integration: 4-20mA Output for SCADA/PLC connection.
  • Compatibility: Compatible with RVP Series (via standard compression box fittings) and ES/FS/GS Series 350/400 (fits directly into inspection ports).
  • Calibration: One-time 3-point on-site calibration; no regular re-calibration needed.

FAQ

Q: Is the measurement principle proven?

A: Yes. The ultrasonic measurement principle has been verified across multiple applications. The dedicated screw‑press OEM version has been validated through pilot tests under real screw‑press operating conditions.

Q: Does it integrate with my automation system?

A: Yes. The sensor provides a 4–20 mA signal that can be integrated into PLC and SCADA systems for monitoring and control purposes.

Q: Can it be used for regulatory reporting?

A: The sensor supports continuous documentation and internal process registration. External regulatory or legal reporting requirements may vary by jurisdiction and can require additional official calibration or approval.

Q: Which VOLUTE™ models are supported?

A: RVP (all sizes) and ES / FS / GS 350 & 400 are supported as standard configurations.

Q: Can the sensor be used on screw presses other than VOLUTE™?

A: Yes. The sensor can also be applied to non‑VOLUTE screw presses. Please contact us to discuss the most suitable sensor location and integration into your control panel for your specific machine and application.

Flow for Product Installation

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Feel free to contact us. After collecting information about your treatment process and needs, we will recommend the most suitable model for your situation. You can use our free sample analysis service if you are unsure about dosage rates and polymer type; we will send you a report stating the expected amount and type of polymer to be dosed, dry solids content of the dewatered cake, recommended technology, etc. Based on your requests we will then prepare a tailored solution proposal. Before handover of the equipment, our service engineer will commission the unit on site and train the local operators to ensure the optimal result for you.
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