Gulf Construction Online - CDE unveils mega water management system

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The new AquaCycle A2500 boasts the first lattice bridge structure on any CDE thickener.

CDE unveils mega water management system

01 May 2022

CDE, a leading supplier of wet processing solutions for the natural processing and waste recycling sectors, has unveiled its new AquaCycle A2500 thickener, the latest addition to its top-of-the-line water management and recycling systems.

With a capacity of 2,500 cu m/hour, the new A2500 is CDE’s largest and most advanced water management system to date. It has been developed in response to calls from materials processors operating in high tonnage markets for water management solutions equipped to supply their operations with sufficient water supplies while ensuring optimal production efficiency, minimum loss of fines and maximum water recycling.

Darren Eastwood, Strategic Development Director at CDE, says: “It is increasingly important for materials processors to invest in an effective water management system that ensures a steady supply of clean water to their plants through cost-effective means.

“The continued advancement of our pioneering wet processing solutions and leading-edge water management systems supports operators working in the natural processing and waste recycling sectors worldwide to overcome the challenges of washing in water-pressured or water-scarce areas today.”

While CDE bridged the gap in 2018 with the launch of its A900 and A1500, providing a median alternative to its 600 cu m/hour and 1,500 cu m/hour models, the new A2500 expands the range with a 2,500 cu m/hour option to fit the requirements of sites processing high tonnages.

The increased capacity also provides a lower rise rate, enabling operators to process challenging, harder to settle materials.

Designed for easy use and safe access for efficient maintenance, it boasts the first lattice bridge structure on any CDE thickener. An integrated monorail also provides unrivalled access to the motorised rake, gearbox and motor, Eastwood says.

With a sludge capacity of 125 tonnes/hour, the A2500 includes an adjustable rake lifting mechanism. Featuring passive torque control, the automatic raise and start sequence is designed to protect rakes from surge pressure from dense sludges. The rake itself has also been reimagined, with optimally spaced and redesigned blades for improved sludge conditioning.

“Powered by the motorised rake arm, the introduction of a new floating scum scraper, which is independent of the rake’s height, allows for the easy removal of unwanted foam, oil and lightweight trash. And, creating even radial flow to all regions of the A2500, a redesigned volute feedwell optimises the incoming flow for improved flocculant performance,” he says.

Another key feature of the A2500 is its feed height. Sitting at almost 6.7 m, it simplifies upstream plant design complexity as it eliminates the need for expensive civils, helping to expedite the commissioning of entire plant solutions, Eastwood adds.

With a tank diameter of 20 m and a weight of 88 tonnes when empty and 1,150 tonnes when full, the A2500 features a small footprint whilst packing a punchy 2,500 cu m/hour and a solids capacity of 125 tonnes/hour.

An alternative to water extraction from natural sources and the costly process of pumping water to the plant, CDE’s A2500 – like the entire AquaCycle range – significantly reduces costly water consumption by ensuring up to 90 per cent of process water is recycled for immediate recirculation, he points out.

Darren says the development of the new A2500 delivers all the benefits of CDE’s existing AquaCycle range on a much larger scale.

“It responds directly to the needs of materials processors operating in high tonnage markets. These operations, primarily in the areas of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, specialist sands and heavily clay-bound aggregates, require higher volumes of water resources; they need flexible water management systems with the capacity to supply their operations without compromising on footprint; and they need a system that can deliver this in a way that improves efficiency, driving down operational costs to maximise profitability and enable fast return on investment. These are the guiding principles that underscore the design and development of the new A2500,” he adds.

CDE, which is celebrating its 30th year in business this year, plans to mark the milestone by strengthening its manufacturing capabilities and expanding its workforce in response to increasing demand.

In 2021, CDE recorded its most successful year to date with more bookings than ever before.