CDE launch new AquaCycle A2500 thickener
Company’s largest and most advanced water-management system responds to needs of high-tonnage processors
CDE have revealed their new AquaCycle A2500 thickener, the latest addition to the company’s top-of-the-line water-management and recycling systems.
With a capacity of 2,500 cubic metres per 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 whilst ensuring optimal production efficiency, minimum loss of fines, and maximum water recycling.
Darren Eastwood, strategic development director at CDE, said: ‘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 is supporting operators working in the natural processing and waste-recycling sectors worldwide to overcome the challenges of washing in today’s water-pressured or water-scarce areas.’
Where CDE bridged the gap in 2018 with the launch of their A900 and A1500, providing a median alternative to their 600 cubic metres per hour and 1,500 cubic metres per hour models, the new A2500 expands the range with a 2,500 cubic metres per hour option to fit the requirements of sites processing high tonnages. The increased capacity also provides a lower rise rate, allowing 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 motorized rake, gearbox, and motor.
With a sludge capacity of 125 tonnes/h, the A2500 includes an adjustable rake-lifting mechanism. Featuring passive torque control, the automatic raise and start sequence is designed to protect the rake 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 motorized 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. Also, creating even radial flow to all regions of the A2500, a redesigned volute feed-well optimizes the incoming flow for improved flocculant performance.
Another key feature of the new A2500 is its feed height. Sitting at almost 6.7m (6,690mm), it simplifies upstream plant design complexity as it eliminates the need for expensive civils, helping to expedite the commissioning process of entire plant solutions.
With a tank diameter of 20m and a weight of 88 tonnes when empty and 1,150 tonnes when full, the A2500 features a small footprint whilst packing an impressive 2,500 cubic metres per hour and a solids capacity of 125 tonnes/h.
An alternative to water extraction from natural sources and the costly process of pumping water to the plant, CDE’s A2500, like the full AquaCycle range, significantly reduces costly water consumption by ensuring up to 90% of process water is recycled for immediate recirculation.
According to Darren Eastwood, the development of the new A2500 delivers all the benefits of CDE’s existing AquaCycle range on a much larger scale, responding directly to the needs of materials processors operating in high-tonnage markets.
‘These operations, primarily in the areas of 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 maximize profitability and enable fast return on investment. These are the guiding principles that underscore the design and development of the new A2500.’
Throughout 2022, CDE will be celebrating their 30th year in business and have significant plans to mark the milestone, including strengthening their manufacturing capabilities and expanding their workforce in response to increasing demand. In 2021, CDE say they recorded their most successful year to date with more bookings than ever before.
