SLUDGE DEWATERING TECHNOLOGIES

Efficient, Low-Cost Reduction of Sludge Volume for Cleaner, Sustainable Plant Operations

Overview

Sludge management is one of the most expensive and challenging aspects of industrial wastewater treatment. As disposal costs increase across Malaysia — due to rising transportation fees, stricter landfill regulations, and ESG-driven reporting requirements — industries are seeking efficient ways to reduce sludge volume, moisture content, and handling complexity.


Cheme Advance provides a complete suite of sludge dewatering and drying technologies, including:


✓ Multi-Disc Screw Press (continuous dewatering)

✓ Low Temperature Sludge Dryer (volume & weight reduction)

✓ Sludge Evaporator Systems (for thick, complex sludge)

Each solution is designed to reduce disposal cost, improve hygiene, and ensure reliable, continuous operation with minimal manpower. Whether your sludge originates from DAF, MBR, chemical treatment, or mixed industrial processes, we engineer systems that produce drier, lighter, and more manageable sludge for easier handling and disposal.

Industry Challenges This Solves

Wet sludge contains up to 95% water. This leads to:



  • High transport weight
  • Higher per-tonne disposal charges
  • Frequent collection cycles


Dewatering and drying dramatically reduce the volume and weight.

Untreated sludge generates odour, forms scum, and poses hygiene risks for workers.

Manual handling of wet sludge is labour-intensive and can cause:



  • Slips
  • Spillages
  • Cross-contamination

Older belt presses or centrifuges often produce inconsistent sludge dryness.

Many factories have limited sludge handling areas; compact systems are required.

Proper sludge stabilisation is essential for fulfilling environmental regulations.

Cheme Advance solutions directly address these challenges.

What Sludge Dewatering & Drying Systems Do

Sludge dewatering and drying systems remove water from sludge to achieve:

  • Higher solids content
  • Lower disposal volume
  • Reduced weight
  • Improved handling and cleanliness

The result:
✔ Lower disposal cost
✔ Cleaner operation
✔ Faster handling
✔ More efficient WWTP performance

How Sludge Dewatering Works Step by Step

1. Sludge Feeding

Concentrated sludge is pumped into the screw press.

2. Polymer Conditioning

A polymer solution is added to bind solids and accelerate water release.

3. Screw Compression

The screw rotates slowly, pushing sludge through narrowing gaps.

4. Water Separation

Free water escapes through the moving disc gaps.

5. Discharged Sludge Cake

Dewatered sludge exits as a semi-solid cake, ready for disposal or drying.

6. Filtrate Return

Clear filtrate returns to the WWTP for reprocessing.

Why Cheme Advance RO Systems Are Better

Industrial Effluent Treatment System (IETS)


Comprehensive wastewater treatment systems designed in accordance with Malaysia’s Environmental Quality Act (EQA).


→ Integrating DAF, MBR, and RO recovery technologies for stable operation, consistent discharge, and process reliability.


Learn More→

Air Pollution Control Systems (APCS)


Engineering and integration of scrubbers, bag filters, cyclones, and odour control units, ensuring cleaner air and safer working environments.


Learn More→

Sludge Dewatering Systems


Efficient dewatering and moisture-reduction systems for industrial sludge. 


→ Featuring multi-disc screw press & low-temperature sludge dryer to reduce disposal volume, energy use, and cost while improving ESG performance


Learn More→

Raw Water & Process Water Treatment


Custom solutions for raw and process water clarification, filtration, and disinfection. 


→ Incorporating ozone generators and oxidation systems for enhanced purification, colour removal, and microbial control.


Learn More→

Cheme Advance designs sludge systems based on:

Sludge characterisation

Process load

Plant footprint

Disposal requirements

Long-term operating cost

We integrate automation, sensors, and chemical dosing systems to ensure stable performance.

Our Key Strengths:

Compact, efficient designs for factory integration

Polymer dosing optimisation to reduce chemical cost

Stainless steel construction for longevity

Automated operation with minimal manpower

High solids capture rate (>90%)

Low energy usage

Safety features for operators

Our low temperature sludge dryer is a standout technology that reduces final sludge weight significantly while improving hygiene and ESG performance.

Key Features

Multi-Disc Screw Press


  • Low-speed, low-noise operation
  • Continuous dewatering
  • Easy maintenance
  • Works well with oily or fibrous sludge

Low Temperature Sludge Dryer


  • Evaporation at low heat for better energy efficiency
  • Fully enclosed system to prevent odour escape
  • Produces dry, stable output
  • Lower carbon emissions

Sludge Evaporator


  • High solid reduction
  • Suitable for difficult sludge types
  • Evaporates water efficiently
  • Optional condensate polishing

Automation & Controls



  • Polymer dosing system
  • Flow monitoring
  • Level sensors
  • Safety alarms
  • PLC + SCADA integration

Operational Benefits

Lower Disposal Costs (Up to 60% Savings)

Reduced moisture = lighter sludge = cheaper disposal.

Less Manpower

Automatic operation reduces operator workload.

Cleaner and Safer Plant Area

Drier sludge means:



  • Less dripping
  • Less odour
  • Better hygiene
Improved Environmental Performance

Supports ESG and DOE compliance.

More Efficient WWTP Performance

Lower sludge return reduces load on the biological system.
Improved Odour Control

Especially in low-temperature drying systems.

Suitable Industries

Sludge systems are essential for industries generating chemical or biological sludge:

Food & Beverage

Poultry & Meat Processing

Packaging & Plastics

Palm Oil

Ink, Paint & Coating

Rubber & Glove Manufacturing

Textile Dyeing

Petrochemical

Metal Finishing

Oleochemical & Fatty Acids

How Sludge Systems Fit into a Complete IETS

This ensures reliable, complete sludge management.

Upstream:

  • DAF float sludge
  • MBR waste sludge
  • Chemical precipitation sludge

Dewatering Stage:

  • Screw press or decanter
  • Filtrate return
  • Sludge cake discharge

Drying Stage (Optional):

  • Low temperature dryer
  • Evaporator system

Downstream:

  • Disposal
  • Composting (in some industries)
  • Resource recovery (where applicable)

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO-Optimised)

  • How much dryness can be achieved?

    • Screw press: 18–25% solids
    • Low temperature dryer: 60–90% solids

  • Is a sludge dryer necessary?

    If disposal costs are high or space is limited, yes — dryers drastically reduce final volume.

  • What sludge types can be processed?

    Most oily, biological, or chemical sludge streams

  • How much manpower is required?

    Very minimal — systems are automated.

  • Does drying cause odour?

    Low-temperature systems minimise odour significantly

Our Promise To The Future

We deliver solutions that perform with precision, reliability, and measurable value — designed to endure.

To Our Customers

We engage with purpose, promoting environmental awareness and social responsibility in everything we do.

To Our Community

We foster an open, fair, & progressive environment where learning and career growth are encouraged.

To Our Employees

We build sustainable growth on a foundation of trust, transparency, and transformation.

To Our Shareholders

We design and apply technology responsibly, ensuring every system brings us closer to cleaner air, cleaner water, and a sustainable tomorrow.

To Our Planet

2009

  • Backed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture for the first cultivation plant

Key Milestones

20+ years of proven environmental engineering experience

137+ completed industrial projects across Malaysia

Comprehensive technology portfolio covering IETS, DAF, MBR, APCS, and sludge drying systems

Measured impact in operational efficiency, resource recovery, and emission reduction