South West Water has hosted the first municipal trial in the UK of the Fournier Rotary Press. The sludge dewatering trial took place at the company’s Newham Sludge Treatment Centre in Truro, Cornwall, in October.
The utility, part of Pennon Group, said the trial assessed whether the technology could improve sludge dewatering performance and support future biosolids standards. Early on-site monitoring recorded cake dry solids above the level the industry will be required to reach by 2030.
Preparing for 2030 biosolids standards
The trial forms part of South West Water’s work to find solutions capable of meeting future Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) requirements. Under the programme, biosolids recycled to land will need to achieve a minimum final product dry solids content of 25% by 2030.
The company said it identified the Fournier Rotary Press as a promising option following a review of available dewatering technologies. It cited the press’s potential to reduce energy consumption, optimise polymer use and improve dewatering performance.
How the rotary press works
The technology, supplied by Fournier, is designed to remove more water from wastewater sludge, producing a drier end product. Sludge is mixed with polymer before passing through a series of rotating filter elements, which separate water from the solids.
By removing more water during treatment, the process can reduce the volume of material that needs to be transported and processed. South West Water said the technology also has the potential to reduce odour, noise, chemical use and vibration, while lower sludge volumes could cut transportation requirements and associated costs.
Results from the sludge dewatering trial
Newham was chosen as the trial site because of the diverse range of sludge streams it processes, including indigenous and imported sludges from across the region. This allowed the press to be tested on a variety of feed materials.
The trial ran over five days. According to the company, the press was commissioned and producing cake within hours of installation.
On-site monitoring recorded untreated cake dry solids of between 28% and 32%, which exceeds the future 25% requirement. The full results are being reviewed and will be shared over the coming months, the company said.
Utility and supplier comments
Sue Hind, Biosolids Manager at South West Water, said: “We were delighted to have been chosen by Fournier to be first UK company to try the Rotary Press.”
She added: “Early results from the trial have been extremely encouraging and demonstrate the potential for technologies such as this to help us meet future environmental requirements while improving operational efficiency.”
Kim Falby, Global Sales Director at Fournier, said: “The whole experience of working with the team at South West Water was extremely collaborative and easy. The team was open and willing to try out our technology at the Truro location.”
Falby continued: “From the onsite on onboarding and throughout the piloting, the trial was flawless and extremely successful for both parties.”
Part of a wider innovation programme
South West Water said the trial is part of a wider strategy to identify sustainable and cost-effective solutions that support future environmental standards while delivering long-term value for customers. Further detail on the utility’s projects is available on its innovation page, and the original announcement is published in the Pennon Group newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fournier Rotary Press?
It is a sludge dewatering technology in which sludge is mixed with polymer and passed through a series of rotating filter elements that separate water from the solids. It is designed to produce a drier end product.
Where did South West Water trial the Fournier Rotary Press?
The trial took place at Newham Sludge Treatment Centre in Truro, Cornwall, in October. The site was selected because it processes a diverse range of indigenous and imported sludges from across the region.
What dry solids content will biosolids need to reach under WINEP?
Under the Water Industry National Environment Programme, biosolids recycled to land will need to achieve a minimum final product dry solids content of 25% by 2030.
What results did the South West Water sludge dewatering trial produce?
On-site monitoring recorded untreated cake dry solids of between 28% and 32%, which exceeds the future industry requirement. Full results are being reviewed and will be shared over the coming months.
How long did the Fournier Rotary Press trial last?
The trial was completed over five days, and the press was commissioned and producing cake within hours of being installed.
