Silt-recovery and dewatering unit

The new Siltmaster silt-recovery and dewatering unit from Finlay offers a simple, economic solution to the problem of silt build-up in vast settlement lagoons. Effluent from the washing process is fed to the Siltmaster where, with the aid of a flocculent polymer, the silt is recovered and dewatered to between 40% and 50% solids. This partially dewatered material is discharged from the Siltmaster and gently deposited in a holding bay which acts as a natural press, allowing further dewatering to around 70-80% solids. The run-off is recovered and reused. After some 24-48h the recovered silt can be removed by loading shovel and deposited above ground.

Depending on the tonnage of the washing plant and the amount of top-up water available, the Siltmaster requires a water supply of between 20,000gal and 80,000gal. This can be accommodated in an above-ground tank or a small pond.

By allowing recovered silt to be placed above ground, the Siltmaster eliminates the need for dredging and other forms of handling associated with silt lagoons. In addition, water loss to the atmosphere through evaporation and to the ground through seepage is kept to a minimum, and the safety issues associated with silt-filled lagoons are also resolved.