The importance of an efficient flume water filter in ensuring that a beet sugar facility’s wastewater treatment solids discharge norms are met.

Abstract

Flume water filters are used by beet sugar facilities for solid debris removal. Debris and fibers are captured from wash water and are directed onto a filter belt and are then separated with particle size removal flexibility. In some facilities, beet debris containing sugar is recycled. Return on investment from flume water filters can sometimes be achieved in one single sugar campaign.  Flume water filters are available in a variety of flow capacities. Units are available having capacities from hundreds to thousands of gallons per minute. Filter belts are constructed of resistant plastic and their replacement, when necessary due to normal wear and tear, can be performed with relative ease.  Debris and fibers rest on the surface of the belt and are discarded in the direction that the belt is conveyed for further processing downstream. Filtered water passes through an enclosed sump section of the filter and is then discharged through sump outlets.  A flume water filter is a gravity belt filter. It typically consists of a robust frame having a water distribution box on which contaminated water is directed. The flume water is evenly distributed over the entire width of the filter. Flume water passes over a guide plate onto the surface of the belt at the filter overflow. Wash water is filtered through the mesh openings in the filter belt. An efficiently designed and manufactured flume water filter minimizes the solid load to a beet sugar facility’s wastewater treatment system, a factor that is critically important for the overall wastewater treatment system performance efficiency. The meeting of discharge norms for solids is in large part dependent on a properly functioning flume water filtration system.